Brian Nagele
Located in the center of the Buckeye State, Cleveland offers a plethora of diverse and lively nightlife options, including a variety of establishments that shape the city’s social fabric. Cleveland’s bar scene is as varied as it is alluring, with everything from modern cocktail lounges to historic speakeasies. These undiscovered treasures, where libations and good times converge, have become essential to the character of the city. Cleveland’s bars provide a singular experience, with each offering a distinctive atmosphere, specialty drinks, and personality. The best bars in the city have something to offer everyone, whether you’re looking for a lively place to dance the night away or a quiet corner for a quiet conversation.
Society Lounge
2063 E 4th St, Cleveland, OH 44115
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
The Fairmount Cocktail Bar
2448 Fairmount Blvd, Cleveland, OH 44106
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.
Why Trust Us?
When it comes to local restaurant recommendations, we pride ourselves on being a reliable and trustworthy resource. Our suggestions are not just based on our personal experiences, ensuring a more authentic and well-rounded perspective, but also on extensive online research. We diligently searched the internet and reviewed 4 credible sites and blogs, including Cleve and Magazine and Cleveland.com.
We compiled all the findings in one location and sorted them by the frequency of mentions to ensure you receive top-notch recommendations. We strive to present you with a curated list of establishments that truly stand out, allowing you to enjoy the best dining experiences possible.
Interested in the sources we consulted? Check out the list of all 4 sites we referenced below this paragraph, offering transparency and an opportunity for our readers to explore further. Our commitment is to deliver trustworthy and unparalleled recommendations, helping you make informed decisions on your culinary journeys.
https://clevelandmagazine.com/things-to-do/articles/cleveland’s-50-best-bars-clubs-and-cocktail-lounges
https://www.cleveland.com/entertainment/2023/06/highest-rated-bars-in-cleveland-according-to-tripadvisor.html
https://www.thisiscleveland.com/blog/cool-cocktail-bars
https://www.clevescene.com/best-of/bars-and-clubs
