When a foodie friend first told me we need to check out Inside the Five Brewing Co., I immediately looked up the menu and began craving the buffalo mac and cheese until the day finally came when I sat myself down in a booth at the downtown Perrysburg location.
I’m always indecisive on what to order — but not this day.
Inside the Five Brewing Co. ★★★
Address: 127 W. Third St., Perrysburg
Phone: 419-931-0708
Category: Gastropub
Menu: Burgers, chicken sandwiches, shareables, Sunday brunch
Hours: 4 to 10 p.m. Mondays; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays; 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sundays
Wheelchair access: Yes
Average Price: $$
Credit Cards: MC, V, D, AE.
Website: insidethefivebrewing.com Our server patiently allowed us to catch up for what was maybe a little too long before we even ordered an appetizer (the delectably creamy jalapeno bacon balls ($15). When she came back to take our main dishes, I requested the buffalo mac — only to hear that the menu was changing and the mac and cheese bowls were no longer offered.
I had to quickly and stressfully find something else to order, thinking that nothing could compare to the spicy cheese sauce I’d been anticipating. But, a few trips to the elevated brewpub proved me wrong.
Inside the Five, which also has a location in Sylvania, has since launched its new menu, which a server informed us is the first new iteration in a long time. Not much has been taken off the menu, but a few additions fill out the spread. Prices are either the same as before, up only $1 or $2, or for one dish down $1.
New items like the Greek Burger ($15) and BBQ chicken sandwich ($15) were offered as “specials” during the transition time, and both dishes hit the spot for my dining companions.
I enjoyed the flavors of the Harvest Grain Bowl ($15). While that specific bowl isn’t offered anymore, I have confidence that other pro bowls will be tasty and well-roasted as well. The only issue was that I’d maybe change its name from “grain bowl” to “veg bowl,” considering the quinoa-to-Brussels sprout and sweet potato ratio was a bit out of whack.
Hesitant by the up-in-the-air food menu, I opted for the Sunday brunch for my second trip.
The joint was very busy that Sunday morning and we had a 30-minute wait, so we walked just a few minutes into the historic downtown to grab some coffee. Once settled into a booth, we started out by sharing the breakfast tots ($11). The crispy tater tots were covered in cheese and sausage gravy, which had a nice consistency, and topped with two eggs any style.
The main dishes we ordered were far less exciting than they sounded. My friend’s breakfast burrito ($12) was bland, unseasoned, and had underdone onions. She did like that the tortilla was nicely toasted, though. My BLT breakfast sandwich ($10) on naan bread was just unappetizing. It had the thinnest spread of avocado and the tomatoes were also sliced so thinly they were hardly there.
Turns out you can order pearl sugar waffles as a side for $1 each, but, not listed on the menu, we only found that out because by 11:40 a.m., the kitchen had already run out of the pancakes we’d hoped to try.
We walked into brunch with higher expectations and were surprised by the crowd considering such a mediocre spread. Luckily, some of the regular food options are available during the 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. brunch time.
Despite some disappointments, I was pleasantly surprised to see the bill at the end of breakfast: $46 fed three people and gave us enough to take some home.
Given that they only do brunch once a week, I won’t completely slash the place — maybe they’re still working on it or it’s just not their thing. But Inside the Five clearly has its lunch and dinner groove on.
Sometime between my two visits and this deadline, the menu had officially changed. So it only seemed right to check out the food one more time — and my opinion on the place improved.
We picked two shareables from the lengthy list of starters: elote chicken quesadilla ($15) and cauliflower bites ($13) tossed in the server-recommended honey sriracha sauce. The respective sides of chipotle lime ranch and classic ranch added vigor to our many audible “Mmm!”s.
While the huge quesadilla was the perfect crispiness, we wished the tender cauliflower was crispier and more evenly coated with the sauce. The same goes for the standout burgers: crispy fries and housemade chips, but please toast the buns more.
The brewery kicked off in 2018 at its Sylvania location and opened the Perrysburg joint in 2020. Inside the Five displays an effort to grow and serve the community; not only has it updated its menu but it opened in February “The Fieldhouse,” a taproom at its production facility near the University of Toledo, and it partners with local businesses to host community events.
The food is fresh and it comes out fast — but maybe too fast: One starter was placed on our table and removed a minute later to be brought to the correct patrons. Only slightly concerning.
The service at the restaurant is very friendly and knowledgeable. And while it’s bit dim and chilly inside, the joint still has a nice atmosphere.
Overall, Inside the Five adds a fun spin to some pub classics, and it’s definitely worth heading there to either grab one of your favorites off the original menu or give one of the new offerings a try.
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