DORA

Libation Exploration

Raise a toast and explore historic Downtown Defiance! The Defiance Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) is a designated public area where alcoholic beverages can be purchased in a designated cup from permitted establishments and carried within the district. Established in 2019, the DORA covers 96 acres of the Defiance Central Business District with the southernmost boundary along Davidson Street.

The DORA was created to add to the vibrancy of Downtown Defiance and encourage more community members and visitors to explore the area. Special events and activities add to the excitement, so check our event calendar for the latest updates!

Rules to Follow

Enjoying the DORA safely and appropriately is important, so please read the following rules before you head out on the town.

  1. Enter any liquor establishment and request your favorite beer or cocktail in a DORA cup. The DORA operates from noon to midnight Monday through Saturday.
  2. Exit the liquor establishment onto the sidewalks of Downtown Defiance. Beverages must be purchased in DORA cups to leave an establishment and cups must stay within the boundaries. Signs will indicate those boundaries.
  3. Enjoy your beverages while strolling through Downtown Defiance and at any participating merchant with the green DORA decal.
  4. Dispose your DORA cup when empty. DORA cups are one-time use and must be thrown away prior to entering ANY permitted establishment (i.e., business that holds a liquor license) OR any business with the red DORA decal.
  5. Repeat! Drink responsibly and have fun!

Permitted establishments include the following:

Need More Info?

The following documents are available for downloading and printing:

 

DORA Rack Card

A handy pocket-sized reference card for the DORA.

Downtown Retail Merchants & Public Parking

This guide includes a list of more 40 retailers, a map of their locations, and a map of downtown parking.


Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 372
711 West Second Street, Defiance 43512
419.782.1761
Members-Only
Kissner’s Restaurant
524 Clinton Street, Defiance 43512
419.782.1116
Founded in 1928, Kissner’s is the oldest Tavern in Ohio still owned by one family. For 95 years, Kissner’s has served Defiance breakfast, lunch, dinner, and late-night munchies and beverages. From omelets to pork brain, they have a full-service menu for everyone with a great kid’s menu too!
Miami & Erie Restaurant and Lounge
406 Clinton Street, Defiance 43512
419.782.0360
Serving craft & domestic beers, spirits, and pizza for over a decade in Downtown Defiance.
River’s Edge Bar & Grille
120 Clinton Street, Defiance 43512
419.782.5121
Friendly local bar with great bar bites! Pool tables, interactive dart board, music, cold beer, and cocktails.
Sam’s Ristorante
Listing Title
501 W. Second Street, Defiance 43512
419.784.0789
A little piece of Italy in the heart of Downtown Defiance.
The Dark Horse Restaurant & Social Club
651 Clinton Street, Defiance 43512
419.782.9307
A restaurant offering “out of town flavors” with a vacation vibe in historic Downtown Defiance.
VFW Post 3360
Listing Title
201 Clinton Street, Defiance 43512
419.782.2756
Open to the public for lunch.  Otherwise, rules apply.