Classic Cleveland Restaurants: Herb's Tavern

Herb’s Tavern is the perfect neighborhood bar: cozy with nostalgic decor, bartenders who know your name and a burger to die for. The Herb Burger, a proprietary blend made fresh daily off-site and served with grilled mushrooms and onions, is a juicy tribute to late owner Herb Brugh, who started the business in 1963 with wife Bobbie and once lived upstairs. His daughter, Kim Berry, took over in 2014, adding a patio and her own dedication to community support. She shares what it was like growing up above the Rocky River tavern.

I think we’re the only true tavern out there, meaning that we’re family. My parents had an apartment upstairs where we lived until I was eight. Between down here and up there, my parents made it a home. My mom built a brick serpentine wall outside so we could have private family time out back. Every morning, 18 grandfathers — judges, lawyers, police officers, CEOs and guys leaving third shift — would be sitting here having their drinks. For the first eight years, my parents couldn’t afford to hire anybody.

My father, always in black pants and a white shirt, was the bartender and would ring a bell when there was an order. My mom would come down and cook, then go back upstairs to take care of me. Beer-battered cod, steak sandwiches, spaghetti dinners — simple stuff. They paid anyone who helped them in food and beers. As soon as my nose could touch the table, I was taking food to tables and washing dishes — whatever was needed. My father passed away last October, and now his customers’ kids come in with their children. People come here because they know it’s clean and the food and service is great. They’re continuing to make their own memories as adults.  — as told to Dillon Stewart

When You Go: Herb’s Tavern, 19925 Detroit Road, Rocky River, 440-331-9870, herbstavernrockyriver.com

Read More: Click here to read the full list of 18 Classic Cleveland Restaurants.