Think you’re the hippest barfly in Cleveland? Check out our list of hidden, blink-and-you-miss-them and underground bars that many pass by on a night out.
The Speakeasy at Quintana’s
2200 S Taylor Rd., Cleveland Heights
Walk through the barbershop, up the staircase, and find the secret passageway by choosing the right book on the bookshelf. You’ll be greeted with craft cocktails, a lounge, and, hopefully, a good time.
Photo via speakeasyqbds/InstagramThe Whiskey Bar at Café Bon Appetit
2767 Euclid Heights Blvd., Cleveland Heights
This two-story bar calls itself the “best-kept secret in Cleveland.” It offers the largest selection of scotches and bourbons in the city, as well as live acoustic sets on Saturday nights.
Photo via fizzybubblah/InstagramB Side Liquor Lounge
2785 Euclid Heights Blvd., Cleveland Heights
Located beneath the Grog Shop, this is the place to be for a dance party. They offer different theme nights such as silent disco night and hump day happy hour. Karaoke is also available for those who can sing but can’t dance.
Photo via emonightcle/InstagramJohnny’s Little Bar
614 Frankfort Ave, Cleveland
If you’re tired of your current sports bar, Johnny’s invites you to watch the Browns’ game tucked away in an alley off of West 6th St. This is possisbly the closest thing Cleveland has to the bar from Cheers.
Photo via rchillman/InstagramSociety Lounge
2063 E. 4th St., Cleveland
Speaking of stepping back in time, the Society Lounge attempts to recreate the party scene of the roaring ’20s. The basement bar boasts a “glamorous social scene” and fresh-squeezed juice in their cocktails.
Photo via markdonatelli/InstagramTeacher’s Lounge
1380 East Sixth St., Cleveland
This adult hideaway is tucked into the Drury Plaza Hotel, in the historic Board of Education building (get it?). There are definitely no kids allowed.
Photo via jajerome/InstagramSpeakeasy
1948 W 25th St, Cleveland
Located in the basement of Bier Markt and Bar Cento, Speakeasy does its best to live up to its name. Live music and events like trivia night keep the space popping.
Photo via biermarkt.barcento/InstagramThe Spotted Owl
710 Jefferson Ave, Cleveland
The Spotted Owl, a hidden Tremont gem, has a list of five House Rules, the first “Women initiate conversation,” and the fifth “no kissing.” Spin their cocktail wheel to find the best drink to pair with your mood.
Photo via speakofthedevillorain/InstagramThe Foundation Room
House of Blues 308 Euclid Ave., Cleveland
The VIP Room at House of Blues has hosted many musicians before and after their sets. Call the phone number or puchase a VIP pass to gain access to this bougie bar.
Photo via manchilie/InstagramCODA/Ginko
2247 Professor Ave, Cleveland
This basement double-feature allows you to choose between drinks and fancy sushi or drinks and live music. If you’re in the mood for both, the doors are right next to each other.
Photo via coda_tremont/InstagramGriffin Cider House and Gin Bar
12401 Madison Ave, Lakewood
An English-style pub that doubles as a cider house, the Griffin Cider House also promises to have the best gin selection in Ohio. Tucked next to LBM, with minimal lettering outside, this spot is perfect for a quiet night out.
Photo via griffincider_ginbar/InstagramVault at the 9
2017 E. 9th St., Cleveland
Below the Cleveland Trust Rotunda, in the century-old bank vaults, you’ll find an upscale cocktail lounge. The big, spinning vault doors remain, as do the thick metal walls, resulting in the feeling of stepping back in time.
Photo via kelsie_lulu_kline/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/InstagramThe Rowley Inn
1103 Rowley Ave, Cleveland
Located across the street from the house in “A Christmas Story,” the Rowley Inn prides itself on having hosted the cast and crew. It also boasts of its ties to the Cleveland steel industry and its blue-collar workers, for an all-Cle experience complete with a bowling machine.
Photo via sputnik_cl/InstagramLounge Leo
2161 Murray Hill Rd., Cleveland Heights
A small, friendly bar in Cleveland’s Little Italy that will gladly welcome you into its community. It’s cheap, too!
Photo via chuckbelike/InstagramGiappone
2079 East 4th St., Cleveland
Dante Boccuzzi opened Goma five months ago, with the promise of more to come in the form of a swank lower-level club. That club, Giappone, is now open. Featuring a copper bar and a DJ booth, the space will be limited to smaller crowds and private events. In addition to the vibe, the main draw is the compelling roster of craft cocktails. The Lone Samurai is a mix of miso-washed Japanese whisky and Italian sweet vermouth.
Photo via Scene Archives
