13 Best Sports Bars in Cleveland
No matter where you go in the world, you’ll find sports bars, taverns, and pubs. These places are usually sacred institutions to the regulars that frequent them and the passionate sports fans that pack them out on game day. In a city like Cleveland that, let’s be honest, hasn’t had the best luck when it comes to sports at times, those bars have a different energy. The camaraderie and atmosphere are different. If you’re there, you belong. Simple as that. Now let’s crack open a cold one and get into the thirteen best sports bars in Cleveland.
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published on May 9, 2023 and last updated on October 9, 2023. Please refer to restaurant websites and social media pages for the most up-to-date information.
For more recommendations on where to eat and drink around Cleveland, check out our Cleveland city page.
Old Angle Tavern
1848 West 25th Street, Cleveland, OH 44113
(216) 861-5643
Located in The Market District part of the City, Old Angle Tavern is anything but your typical Irish Pub/Sports Bar. They’ve avoided the cliche interior design/Irish tropes for a more contemporary. Old Angle Tavern is also known for their delicious food options. They like to see themselves as a gastropub before the term became mainstream. But what Old Angle Tavern really excels at is soccer. If you’re a soccer fan, this is the place for you! They open early on the weekend, so you’ll never miss a Premier League match. In fact, NBC Sports rated Old Angle Tavern as one of the Top 10 places to watch the Premier League in America. That’s what you call a proper sports bar.
Parnell’s Pub
12425 Cedar Road, Cleveland Heights, OH 44106
(216) 321-3469
Parnell’s Pub is everything you could want from a neighborhood watering hole. Small, cozy, and friendly, this spot opened up back in 1997. Since then, it has become home to a family of regulars and lifelong friends. As far as the sports part goes, there are enough TVs for you to catch a game on. There’s no food menu on offer at Parnell’s, though. They leave that to some of the incredible restaurants that surround them. However, Parnell’s may have one of the most impressive spirits and whiskey lists around. With a focus on both local spirits and beers as well as Irish classics, you’ll struggle to find something to sip on that you don’t absolutely love.
Clevelander Bar & Grill
834 Huron Road East, Cleveland, OH 44115
(216) 771-3723
Located a block away from both Progressive Field and Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, Clevelander Bar & Grill is a sports bar through and through. Whether you want to grab a bite to eat or a drink before or after the game, or if you want to come and watch the home team play on TV, the Clevelander Bar & Grill is the place for you. They also routinely run specials whenever the home team is playing, so not only can you get a drink, but you can get a deal too!
Merry Arts
15607 ½ Detroit Avenue, Lakewood, OH 44107
(216) 226-4080
You don’t usually go to many sports bars for the food, but Merry Arts is an exception. Not only are they a great place to catch a game (particularly soccer), but they also have an expansive and certifiably delicious menu. The main attraction is what they call the “Lenten Fish Fry.” Every Friday from 11 am to 11 pm, Merry Arts serves up a fish-based menu that is to die for. Their Caribbean fish tacos are some of the best tacos in the whole city. So next time you’re ready to watch your team play, especially on a Friday night, plan to check out Merry Arts.
City Tap
750 Prospect Avenue East, Cleveland, OH 44115
(216) 696-2337
City Tap’s name doesn’t lie. They have 44 beers on tap with another 60 options in cans/bottles. What that means is that you never have to worry about what beer you want when you’re sitting down to watch your team play. Another thing you don’t have to worry about is food, and that’s because City Tap specializes in hand-crafted certified Angus Beef burgers that will have your tastebuds dancing with delight. We recommend either the straightforward City Tap Burger or The Viking. No matter what you get, you’ll be more than happy and ready to cheer on your team!
Mulberry’s
2316 Mulberry Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44113
(216) 443-4843
Mulberry’s puts the “sports” in “sports bar.” That’s because in addition to being a delicious spot for food, especially their house-made pizzas, they also have fun sports leagues too. Whether you want to play volleyball, floor hockey, or touch football, Mulberry’s has a league for you. What’s even better is that once you’ve finished competing, you can reward yourself with a nice cold beer and some pizza. However, if you just want to stop by for a drink, some food, and to watch a game, then Mulberry’s has you covered for that, too. Their space is massive, and they have a wonderful outdoor deck that overlooks downtown.
Johnny’s Little Bar
614 Frankfort Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44113
(216) 861-2166
Johnny’s Little Bar is a casual and easygoing sports bar and tavern that will satisfy your tastebuds and your stomach no matter what time of day it is. Johnny’s ‘World Famous “Little Bar” Burger’ starts at only $8.75. Toppings are $1 each, and you can add cheese of your choice, caramelized onions, and sauteed mushrooms too. With over 40 beers available, a late-night menu, and a burger that’s celebrated throughout town, Johnny’s Little Bar is an example of everything you want from a small sports bar.
Public House
17219 Lorain Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44111
(216) 252-6608
Found in Cleveland’s West Park neighborhood, The Public House has been a local institution for generations. The menu is packed with options of every kind, so there is truly something for everybody. However, if you like Corned Beef, The Public House has some of Cleveland’s finest. They also have a vast selection of Burgers, Hoagies, and Wraps, as well as eleven different signature sandwiches. The patrons and staff are welcoming and friendly, which makes this the perfect place to catch a game.
Rivals Brew Pub
6710 Smith Road, Middleburg Heights, OH 44130
(216) 267-0005
Rivals Brew Pub is a sports bar through and through. Their mission is to create a space for people to have an incredible time through a wide variety of sports entertainment, all while eating fresh food and enjoying an outstanding drink selection. The staff are attentive and compassionate about their customers and take pride in their excellent service. Rivals uses a blend of fresh and locally sourced ingredients to create classic and unique dishes that ensure you are full and satisfied. The menu also accommodates all dietary requirements and needs. You can find nearly 30 beers on tap, with new local craft brews always rotating through.
Nano Brew Cleveland
1859 West 25th Street, Cleveland, OH 44113
(216) 862-6631
This brewpub is yet another modern take on what sports bars can be. Nano Brew Cleveland has delighted patrons for over a decade with their delicious food and beer. There’s plenty of space and TVs around to be able to catch the game, but it may be hard to pay attention when the food looks and tastes as good as it does here. The main attraction is the burgers. Fresh, never-frozen, and 100% Angus Beef topped with a potato bun, these burgers have their ingredients locally sourced from Ohio farms. They’re so good that they’ve been voted the most unique burger in Cleveland. With food this good, you’ll be happy no matter what the final score is.
Benny’s Sports Bar
3463 Fulton Road, Cleveland, OH 44109
(216) 661-4600
Benny’s Sports Bar and Latin Restaurant takes a bit of a turn from your typical American sports bar. That’s because its menu is almost entirely Latin-centric. You can still get a burger, wings, or a sandwich, but why would you when you’ve got so many mouthwatering Latin dishes to choose from? The empanadas are some of the best in Cleveland, and if you’ve never had Tostones, you’re missing out. The space is open and full of TVs, so you won’t miss a minute of the action until you’re stuffing your face with food and following it with a sip of some nice cold beer. If you want a sports bar with a twist, Benny’s is for you.
Flannery’s Pub
323 Prospect Avenue East, Cleveland, OH 44115
(216) 781-7782
Flannery’s Pub looks and feels like your traditional Irish Pub, and that’s because it is. There’s just something about the vibe in a classic pub. The design and feel transport you someplace else. What makes Flannery’s even better is that it is located right in the heart of the city. You’re within walking distance from the Guardian’s and Cavalier’s stadiums/arenas, and the atmosphere is electric on game days. It’s also a great place to check out if you’re a soccer fan. The food is hearty and perfect for watching a game with a beer. Flannery’s Pub shows why being a classic never goes out of style.
Wings
14516 Broadway Avenue, Maple Heights, OH 44125
(216) 587-5495
Wings has been a Cleveland staple since 1995. You can probably guess what they specialize in too. With over 20 different flavors and sauces, Wings serves up some of the best wings in the city. Combine that with their tasty Chicago-style corned beef and flame-broiled burgers, and you’ve got the food side of things covered. Wings also has pool tables and TVs throughout the space, making it easy to relax, shoot some pool, eat some wings, drink some beer, and watch the game. Doesn’t get much more sports bar than that, does it?
Winking Lizard
Multiple Locations
Even though Winking Lizard is a local chain with over a dozen locations around Ohio, it still has the feeling of a local watering hole. The bartenders know people by name and knows their usuals, and maybe someday they can know you too! They have a wide variety of wing flavors, from Cajun to Spicy Sesame and everything in between. Get a local beer or an imported favorite to pair with your wings, tots, and more. With no shortage of TVs, Winking Lizard is a killer spot for your game day!
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