Buckeye Vodka Battle of the Bartenders
Buckeye Vodka Battle of the Bartenders

Buckeye Vodka Battle of the Bartenders 2026 – Get Ready to RUMBLE, Dayton!
Get ready for the ultimate showdown – the Buckeye Vodka Battle of the Bartenders is BACK Feb 25, 2026, and it’s going to be EPIC!
Defending Champion Thomas Morris of Wheat Penny and reigning People’s Choice winner Bill Castro of El Meson are gearing up for an electrifying face-off. The question on everyone’s mind: Who will claim the coveted titles in 2026?
🍸 Join us for a night dedicated to the Best Bartenders in town as they go head-to-head for the title belt! Sample delectable dishes from the Miami Valley’s finest restaurants and savor Buckeye Vodka concoctions crafted by the region’s most talented bartenders.
What began as the first bartender event in the Miami Valley has evolved into a thrilling competition that you absolutely cannot afford to miss!
Save the Date: February 25, 2026 📍 The Steam Plant
The menus are rolling in and let’s just say… your tastebuds are about to enter the ring!!! 

📷 Photo: Chocolate Strawberry Martini from Mr. Boro’s
Get ready to experience: ✨ Intense bartending battles 🍽️ Culinary delights from top Miami Valley restaurants 🍹 Signature Buckeye Vodka creations

📷 Photo: Scallop Ceviche with Mango and Toasted Coconut from Meridien Uptown
Participating Restaurants
Here’s a delicious preview of what’s coming:
Amber Rose
Food Pairing: Antipasto Skewers
Cocktail: TBA
The Dayton Beer Company
Food Pairing: Jamaican Jerk Chicken Sliders & Pretzel bites with house made beer cheese
Cocktail: TBA
El Meson
Food Pairing: Chorizo & Manchego Cheese Quesadillas
Cocktail: TBA
Manna Uptown
Food Pairing: TBA
Cocktail: TBA
The Melting Pot (NEW!)
Food Pairing: Chocolate Fondue with Strawberries, Rice Krispies, Brownies & Pound Cake
Cocktail: TBA
Mr. Boro’s Tavern
Food Pairing: Cinnamon Sugar Churros
Cocktail: Chocolate Strawberry Martini
Meridien Uptown (NEW!)
Food Pairing: Scallop Ceviche with Mango & Toasted Coconut
Cocktail: Meridien Sunset
Rip Rap Roadhouse
Food Pairing: Pesto Bruschetta with Buckeye Vodka Infused Tomatoes
Cocktail: TBA
Smith’s Boathouse
Food Pairing: Specialty Cheesecake
Cocktail: TBA
Wheat Penny Oven & Bar
Food Pairing: Chicken Shawarma
Cocktail: Ready Freddie
This promises to be a night of excitement, flavor, and unparalleled skill. Bring your friends and join us for an unforgettable evening of fun and fierce competition.
Cheers to the spirit of competition and the artistry of mixology!