Tender Mercy

Tender Mercy is an escape from the norm, a welcome break from a long day, a mood for the right occasion... whatever you need it to be, the libations, atmosphere, and service are consistently excellent. I'm especially happy that Chef Lawrence and Dozo are part of the experience now, with their omakaze like, set tasting menu. Everything delicious and with well balanced flavors.

In one word: WOW! Thank you for bringing the cocktail scene to Dayton. Brighton was amazing - providing an impromptu apperativi tasting. The first part of the menu is all draft cocktails poured from taps. The other house cocktails are available after 7pm. Pro Tip: You can request off menu classic craft cocktails, so challenge your bartender, they got you!

Quite possibly the greatest cocktail bar of all time! First, you enter by literally going underground. Once inside, the ambiance is dark and mysterious (my husband says it looks like a fancy vampire decorated it). The staff is incredibly helpful and the drinks are beyond compare! We went there to celebrate our anniversary and the bartender made us a special drink. It's not on the menu, but I highly recommend asking about the Milk Punch. If you like fun cocktails, you won't regret it! Please don't drive through Dayton without stopping by!

Service was GREAT! Drinks were good. But people were too LOUD, and when I say LOUD; I mean it. Seating is too cluster and the essence smell will cause a headache. I would love to give it another try and update my review, will not judge the place by one visit. People should try it and see for themselves. Valet is a FANTASTIC option.

What an amazing place! The Tender Mercy name is on a banner on the building but there's no sign at the entrance to the bar. If you're standing in front of Sueno's, there are metal stairs in the sidewalk going down - down there is where you'll find Tender Mercy. Atmosphere is top-notch, moody and trendy and darkly romantic. It's very cosy with some fun nooks and corners, but for the most part, it's seating along the long bar, and some lovely wraparound bench seating, low tables, and a few footstools to sit on. There's a whole back room with more seating, but I didn't poke around much back there. The drinks are fantastic and inventive, and if anything on the menu doesn't look good to you, they can make the normal stuff too. The staff are welcoming, creative, and helpful. We tried both food items - one is an "adult lunchable" which is basically charcuterie in a bento box, and another cereal-based snack mix that was very good, except I don't like wasabi peas. If you have a date you want to impress, or have an extra-special night out, or just want to make a Tuesday special, then this is the place to go. Parking is on the street, or there is valet Thurs-Sun (i think - no valet on our wed trip)