Looking for a place in Northeast Ohio to watch a Browns, Indians, or Cavs game? Consider our picks for the best sports bars in town.
Winking Lizard -- Downtown Cleveland
(© Flickr user: Maitri/cc license)
In the shadow of Progressive Field and Quicken Loans Arena, the "lizard" is the perfect place to still get the atmosphere of the game even if you don't have a ticket. With a half dozen TVs, killer wings and burgers, and an extensive beer list, what more could a sports fan what? Arrive early on big game days; the place is sure to be packed.
Winking Lizard Tavern
811 Huron Rd.
Cleveland, OH 44115
216 589-0313
Winking Lizard Tavern
811 Huron Rd.
Cleveland, OH 44115
216 589-0313
Thirsty Parrot
(© Flickr user: Maitri/cc license)
This large bar and restaurant is located adjacent Progressive Field and Quicken Loans Arena. Sit on the patio and you can hear the PA announcer call the ball game and hear the crowd roar when Travis hits a home run. Inside there are banks of TVs to follow the action.
Thirsty Parrot
812 Huron Rd.
Cleveland, OH 44115
216 685-3200
Thirsty Parrot
812 Huron Rd.
Cleveland, OH 44115
216 685-3200
Don Shula's Steakhouse
(© flickr user: dsanden/cc license)
Located in the Doubletree Hotel (formerly the Hilton) at I-77 and Rockside Rd., this sports bar/restaurant is easy to get to from all over town. Part of a chain founded by legendary football coach, Don Shula, Shula's is part steakhouse, part sports bar. The food is way above average, the atmosphere relaxing, and its open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner (ideal for those overseas sporting events).
Don Shula's Steakhouse
6200 Quarry Lane
Independence, OH 44131
216 901-7852
Don Shula's Steakhouse
6200 Quarry Lane
Independence, OH 44131
216 901-7852
Champps Americana
Yes, they're a chain restaurant, but these cavernous, warehouse-style sports bars/restaurants are hard to beat for watching a game. Not only do they have several huge TVs throughout the place, they usually show a couple of lesser-shown events as well as the Browns, Indians, and Cavs games. (translated: you can watch hockey there.)The menu features surprisingly good salads, appetizers, burgers, and full meals. They have three locations in the Greater Cleveland area.
Champps Americana
5989 Canal Rd.
Valley View, OH
2 Main St.
Westlake, OH
5835 Landerbrook Circle
Lyndhurst, OH
Harpo's Sports Club Cafe
Ranked as one of the 20 top sports bars in the country by Forbes Magazine, Harpo's offers banks of TVs, drink specials on game nights, and a festive atmosphere -- all without braving the crowds downtown. They have two locations -- one in Brookpark and one in Strongsville.Harpo's Sports Club Cafe
5777 Smith Rd.
Brookpark, OH
216 267-7777
19654 W. 130th St.
Strongsville, OH
440 846-7777
House of Cues
Located downtown at the edge of the Warehouse District, the House of Cues is within walking distance of all of the downtown sports stadium. In addition to ample TVs and pool tables, the place serves excellent Mexican fare.House of Cues
740 W. Superior Ave.
Cleveland, OH 44114
216 241-8200
Divot's Sports Bar
This North Royalton hang-out is more than just a sports bar. There's miniature golf, a driving range, a lovely patio, and pretty good food. A great place for those in south suburban Cleveland to catch a game.Divot's Sports Bar
13393 York Rd.
North Royalton, OH 44133
440 237-3342
Johnny Malloy's Sports Pub
This local franchise has ten locations, from Avon to Willoughby (and Lakewood and S. Euclid, among others). Named for a former Cleveland mounted policeman, they offer Geppetto's menu of ribs, pizza, wings, and sandwiches as well as beer specials, lots of TVs, and parties around important games.Little Bar and Grill
Ok, it's a little dark, but this perennial favorite is within walking distance of all of the stadiums and popular with sports fans -- before, during, and after the game. It's also a good place to find a ticket if you don't already have one.Little Bar and Grill
614 Frankfort Ave.
Cleveland, OH 44113
216 861-2166
Boneyard Beer Farm
Another of the Gateway area beer establishments, this one is known for its wide selection of quality brews. You can walk from here to Progressive Field and the "Q" -- or just settle in and watch the game on TV.Boneyard Beer Farm
750 Prospect Ave. E.
Cleveland, OH 44115
216 575-0232
What's Your Favorite?
Did we forget to mention your favorite sports bar? Send me an email and I'll be sure to include it in the next list.
