Where Comfort Food Meets Community

Newly opened last fall, The Sandbox Restaurant & Bar is a welcoming space built on connection, comfort, and creativity. Opened by Jordan Crouse, a local mom of four, The Sandbox was inspired by the idea of creating a place where everyone—families, friends, professionals, and neighbors—can come together. With cozy indoor vibes, two unique patio areas, and event spaces, the restaurant is designed for gathering and good times.

The menu blends Midwest comfort food classics with fun, house-created items, as well as half-price late-night appetizers and kid-friendly Tuesdays. The Sandbox often partners with nonprofits. They host trivia and bingo, and more—it’s a space where something is always happening. Whether you’re stopping by for a pint, bringing the kids for dinner, or hosting a private event, The Sandbox delivers on its mission: to be a place where everyone can play, gather, and feel at home. Check out these top five things to love about the Sandbox!

A Menu Full Of Midwest Comfort (And Creativity)

The Sandbox puts its own twist on classic comfort food with a menu designed to satisfy and surprise. “Our top two menu items are the Lutheran Sushi Dip and our French Dip,” Jordan said. Other local favorites include the tater-tot hot dish and a unique slider flight trio. The kitchen team focuses on balance—with the nostalgic Midwestern staples people love while introducing creative new dishes. From hearty pastas to a freshly launched spinach artichoke dip, everything is crafted to feel familiar yet exciting. It’s comfort food with personality—perfect for a casual dinner, a family meal, or late-night bites with friends.

Two Event Spaces, Endless Possibilities

With two thoughtfully designed event spaces—The Treehouse upstairs and The Garden downstairs—The Sandbox is ready to host everything from birthdays to nonprofit fundraisers. “We call the downstairs space The Underground Garden. It’s got that speakeasy vibe,” Jordan said. Each area offers private bars, TVs, dart boards, and patio access, with flexible layouts and cozy atmospheres. Whether you’re planning a casual gathering or a themed event, these versatile spaces offer something for everyone. As Jordan puts it, “The events are so much fun… 50 people that never would have maybe came now get welcomed into this space.”

Dine To Donate: Eating With Purpose

Supporting local nonprofits has been a large focus of The Sandbox’s mission. Through its Dine to Donate program, the restaurant partners with local nonprofit organizations, some past being HERO, Styled with Strength, Full Circle Academy, and For Love of Dog Rescue. “On that day, everyone knows that they can come in and 10% of any food that they have goes right back to that nonprofit.” It’s a simple, effective way to give back—building community connections over shared meals, while helping those who need it most.

Family-friendly Vibes, Inside And Out

While The Sandbox may look like a modern bar from the outside, Jordan is working hard to ensure families know they’re always welcome. “We have it on the door that kids are welcome,” she says. “Tuesdays, we do kids eat free—two kids per one adult.” To keep little ones happy, the restaurant has board games, a treasure box of toys, and kid-friendly coloring menus. “As a mom of four, I get it—kids are busy at the table.” There’s even a giant Connect Four and possibly some patio chalk coming this summer. It’s all about creating a place where parents can relax too.

A Neighborhood Spot For Everyone

Whether you’re in work boots or business casual, The Sandbox is designed to feel like home. “It just feels like you can have the businessman come in and the working man come in, and you can all just exist in this neighborhood space,” Jordan said, recalling what a patron said once—and that’s exactly the vibe she envisioned. Trivia Mondays, Bingo Thursdays, Meat Raffles Fridays, live music, and late-night specials (like Bavarian pretzels and half-price apps from 8–10 p.m.) all help foster that inclusive atmosphere. “We’re just trying to build community and a place for people to land,” Jordan said. Mission accomplished.

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