People from across the country visit Catawba Island, Ohio every year to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. For Catawba Island residents, enjoying the famous scenery, utilizing Lake Erie’s natural resources, and participating in the close-knit community are all things they have come to expect from this beautiful place.
Catawba Island is also a place where many residents make their living. Located in a region famous for its restaurants, bars, wineries, and hospitality, Catawba Island has had numerous new businesses open up in the last couple of years that give a special flavor to the Ottawa County area.
As part of our Ottawa County It’s All Here campaign, we are excited to highlight a few local businesses in Catawba Island in our Local Business Spotlight.
Gideon Owen Wine Co.
Gideon Owen Wine Co., formerly Mon Ami Winery, is a historic family-owned winery that is bringing Catawba Island back to its roots as one of the world’s great wine growing regions. The original group of fruit growers who created the winery over 100 years ago named the place “Catawba Island’s Wine Company,” and in keeping with this tradition of community involvement, the owners of Gideon Owen are restoring the facility to create a place that the community can enjoy.
Since Quintin and Donna Smith purchased the former Mon Ami Winery in June 2019, they have established simple yet ambitious goals for the winery. These goals include establishing the first commercial vineyard with wine production on Catawba Island in over 100 years; showcasing the European-inspired vaulted wine cellars as one of America’s lost artifacts; creating an environment where the community can celebrate Catawba Island and its history; and finally, to help preserve Catawba Island’s green space for future generations.
The facility and grounds are home to multiple areas for delicious food and drinks, live entertainment, and private gatherings. The Chalet, Tirage Wine Bar & French Market, and their Ballroom and Vineyard Room are beautiful places for a drink with friends, a family meal, work gatherings, or larger special events.
You can learn more about Gideon Owen Wine Company on their website.
The Que BBQ
The Que Barbecue & Brew is a new restaurant in the Catawba Island and Port Clinton area that is serving up delicious southern-style BBQ that locals already love. The Que describes themselves as a “Great Northcoast barbeque spot with sandwiches, low and slow-cooked smokehouse meats, salads, all the fixings, and sides, plus many beers.” Whether you’re craving ribs, pulled pork, brisket, BBQ chicken, or more creative takes of your usual favorites – like cornmeal fried walleye to bourbon-glazed salmon – there is something on the menu for everyone.
The restaurant features a cool and casual atmosphere with rustic textures of metal and polished wood, while their large outdoor patio offers beautiful views of the harbors surrounding Catawba Island.
Learn more about The Que Barbecue & Brew at their website.
Barry Bagels
Anyone who has grown up in the Northwest Ohio area knows that Barry Bagels is the place to go for fresh, delicious bagels and sandwiches. Barry Bagels got its start in the early 1970’s as a family-run operation that focused on giving back to the community. Their determination to supporting their local communities hasn’t changed – which is just one of the reasons why Barry Bagels makes a wonderful addition to the local businesses in Catawba Island.
Catawba’s Barry Bagels location sits at the intersection of 163 and 53 across the street from Bassett’s Plaza. Pulling up to the restaurant, take in the first glimpses of the water that are visible from Catawba Road.
Barry Bagels’ menu features your favorite bagel flavors, from plain, to sweet, salty, and savory. They are also known for their hand-crafted sandwiches, chicken salad, breakfast bagels, and homemade soups.
Check out their menu and Catawba Island location details here.
Twin Oast Brewing Co.
Twin Oast Brewing was founded on the belief that people deserve to enjoy and experience the best things in life. In a world where mass production has left products unoriginal and unthoughtful, Twin Oast is setting out to create delicious craft beer and fresh food that draw inspiration, creativity, and passion from the Catawba Island area.
This family-owned brewery has created a reputation in the coastal Ohio region for its great beer, great customer service, and serene atmosphere. Driving up to Twin Oast always comes as a surprise – what looks to be a well-kept family farm of vegetable gardens and flower beds opens up to a modern farmhouse style building that acts as the brewery and restaurant. Toward the back of the restaurant is a beautiful patio featuring extensive flower beds, lots of outdoor seating, and oast-house style coverings – an ode to historical hop-growing areas.
Twin Oast is also known for its annual events – whether its daily live music on their patio or their authentic Woodstock-style summer festival, Quinstock. Learn more about Twin Oast and view their live event schedule here.
About Ottawa County It’s All Here
The Business Advisory Counsel of Ottawa County, Ohio is excited to continue our Ottawa County It’s All Here campaign. This campaign focuses on showcasing everything that our region has to offer, with the goal of promoting employment, local businesses, and economic development. The Villages of Ottawa County Campaign is part of this initiative to highlight the places that make our community special. You can learn more by visiting our about page.