Cleveland's Best Bars: Mahall's 20 Lanes

There’s a lot to discover at Mahall’s 20 Lanes. Vintage bowling lanes. Dance parties. Local live music. No matter the occasion, bar manager Cassie Trainer, who has served the 98-year-old Lakewood entertainment complex for seven years, has a colorful concoction to match. “At any given time, you could see a 40-year-old’s birthday party in that corner and a bunch of punk kids in this corner,” Trainer says. “I love it. It’s weird. It adds to the vibe.” 

On Theme: Trainer’s menu themes are as diverse as Austin Powers, Taylor Swift and ‘80s horror movies. “If I can’t stop thinking about it, I’m gonna find a way to make it happen.” 

Good Spirits: A focus on natural ingredients gives Trainer the tools to experiment. “Mahall’s got me into experimenting with infusions. We don’t use things like Fireball or flavored vodka.” 

Warm Up: The Yukon Cornelius on the winter menu has a graham cracker rim and a flaming shot of 151 vodka on which to roast a marshmallow. “I like to give people an experience.” 

Vintage Fun: Trainer is known for her trademark colorful style. Add to your own wardrobe with picks from her Fanciful Fawn Vintage collection, for sale in the lobby. “I’m able to incorporate a lot of the things that I love here.” 13200 Madison Ave, Lakewood, 216-521-3280, mahalls20lanes.com 

Click here to learn more about 50 of Cleveland’s best bars, drinks and bartenders.