Star Bar and Grille, Toledo

Owner Joe Skaff is well aware that Star Bar and Grille is off the beaten path. He doesn't begrudge its hideaway status, however—it lends the venue an air of exclusive mystique and allows for the two criteria he demanded when planning the place: ample parking and an impressive patio. In the spring, diners can embark past a wall of glass to sit outdoors, snacking on inventive flavored-fare. Their tables might host servings of pulled-pork quesadillas, a seared-tuna salad, or the popular surf 'n' turf tacos: grilled shrimp and flank steak in separate tortillas, divided by yellow rice and black beans.

Inside, a parade of televisions and low-hanging lights glint above the sunken bar. The walls behind them sport contemporary art in the form of undulating red panels, matching the lava-like color of the lamps suspended over nearby booths. These illuminate the weekend crowds drawn by DJ Matt Lewis, who reverberates the space with music on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights. Weekdays, on the other hand, schedule a more relaxed scene of solo artists to supply dinner dates with catchy songs and one-man conga line performances. Star Bar’s ambiance is one of vibrant modernity, with inventive meals to match the crisp decor.