30 Cleveland Bars To Hit Up To Celebrate the End of Dry January

Velvet Tango Room

2095 Columbus Rd., Cleveland

What was once sort of an open secret around town has now become a full-on Cleveland landmark. The Velvet Tango Room remains the gold standard of martini joints in our city. Here, cocktails aren't just another drink. Here, there's a history and a story, not to mention handmade ingredients and the kind of expertise that translates to a few-minute wait for your drink and indelible, endless memories once you take a sip.

Photo via Velvet Tango Room/Facebook

Prosperity Social Club

1109 Starkweather Ave., Cleveland

Cozy and retro, this former workingman’s watering hole serves up food, booze, and a bowling machine along with the live music. You’ll find locals laying down everything from lounge and jazz to folk and bluegrass. They also have a kitchen that stays open nightly until midnight and brunch on Saturdays and Sundays.

Photo via @ProsperitySocialClub/Instagram

Market Garden Brewery

1947 West 25th St., Cleveland

This Ohio City brewery, one of the most popular microbreweries in town, is another great spot to enjoy a cold, locally brewed beer. An Ohio Beef Burger and fresh baked pretzel goes great with any of their beers.

Photo via Scene Archives

Johnny’s Little Bar

614 Frankfort Ave., Cleveland

Right around the corner from the popular Warehouse district white tablecloth Italian joint Johnny’s, you’ll find Johnny’s Little Bar, an iconic Cleveland spot. In addition to being a wonderful place to go after leaving your downtown job, the bar boasts a "world famous" burger, giving the traditional Italian menu at the main restaurant a run for its money. And the people watching is outstanding here.

Photo via Scene Archives

Happy Dog

5801 Detroit Rd., Cleveland

Happy Dog is the perfect Cleveland bar - the food is reasonable and good and most weekend nights there’s live music and shows are usually free or cost just five bucks to get in. If you haven’t been to this institution, go next time you have a chance.

Photo via Scene Archives

Bookhouse Brewing

1526 West 25th St., Cleveland

Differentiating itself from both the rough and ready garage-style brewhouse and the cavernous factory-size production facility, Bookhouse is delightfully cozy, with fine carpentry softening exposed brick walls, tile floors and tin ceilings. Bookshelves line the walls, lending a snug reading room vibe to the 100-seat space.

Photo via Bookhouse Brewing/Facebook

Becky’s

1762 East 18th St., Cleveland

Located half a block from Cleveland State's main campus, Becky's is always packed wall-to-wall with students downing $2 domestic beers and and chowing down on specialty sandwiches. The music, emanating from a small jukebox in the corner, tends toward '80s faves like Bon Jovi. The bartenders, most of whom are CSU students themselves, mingle freely with the crowd. The partiers linger till closing time, when bartenders have to shoo out the patrons.

Photo via Becky’s Bar/Facebook

Mahall’s 20 Lanes

1114 Center St., Cleveland

Coming up on their 100th anniversary in a few years, this bowling alley, music venue, bar and restaurant was established by the Mahall family in 1924. It’s still one of the more happening spots in town.

Photo via Scene Archives

Tremont Tap House

2572 Scranton Rd., Cleveland

In the spirit of the region's finest neighborhood taverns, the Tap House serves its neighbors well with boldly flavored, cleverly packaged and downright affordable American fare. Entrees like grilled hanger steak are proof that this is no pub-grub pub. The beer list, with 24 taps and 50+ bottles is easily among city's top five. Late-night food and a fun patio make this neighborhood joint one of our favorites.

Photo via @TremontTaphouse/Instagram

Griffin Cider House & Gin Bar

12401 Madison Ave., Lakewood

“Wow, wow, wow. What a wonderful cocktail menu! After living down the street from this place and moving away, I finally ventured back to this gem that always caught my eye. And just in time for their new cocktail menu! I tried the Fortune Teller, Pimm's Strawberry Fields and the Peachy Keen! All so good. I was going for a vodka base all night - but they had lots of options with gin too! And from what I could see, a pretty decent beer and cider list too - usually what I'm after! I was really impressed by not only the selection, but the location, friendly staff and the ambience inside. It really has that English pub vibe, which I love. I will definitely be returning!” Taylor M. on Yelp

Photo via Griffin Cider House/Facebook