These are all the joints you prefer to hang out in most. They are the hip and cool Cleveland bars and clubs, as voted by our readers for 2017’s Best Of. Read about all the winners in the other Best Of categories right here.
These are all the joints you prefer to hang out in most. They are the hip and cool Cleveland bars and clubs, as voted by our readers for 2017’s Best Of. Read about all the winners in the other Best Of categories right here.
Best Bar AND Club for Local Music: Happy Dog
This Detroit Shoreway concert club and restaurant boasts a cool vintage look and takes a band-friendly approach that both national and local acts admire. Unlike other clubs that ask bands to play for little or no money, the club requires that bands simply play for the door money. It’s just one of the reasons that Happy Dog has become the best stage to catch local acts small and large, new and old. It also hosts a monthly classical music jam night and regularly books New Soft Shoe, the local Gram Parsons tribute act. Eclectic is definitely the best word to describe the bookings. In addition, the place features an array of special programs during which local experts talk about current events. Thank owner Sean Watterson for making that happen and for fostering an atmosphere that local musicians adore.
5801 Detroit Ave., 216-651-9474
Photo via whatbywhatever/InstagramBest Club for Electronic Music: Liquid
They attract top-notch national talent as well as the local DJs slinging head-throbbing drum-and-bass beats. If you’re in the mood for EDM, get thee to Liquid immediately. It’s Cleveland’s oldest and longest-running genuine nightclub, and they’ve really taken up the mantel of EDM supremacy in the past few years. If you don’t know what “EDM” stands for, then Liquid may not be the place for you. Or — or! — you just haven’t yet discovered the pleasures of losing your mind in a field of strobe lights before the bass drops. And, hoo-boy, when the bass drops, anything can happen.
1212 West Sixth St., 216-479-7717
Photo via liquidcleveland/InstagramBest LGBTQ Bar or Club: Bounce
Located in “Hingetown” (or, as we say, “Ohio City”), Bounce has long been a beacon for both the city’s LGBTQ scene and anyone who likes dancing and good times. This is the most inclusive spot in town, regardless of your orientation — and it’s nice to have a welcoming spot for like-minded people. We’re happy that Bounce returned after it went away for a hot second, and they’ve been good enough to arrange comedy nights, great happy hour deals and even more burlesque and drag fun. Why are you still reading this? Go! Go! Go!
2814 Detroit Ave., 216-696-0831
Photo via mialuisasalty/InstagramBest Jazz Club: Nighttown
Acts such as Benny Green, Hugh Masakala, Brad Mehldau and Joe Lovana are just a few of the names that have helped build the Cleveland Heights-based jazz club’s remarkable rep with quality jazz acts. Down Beat, the bible for jazz readers, has voted the place one of the 100 best jazz clubs in the entire world, and lucky for us, it’s right in our backyard. Booked by locally based Jim Wadsworth Productions, the club regularly brings major jazz and world beat acts to town in one of the coziest, classiest venues around. Jazz guitarist Charlie Hunter might be better suited to play some of the rock clubs in town, but he prefers Nighttown and has even debuted new music at the place. Even Stevie Wonder has taken note: When the Motown icon dropped by Cleveland in 2010 to receive an honorary doctorate from Oberlin College, he stopped at Nighttown to play an impromptu set. On occasion, singer-songwriters such as Carrie Rodriguez and J.J. Cale have played the club, which celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2015.
12387 Cedar Rd., Cleveland Heights, 216-795-0550
Photo via calvinmason1974/InstagramBest Metal Club: The Foundry
This Lakewood hard rock club has gone through a number of iterations over the years but has seemingly found its footing as a westside joint specializing in hardcore and heavy metal. On occasion, the metal savvy folks at the Agora have used the club as a room rental when they can’t accommodate a touring band. A brief look at the club’s recent calendar lists acts such as Rabid Reason, God of Nothing and Internal Bleeding, suggesting this is the kind of place where it helps to have earplugs. The birthplace of rock ‘n’ roll is blessed with an ecosystem of venues supporting every kind of music and the Foundry is proudly and capably carrying the mantel of earlier metal clubs that have been the central scenes for so many Clevelanders over the years and will hopefully do so for a long time.
11729 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, 216-323-8201
Photo via phinehasband/InstagramBest Bar With Games: Punch Bowl Social
It’s another Saturday night and you’re struggling to find a place to go. Someone wants to go bowling, someone else wants to go to dinner, another friend wants to drink and watch the Tribe, someone else wants to shoot some pool — and you’re all sick of going to the same neighborhood watering hole. There’s only one place that’ll satisfy everyone in the bunch: Punch Bowl. The Flats emporium of fun has it all, from a tasty menu and eclectic craft beer selection to bowling, pool, ping pong, foosball, skee-ball, pinball, shuffleboard and 16-bit arcade machines. Whether it’s a random, casual night out on town or the setting for a birthday party or corporate gathering, Punch Bowl has you covered. If you can’t find something to enjoy at Punch Bowl, it’s your fault, not theirs.
1086 West 11th Street, 216-239-1508
Photo via punchbowlsocial/InstagramBest Neighborhood Bar: Merry Arts
Located in the heart of Scene readers’ “Best Neighborhood,” Merry Arts welcomes travelers to downtown Lakewood. Split into two rooms, Merry Arts offers pretty much everything you could want from a local watering hole: TVs (including small screens in the booths), live music, a great tap selection, an excellent patio and bomb-ass wings. We’ve witnessed most of the recent Big Moments in Cleveland Sports there, and we have to say that there’s no finer place to weep Game 7 tears — or share Game 7 hugs! — than the confines of Merry Arts. But any old afternoon or night will do too.
15607 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, 216-226-4080
Photo via caitbelle/InstagramBest Wine Bar: Rocky River Wine Bar
Located in a quiet spot right in the heart of downtown Rocky River — in a grotto of sorts off Linda Street — Rocky River Wine Bar has long been a westside gem. Credited informally with kicking off River’s Linda/Detroit development boom (see Bomba, Whole Foods, Market, etc.), the place is upscale without being snooty, and you can always count on a good time when you stop by. You can pretty much cite any rationale for dining here: from graduation dinners and anniversaries to, hey, it’s Tuesday night and we’re hungry. The weather is warming up too, so the patio should be at the top of any Clevelander’s outdoor drinking list. The wine is the centerpiece, but the food is top-notch. Oh, and do order a round of sweet potato fries. You can thank us later.
1313 Linda St., Rocky River, 440-799-4300
Photo via janineiacobelli/InstagramBest Hip-Hop Club: Touch Supper Club
We’re frequent guests at Sanctuary, the awesome, monthly dance party in the basement of Touch Supper Club, and we think that’s a big part of why Scene readers insist that this is the best hip-hop club in Cleveland. In practice, it’s part proving ground for the city and region’s best DJs (like Scene fave p.stoops!), as well as a home to regular drop-ins from names you might and should know like Terry Urban, which certainly makes it an ideal joint to get your hip-hop fix in. You’ll leave sweaty, exhilarated and with an arsenal of beats in your head and artists to Spotify on the Uber ride home. And with a killer menu and choice cocktails, Touch ends up being a one-stop shop to express yourself.
2710 Lorain Ave., 216-631-5200
Photo by Emanuel WallaceBest Spot for Day Drinking/Bar for Singles: TownHall
Once upon a time West 25th Street was known for the West Side Market and not much else. These days, of course, it’s Brewery and Bar Central, making it a natural destination for drinkers and party goers. TownHall, since its arrival on the scene, has quickly become a packed-to-the-gills favorite all hours of the day, whether you need to whet your noontide whistle or while away an evening. The place offers a wide selection of craft beers, and most cost only $5, a real bargain at a time when a pint of some exotic suds from a specialty brewer will often cost much more than that. And if you’re single? There are few better places to hang — the bar, a relaxed affair during daylight hours, becomes a fervent and bustling affair as the night goes on and is a must-stop on the see-and-be-seen circuit. Local celebs love the place, the veg-friendly menu is strictly non-GMO, there’s a coffee shop, and a dynamite patio. Enough said?
1909 West 25th St., 216-344-9400
Photo via rhefffer/InstagramBest Place for Arcade Games: 16-Bit
If you’ve got that sneaking suspicion that you were born 20 or 30 years too late … if you are a child of the ’80s and want to relive your childhood … if on the weekends all you want is a bar that lets you play arcade games to your heart’s content … if your favorite movie is either Tron or 1989’s The Wizard, starring Fred Savage … get your ass to 16-Bit in downtown Lakewood. The arcade bar emerged on the scene a couple of years back and has locations around the state now. It’s got more than 40 classic arcade games on the floor: Galaga, Donkey Kong, Pac Man, Asteroid Deluxe, NBA Jam … all the greats. With a nice assortment of local brews and a lengthy “classic cocktail” menu, 16-Bit truly is the retro watering hole we all deserve.
15012 Detroit Ave., 216-563-1115
Photo via 16bitbar/InstagramBest Dive Bar: ABC the Tavern
Before West 25th Street was the West 25th Street that you know (and maybe have mixed feelings about), ABC the Tavern was ABC the Tavern. It’s still got one of the most extensive and generous happy hour lists in the city — $1.50 Genesee Tall Boys — a working bar bowling machine and a balcony area with a big-screen TV showing all your favorite sporting events in standard definition. It’s part and parcel of the charm of one of the few regular ol’ bars in Ohio City. We’re relieved to report that ABC’s bathrooms no longer look like crime scenes in Manila’s red light district, and we admit that we belong to the partisans who consider the Atomic Dog, pound for pound and dollar for dollar, among the best three menu items in the city.
1872 West 25th St., 216-861-3857
Photo via bx_boricua/InstagramBest Rock Club: Beachland Ballroom
Before they opened the Beachland Ballroom & Tavern in Collinwood over a decade ago, co-owner Mark Leddy booked garage and punk bands at Pat’s in the Flats while co-owner Cindy Barber worked as a journalist. Diehard music fans, they turned their dream of running a club into a reality when they purchased this old Croatian dance hall and turned it into a music hotspot that features both an intimate tavern and a spacious ballroom; the club will often host two shows a night. Bands like the White Stripes played the Tavern before graduating to bigger venues, and the Nashville-via-Akron garage-blues duo the Black Keys played their first-ever show in the Tavern. You’ll still find a diverse lineup of bands about to break through and indie favorites who make it a point to include the Beachland on their tour schedules. Oh, and the club also hosts one of the most popular Sunday brunches in town.
15711 Waterloo Rd., 216-383-1124
Photo via caitlinelisabethgray/InstagramBest Gentleman’s Club: Christie’s Cabaret
Christie’s wins this category almost every year and for good reason. The women are beautiful, the bar has a good television setup for watching the Cavs or Tribe, and you can play XBox or sing Karaoke with friends in a private room all while having the best talent in the business dance around you. Christie’s stands above the competition for voters for those reasons plus the relaxed, clean and comfortable atmosphere. Some of the most well-known stars from the adult world stop by too. So next time you’re looking for a fun night out with the guys, need somewhere to go for your bachelor party, or don’t want to spend another night alone, head over to Christie’s. You’re gonna have a good time.
1189 Main Avenue, 216-574-6222
Photo via beautyneverbroken/InstagramBest Bartender: John Bernard at Porco
If you’ve been to Porco, the enchanting and irresistible tiki lounge in a nondescript building on a nondescript stretch of West 25th, then chances are your memory of the experience might be a little foggy. Porco-ed is a term for a reason. But what little you do recall, besides the absolutely powerful and delicious tropical drinks or transported-to-an-island atmosphere, probably includes fond memories of the crack bartending staff mixing up Mai Tais, Painkillers and Zombies. Chances are damn good if you’ve been once (or twice, or five times … you really can’t remember at this point) John Bernard has served you at least one drink (or was it two?). As talented as he is kind, Bernard’s been behind the bar for more than three years now as Porco has grown and matured through slight renovations and the addition of Polpetta, which is dishing up meatballs out of the kitchen. Not much else has changed, or needed to, and that includes Bernard’s continued employ as Cleveland’s best bartender.
2527 West 25th St., 216-802-9222
Photo via FacebookBest Blues Club: Brothers Lounge
Cleveland is a great blues town, but if you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it. Brothers Lounge, the westside mainstay, should be your first stop. Thursday nights are the natural outlet; you’ll find the Bad Boys of Blues holding court as the house band with a guest singer each week. They go on at 9 p.m. or so, but the music continues after their set with a rotating cast of local musicians and ad hoc “bands” formed by maestro Michael Bay. The rest of the week is dotted with acts you shouldn’t miss either. The patio is great, the beer flows like red wine at a bacchanalia, and the people are some of the best in the city. Come early for one of our favorite westside dinners. Tip your server well! You’re sure to have a hell of a good time.
11609 Detroit Ave., 216-226-2767
Photo via maryquitecontrary14/InstagramBest Spot for Karaoke: Flying Monkey
It’s Sunday night, and all the decent people have already gone to bed or are watching prestige TV or meal prepping for the week. This is usually about the time when someone in your reckless friend group suggests you head to karaoke. And at that point, karaoke always seems like a good idea, especially if you end up at Flying Monkey in Tremont. It doesn’t matter if you’re blessed with Whitney Houston-level pipes or can barely carry a tune, it’s all good. It’s all about going up there and making your friends laugh, dance and sing along to whatever terrible power ballad you just selected anyway. Quit keeping your performances to yourself in the shower or car and share your talent with some friends and strangers.
819 Jefferson Ave., 216-681-6659
Photo via #ScienceMarchCLE/TwitterBest Bar Patio: Nano Brew
With its multiple tiers and massive Jenga tower sentry, the patio at Nano Brew looks like an adult version of those massive wooden playgrounds found in suburban parks. Now that the weather has warmed up a bit, there’s no finer West 25th Street day or nightlife experience than a hang session at Nano. Sidle up to the outdoor bar — go on, assert yourself amid the throng — and order a round for the crew. Upstairs, downstairs, streetside: However you like your suds, you can bet that Nano’s got a pleasant setting for you with a dynamite view of downtown Cleveland to boot.
1859 West 25th St., 216-862-6631
Photo via scianamblo/InstagramBest Bar Trivia Night: Happy Dog
Happy Dog trivia on Monday nights happens to be one of the region’s most challenging. And maybe that’s why voters love it so much. With an all-business format that asks more questions than most of the other company-run trivia nights around town, these rounds focus on themes as diverse as flags of the world, Led Zeppelin lyrics and automobile logos. Like other booze-filled mental gymnastics offerings, this one features a panoply of prizes (usually well shots or gag gifts); but it’s the only trivia night in town where you can eat a Happy Dog hot dog while you’re flexing your brain muscle. It feels more like a classroom than a frat party, and that’s a blessing.
5801 Detroit Ave., 216-651-9474
Photo via FacebookBest Local Beer And Best Local Brewery: Great Lakes Brewing Co.
The competition for this particular award gets steeper every year with the absolute explosion of local breweries in Northeast Ohio. On the near-westside alone, Great Lakes now competes with the likes of Market Garden, Platform, Hansa House, Bad Tom Smith, Terrestrial, Forest City, Brick and Barrel and more. Other new brewpubs are opening up downtown. But Great Lakes, which opened in Ohio City in 1988, is still the archbishop of Cleveland’s microbrewery diocese and it continues to innovate even as it pumps out its standbys. Whether you’re trying something fresh and experimental at the pub or buying a six-pack from Dave’s, Great Lakes is the city’s beer — and that’s not changing anytime soon.
2516 Market Ave., 216-771-4404
Photo by Emanuel WallaceBest Bar/Club for Underground Music: Grog Shop
This Coventry Road concert venue opened in 1992 when owner Kathy Blackman and two business partners took over a Cleveland Heights bar on the corner of Coventry and Mayfield roads. Since that time, the club has moved to a bigger space at the corner of Coventry and Euclid Heights Boulevard but has maintained its roots and ethos. It regularly hosts a dynamic mix of bands that includes everything from punk and reggae to hip-hop and indie rock. Bands are so loyal to Blackman that they’ll often stick with her, even when they move up to bigger venues such as House of Blues, Jacobs Pavilion at Nautica, the Agora and the Masonic Auditorium.
2785 Euclid Heights Blvd., Cleveland Heights, 216-321-5588
Photo via courtneytea/InstagramVelvet Tango Room
2095 Columbus Rd., Cleveland
It might take a while for your drink to arrive, their website says, but that’s because every cocktail is made from scratch. Expect only the best from one of Cleveland’s premiere cocktail lounges.
Photo via velvettangoroomclev/Instagram
