If you've driven through Ottawa, Ohio, you know it's a small town. It's the Putnam County seat with a little over four thousand people and the Blanchard River running through. For a long time, if you wanted craft beer and a full meal in a place that felt intentional, you had to head to Findlay or Lima or farther. That changed in August 2024 when Ottawa Brewing Company opened in the historic Dumont building on West Main Street. Two engineers who'd dreamed about it for over a decade finally brought it to life, and the town got a brewpub that doubles as a gathering place. We think they pulled it off.
Ottawa Brewing Company. Photo: Untappd.
The Building: Schnipke Inn, the Dumont, and a Return to Gathering
The building is a big part of the story. Ottawa Brewing Company sits at 202 W Main Street in a three-story brick structure that went up in 1900. Back then it was the Schnipke Inn, reportedly the only hotel in Putnam County with sewer and plumbing. Travelers passing through Ottawa had a place to stay that felt modern for its time. The building later became known as the Dumont Hotel, and over the decades it served the community in different ways before falling into disuse.
When the Ottawa Area Chamber of Commerce announced the Main Street Corridor Project a few years ago, the Dumont was part of the plan. Over four million dollars went into revitalizing downtown Ottawa, with support from JobsOhio, the Putnam County Community Improvement Corporation, and Regional Growth Partners. The Du Mont building (as the chamber spells it) is owned by Gillian and Dan Stechschulte, Scott Birkemeier, and Kevin Niese. Technicon Design Group did the design work and now anchors the third floor. The second floor holds professional office suites. On the first floor, Ottawa Brewing Company shares the space with the Walnut Room, an event venue. The restoration brought the building back to a purpose it had over a century ago: a place where people gather, eat, and drink.
Walking in, you get a modern taproom that still feels connected to the building's history. Exposed brick, clean lines, and a layout that works for both a quick lunch and an evening with friends. The brewery's website describes it as "a modern environment steeped in local history," and that description fits. The space feels like a taproom that belongs in the building, not a museum and not a generic chain. The Dumont has been reimagined for a new chapter, and Ottawa Brewing Company is at the heart of it.
The Founders: Engineers, Go Ottawa, and a Decade of Planning
Dan Stechschulte and John Klass own Ottawa Brewing Company. Jack Klass runs the beer program as head brewer. The Stechschultes were already involved in the building's restoration, and the Klasses brought the brewing side. What stands out is how long this was in the works. The brewery's about page says they'd been dreaming about it for over a decade. Patrick Blasius, writing for the Putnam County Sentinel when the brewery opened, reported that Stechschulte and his co-owners had been part of Go Ottawa, a local group focused on downtown revitalization and community building. Through that work, the need for a place like this became obvious. Successful downtowns have anchors: restaurants, breweries, places where people want to spend time. Ottawa didn't have a brewpub, and now it does.
The engineering background shows up in how they talk about beer. The about page says they're "drawn to the science and art of the beer making process," from ingredients to technique. That combination of precision and craft comes through in the tap list. They're making beers that fit the region and the space rather than chasing trends: approachable, well-made, and varied enough that you can find something you like whether you're a casual drinker or someone who pays attention to style.
The Beer: Paddlefish, Old Dumon, and a Tap List That Rewards Curiosity
The beer program has found its footing. Paddlefish IPA has become a signature, a 7.6% American IPA that shows up in check-ins and reviews regularly. Old Dumon Lager nods to the building's history (the spelling is a deliberate twist on Dumont). Twin Elm Pale Ale, Rex Amber Ale, Putnam House Stout, State Route Coffee Stout, and Deford Red IPA round out the core lineup. The Deford Red IPA references the S.F. DeFord Building down the street, another historic structure in the corridor project. Seasonal offerings like Hometown Holiday Ale and Oktoberfest rotate through. Putnam Patch Ale, a Belgian Strong Dark Ale, has drawn attention from Untappd users. Fourteen beers on the list at last count, with something for most preferences.
Putnam House Stout. Photo: Jonathan Snyder, Untappd.
Bill Blackburn checked in on Untappd in February 2026 and wrote, "The food is incredible here! Very fresh and delicious! The beers are solid and very clean." He'd had the Twin Elm Pale Ale and the Paddlefish IPA. That kind of feedback shows up consistently. The brewery sits at 3.73 on Untappd with over 680 ratings and 800 total check-ins. On JollyPint and other aggregators, they're at 4.7 stars with more than fifty reviews. For a brewery that's been open less than two years in a small town, that's a strong start.
Flights let you sample the range. Start with Paddlefish or Twin Elm if you want something familiar, or try the Putnam House Stout or State Route Coffee Stout if you're in the mood for something darker. The staff knows the list and can point you in the right direction.
The Food: Wings, Burgers, and Regional Favorites
Ottawa Brewing Company runs a full-service restaurant, not just a taproom with snacks. The menu leans into regional comfort: burgers, sandwiches, wings, and specialties like fried bologna and Ottawa crab rolls. Reviewers keep mentioning the wings. JollyPint's summary notes "fall-off-the-bone wings" as a highlight, and the pub burgers with truffle fries get called out. Fish sandwiches, lettuce wraps, and an extensive mocktail list round things out. If you're not drinking, you still have options. The kitchen uses fresh ingredients and the menu changes with the seasons. Their website says they "embrace change and love exploring new flavors," so expect the food to evolve.
Twin Elm Pale Ale. Photo: Bill Blackburn, Untappd.
Sunday brunch runs from 10 to 2, with a spring brunch menu coming when the season shifts. Reservations are available through SpotOn, and they're recommended for groups. The food program is built to complement the beer, not compete with it. You can have a burger and a pint, or a few small plates and a flight. The flexibility works for lunch, dinner, or a weekend afternoon.
The Space: Taproom, Patio, and a Place for Everyone
The brewery offers more than beer and food. There's a taproom, a full-service bar, outdoor seating, and a patio that's dog-friendly. They host live music, brewery tours, and private events. The Walnut Room on the same floor handles larger gatherings. The place is wheelchair accessible with parking available. Kids are welcome. The brewery's about page says "family comes first" and that they want "a warm and welcoming environment." That shows up in the reviews. Patrons mention friendly staff, a welcoming atmosphere, and a space that works for different occasions.
They're open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 to 11, and Sunday from 11 to 7. They're closed on Mondays. If you're passing through Putnam County or you live in Ottawa and want a place to meet friends, Ottawa Brewing Company fills that role. It's the kind of spot that becomes part of the routine.
Ottawa and Putnam County: Small-Town Craft Beer
Ottawa sits in the northwest corner of Ohio, about an hour from Toledo and an hour and a half from Columbus. Putnam County is largely agricultural. The Blanchard River runs through town, and Putnam Paddling Company offers canoe and kayak trips with drop-off and pick-up along the river. The downtown corridor project has brought new life to Main Street. The DeFord Building is being restored with retail, dining, co-working space, and overnight lodging. The Dumont is done. Ottawa Brewing Company is part of that momentum.
Craft beer in small-town Ohio is different from Cleveland or Columbus. You're not competing with a dozen breweries in a two-mile radius. You're building something that the community can claim. When Stechschulte told the Sentinel that Go Ottawa had made the need for a place like this obvious, he was talking about that. A brewpub in a historic building gives people a reason to come downtown, to stay for a meal, to bring visitors. It signals that the town is investing in itself. Ottawa Brewing Company does that. They're a member of the Ohio Craft Brewers Association, and they show up on Build Putnam's employer directory. They're part of the local economy and the local story.
What Patrons Say
The reviews tell a consistent story. On JollyPint, guests praise the "high-quality food," "fall-off-the-bone wings," and "delicious sandwiches." The "extensive mocktail list" gets mentioned for non-drinkers. Haylie gets a shout-out for serving "unique brews like Hometown Holiday." The "variety of brews, including coffee stout" appeals to people who want something beyond the usual. One summary says the brewery offers "a welcoming atmosphere and friendly staff" and that it's "a popular spot for both lunch and dinner."
Paddlefish IPA. Photo: Bill Blackburn, Untappd.
On Untappd, the check-ins add color. Josh Fulk has been in multiple times, trying the Rex Amber Ale, Oktoberfest, Paddlefish IPA, and Twin Elm Pale Ale. Ben Kaufman checked in the Deford Red IPA, Paddlefish, and Putnam House Stout. Luke Kleman had the Putnam Patch Ale. The fact that people are coming back and trying different beers says something. The place has found an audience.
Practical Stuff
Ottawa Brewing Company is at 202 W Main Street, Ottawa, OH 45875. Phone: 419-780-2809. Hours: Tuesday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. They're closed on Mondays. Reservations are available and recommended for groups. You can book through their website or SpotOn.
If it's your first visit, get a flight to sample the beer. Paddlefish IPA and Twin Elm Pale Ale are safe bets. For food, the wings and burgers have the most buzz. Ask about seasonal releases and what's on tap. The staff can steer you. They offer brewery tours if you want to see the system. The patio is a good option when the weather cooperates. Parking is available. They're dog-friendly outside and wheelchair accessible. Check their website or social media for live music and events.
Bottom Line
Ottawa Brewing Company opened in August 2024 after more than a decade of planning. Two engineers, a historic building, and a town that needed a place like this. The Dumont had been the Schnipke Inn, reportedly the only hotel in Putnam County with plumbing when it was built. Now it's home to a brewpub that serves craft beer and fresh food to a community that's reinvesting in its downtown. The beer is solid, the food gets praised, and the space works for lunch, dinner, or an evening with friends. We think they've built something that fits. If you're in Putnam County or passing through, it's worth a stop.
Sources
About. Ottawa Brewing Company. https://www.ottawabrewingcompany.com/about/ (Accessed March 2026).
Buerger, Rosemary. "New and Exciting Changes." Ottawa Area Chamber of Commerce. https://www.ottawachamber.org/new-and-exciting-changes/ (Accessed March 2026).
Blasius, Patrick. "Ottawa Brewing Company is now open!" NewsBreak (Putnam County Sentinel). August 14, 2024. https://www.newsbreak.com/news/3560388661382-ottawa-brewing-company-is-now-open (Accessed March 2026).
Ottawa Brewing Company. Untappd. https://untappd.com/OttawaBrewingCompany (Accessed March 2026).
Ottawa Brewing Company. JollyPint. https://jollypint.com/us/oh/ottawa/ottawa-brewing-company (Accessed March 2026).
Ottawa Brewing Company. Ohio Craft Brewers Association. https://ohiocraftbeer.org/breweries/ottawa-brewing-company/ (Accessed March 2026).