W Sports Bar (5428 Detroit Ave., 216-400-6268), Cleveland’s first women-owned sports bar, is now open. The highly anticipated venue has settled into the former Banter spot in Detroit-Shoreway.

The ownership team consists of Cassy Kopp and Ally Eclarin of State Champs, a streetwear brand, and Shelley Pippin of Brewnuts.

“With the growing demand for women’s sports and Cleveland’s sports culture thriving more than ever, it’s about time we have a spot dedicated to supporting and celebrating the athletes and fans who’ve longed for a place to call their own,” says management.

The recently renovated double storefront, formerly home to Minh Anh, is now home to a dedicated venue for fans to watch women’s sporting events while providing a welcoming, vibrant and inclusive atmosphere for fans of all sports.

“Cleveland women’s sports fans do not have a consistent space to call home to rally with other fans and show their love of the game,” adds management. “We plan to change that.”

In addition to being a casual place to watch and enjoy all types of sporting events, W offers a bar menu filled with snacks, salads, sandwiches and flatbreads.

Subscribe to Cleveland Scene newsletters.

Follow us: Google News | NewsBreak | Reddit | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

Related Stories

This article appears in Apr 24 – May 7, 2025.

For 25 years, Douglas Trattner has worked as a full-time freelance writer, editor and author. His work as co-author on Michael Symon's cookbooks have earned him four New York Times Best-Selling Author honors, while his longstanding role as Scene dining editor has garnered awards of its own.