Holy Toledo - Bar 145°
Location: 5305 Monroe Street Toledo, Ohio.
Rating: 8.5
Background:
Hello again Average Guy Food Critic Readers! Today we dined at an amazing new restaurant in Toledo, Ohio: Bar 145°.
Bar 145° opened two months ago and has had mixed reviews. Of course, this is the type of place we needed to go check out, everything that we had heard was “it is not your typical burger place.” But that is only half the story.
Their slogan seems to be Burgers, Bands and Bourbon. They have a unique menu, offering many choices to entertain the palate. One such choice is the “Stack your own sandwich”, where you decide what type of sandwich you want. Anything from the cooking style, toppings, sauces and extras is all at your hands. Let your creativity flow!
Bar 145° is definitely not your average burger pub, instead they claim to be a Gastro pub. This is a British term for a pub that specializes in high quality food a step above the traditional pub grub, as described on their website www.bar145toledo.com
Setting:
Bar 145° has a very modern feel to it. High rise tables surround an oval bar that encompasses the middle of the restaurant; and flat screen televisions are everywhere for your viewing pleasure. The bar, which starts inside, goes outside to a well-designed patio, also with a high rise. And might I add comfortable seating. There is also a sound stage, with lighting for whichever band is set to be performing.
The Food:
Rating: 8.5
I want to point out that this restaurant does not have any freezers. What does that mean? It means the food is always fresh and bought locally. How many restaurants in Toledo can say that? Virtually none!
Bar 145° is progressive in this manner; buying local and supporting the local economy in more than just providing employment opportunities. For this I applaud them.
The Appetizers:
We ordered two appetizers, fried green beans and pretzel chips with a cheese sauce.
The green beans were lightly battered and covered in a sweet sauce that set your taste buds afloat.
The pretzel chips were amazing! I was expecting a clumpy cheese dip that would smother the bread; instead I was pleasantly surprised to have a sauce that was smooth and rather enjoyable. It complemented the bread perfectly.
The Main Course:
My “wife to be” chose the “Stack your own sandwich” option that Bar 145 offers. It was made with all natural beef, medium rare, and grilled to perfection. Her toppings consisted of local lettuces, carrot strips, baby sprouts, provolone cheese, and garlic aioli.
I also had the “Stack your own sandwich,” but went with a chicken sandwich, with lettuce, sautéed red onions, bacon, sharp cheddar, mayonnaise, and honey mustard sauce. Wow! The presentation was simple just the sandwich on a plate; hot side on one half and cold on the other. The chicken breast was just the right size and very juicy.
The Chef:
Chef Robby came from the Cleveland area to specifically work at Bar 145°. He used to be the chef for a 4 star restaurant there, but thankfully he has graced Toledo with his presence. Chef Robby came out to talk with us after our meal was finished.
He has big plans for the restaurant; such as having a local chef cookout, which would combine the tastes of Toledo Chefs in a BBQ setting.
Ladies and gentlemen, I have eaten at many restaurants in my 38 years, and I can honestly say that this is one of the best burger houses I have ever had the pleasure to dine in.
Go to Bar 145°! Let your taste buds enjoy the creations of Chef Robby and his staff; and remember to tell them that Average Guy sent you!
Editing by:
Jane Bradley and Amanda Gall
Will have to check it out when I get the chance, sounds tasty thanx for the heads up.
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