LCBO Food & Drink Spring 2026

BARTENDER’S DAY OFF

Playing Favourites The co-owner of Maiden Lane shares his favourite places to eat and drink in Windsor.

BY JESSICA HURAS

For Mark Dutka, mixology is a family tradition. His father and grandfather both worked behind the bar, and his family was involved in a Prohibition-era operation on the Detroit River that supplied Canadian whisky to the States. “I heard all of these old gangster stories when I was a kid, and I found it fascinating,” he says. “Bartending just stayed in my blood.” Today, Dutka owns Maiden Lane (maidenlanewindsor.com) with his sommelier wife, Sarah Dewar, where he creates seasonal cocktails inspired by Essex County’s agricultural bounty. He picks up much of his produce at the farmers’ market across the street, making for truly local cocktails. Here are his go-to Windsor spots. 1

4 Professor Zaaa’s Dean Litster, who goes by Professor Zaaa, is my go-to pizzaiolo. He started out in the local pizza chains when he was a teenager, and now he’s a Windsor staple. He’s won international competitions. He makes classic Windsor pie, which is shredded pepperoni, Galati cheese and canned mushrooms. He also does a Detroit-style deep dish that’s worth trying. professorzaaa.com

Shanghai Bistro They’re famous for soup dumplings made fresh in the front window right in front of you. The menu is really adventurous. Sometimes I have no idea what I’m ordering, but I always end up loving it. It’s constantly packed with students and people who drive from Detroit specifically for those dumplings. shanghaibistro.ca 2 Sawyer’s Craft BBQ It’s a Texas-style barbecue spot. Chef Richard [Bayley] does unbelievable meats, but what really sets it apart are the incredible features incorporating barbecue ingredients, like my go-to order, which is the brisket fried rice. They also have a pretty solid cocktail program. It’s the complete package for a great meal. sawyerscraftbbq.square.site 3 Kurley’s A.C. It’s a dive sports bar, but it’s iconic. It’s one of those classic places that feels like it’s been around forever. It’s got great burgers, great staff and ice-cold beer. It’s very much a local hangout. It’s the kind of place you go when you want to watch a game or just hide out. @kurleys

5 Blind Owl

This is where I started about 10 years ago and cut my teeth in the cocktail world. It’s dark and cavernous in the best way. They have great staff and a seasonal cocktail menu. I let them make whatever they want to serve me or whatever they’re proud of at the moment. blindowl-windsor.square.site

I make cocktails with anything I can get my hands on that’s super fresh. I’ve even used magnolia buds in the spring.

PORTRAIT BY THOMAS SCULLY; PIZZA IMAGE COURTESY OF PROFESSOR ZAAA

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———————— SPRING 2026