Tender Mercy

Tender Mercy is an avant-garde cocktail bar located in downtown Dayton, Ohio, offering a unique and immersive drinking experience. Situated beneath the Avant-Garde Building at 607 E. Third St., the venue is accessed via subway-style stairs, leading patrons into a dimly lit, underground space that exudes a blend of grunge, glamour, and a touch of groovy ambiance.

The bar's interior is thoughtfully designed to create a sense of discovery. It features various seating areas that cater to different moods and preferences. Whether you're seeking a cozy corner or a more energetic spot, Tender Mercy provides a comfortable environment for all guests.

Beverage Program

At the helm of the beverage program is Beverage Director Tyler Hampton, who brings a wealth of experience from local country clubs and Dayton establishments. Under his leadership, the cocktail menu is both ambitious and innovative.

The menu features signature cocktails served from a specialized draft system. The wine list, curated by Sommelier Lauren Gay, is designed to be experiential, offering a selection that is unpretentious, approachable, and full of exciting, tasty wines.

Special Events

Tender Mercy hosts special events to enhance the guest experience, including cocktail classes led by Tyler Hampton.

• Spirit history
• Cocktail techniques
• Home bar building

Wine tastings conducted by Lauren Gay focus on wine wisdom, tasting techniques, and savoring. These events are for groups of four or more and provide an opportunity to deepen one's appreciation for fine beverages.

Culinary Pairings

Tender Mercy collaborates with local chefs to offer unique dining experiences. Chef Mariah Gahagan has introduced "Send Noodz," a ramen night held every Wednesday from 5 to 8 p.m.

The event features authentic tonkatsu ramen made with locally sourced ingredients, providing a distinctive culinary complement to the bar's offerings.

Operation and Policies

The bar operates on a first-come, first-served basis and does not accept reservations. For groups of six or more, all members must be present before seating is provided.

Once capacity is reached, a waitlist system is implemented. The bar is open Thursday through Saturday from 6 p.m. to midnight.

Locations

Tender Mercy is located in:

• Dayton, OH, USA - downtown beneath the Avant-Garde Building
• Cincinnati, OH, US

In summary, Tender Mercy offers a distinctive and immersive cocktail experience in downtown Dayton, combining innovative beverages, a thoughtfully designed atmosphere, and engaging events to create a memorable destination for both locals and visitors.