The Short Course
Kid-friendly: Yes.
To avoid wait: Call for reservations if a weekend night.
Noise level: Moderate.
Bathroom amenities: Changing station.
High Chairs: Yes.
Kids’ menu? Yes.
Allergy info: Let your server know when you place your order so special preparations can be made in the kitchen. The menu offers vegan, vegetarian and gluten free options.
Craft beer. Football. Great food. Add to that two retired professional football players who love all three and you get Inside The Five Brewing Co. located in downtown Sylvania. Since May of 2018, locals have been declaring the new brewpub a winner in their playbook.
Back to their turf
Chris Morris and Brandon Fields met while playing football at Michigan State. They were teammates and roommates, and then each went on to play professional football. Morris grew up in Bedford, and Fields grew up in Sylvania. Fields played for the Dolphins, and Morris played for the Panthers and the Raiders. During the offseasons, Fields discovered his love for brewing beer and would often invite friends and teammates over to try his latest brew.
As Fields considered retiring from football, he decided to open a brewpub, then spent a couple of years looking for the perfect location. “We wanted the community aspect,” Fields explained. He reached out to Morris, asking him to be his partner, and the rest is history. Fields’ wife, Katie, jumped in to handle the organizational details and the food, and with a lot of practice and hard work, they have made Inside the Five a winner in Sylvania.
Fun, welcoming atmosphere
I first stopped by Inside the Five soon after they opened in the summer of 2018. At that time, they still had a few bugs to work out. On a recent visit with my kids, it was clear that their hard work and dedication has paid off, as we enjoyed generous portions of great food, as well as a knowledgeable and friendly service.
The restaurant was full, and everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves. With Morris and Fields having children of their own, they made a point to create a family-friendly brewpub. The evening we stopped in, we saw young families with children, older couples and unmarried young adults, all enjoying time with friends. The atmosphere and food are appealing to everyone.
Game on!
“We have 18 beers on tap every day,” said Fields. “We have everything, light to dark, hoppy to not hoppy. Something for everyone.” The beers on tap often change while keeping a few staples. I tried the All-American, with $1 of every glass sold donated to a local veteran’s organization. I loved that they were giving back to the community.
We enjoyed burgers with toppings such as fried onions, roasted garlic onion jam and much more. Having a choice of tater tots was a bonus for the kids. One of the “fantasy flatbreads” was the “fan favorite” BLT flatbread. And of course, we went into “overtime”, indulging in the fried Oreos for dessert. I almost lost a finger trying to get a taste. For the first time in a long time, none of my kids were able to completely finish their meals. The portions were on point. For kids 12 and under, the meals are only $6, which includes an entrée, a side and a drink, which will have parents yelling, “Score!”
Bottom Line:
It says a lot about the community we live in when people move away and choose to come back to work, play, and open a business. Inside the Five is a perfect example of just that. You and your family will love the atmosphere, food, drinks and friendly service. You’ll also love knowing you’re supporting people who chose to come back to their roots and actively support the community. Be sure to check out the weekday specials as well as their Sunday brunch.
Inside the Five
5703 Main St. Sylvania, OH 43560
Mon-Thur: 11a.m.-11p.m. | Fri-Sat: 11a.m.-12a.m.
Sun: 10a.m.-10p.m.
www.insidethefive.com | 567-408-7212
