Best Sports Bars in Cleveland

Editor's Note: This article was published in November 2023. Prices and menu items are subject to change.

Barley House 

Why we love it: Just a short walk from both Progressive Field and Huntington Bank Field, this Warehouse District hotspot is one of the city’s go-to spots on game days. Whether it’s Guardians Opening Day or a Browns Sunday, expect pregame buzz spilling onto West Sixth, with crowds gathering early for drinks, DJs and a high-energy tailgate atmosphere. Try this: The Hennessy Margarita ($12) mixes Hennessy V.S., lime juice, orange liqueur and agave syrup. 1261 W. Sixth St., Cleveland, 216-623-1700, barleyhousecleveland.com

The Corner Alley   

Why we love it: It’s closer to Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse than it is to Cleveland Browns Stadium, but the 10,000-square-foot complex has tons of seating, televisions and activities such as pool and bowling to work off your nervous energy when you’re looking for a defensive stop. Try this: The cheesesteak sandwich ($15) stacks shaved steak, melty cheese sauce and caramelized onions on a soft Italian roll. 402 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, 216-298-4070, thecorneralley.com

Crowley’s

Why we love it: With specials like 75 cent wing night on Tuesdays and Thursday’s 5 “dad beers” for $10, you’re sure to have a good time. Crowley’s has four locations in Eastlake, Kirtland, Painesville and Shaker Heights. Try this: The Cajun Shrimp Po Boy ($13) comes with crispy fries, slaw and creamy burger sauce on a potato bun. Various Locations, crowleysdive

Dive Bar 

Why we love it: When Barley House is packed, the younger crowd heads to this nightclub-turned-sports bar on West Sixth Street, which opens Thursdays through Sunday for game days all season long. Whether it’s football, baseball or a big college matchup, expect high-energy crowds and a party atmosphere. Try this: Take a break between plays with a round of skee-ball, a few pulls at the tabs or a game on the pool table. 1214 W. Sixth St., Cleveland, 216-758-1413, divebarcleveland.com 

Easy Out

Why we love it: This Lakewood spot is the perfect place to catch the game with multiple TVs and Cleveland sports memorabilia to set the tone. Indulge in their many appetizers featuring corndogs ($10), soft pretzels ($12) and tater tots ($7). Try this: The Steak and Beer Chese Dip Sandwich ($24) is an easy choice with shaved sirloin, Genny Cream beer cheese and horsey sauce on a sesame seed milk bun. 11822 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, 216-712-4223, easyoutbar.com

Grindstone Tap House

Why we love it: Equipped with the NFL Sunday Ticket, Grindstone is the perfect spot in Berea to catch the game of your choice and the occasional live band on weekends. There’s a regular open mic night if you’re feeling courageous. Try this: The Five Spice Reuben ($16.50) on marble rye with Swiss cheese and thousand island dressing utilizes a secret recipe sure to blow your taste buds away. 826 Front St., Berea, 440-234-3455, grindstonetaphouse.com

Game On  

Why we love it: You’d be hard-pressed to find a bar with more televisions than this Lakewood spot with 27 high-definition televisions and NFL+, so you can watch your fantasy players on the side. Try this: Keep it simple with the Cleveland Dog ($4), a frank topped with fries, coleslaw and barbecue sauce. 17103 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, 216-303-9700, gameoncleveland.com

Gillespie’s Map Room

Why we love it: The wood-
paneled bar with maps on the walls provides an old-school, laid-back feel along with a plentiful draft list of local and international brews and great pizza. Try this: The Jersey Style pizza ($12.49-$15.49) with fire-roasted tomatoes, provolone and mozzarella cheeses and a healthy serving of garlic sauce. 1281 W. Ninth St., Cleveland, 216-621-7747, maproomcleveland.com

Hi and Dry Bowling & Beer   

Why we love it: This Tremont spot parties hard every weekend, but especially on game days, when trivia, raffles, squares and crowd energy turn watching into a full experience. Whether it’s football, baseball or a big matchup, it’s as much about the vibe as the game.Try this: The Everything Breaded Tenders ($12.50) bring buttermilk-marinated chicken, everything bagel seasoning and your pick of sauce, from buffalo to jalapeño garlic agave. 2221 Professor Ave., Cleveland, 216-566-9463, hianddrycleveland.com

Happy Moose

Why we love it: If being on time means halftime, you’re still likely to find a seat at this huge Mentor and Streetsboro sports bar that serves “Moosetastic” food and tons of 70-inch HD TVs. Try this: Moose Skins ($12)  with homemade buffalo chicken dip for an elevated take on potato skins. 7693 Reynolds Road, Mentor,  440-953-9464, happymoosebarandgrill.com

Hi 5

Why we love it: Featuring all day every day shot specials, creative cocktails and shareable snacks, this is the place to be. Play pool, mini basketball or dance to the DJ at this go to spot. Try this: Get a little funky with the Green Eggs & Ham Burger ($15) including bacon, provolone, a fried egg, carmelized onions, lettuce, mayo and a pickle. 1052 Old River Rd., Cleveland, 216-644-8884, hi5cle.com

Ironwood Cafe

Why we love it: With events like Saturday Brunch and Monday Yuengs and Wings Night, it’s hard not to love this West Side staple —  and a weekend filled with mimosas. Try this: Served on a pretzel bun with brie cheese, caramelized onion and candied bacon, the Bistro ($18) is a burger to remember. 688 Dover Center Road, Westlake, 440-835-9900, ironwoodcafe.com

The Hooley Pub & Kitchen

Why we love it: With unique, Irish-influenced dishes, this local pub, which has locations in Strongsville, Brooklyn, Mentor, Montrose and Westlake, is cozy; features professional, college and high school memorabilia; and walls upon walls of TVs. Try this: Check out Irish Egg Rolls ($13.99) with a corned beef, sauerkraut and Swiss cheese filling. Various locations, 1funpub.com

Johnny Malloy’s

Why we love it: The name of the restaurant comes from a respected mounted policeman who grew up in 1920s Cleveland. He was known for his love of horses and penchant for getting along with his fellow Clevelanders. Now, the name lives on in the form of this staple Irish pub. Try this: The Criminal Sandwich ($11.49) uses Texas toast for a delicious grilled cheese topped with two over-easy eggs. 1038 N. Court St., Medina, 330-723-4100, johnnymalloysmedina.com

Lino’s

Why we love it: This best-kept-secret spot not only delivers with a huge patio and three mammoth TVs. You can even toss bags with the indoor cornhole boards, as well as darts and Golden Tee. Try this: Something a little different with the Sea Wings ($14.50), butterflied shrimp with your choice of more than 15 sauces. 29804 Euclid Ave., Wickliffe, 440-944-7077, linosweb.com

Masthead Brewing Co.

Why we love it: This spacious brewery serves up Neapolitan-style pizzas and house stouts, IPAs and more. It’s also big enough to accommodate you and a couple dozen of your closest football-fan friends. Try this: The Hazy Headlines IPA ($6) is a 6.7% ABV New England–style hazy IPA served in a 16-ounce pint. 1261 Superior Ave., Cleveland, 216-206-6167, mastheadbrewingco.com

Merry Arts Pub & Grille

Why we love it: Arrive early for a seat at this 100-year-old Lakewood neighborhood staple, where dozens of televisions, classic pub fare and a lively crowd make it a go-to for catching the game. Try this: For the vegan in the group, cauliflower wings ($10) with Tabasco breading keeps game day going strong. 15607 ½ Detroit Ave., Lakewood, 216-226-4080, merryartspubandgrille.com

Noble Beast Brewing Co.

Why we love it: Close to the lakefront and downtown stadiums, this industrial-chic microbrewery on Lakeside Avenue opens early on game days and offers a special tailgate-style menu alongside its wide beer list. Try this: The Gochujang Garlic with Sesame Seed wings ($10 for 6), boasting a powerful, slightly spicy punch of flavor. 1470 Lakeside Ave. E., Cleveland, 216-417-8588, noblebeastbeer.com

Nora’s Public House

Why we love it: The Celtic pub in historic Downtown Willoughby loves all things Irish — especially beer and food. The menu offers hearty fare including cheese curds ($11), pierogies ($15) and poutine ($14). Try this: The fish and chips ($22) come with a creamy Cajun gorgonzola slaw, fries and tartar sauce. 4054 Erie St., Willoughby, 440-571-4640, noraspublichouse.net 

Pub Frato

Why we love it:  If you turn your nose up at average bar food, this gastropub staple is the place for you.  Even with selections such as confit wings ($15-$16) and truffle fries ($13.5), Pub Frato maintains the chillest vibes. Try this: Short rib pierogies ($16.50) with goat cheese and horseradish aioli are hearty and delicious. 25 Pleasant Dr., Chagrin Falls, 440-600-7029; 7548 Fredle Dr., Concord, 440-867-2441, pubfrato.com

Rivals Brew Pub

Why we love it: Opened in 2007, Rivals takes pride in sourcing ingredients locally as a means of providing the freshest flavors possible. Meals like the Home Run Breakfast ($7.99) and the Griddle Classic pancakes ($7.99) taste like home. Try this: The Santa Fe Rolls ($12.99) pack Southwestern egg rolls with Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses, finished with a chipotle ranch drizzle. 6710 Smith Road, Middleburg Heights, 216-267-0005, rivals-cleveland.com

Scalpers Bar and Grille   

Why we love it: Everyone knows football Sunday is a diet cheat day, and if you’re going to cheat, go big with Scalpers in Lyndhurst. Since 1994, this cozy sports bar has been serving over-the-top pub food such as walking tacos, potato skins with loads of bacon and burgers, great wings, and subs, fries and burgers topped with things like mozzarella sticks, corned beef, deli meat, onion rings and more. Try this: The Sicilian Burger Sub ($11.49–$14.49), with a beef patty, salami and provolone on a sub with the works. 5718 Mayfield Road, Lyndhurst, 440-442-3577, scalpersbarandgrille.com

West Park Station

Why we love it: This spacious neighborhood spot is family-friendly with two patios and food as diverse as steaks, wings and pizza. Try this: Pick up a fried chicken dinner ($14.99) with seasonal Southern-style house breading and hot honey for a sweet kick. 1705 Lorain Ave., Cleveland, 216-476-2000, westparkstation216.com

The Wild Goose

Why we love it: The two-room Downtown Willoughby spot serves up great pizza from its open-concept stone oven. Try this: Warm up after a cold day tailgating with the Murphy pizza ($18) topped with mashed potato, bacon, sour cream and house cheese. 4144 Erie St., Willoughby, 440-951-6644, wildgoosewlby.com

The W Sports Bar

Why we love it: Name a better selection than flatbreads, wings and burgers. Chef Christian Bendahan brings all these options and more and the W, open at 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 11 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. Try this: Get cheesy with the MVP mozzarella sticks ($13) made with whole milk mozzarella and topped with freshly grated parmesan. Try both their pesto and marinara sauces with this appetizer. 5428 Detroit Ave., Cleveland, 216-400-6268, thewsportsbarcleveland.com

Wild Eagle

Why we love it: Don’t let the players have all the fun. With a patio that lets you feel the pulse of the city, this Downtown game bar, which also has other locations in Streetsboro and Broadview Heights, has dozens of arcade games, a BBQ-based menu and hundreds of craft beers on draft that you can pour yourself. Try this: The award-winning Mac & Cheese Balls ($11) are fried crispy with a bit of a kick. Various locations, wildeagle.com/downtown-cleveland 

Yard House

Why we love it: A go-to for game day, Yard House stands out with its music-forward atmosphere, featuring a freshly curated playlist updated daily for ever-changing vibes.Try this: Elevate your appetizer game with the Poke Nachos ($15.99), featuring marinated raw ahi over crispy wontons with avocado, serranos, white truffle sauce, sweet soy ginger, sriracha aioli, cilantro, green onions, nori and sesame seeds. 160 Union St., Westlake, 440-808-8403, yardhouse.com

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