Downtown Toledo discovered its burger paradise when sisters Julie and Linda transformed a historic 1867 building into the city’s beloved gastropub destination, Ye Olde Durty Bird.
This downtown gem has become the go-to spot for professionals, families, and event-goers who crave creative comfort food in a welcoming atmosphere.
The restaurant combines 30+ years of hospitality experience with a passion for quality ingredients and community connection 🍔.
How they won Toledo hearts
The sisters’ vision perfectly captured what Toledo residents craved – a sophisticated yet approachable dining experience in their revitalized downtown core.
They recognized the opportunity presented by their prime location across from the Mud Hens stadium and created a menu that serves both quick game-day bites and leisurely dinner experiences.
Their commitment to using fresh, locally sourced ingredients whenever possible resonated with community-minded diners who appreciate supporting local businesses.
Community support became the restaurant’s foundation as locals embraced the sisters’ belief in downtown Toledo’s potential.
The restaurant has become an integral part of downtown’s re-emergence, drawing suburbanites who discover that the city center offers a thriving, happy business community.
Word spread quickly about their exceptional wings, creative burgers, and welcoming service, creating a loyal customer base that keeps returning for both the food and the experience.
Food Highlights
- The Durty Burger: Classic half-pound beef burger topped with their signature tangy house BBQ sauce, aged cheddar, and smoked bacon – a customer favorite that defines the restaurant’s bold flavors
- Confit Chicken Wings: Praised by customers as “best wings on earth,” these wings come tossed in mild, hot, or durty sauce and have earned legendary status among regulars
- Lamb Burger: Half-pound seasoned ground lamb grilled to order, topped with marinated Greek vegetables, tzatziki sauce, and feta cheese – a unique offering that showcases the kitchen’s creativity
- Pimento Cheese & Bacon Burger: House-made pimento cheese combined with smoked bacon creates a Southern-inspired twist on their classic beef burger
- Hot Honey Crispy Bird: Crispy fried chicken tossed in their signature hot honey sauce with smoked mayo and dill pickles – perfect for those craving sweet heat
Atmosphere
The restaurant blends rustic charm with modern touches in a historic building that survived the Great Depression and Prohibition.
Guests enjoy both indoor dining and a dog-friendly outdoor patio perfect for Toledo’s warmer months.
The space buzzes with energy from live music performances featuring local bands, creating a dynamic entertainment destination beyond just dining.
The atmosphere remains lively yet relaxed, making it ideal for everything from business lunches to family dinners and date nights 🎵.
Bottom Line
Ye Olde Durty Bird delivers an unbeatable combination of creative comfort food, extensive craft beer selection, and genuine community spirit that makes every visit memorable.
The restaurant proves that locally-owned establishments can compete with chains by focusing on quality ingredients, innovative menu items, and exceptional customer service.
This downtown destination offers free parking, accommodates dietary restrictions with vegetarian and gluten-free options, and provides a true taste of Toledo’s renaissance 🌟.
Address: 2 S St. Clair St, Toledo, OH 43604
📞 (419) 243-2473
🕔 Open Sunday-Saturday, 11 AM–8 PM