21 of the Best Happy Hour Specials in Cleveland Right Now

The Plum

4133 Lorain Ave., (216) 938-8711

Happy hour might be called "snack time" at the Plum, and there is a snack available (Ma's Pastelillos, filled with beef and potato, for $3). But you'd be remiss to skip the mammoth fried chicken sandwich ($8) during happy hour from 4 to 6 p.m. at the bar. Juicy, crispy, spicy (if requested), the stomach-buster is a meal unto itself. Pair with a Pacifico and shot of El Jimador ($5 total) and ease into the evening in nirvana.

Photo by Emmanuel Wallace

Ginko Restaurant

2247 Professor Ave. b, (216) 274-1202

"Keep it simple" is a mantra that is valued but often ignored. Not at Ginko, the 7-year-old Tremont eatery that has a monastic focus on raw fish. Here, almost all of the admittedly small subterranean space is dedicated to the sushi bar, where obsessively fresh fish is draped over lumps of steamed rice. Diehard sushi fanatics travel distances long and short to belly up to this bar for the city's best tuna, yellowtail, uni, mackerel, eel and octopus, all of which is served up in a boldly designed setting. Enjoy that unique atmosphere and top-notch fish at happy hour when select rolls are $5 and Sapporo is on special.

Photo via Scene Archives

Parker’s Downtown

2000 E 9th St., (216) 357-2680

The downtown offshoot of Parker's Grille & Tavern in Avon Lake opened in the Kimpton Schofield Hotel just in time for the RNC. Ever since then, diners have been treated to Northeast Ohio favorites updated with a modern twist. Happy hour, Monday through Friday from 3 to 6 p.m., is a great chance to see what they've been up to, as a fantastic batch of small plates are priced at half off. Try the warm smoked whitefish spread ($6.50), lamb meatballs with gochujang ($7) and pickled eggs ($1.50).

Photo via Tangldwebb/Instagram

Fat Cats

2061 W 10th St., 216-579-0200

Twenty years in, Fat Cats is as good as ever. The setting remains comfortable if not trendy, carved out of a now-125-year-old house. One of the first true farm-to-table restaurants in Cleveland, one of the first to do a Saturday brunch, and one of the first to broadly embrace vegan and vegetarian dishes, Ricardo Sandoval's Tremont gem has been ahead of the curve from the start. It's hard not to fall in love with the happy hour offerings — more than a dozen in all — ranging from $3 to $6 and including a bounty of veg options. From snack-sized bahn baos to crispy fried shrimp, from spicy Korean ribs to one of the best fried chicken sandwiches around, it's almost impossible not to build an entire meal for two for less than $20.

Photo by Emmanuel Wallace

Yuzu

13603 Madison Ave, Lakewood, (440) 799-8343

If you've never dropped by this izakaya-inspired bar and restaurant, do correct your mistake as soon as possible. Energetic, fun, irreverent, and a total blast, Yuzu dishes up Asian fusion fare without pretense. On Thursdays, grab a $5 ramen special (yeah, it's not technically only at happy hour, but who cares) from a roster including veg, carnivore and gluten-free options.

Photo via Yuzulakewood/Instagram

Sloane Pub

18196 Sloane Ave., (216) 221-2237

A no-frills Lakewood dive boasting a crowd of young regulars, old timers and service industry folks would be a neighborhood favorite even without the $1 draft specials from 3 to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, but the deal certainly doesn't hurt.

Photo viaSleepstormclouds/Instagram

Taste

2317 Lee Rd., Cleveland Heights, (216) 932-9100

It might fly under the radar, but this Cleveland Heights gem shouldn't. Serving upscale American bistro fare at eminently affordable prices, Taste will leave you stuffed after a trip to happy hour (Sunday through Friday 5 to 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 5 to 6 p.m.). Dive into a roasted shrimp piccata for $7, arancini di riso for $6, pizza du jour for $8 and truffle pommes frites for $5, among other options. Beer specials are $4, wine specials $5, and cocktail specials $6.

Photo via Taste

Spice Kitchen & Bar

5800 Detroit Ave., (216) 961-9637

Since Spice Kitchen was built on the practice of making the absolute most of local resources, it's only natural that the menu thrives on the timeliest of options. The ever-evolving seasonal and sustainable dishes keep things fresh all year 'round, leaving guests guessing what delicacy comes next. Whatever it happens to be, it will be local, seasonal and tasteful. Chef Ben Bebenroth's mission to deliver inspired food from local farmers is on full display on the robust happy hour menu, served Monday through Friday from 5 to 7 p.m., featuring an ever-updated batch of about 10 small plates. Offered now: duck confit rillettes, a crispy pork belly sandwich, smoked walleye croquettes, fried cheese curds and more. Drink specials hover around $5, and there's a helpful $2 Miller High Life deal as well.

Photo via Ambcbus/Instagram

Olesia’s Place

11204 Royalton Rd., North Royalton, (440) 877-9054

We admit we only got hip to these deals thanks to the Plain Dealer's ace happy-hour reporter, John Petkovic. We're just sad he didn't tell us about it sooner. Dishing up American-Ukranian fare, happy hour (Monday from 4 to 6 p.m. and Tuesday through Saturday from 2:30 to 6 p.m.) features a dozen bargain-basement, stomach-stuffing options including a salmon salad, pierogi, kraut and kielbasa, and more.

Photo via Tatytanyshka/Instagram