Lisa Mendenhall | Dayton937

The year was 2008, George W. Bush was the president, and a new music venue and tavern was born at 430 E. Fifth Street. Their creation story was written up on their early menus: “Bob wanted a bar. Nate wanted to run a business. Lisa wanted Bob and Nate out of her hair. Thus was sparked the idea of a family business. But what could they agree on? Good food and beer had always been a reliable source of numerous gatherings with family and friends. Coupling their strengths and experience, plus the availability of one of Dayton’s historic buildings and legendary music venues, gave birth to: BLIND BOB’S.”

Fast forward to the present, and Bob still has his namesake bar (and can often be found on the patio sweeping up remnants of last night’s party), Lisa takes care of bookkeeping in the quiet of her own office, and Nate is looking to the future of what the next 9 years holds, alongside his AGM Andy Rowe and several members of staff who have been with the business since day one.

General Manager and Owner Nate Mendenhall says that he and his crew put on shows all year long and meet lots of very talented musicians. They then use that information to “pack our anniversary weekend with as much great live music as possible. This year, we’re also going to get some of our favorite draft beers from our first year of operation, which we’ll be serving in special Blind Bob’s cups,” he said.

This year, Blind Bob’s 9 year anniversary runs from Friday, August 25-Sunday, August 27. Friday night bands are Cadaver Dogs, Yardboss, The Jasons, and Red Hot Rebellion! Saturday is Weathervein, The Flips, Pelafina, and Black Sire. They will be wrapping it up Sunday with Lia Menaker, Zack Sliver, Kyla Meainous, and Nolan Taylor.

There will be drink specials as well, and the kitchen will be open for normal hours, including weekend brunch on Saturday and Sunday (because everyone knows that eggs and Nicole’s bloody mary’s are just what is needed after a night of good music and good times).

For those interested in attending Blind Bob’s 9 Year Anniversary Celebration, all shows are $5, 21+, and start at 9pm. Brunch is served Saturdayand Sunday from 11am-3pm. More information can be found at: www.facebook.com/blindbobsbar

Meatloaf, onion, broccolini, and cheddar omelet with a side of gravy. Enjoy it with a Pimm’s Cup or Bloody Mary…or both!

Lily’s Bistro, located at 329 E. Fifth Street in Dayton’s Oregon District, has received their full liquor, beer & wine license and has expanded their Sunday brunch menu to include refreshing brunch cocktails like mimosas, Pimm’s cups, and Bloody Mary’s, as well as a Sunday ‘Family Style” chicken-centric dinner.

Owner Lisa Mendenhall says Lily’s had planned to offer a full Sunday bar and a casual Sunday dinner option since they opened last May, but the liquor license had been delayed. In August, Lily’s decided to move forward with brunch, but could only serve beer. “It gave us a chance to be creative with some beer cocktails, and our ‘beermosa’ made with dry pear cider and fresh squeezed orange juice has been a hit,” says Assistant Manager Alex Todd. “However, we are really excited to offer a full bar at brunch as well as during Sunday dinner.”

General Manager Emily Mendenhall says that the fried chicken dinner Sunday night is designed for people looking for a laid back, budget friendly meal “We’re serving things family style. This means half and whole fried chicken options, bowls of creamy mac ‘n cheese, baskets of jalepeno cheddar cornbread. Southern influenced comfort food that will change weekly. There will also be weekly specials.”

All of the chicken is local and free-range, something in which Executive Chef Mariah Gahagan takes pride. “We try to use local, sustainable ingredients as much as possible. We love the farmer we get these chickens from, plus we like to support local people with great products.”

Brunch will be served 11am -3pm and Sunday dinner from 5-9pm.

Celebrate Blind Bob’s 9th Anniversary With 3 Days of Live Music

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