Jennifer Alexander Ruple

Referees Mexican Sports Bar and Grill is Sylvania’s newest go-to destination for fans who love great food, lively energy, and nonstop sports action. Opening soon at 7625 W. Sylvania Ave., this referee inspired eatery offers the perfect setting to gather with friends, cheer on your favorite teams, and enjoy the thrill of the big game on every screen.

Owners Victor Santos and Xavier Rosales have worked in the Mexican restaurant business since they were 14 years old. “We each have over 25 years of experience and we own other restaurants together,” said Rosales.
Santos had the vision to open a sports bar but wanted it to be something different – a great sports bar with incredible Mexican food. “I chose Sylvania for this new concept. My son is part of the Pacesetter Soccer Club, and I’m in the area every time there is a game or training session. I’ve made many connections and friendships with the other parents – Sylvanians love their sports!” he exclaimed.

The menu is packed with classic game day favorites such as burgers, hot wings and nachos, plus there is a full array of scratch-made Mexican specialties. “Referees mixes two cultures – American comfort food with authentic Mexican cuisine,” Santos offered.

“Xavier and I have been friends since 2010, and we have our Mexican restaurants. Now we want to offer a different type of experience. Referees is a fun atmosphere for the whole family and a great place to bring the kids.”

Mexican on the Menu

For starters there’s the Touch Down Birria Dip, melted cheese topped with birria, corn and queso fresco. “It’s incredible!” Rosales commented.

The Triple Score Burger packs four proteins into one big burger – a beef patty, a piece of grilled chicken, a smoked pork chop and an egg, all topped with Referees’ magic sauce.

“Our birria menu is number one in the area,” said Rosales and Santos. This menu gives diners several options on how to enjoy their birria, in a burrito, flauta or quesadilla, on top of nachos or fries, or in Birria Papa Rellena, which combines birria with mashed potatoes, grilled veggies and mozzarella cheese.”

Mexican Flatbreads include beans, cheese, your choice of meat – campechano (steak and chorizo), chicken chipotle, or al pastor – plus cilantro and chipotle ranch dressing.

Several variations of Grilled Burrito Wraps are offered in your choice of al pastor, chorizo, steak, or chicken, with fillers such as rice, beans, jalapeños, cheese, pico de gallo, sour cream, avocado, tomatillo sauce and queso dip – all wrapped in a flour tortilla and grilled to perfection.

Thirst quenchers include margaritas, mojitos, mezcal, refreshing palomas and cantaritos; 20 craft, domestic and imported beer choices; and house made red sangria.

Sports action

At Referees, fans will never miss the action with live streaming sporting events including Champions League Night every Tuesday and Wednesday, the NBA Finals, Sunday NFL, UFC night, F1 Season, MLB Season and the NHL Season. The fun continues with live bands, trivia nights and a weekly magic show.

With its spirited atmosphere, playful theme, and unbeatable lineup of food and drinks, Referees is the ultimate place to kick back, celebrate, and make every game a memorable one. Santos stated, “Sports bars are everywhere in Toledo, but they don’t have the Mexican food. We have a lot of variety – there’s something for everyone.”