16 Bars Where Cleveland Introverts Can Grab a Drink

The Fairmount Cocktail Bar

2448 Fairmount Blvd., 216-229-9463
It takes a nice bit of skill to walk the line between craft cocktail destination and corner bar. The Fairmount does just that for the eastside. An impressive menu of classic and modern cocktails and a short if not well-rounded craft beer list await, along with a similarly short but well-rounded food menu, make the Fairmount a one-stop shop of sorts that caters to everyone without coming off patronizing.

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Payne Cafe

528 Payne Ave, 216-361-9448
You probably have driven by the joint a million times and never considered it, but the next time you’re in the neighborhood and need lunch, seek it out. Ruby, who’s run the damn place by herself for three decades or so, will get you her namesake burger for $5. Get a drink, pick up a paper and talk to as few folks as you’d like.

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Clark Bar

1201 Clark Ave., 216-344-9999
Nestled in the less visited and unpublicized section of Tremont — on the “other” side of I-490 — is a dive bar that people call the “best-kept secret in the neighborhood.” It’s a simple, small, old-school, no-frills bar where a host of local regulars drop by to eat and drink, cheaply, with their friends and neighbors or all alone. You’re more than welcome to join.

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Richland Cafe

14027 Madison Ave, Lakewood, 216-521-6678
Trivia gets serious here at this worn in yet clean Lakewood establishment, but don't worry, you won't have to join in the fun. If pool is more your scene go ahead and do that. Otherwise, stick to yourself. No one is going to give you any grief.

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McNamaras Pub

8611 Lake Ave., 216-356-6000
McNamara’s dive reputation is likely inspired in equal measure by its regulars — well-salted westside Irish guys — and its “rough” location, an unassuming underpass-y storefront on Lake Road and West 85th. But go on in and you’ll feel more welcome than you can imagine.

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S S & W Boardwalk

16011 Waterloo Rd., 216-481-0077
Tucked within what appears from the outside to be just a house, the Boardwalk is a Waterloo mainstay. They’ve been slinging cheap drinks and fried food for years, and the place feels timeless. Go ahead and let yourself get lost here.

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Lava Lounge

1307 Auburn Ave., 216-589-9112
Behind its bland, blue-collar-bar exterior, the Lava Lounge has morphed into a hip, happenin' hangout, with an eclectic menu of deliciously prepared "small plate" noshes to mix and match. Best of all, the kitchen stays open until 2 a.m. nightly and they have an intriguing selection of imported beers.

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Hoopples

1930 Columbus Rd., 216-575-0483
Found at the bottom of the Columbus Road hill, between Ohio City and the Flats, Hoopples has got the perfect combination of blue-collar salts, yuppies and hipsters to appeal to everybody. Plus, from the patio, you can enjoy beautiful views of the Cuyahoga.

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Stone Mad Pub

1306 W. 65th St., 216-281-6500
Luxe flourishes turn up around every bend in this beautiful pub, from the hand-laid cobblestone parking lot to the hand-rubbed walnut woodwork. In contrast, the menu is as straightforward as it comes: Burgers, meatloaf, pasta and steak, served alongside the indoor bocce court (which you can feel free to play, but you may have to talk to others).

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Parnell's

2167 Lee Rd., Cleveland Heights, 216-321-34690
Specifically, we’re talking about the location in Cleveland Heights. Though Parnell's expanded, with much success, to Playhouse Square in 2014, the Cleveland Heights location is still Cleveland's classic Irish pub. An itty-bitty interior means it's you and the gorgeous array of whiskeys in extremely close proximity. Expect your favorite Irish beers on tap and top-notch service from a genuine Irish immigrant.

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