Explore Historic Dining in Defiance
A Farm To Table Restaurant
The Dark Horse Social Club is a farm to table venue with a full liquor license. They feature local beef, fresh salads, homemade soups and dressings, flatbreads, and seasonal specials. They are know for their cocktails; particullarly their Old Fashioneds. Reservations are not necessary, but highly recommended.
National Register Property
That classic diner vibe; Bud’s is known for their handmade pies. The Burger-In-A-Basket and daily specials are always in demand. When Bud Deatrick started his hamburger shop in 1939, the kitchen was in the front window. A 1947 renovation moved the kitchen to the rear and installed a diner style bar with stools and a row of booths.
River’s Edge
National Register Property
The name has changed, but the building remains virtually untouched since the 1930’s. Locals tell us their grandmother, as a child, sat at the backdoor peeping through a hole to watch for coppers. This bar is popular with bikers and college students alike. Their giant tacos on Sunday are a huge draw. Boaters often tie up under the Clinton Street bridge and run up to Spanky's for carryout.
Miami Erie
National Register Property
Miami Erie is what happens when you open a pub in an historic retail building, install an antique bar, serve excellent pizzas made on site and offer live music with local talent. Once the home of Village Shoes, this classic Italianate commercial building has stood in Defiance’s 400 block for well over 100 years. There’s a back patio for summer dining and live outdoor music as weather permits. Dog friendly patio behind the building.
New Venue
〰️
New Venue 〰️
The Dark Horse Social Club in 1914
The Dark Horse Social Club
National Register Property
Cabin Fever Coffee
National Register Property
“The Cabin.” That's just code for a cute little coffee shop rooted in downtown Defiance, one of the most visited spots on the block. The Cabin has been long established; adorned in this hunting, woodsy lodge decore since its opening in 2003. It is really unlike any other downtown space - the exposed brick walls, stuffed woodland creatures, tin roofing, and rich mahogany wood accents create an inviting and fun atmosphere.
Meek’s Bakery
Meek’s has been making pastries for Defiance since 1925. They serve a variety of donuts, rolls, and cookies. They make cakes to order for birthdays, weddings or other events. Another great item for Meek’s is the legendary Murphy Sub. These subs were an old memory for those shopping at Murphy Mart in downtown Defiance. Murphy Mart was sort of a forerunner to K-Mart with a small cafeteria. Meek’s continues the Murphy Sub tradition. They are open from 5AM - 3PM daily, closed Sunday.
Casa Vieja
“Casa”, to the locals, serves a large menu of authentic Mexican food voted Best in Region 8 years in a row. Some remember this spot as The Barrel. The same back-bar, beer taps and wood floor remain lending that nostalgic feel.
Dos Eppi’s
National Register Property
Bistro style dining with a Puerto Rican flavor is a real crowd pleaser! Not unlike popular chains, customers walk up to the counter ordering custom tacos, burritos and salads. Dos Eppi’s resides at the iconic Black Lantern from the 50’s and 60’s era and then Charlie’s Down Under through the 80’s and 90’s. Family owned traditional foods served daily.
Kissner’s
National Register Property
Established in 1919, Kissner’s Tea Room has seen 100 years of history including Prohibition. During those dark, dry days refreshing beverages were kept on ice and served to known customers with no label disguising the alcohol content of said refreshment. The back-bar was imported from Italy. Old-school, classic American comfort food.
Jigg’s Root-beer Stand
This old fashioned, drive-up, eat in your car root-beer stand is a summer must! Chili Dogs, chips, root-beer floats and the like are served on a tray, skillfully balanced on your car’s window. Tell your young passengers how the glove box used to open out to create a tray for your mug in the good old days! The restaurant is virtually unchanged since “Jiggs” Devine started it in 1950; right up to the vintage A&W Orange color of the building; its hard to miss! Better yet, Jigg’s sits on the south end of the Holgate Avenue Historic District and the Schindler Home.