36 Cleveland Bars With Food As Good Their Drinks

Buckeye Beer Engine

15315 Madison Ave., Lakewood

The beer flows at this joint, where they usually have a variety of Buckeye Brewing Company beers on tap along with a wide variety of other breweries. The menu may sound like bar food, but it’s very high end bar food, done right. The ‘Beer Cheesy Cheesesteak’ and ‘World’s Best Fried Bologna’ sandwich are two of our favorites - the burgers are great too.

Photo via Buckeye Beer Engine/Facebook

Boss Dog Brewing Company

2179 Lee Rd., Cleveland Heights

After a few year vacancy left by beloved Lemon Grass, Boss Dog took over the space and opened to much fanfare in late 2017. The microbrewery is the standout but the food isn’t far behind. Try some standouts like the candied bacon pizza, chicken fried duck and the potato pancake chicken salad sandwich.

Photo via Boss Dog Brewing/Facebook

Hot Chicken Sandwich at Parkview Nite Club

1261 West 58th St., Cleveland

Short-lived Chow Chow in Lakewood provided many Clevelanders with their first taste of Nashville hot chicken. That business was rolled into the Parkview when the chef joined the team, bringing many adoring fans of that crispy, high-octane delicacy with him. Get the hot chicken sandwich here and prepare to be blasted with spicy, crunchy-fried chicken on a soft bun capped with refreshing cabbage slaw while enjoying a tasty adult beverage from the bar.

Photo via Scene Archives

Char Whiskey

19337 Detroit Rd., Rocky River

Char’s extensive whiskey list is what usually brings customers in. But their burger will keep you coming back. And the lobster mac and cheese is special. Really, this whole menu, from the pineapple guac to the charcuterie boards are top notch.

Photo via Char Whiskey/Facebook

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

Hansa Brewery

2717 Lorain Ave., Cleveland

This Biergarten and beer hall is one of just a select few of German-style breweries in Cleveland. The menu of schnitzel, sausages and pretzels makes it feel like you could be in Ohio City or Munich. Oh, and the beer mugs are as big as you’d expect.

Photo via @HansaBrewery/Instagram

Gigi’s on Fairmount

3477 Fairmount Blvd., Cleveland Heights

This chic and funky wine bar is one of the cooler decorated joints in town. Three always changing entrees are offered in addition to a wide array of their signature bruschetta bars, paninis, salads and small plates. We love their brunch as well.

Photo via @GigisOnFairmount/Instagram

The Fairmount

2448 Fairmount Blvd., Cleveland Heights

Located in the Cedar Hill neighborhood, the Fairmount takes pub food to the next level. With a warm and lively atmosphere and one of the best patios in town, you’re missing out if you haven’t been. The rosemary bacon fries, lobster mac and cheese and brisket banh mi are some of our favorites.

Photo via @TheFairmountCle/Instagram

Edison’s

2373 Professor Ave., Cleveland

You're not doing Tremont right if you don't land at Edison's for at least some portion of your night. It's the quintessential Tremont bar, the quintessential Cleveland bar — a real bar's bar. Whether you're just stopping in at the pickup door for a pizza or you're posting up at the lovely bar for an evening round with your finest friends, you'll be well taken care of here.

Photo via Scene Archives