5 Must-Visit Put-in-Bay Bars for the Ultimate Island Day
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I’ve been visiting Put-in-Bay since I was a kid—back when field trips meant giant jawbreakers and souvenir t-shirts. These days, my visits look a little different… and by that, I mean bar hopping with my besties and soaking up all the island vibes! There’s no doubt that experiencing the bar scene is one of the best things to do on Put-in-Bay.
Put-in-Bay might be small, but the bar scene is full of personality, from tropical-themed hangouts to classic live music staples. Whether you’re here for a day trip or a weekend getaway, these are the must-visit Put-in-Bay bars that always deliver good drinks, great energy, and a little bit of that carefree island chaos we all secretly love!
Fun Bars on Put-in-Bay
1. Mojito Bay
If you only hit one bar while you’re on the island, let it be Mojito Bay. This place is such a vibe—think swing seats, sand floors, and the kind of rum-heavy drinks that sneak up on you.
It’s open-air, super laid-back, and you’ll probably make a few new friends by the time you finish your drink. I love stopping here early in the day and just kicking back. It feels like a little escape to the islands without ever leaving Ohio!
2. The Keys
This bar sits right on the water and brings allll the tropical energy. The Keys is actually Put-in-Bay’s northernmost bar, and to play on that, they have their own version of the Southernmost Point Buoy like the one in Key West. It’s the perfect photo op before (or after) grabbing a fruity frozen drink and relaxing by the lake.
I always feel like I’m on vacation somewhere way farther south when I’m here—and the views are hard to beat!
3. Round House Bar
This one’s a classic. If you’ve heard of Put-in-Bay, you’ve probably heard of the Round House Bar. It’s been around forever and always draws a lively crowd. From the red and white awning to the live music and dance-all-day atmosphere, this is one of those Put-in-Bay bars you just have to experience at least once. The live music happens right in the center of the bar, so the whole space kind of revolves around the energy of the band.
There’s usually something going on no matter when you stop by, and it has that rowdy, anything-goes energy that Put-in-Bay is kind of known for.
They’re also known for their infamous 151-soaked cherries. I’m certainly not saying they taste good (it’s giving cough syrup), but it’s one of those goofy island traditions that’s fun to try at least once. And for like fifty cents, why not? Sometimes just hopping around and trying what each bar is known for is half the fun!
4. Beer Barrel Saloon
You can’t talk about must-visit Put-in-Bay bars without mentioning Beer Barrel Saloon. It’s home to one of the World’s Longest Bars (it used to be the longest bar, but has since been beat), and the vibes are exactly what you’d expect—live music every night, a giant open space, and a dance floor that’s always packed. This place is a Put-in-Bay institution, and honestly, you haven’t really done the island bar scene until you’ve stopped in here.
They also have some iconic drinks they’re known for—jello shots served in syringes (because why not?), and strawberry shots that are actually served in hollowed-out strawberries topped with whipped cream. It’s the kind of place where you lean in to the chaos and just go with it. Whether you’re there to dance, sip something sweet, or just say you’ve sat at one of the longest bars in the world, it’s absolutely worth a stop!
5. The Fish Bowl
If you’re bar hopping around Put-in-Bay, The Fish Bowl is a must. It’s known for its massive fishbowl cocktails, perfect for sharing—or tackling solo if you’re feeling bold. But what I really remember from my college days are the shark shots. They’re a whole production with a plastic shark, cranberry juice, and a splash of chaos.
I’ve done way too many of these over the years, and honestly, they might be why I now have a slight aversion to cranberry 😅. But hey, it’s all part of the experience. This place is fun, loud, and the perfect place to lean into the island energy!
BONUS SPOTS: Topsy Turvey’s and Frosty’s
Tucked right along the marina, Topsy Turvey’s is such a vibe—waterfront views, strong drinks, and the perfect spot to catch sunset! It’s definitely more chill than some of the others, which makes it a great place to take a breather between the crazier stops. It’s also home of the island’s Cuban sandwich, fresh Lake Erie Perch, and the island’s best Brandy Alexander.
While Frosty’s is known as a great spot to grab a cold pint of beer in one of their iconic mugs, it’s the pizza that really makes it a must. Whether you’re laying a good foundation before bar hopping or ending your night with something cheesy and comforting, Frosty’s hits the spot! The vibe is laid-back and fun, and it’s one of those places you just can’t skip during your time on the island.
Which of these Put-in-Bay bars are you checking out first?!
Whether you’re sipping a strawberry shot at Beer Barrel, dancing to live music at Round House, or soaking up the sun at Mojito Bay, there’s no denying that Put-in-Bay’s bar scene is one-of-a-kind! It’s a mix of laid-back lake vibes, quirky island traditions, and nonstop fun that keeps people coming back year after year.
Each of these Put-in-Bay bars bring something different to the table, and part of the fun is hopping around to experience them all. I hope this helped you plan your perfect island bar crawl—let me know which ones are your favorites or if there are any I need to check out next time I visit!
Before you go, be sure to follow me on Insta @guidedbydestiny and check out some of my other blog posts:
Newport, Rhode Island day trip guide
