This month, DTFW celebrated one full year of DORA (Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area)—and it’s been a huge success for establishments and patrons alike! In fact, it’s been such a hit that the program is expanding into new boundaries. More on this soon. You can sign up for our newsletter to be among the first in the know.
If you’ve never heard of DORA before, it’s a program that allows people (who are 21 or older) to visit their favorite bars and restaurants and get their drinks to-go. From there, folks can take a stroll within the DORA boundaries, responsibly enjoying their beer, wine or cocktail.
Spend a warm, sunny day socializing with friends. Plan a mobile date night with your partner. Or simply get some steps in while you wait for your table to be ready. Choose your own adventure!
Before planning your next DORA outing, here are some things to know:
- Your drinks must be served to you in an official DORA cup by an official participating DORA location (more on these below). No, you can’t fill your DORA cup from home. But there are over 20 permitted DTFW locations eager to serve you. Just ask your bartender for your drink to-go in a DORA cup, and they’ll take care of you!
- While you’re enjoying your outdoor beverage, you must stay within the DORA boundaries, and DORA drinks can only be consumed between 7am and 3am (more than plenty of time).
- DORA beverages cannot be taken into other establishments, and empty DORA cups must be discarded before entering another establishment—just look for DORA bins throughout Downtown!
And here’s a little guide to all the current DORA locations:
Pint & Slice has been serving pizza to the DTFW community for almost two decades. And there’s no better pizza companion than a cold pint of beer. Take yours with you with while you check out the Porch Off Calhoun, or while you admire all the public art in the Double Plus.
New in town, Amoré is known for its fresh pasta dishes and elevated Italian. Enjoy a to-go aperitivo (which roughly translates to “Eating awakens the appetite”)—an Italian dining ritual that starts off with snacks and a pre-dinner drink with friends and family. Cin cin (“cheen cheen”)!
This stylish spot serves brunch everyday starting at 7am, which is conveniently when DORA hours begin. Choose from their list of house specialty cocktails (prickly pear margarita, anyone?) or classic cocktails (hello, espresso martini!). Breakfast of champions!
Birdie’s rooftop bar is known for their views. So grab a drink on their chic rooftop terrace, and then grab your next drink to-go and take in even more views of Downtown by foot.
Bistro Nota’s French-inspired fusion fare pairs perfectly with a glass of wine (preferably French). And luckily, they have a roster of quality wines on their menu. Consider grabbing your glass to-go and have yourself a French-influenced picnic at the park.
BRU Burger is famous for their gourmet burgers, but also offers a hefty selection of beer, whisky and scotch. Don’t sleep on their signature cocktails either, like their Bloody Mary, made with a housemade mix and garnished to your heart’s content.
Burger Bar is another famous burger spot, and it’s the perfect casual spot to grab a burger, fries, and a chilled bevvy to-go. With its walk-up order window, it’s practically made for taking your order on a walk Downtown.
Conner’s Kitchen + Bar & Conner’s Rooftop
With Conner’s Kitchen + Bar and Conner’s Rooftop, you have all your bases covered. The Kitchen + Bar boasts brunch cocktails on the weekend starting as early as 7am, and hosts a weekday Happy Hour (with $5 cocktails) from 4pm to 6pm. If late-night is more your style, catch the Rooftop for more craft cocktails and beer.
Copper Spoon is THE place for the craft cocktail enthusiast. Esteemed for their nationally recognized bar program, Copper Spoon offers a literal book of cocktails for you to choose from—featuring one-of-a-kind house cocktails, a long list of tiki drinks, all the classics, and more.
Crescendo at The Pearl is a beautiful café with artfully concocted coffee drinks. Once you’ve had your daily dose of caffeine, grab a beer, wine, or wine slushie to-go and roam the new Pearl District.
Dana’s, in the old Columbia Street West location on The Landing, is a French-inspired tavern with indulgent food and equally indulgent cocktail menu. Their cocktails range from adventurous (think tallow-washed bourbon) to easy-pleasers (we’re looking at you, pineapple daiquiri). Pick your poison!
Dash-In is a must-visit for craft beer aficionados. They have an impressive selection of over 50 craft beers and 20 taps. They are only open during the day, so it’s the perfect stop for a day date or brunch.
Ducky’s is new at The Pearl, and it is already making a name for itself. Inside you can enjoy duckpin bowling and food curated by Chef Johnny Perez. Take the party outside with DORA, and enjoy any of their tropical cocktails—perfect for summer!
JK O’Donnell’s is an Irish pub in the heart of Downtown Fort Wayne and is always stocked with plenty of ales and Irish whiskey. After your bangers & mash, take your Guinness to-go and enjoy a wee dander by the park.
Marquee, an upscale bar and restaurant on The Landing, serves top-quality food, craft cocktails and wine—perfect for your next happy hour with co-workers or friends. Unwind and enjoy an evening on The Landing.
Mercado, another Landing favorite, is the place for agave spirits (you really can’t go wrong with the #squadgoals—a hibiscus Mezcal cocktail). This Cali-Mex restaurant is always a good time. Come for the tacos, leave with a marg.
Nawa, also on The Landing, specializes in Thai and Asian-inspired food and cocktails. And they have more than just that—offering seasonal cocktails, sake, wine, and just about anything you could want on a hot summer day.
Night Train is yet another Landing spot. It’s a basement bar beneath Dana’s, and while it appears unpretentious, the cocktails are crafted with the same care that the Be Better Hospitality group is known for. Get out of the basement and touch grass with DORA!
Last stop on The Landing is Papi’s Pizza—a pizza joint by Te Gusto Hospitality group. Swing by for some unforgettable pizza, and then get your pint to-go while you enjoy live music and more on The Landing.
Proximo, a Spanish concept by popular restauranteur James Khan, offers a full bar of craft spirits, beer, and wine—and a seasonally housemade sangria—for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. No matter when you dine (and DORA), you won’t be disappointed.
Teds is conveniently located inside Promenade Park, making it a prime DORA location. This little cafe is equipped with a full bar, wine, and beer, plus spiked shaved ice and frozen cocktails for those oh-so-humid Indiana summer nights.
The Sidecar is an outdoor tiki bar stocked with all the award-worthy drinks you’ve come to expect from the Copper Spoon team. Seating is limited, but with DORA, that doesn’t matter. Take your Mai Tai with you on your next Downtown adventure!
Tolon is Fort Wayne’s first farm-to-fork restaurant and has a reputation for excellence thanks to acclaimed Chef Matthew Nolot’s direction. And Tolon’s bar program is set to the same standards as their food—with elevated classic cocktails and a small-but-impressive wine list.
Visit DORAintheFORT.com to learn more about DORA.
