Best Cleveland Ohio Sports Bars
Cleveland is one of the great sports towns in the United States. It can be said that Cleveland has the most loyal and passionate fan bases anywhere. Over the last 10 years, Cleveland Fan’s experience can be summed up by that famous Charles Dickens phrase: “It was the best of times and it was the worst of times”. Living through Lebron James’ Decision, his return and winning the NBA Championship after being down 1-3, THE Ohio State Buckeyes winning the National Championship in 2014 and beating up on TSUN on the annual basis, The Indians losing the World Series after being UP 3-1, “The Factory of Sadness” that is Cleveland Browns Football, Cleveland Fans have been through it all.
One thing that has always been at a championship level is the sports bars in Cleveland. No matter where you live in town, there are plenty of quality watering holes to cheer on our favorite teams. Between unbelievable drink specials, delicious food, great people and outstanding service, the 216 sports bar scene stacks up well against any city anywhere. What’s amazing is that 3 our the bars are all located within walking distance of each other, yet still thrive. Despite the abundance of sports bars in Cleveland, this was a difficult assignment because we had to sit through the cluster that was the 2017 Cleveland Browns Season. Despite this miserable ordeal, we were able to find the top sports bars in the city. As always, if we missed your favorite bar, please let us know and we will pay a visit.
The Clevelander Bar and Grill
Many people consider The Clevelander the best sports bar in town. For many years it has been ground zero for all of Cleveland’s major wins and losses in sports. Situated between Quicken Loans Arena and Progressive Field with First Energy Stadium being a short Uber ride away, The Clevelander is in prime position for pre and post game festivities. Many residents choose to watch the game on their many HDTVs and enjoy their wings and best pizzas. The Clevelander has some of the best drink specials around and even if you are not an avid sports fan, weekly programming and being right in the heart of Downtown Cleveland has proven to be long term recipe for success.
834 Huron Rd. East Cleveland, OH 44115
216-771-3723
Thirsty Parrot
Located across the street from Progressive Field, the Thirsty Parrot is another legendary sports bar in Cleveland. You cannot have summers in Northeast Ohio without parties on the back patio at the Thirsty Parrot. Live music every week, special events and private parties combined with guest appearances from the fine folks at The Blue Point Grille on game days add to the excitement and lore of the overall Downtown Cleveland experience. If you ever spent St. Patrick’s Day in Cleveland, it is assured you paid the Parrot a visit. In a nutshell, The Thirsty Parrot is a must for any sports fan who wants an authentic taste of Cleveland fandom.
812 Huron Rd Cleveland, OH 44115
216-685-3200
Third Place Tavern
One of Lakewood’s best bars, The Third Place Tavern is the preferred haven for sports fans. Their Super Bowl Party is one of the area’s best attended. In addition to daily drink specials, Third Place has a full menu that has diverse offerings that has salads fried chicken to grinders, pizzas and pasta. Arcade games and pool tables help maintain the class bar feel and free wifi and NFL Ticket are added bonuses.
3314 Warren Rd Cleveland, OH 44111
216-941-1333
Rivals Sports Grille
Rivals aims to be the most exciting sports bar in Cleveland. Those are lofty goals when you consider the competition in town that can compete with sports bars on a national level. That being said, Rivals does not disappoint. With four distinct areas, a new 4000 sq ft. patio, two bars and a fireplace, Rivals definitely is a serious contender for the crown. To up the ante, Rivals brew their own beer, wine and possess an impress cocktail listing. These guys are even open for breakfast! Without mentioning the daily specials, Rivals Sports Grille may be unrivaled when it comes to sports bars in the C-Town.
6710 Smith Rd Middleburg Heights, OH 44130
216-267-0005
WINGS Sports Bar and Grill
Since 1995, WINGS has been one of the area’s most beloved sports bars. I am not a rocket scientist but Happy Hour everyday until 7pm, over 20 different wing flavors, Chicago Style corned beef and $2 tacos on Mondays may have something to do with it. With a imposing beer selection, WINGS has been and will continue to be the standard for sports bars in Maple Heights.
14516 Broadway Avenue Maple Heights, OH 44125
216-587-5495
Helen’s Gametime
A Cleveland Heights/South Euclid institution, Helen’s Gametime remains packed daily. Arguably the Cheers of the area, they have mastered the vibe of the neighborhood bar when you can enjoy a nice drink, outstanding food and meet with lifelong friends. Some of the best wings in town, Uber and Skip The Dishes Drivers make a great living delivering for Helen’s every week.
3962 Mayfield Rd Cleveland Heights, OH 44121
216-297-9910
Firehouse Grille and Pub
Firehouse Grille and Pub is the premier sports bar in Lake County, OH. Formerly the Willoughby Hills Fire Station, Firehouse now entertains local residents weekly with its delicious food from its extensive menu that has calamari, fajitas, stuffed cedar salmon, lobster mac’n cheese as well as your traditional favorites like burgers and wings. Summers on the patio gives you a Downtown Cleveland feel without the traffic and parking issues.
2768 Stark Drive Willoughby, OH 44094
440-943-4983
Winking Lizard
With many locations throughout Greater Cleveland, The downtown location sticks out due to its size, service, events and of course the location. The Annual Tour of Beers, Drink Specials and food has contributed to the Lizard’s continued success. Every year, The Winking Lizard is one of the several stops you must make on St. Patrick’s Day in Cleveland, which has one of the largest celebrations in the country.
About Mike & Abby Sweeney
Mike & Abby Sweeney are our resident foodies. Their thought process on food is "to give everything a chance." Matt loves craft beers, Italian food, and any play on bar bites. Abby is into wine, cheese, and anything Asian. Together they form a dynamic duo eager to weigh in on any new restaurant!
