Brian Nagele
Anytime I visit a new city, the bar scene is one of the first things I check out. I am a big fan of live music, cocktails, and nightlife.
Checking out the bar scene is a great way to learn more about the city and make friends. I recently spent some time in Cleveland and ended up checking out the best bars in Cleveland.
I created a list so the next time you are in the “Land,” you can skip the bar crawl and head straight to the best bars in Cleveland.
Each of the bars on this list had something that stood out about it. Some had specialty cocktails, others had drink specials, and I had a memorable experience at each location.
Without further ado, here is my list of the best bars in Cleveland.
Society Lounge
2063 E 4th St, Cleveland, OH 44115
Phone: 216-999-7005
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Society Lounge is the place for you if you are looking for a classy spot to spend the evening. Society Lounge is on the corner of E 4th Street and Euclid Ave in the Historic Gateway District of Cleveland.
This bar is a great place to go for a night out on the town. The decor is exquisite, with chandeliers and dark wood accents.
The bar has a great selection of wine, beer, and spirits. I ordered a glass of their Cabernet Sauvignon, which was fantastic.
The bar also has a great food menu with items such as steak, salmon, and pasta.
Porco Lounge & Tiki Room
2527 W 25th St, Cleveland, OH 44113
Phone: 216-802-9222
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You can find the Porco Lounge & Tiki Room on the corner of Potter Ct. and W 25th St in the Tremont neighborhood.
This bar offers a fun vibe with a distinct Polynesian flair. When you enter, you might forget you are in Ohio and think you are on a tropical Island.
The bar has several authentic Polynesian cocktails made with the freshest ingredients. I enjoyed the Singapore Sling and the Pink Flamingo.
The bartenders are also happy to create a custom cocktail if you don’t see something you like on the menu. Porco Lounge & Tiki Room also offers several fun group cocktails.
These more significant creations are designed for groups of two to eight and are a great way to start an evening with friends.
JUKEBOX
1404 W 29th St, Cleveland, OH 44113
Phone: 216-206-7699
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You can find Jukebox on the corner of Detroit Ave and W 29th Street in Cleveland’s historic Ohio City neighborhood.
It is located on the main drag, so it is easy for you to visit several other bars as the night continues. As the name suggests, Jukebox is all about music.
The bar is a music-centered bar with live music and events. I had a great time on Tuesday when I visited for their Vinyl Night.
You can pick from their house selection or bring your vinyl from home. It was great to listen to some classic Jams that I had not heard in ages.
They also have great cocktails and bucket specials to share with friends and family. I enjoyed their signature cocktails, specifically the boujee bee, a drink made with rosemary-infused gin.
Prosperity Social Club
1109 Starkweather Ave, Cleveland, OH 44113
Phone: 216-937-1938
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You will find Prosperity Social Club on the corner of Starkweather Ave and W 11th Street in the Tremont neighborhood.
This social club has been one of the best bars in Cleveland since it opened in 1938. The interior has a relaxed vibe and atmosphere and considers itself the most Cleveland bar in Cleveland.
Prosperity is a great bar to hang out with your friends and grab a bite. I appreciated that they had a vegetarian-friendly menu.
The food was excellent, and the signature cocktails were just as good. I loved the Rye of the Tiger, a cocktail made with rye whiskey and grapefruit bitters.
Rowley Inn
1104 Rowley Ave, Cleveland, OH 44109
Phone: 216-795-5345
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The Rowley Inn is on the corner of W 11th Street and Rowley Ave in the Tremont neighborhood. This bar is a great place to go if you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
The Rowley Inn has a more laid-back vibe and is a great place to relax with a beer or cocktail. I enjoyed their happy hour specials, and the bartenders were friendly and accommodating.
The bar has a great selection of beers on tap and several bottled options. I enjoyed their IPA, which was quite refreshing.
The Velvet Tango Room
2095 Columbus Rd, Cleveland, OH 44113
Phone: 216-241-8869
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The Velvet Tango Room is on the corner of W 21st Street and Columbus Rd between the Ohio City and the Tremont neighborhoods.
This bar is a bit more upscale than some other bars on this list, but it is still a great place to visit for a drink.
The Velvet Tango Room specializes in classic cocktails. They have a great menu with several drinks that are perfect for any occasion.
I ordered the Manhattan, which was made with bourbon and delicious. In addition to the great cocktails, the Velvet Tango Room makes fantastic live music.
I appreciated the Jazz Trio and the Pianist. ThisThe Velvet Tango Room is an excellent location for a classy date.
Happy Dog
5801 Detroit Ave, Cleveland, OH 44102
Phone: 216-651-9474
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Happy Dog is on the corner of Detroit Ave and W 58th Street in the Gordon Square neighborhood. This bar is a great place to go if you are looking for a fun and casual atmosphere.
Happy Dog is known for their hot dogs, but they also have a great selection of bar food. The Happy Dog has over 50 different toppings you can add to your Hot Dog. It truly is a choose your adventure.
The bar also has a great selection of beers on tap. I enjoyed their pilsner, which was crisp and refreshing.
The bar also has great live music, which was the perfect way to round out my night after a lovely hot dog and a beer.
Harbor Inn Cafe
Parking lot, 1219 Main Ave, Cleveland, OH 44113
Phone: 216-241-3232
You will find the Harbor Inn Cafe on the corner of Elm Street and Main Ave in the Flats neighborhood of Cleveland.
This bar is one of the oldest dive bars in Cleveland and is a great place to meet some interesting new people.
It has one of the most extensive beer selections I have ever seen and has some old-school bar games if you want to have a friendly competition.
I played darts with some locals and had a great time. The Harbor Inn Cafe is a great place to go for a cheap beer and a good time.
LBM
12301 Madison Ave, Lakewood, OH 44107
Phone: 216-712-4692
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LBM is one of the best bars in Cleveland and is on the corner of Madison Ave and Lark Street in the Birdtown neighborhood of Cleveland.
LBM is a nordic themed bar with loud music, fresh food, and great drinks. The bartenders are very friendly, and the atmosphere is casual yet trendy.
This bar is perfect for a night out with friends. The food is slightly upscale and is quite delicious. LBM has a great selection of seasonal cocktails that use in-season ingredients.
I enjoyed the Violent Delights, a rum drink made with pistachio and citrus.
Noble Beast Brewing Co.
1470 Lakeside Ave E, Cleveland, OH 44114
Phone: 216-417-8588
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Noble Beast Brewing Co. is on the corner of E 14th Street and Lakeside Ave in Downtown Cleveland. This brewery has some of the finest craft beer in all of Cleveland.
The food is outstanding as well. I enjoyed trying out Oyster Stout, which was far more enjoyable than I expected.
I loved their hot wings and their corn dog. Noble is a great place to meet your friends right after work to unwind after a long day at the office.
Platform Beer Co.
408 N 6th St, Columbus, OH 43215
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If you are ready for some great beer, check out Platform Beer Co. This bar is on the corner of N 6th Street and Pine Street in the Arena District of Columbus.
This bar is a great place to go for a drink and has some incredible city views. The bar has an industrial feel with exposed brick and metal beams.
The beer selection is fantastic, and the bartenders are very knowledgeable. I ordered a pint of their New England IPA, which was delicious.
The bar also has a great food menu with items such as pretzels, wings, and burgers. Platform Beer Co. is the place to go if you want a great view of the city.
The Spotted Owl (Tremont)
710 Jefferson Ave, Cleveland, OH 44113
Phone: 216-795-5595
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The Spotted Owl (Tremont) is on the corner of Jefferson Ave and Tremont St in Cleveland’s Tremont neighborhood. This bar is an excellent place for a night out with friends.
The bar has a cozy feel with exposed brick and dark wood accents. The bar has a great selection of cocktails and beer.
I ordered their Old Fashioned, which was excellent. The bar also has a great of food. I particularly enjoyed their house burger with onion rings.
The Fairmount Cocktail Bar
2448 Fairmount Blvd, Cleveland, OH 44106
Phone: 216-229-9463
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The Fairmount Cocktail Bar is on the corner of Fairmount Blvd and E 24th Street in the University Circle neighborhood of Cleveland.
This bar is a great place to go for a night out on the town. The decor is exquisite, with chandeliers and dark wood accents. The bar has a great selection of wine, beer, and spirits.
I ordered a Moscow Mule made with their homemade ginger beer. It was one of the best Moscow Mules I have ever had.
Best Bars in Cleveland
- Porco Lounge & Tiki Room
- JUKEBOX
- Prosperity Social Club
- Rowley Inn
- The Velvet Tango Room
- Happy Dog
- Harbor Inn Cafe
- LBM
- Noble Beast Brewing Co.
- Platform Beer Co.
- Society Lounge
- The Spotted Owl (Tremont)
- The Fairmount Cocktail Bar
