Welcome to the DORA!

The DORA is a designated public area where alcoholic beverages can be purchased in a designated cup from permitted establishments and carried within the district. The Defiance Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) was established July 2019 within 96 acres of the Defiance Central Business District.  In 2021, the DORA boundary was expanded southward to Davidson Street.

Defiance Development and Visitors Bureau (DDVB) pursued the creation of the DORA to add to the vibrancy of downtown Defiance and encourage more community members and visitors to stroll the area. Events and activities will be planned to enhance the existence of the DORA — Follow us on Facebook to catch the latest event announcements.

Enjoying the DORA safely and appropriately is very important, so there are a few rules to follow.

ENTER any liquor establishment & request your favorite adult beverage in a DORA cup.  Hours for the DORA are Monday – Saturday: 12 pm – 12 am. 

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.

ENJOY your beverages while strolling through downtown Defiance, and at any participating merchant with the green DORA decal.

DISPOSE your DORA cup when empty.

DORA cups are one time use and must be thrown away prior to entering ANY permitted establishment (business that holds a liquor license) OR any business with the red DORA decal.

REPEAT! Drink responsibly and have fun!
Permitted Establishments:

  • River's Edge Bar & Grille
  • Miami and Erie
  • Kissner’s Restaurant
  • Event Studio at 651
  • Defiance Eagle’s Aerie 372 (rules apply)
  • VFW Post 3360 (rules apply)

Documents Available

The following PDF documents are available for downloading and printing:

Discover DORA Rack Card

A handy pocket-sized reference card for the DORA.

Downtown Retail Merchants & Public Parking

This guide includes a list of over 40 retailers, a map of their locations AND a map of downtown parking.