We get it, we want to hit up our favorite bar on the weekends too. But it’s always nice to have a good meal with your adult beverage. Lucky for us Clevelanders, there are a ton of bars in town with awesome food. Here’s our favorite places to have a drink and a bite to eat.

Buckeye Beer Engine 15315 Madison Ave., Lakewood The beer flows at this joint, where they usually have a variety of Buckeye Brewing Company beers on tap along with a wide variety of other breweries. The menu may sound like bar food, but it’s very high end bar food, done right. The ‘Beer Cheesy Cheesesteak’ and ‘World’s Best Fried Bologna’ sandwich are two of our favorites – the burgers are great too. Photo via Buckeye Beer Engine/Facebook
Boss Dog Brewing Company 2179 Lee Rd., Cleveland Heights After a few year vacancy left by beloved Lemon Grass, Boss Dog took over the space and opened to much fanfare in late 2017. The microbrewery is the standout but the food isn’t far behind. Try some standouts like the candied bacon pizza, chicken fried duck and the potato pancake chicken salad sandwich. Photo via Boss Dog Brewing/Facebook
Hot Chicken Sandwich at Parkview Nite Club 1261 West 58th St., Cleveland Short-lived Chow Chow in Lakewood provided many Clevelanders with their first taste of Nashville hot chicken. That business was rolled into the Parkview when the chef joined the team, bringing many adoring fans of that crispy, high-octane delicacy with him. Get the hot chicken sandwich here and prepare to be blasted with spicy, crunchy-fried chicken on a soft bun capped with refreshing cabbage slaw while enjoying a tasty adult beverage from the bar. Photo via Scene Archives
Char Whiskey 19337 Detroit Rd., Rocky River Char’s extensive whiskey list is what usually brings customers in. But their burger will keep you coming back. And the lobster mac and cheese is special. Really, this whole menu, from the pineapple guac to the charcuterie boards are top notch. Photo via Char Whiskey/Facebook
Johnny’s Little Bar 614 Frankfort Ave., Cleveland “This burger looks simple but is one of the best burgers I’ve had across the country and it’s served in a divebar. If I’m ever back in Cleveland I will definitely stop and enjoy this burger again along with the onion rings,” Chad S. on Yelp Photo via Scene Archives
Hansa Brewery 2717 Lorain Ave., Cleveland This Biergarten and beer hall is one of just a select few of German-style breweries in Cleveland. The menu of schnitzel, sausages and pretzels makes it feel like you could be in Ohio City or Munich. Oh, and the beer mugs are as big as you’d expect. Photo via @HansaBrewery/Instagram
Gigi’s on Fairmount 3477 Fairmount Blvd., Cleveland Heights This chic and funky wine bar is one of the cooler decorated joints in town. Three always changing entrees are offered in addition to a wide array of their signature bruschetta bars, paninis, salads and small plates. We love their brunch as well. Photo via @GigisOnFairmount/Instagram
The Fairmount 2448 Fairmount Blvd., Cleveland Heights Located in the Cedar Hill neighborhood, the Fairmount takes pub food to the next level. With a warm and lively atmosphere and one of the best patios in town, you’re missing out if you haven’t been. The rosemary bacon fries, lobster mac and cheese and brisket banh mi are some of our favorites. Photo via @TheFairmountCle/Instagram
Edison’s 2373 Professor Ave., Cleveland You’re not doing Tremont right if you don’t land at Edison’s for at least some portion of your night. It’s the quintessential Tremont bar, the quintessential Cleveland bar — a real bar’s bar, you dig? Whether you’re just stopping in at the pickup door for a pizza or you’re posting up at the lovely bar for an evening round with your finest friends, you’ll be well taken care of here. Photo via Scene Archives Credit: Scene Archives
Collision Bend Brewing Company 1250 Old River Rd., Cleveland Zack Bruell’s brewpub in the East Bank of the Flats was recently named the best brewpub in the country, according to USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. The combination of the exquisite views, the locally sourced menu and home brewed beers all contributed to that lofty ranking. Photo via @CollisionBrew/Instagram
XYZ the Tavern 6419 Detroit Ave., Cleveland XYZ, and its sister restaurant ABC really up the game when it comes to bar food. Eclectic and affordable pub-style comfort food is the name of the game at XYZ, with great burgers, corned beef and chicken sandies filling the bill. Don’t miss the housemade chips and the killer chicken and waffles. Photo via @HollySanker/Instagram
Cloak and Dagger 2399 West 11th St., Cleveland “This is my favorite cocktail bar in Cleveland/Tremont!!! When you first walk in, dark academia hits you in the face. Next is the welcome shot, which switches up depending on the season. My friends and I keep coming back again and again. Greatly appreciate the vegan food menu, which is routinely updated by the chef. Enjoyed by non-vegans equally (I think). The special holiday drink menus, and the attention to detail in the staple cocktails, are just so great it’s uncalled for. The vibe is whimsical, but dark? You will not be disappointed!!! Great for dates and smaller groups…Very ~creative~ and ~quirky~ and in high demand,” Abby M. on Yelp Photo via Scene Archives
Masthead Brewing Company 1261 Superior Ave., Cleveland If it’s true (please let it be true) that man can survive on a diet of just pizza and beer, then Masthead Brewing Co. has all the requirements necessary to sustain life. But more than that, this two-year-old brewery has injected a much-needed jolt of life into an area of downtown Cleveland that desperately needed it. Photo by Douglas Trattner
Bourbon Street Barrel Room 2393 Professor Ave., Cleveland With the perfect mix of eccentric and classy decor, this Tremont spot has the right ambience for the type of place it is – a slice of New Orleans in Cleveland. And the bourbon list is extensive, naturally. Soul-satisfying dishes like gumbo, jambalaya, crawfish etouffe, barbecue shrimp, and red beans and rice will transport you to the bayou. And the bourbon list is extensive, naturally. Photo via @BSBRCle/Instagram
Bar Oni 2173 Professor Ave., Cleveland Last summer, chef Matt Spinner announced that he was closing Ushabu, his shabu-shabu restaurant in Tremont. But he also announced its replacement, Bar Oni, which opened last fall. The hip, casual izakaya specializes in yakitori items like grilled chicken, sausage, pork belly and assorted vegetables. The skewers are joined by tempura, dumplings and pork katsu. To drink there’s beer, sake and craft cocktails. Photo via Scene Archives
All Saints Public House 1261 West 76th St., Cleveland Just because a space doesn’t work for one or two groups doesn’t mean another can’t come in and turn it around. This prominent Detroit Shoreway building that recently was home to Battery Park Pub, Graffiti and Reddstone is now All Saints Public House. Partners Chris Brauser and Stephen Stopko, along with chef Cody Heppler, put together a menu of approachable but well-built items and craft drinks, combined with a totally revamped patio that’ll leave any diner wanting to come back for more. Photo via Scene Archives
Humble Wine Bar 15400 Detroit Ave., Lakewood This place really has everything you look for in a wine bar. They have a delicious, eclectic selection of wine, great small plates, and a wonderful cheese selection. The delicious Neapolitan style pizzas are what really makes this place stand out. Photo via @HumbleWineBar/Instagram
The South Side 2207 West 11th St., Cleveland Casually hip and artfully unpretentious, this clubby Tremont tavern offers very good food, cold beer, stylish surroundings and frequent appearances by local bands and DJs. And if all that isn’t reason enough to visit, remember that during warm weather, the handsomely landscaped patio is one of the coolest destinations in town. Photo via @TheSouthsideCleveland/Instagram
Market Garden Brewery 1947 West 25th St. Market Garden serves up great beer (obviously) but their menu is often underrated. And their fried chicken sandwich, made with thigh meat, is not to be missed. Enjoy the cheesy, buttery hand-held with a pint of something delicious. Photo by Emanuel Wallace
The Harp 4408 Detroit Ave., Cleveland An Irish bar on steroids, the Harp isn’t just your corner joint with a few shamrocks on the wall. It boasts a large Irish-influenced menu and a spacious patio with a view of the lake. The music’s as likely to be rootsy rock or blues as Irish. Photo via The Harp/Facebook
Butcher and the Brewer 2043 East Fourth St., Cleveland This East Fourth spot, known for their brewpub and their butcher shop, has been a popular spot since opening in 2014. Their meats, which are aged and cured in-house are fantastic and their house smoked corn dogs coated in buttermilk batter are another standout. And their Stop-Hop-Kaboom IPA is one of the best IPAs in town. Photo via Scene Archives
Sixth City Sailor Club 668 Euclid Ave., Cleveland The Euclid Avenue space that was formerly Hodge’s and before that Zinc Bistro was claimed by the team behind East Fourth’s Society Lounge. Sixth City Sailor’s Club, a downtown neighborhood cocktail bart. The concept takes advantage of the wonderful courtyard patio that for years has served as a gathering space for downtown residents and workers. For a concept described as “bar first and restaurant second,” Sixth City boasts a menu that is far better than it needs to be. The captivating roster reads like a beachside table tent. Shrimp fritters, fried clams, clam chowder and lobster rolls will have diners reflexively reaching for bibs and lemon wedges. Photo via Sixth City Sailors Club/Facebook
Prosperity Social Club 1109 Starkweather Ave., Cleveland Cozy and retro, this former workingman’s watering hole serves up food, booze, and a bowling machine along with the live music. You’ll find locals laying down everything from lounge and jazz to folk and bluegrass. They also have a kitchen serving tasty, hearty grub that stays open nightly until midnight and brunch on Saturdays and Sundays. Photo via @ProsperitySocialClub/Instagram
Nano Brew 1859 West 25th St., Cleveland In 2013, Thrillist named this local brewery’s burger as one of the best 33 burgers in America. If that’s not enough of a reason to hit up this microbrewery, pair one of Nano Brew’s award-winning burgers (or sliders) with any of their 24 draft beers — they’ve got you covered until 2:30 a.m. Photo via Nano Brew/Facebook
Merry Arts Pub and Grill 15607 Detroit Ave., Lakewood Since 1932, Merry Arts has served up food and drinks to the Lakewood community. It opened during the Great Depression, and if it could make it through that, well, we have a feeling it won’t be going anywhere any time soon, especially with how beloved Taco Mondays and Fridays are. Photo via Scene Archives
Noble Beast 1470 Lakeside Ave. East, Cleveland In a quieter part on the city on the edge of Downtown sits Noble Beast, one of our favorite breweries in town. Their Imperial Cookies and Milk Stout is a real standout, as is their Catchweight Kolsch. Photo via Noble Beast Brewing Co./Facebook
Saucy Brew Works 2885 Detroit Ave., Cleveland and 400 Park Ave., Ste. 170, Orange Village This “self-serve” pizza place and brewery is one of the shining gems of the new and improved Hingetown neighborhood of Ohio City. The former machine shop boasts a giant space that can fit close to 200 guests. They always have five or six beers on draught, with a current focus on sours and fruity beers like their Peach Guava American wild ale. The menu is designed around the famous New Haven, Connecticut style pizza. Photo via Saucy Brew Works/Facebook
Rowley Inn 1104 Rowley Ave., Cleveland Tremont’s Rowley Inn has been around since 1906, so they may know a thing or two. While the menu still revolves around a bar food motif here, it has been elevated in recent years to be considered more of a gastropub menu. They have a reuben dip instead of a reuben, a buffalo pierogi, bacon wrapped tots, a shrimp roll, a special taco menu for Tuesdays AND Thursdays and a bunch of super tasty burgers and sandwiches. They still have your classic Cleveland neighborhood bar dishes like chicken paprikash and meatloaf but its all elevated and delicious. Photo via Scene Archives
Gunselman’s Tavern 21490 Lorain Rd, Fairview Park Locally-sourced and served on a cast-iron skillet, these burgers were recently voted the best in town. Gunselman’s is an old-school joint that has been around since 1936. But they keep up with the times. For something special, try the Cleveland Handshake – a burger topped with Ohio City Pasta pierogi, Cleveland Kraut, Bertman’s Dortmunder mustard and Cleveland Pickle’s onion jam, a smorgasbord of ingredients from local businesses. Photo via @GunselmansTavern/Instagram
Stevenson’s Bar and Grill 800 East 200th St., Cleveland No list of best bar food could be complete without the beloved Stevenson’s. They’re no-frills and straight to the point but they serve one of our favorite burgers in town. While they’ve been in a new location since 2013, they’ve been around in some form since 1920. Photo via Stevenson’s Bar and Grill/Facebook
LBM Bar 12301 Madison Ave., Lakewood LBM in Lakewood initially opened as a bar, but don’t sleep on their food offerings. The burger is a beast, the poutine tastes like a chicken pot pie, they have cracklins’ and fried chicken drizzled with chipotle honey. Yum. Photo by Emanuel Wallace
ABC The Tavern 1872 West 25th St., Cleveland A classic Cleveland “old-man” bar with a totally modern vibe, this well-run tavern offers a full bar and plenty of tasty noshes, ranging from roasted red pepper hummus to a humongous burger. Nightly happy hours help make this a popular destination. Photo via Scene Archives
Happy Dog 5801 Detroit Ave., Cleveland This Cleveland staple was featured on Best Thing I Ever Ate. There are more than 60 toppings, and while we recommend being adventurous, don’t get too crazy. Pair a dog or two with some tater tots for the perfect cheap meal. Photo via Scene Archives
Ironwood Cafe 688 Dover Center Rd., Westlake Since the dawn of time, the bill of fare at the Ironwood looked, smelled and tasted nearly identical to what slides across the pass at countless saloons; that is to say, generic pub grub. But ever since Lloyd Foust tied on the apron in 2019, this pub has been ever so slowly transitioning to more of a gastropub. There are still wings, burgers and nachos, but there’s also a weekly pasta special courtesy of Ohio City Pasta, an awesome Cubano, a hummus dip and much more. Photo via Scene Archives
Mars Bar 15314 Madison Ave., Lakewood 216- 228-4500 Mars Bar has been an under-the-radar harbor on Madison for cheap drinks, friendly service and a low-key vibe. The truly clued-in have been coming here not just for booze but also grub, because despite its dive-bar patina, Mars Bar also happens to sell some of the best gyros in town. Those spinning spits of meat attract barflies like bears to honey, and to-go orders of the house-made tzatziki practically outpace beer sales in volume. Photo by Emanuel Wallace

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