Enjoy a big city cocktail experience in the Gem City at Tender Mercy
Buried underground, yet located within the thriving heartbeat of downtown Dayton, is Tender Mercy. The cocktail lounge offers a unique handcrafted cocktail experience with artisanal cocktails, a curated wine list and some unique vibes you’ll otherwise not find in the Midwest.
The watering hole opened just before the COVID-19 lockdowns began, but it weathered the storm and is still providing an exceptional experience for guests. In fact, the bar was named to Esquire Magazine’s “Best Bars in the U.S.” in 2021, noting its unique atmosphere that featured a library, a vault-turned-drinking nook, a backroom cocktail den with a fireplace and an entrance that gives flashes of entering the subway.
The team behind Tender Mercy includes The Idea Collective, which also owns its upstairs restaurant sibling, Sueño, as well as Branden von Fugate, who serves as the beverage director. Managing Partner Chris Dimmick says the establishment strives to give its guests an experience you’ll only get in a large city. “We believe Dayton is ready for and deserves the type of transformative hospitality experience that Daytonians find in larger markets,” says Dimmick. “Tender Mercy is our first expression of that level of product, service and energy. Our most common comment received from new guests is, ‘This is in Dayton?’”
When you visit Tender Mercy, you’ll find not only a variety of drinks like craft cocktails and a unique wine list, but you’ll also enjoy other amenities such as music, complimentary valet and an ideal space for parties and events.
The event offerings at Tender Mercy include cocktail classes and wine tastings. The entire venue as well as a portion of the space is also available to rent. “If you’re looking for a unique experience, let us create immersive, intimate and intoxicating hand-crafted events for you and your favorite people,” says Dimmick. “While we offer our standard packages, those who are feeling spicy can contact us to create something out of the ordinary.”
The cocktail classes at Tender Mercy are led by von Fugate, and include two hours of education, training, hands-on crafting and imbibing. It’s structured for groups of eight to 16 guests and includes the production of three unique cocktails per person with the ability to bottle and take home for future enjoyment. There are also the wine tasting classes led by Sommelier Lauren Gay. The wine tastings feature two hours of wine wisdom, technique, sipping and savoring. This class is designed for groups of four or more, and tasting packages include a minimum of three varieties as well as a single-use wine preservation device for each opened bottle.
Tender Mercy, 607 E. Third Street, Lower Level, Dayton. M-Th 6 p.m.-midnight, F-Sa 4 p.m.-1 a.m. 937-453-0007, tendermercy.com.
