Annex Bar & Grille
This longtime local favorite just underwent an extensive renovation — but the bites it’s best known for (burgers and wings) will remain long after the dust settles. Ever-changing specials and seasonal soups keep it interesting, and keep the regulars coming back.
36200 Pettibone Road, 440-248-5725, annexbar.com
Fisher’s American Tavern
Another long-standing local institution, Fisher’s American Tavern is a stalwart stop for pub fare made with care. Grab a seasonal Great Lakes beer or a margarita with house-made sour mix, and pair it with piping-hot ranch buffalo chicken dip or a basket of beer-battered walleye fingers.
28020 Miles Road, 440-349-3736, fishersamericantavern.com; Happy Hour: 3-6 p.m. Monday-Friday
56 Kitchen
For American cuisine that accommodates most dietary persuasions, have a seat in this kitchen. Carnivores can nosh on spicy fried chicken sliders, while vegans will delight in cauliflower bites in five flavors. Wash your pick down with a perfectly poured old fashioned cocktail or a craft beer from the rotating draft list.
33587 Aurora Road, 440-349-0056, 56kitchen.com; Happy Hour: 4-6 p.m. Monday-Saturday
Burntwood Tavern
Industrial rustic vibes and seasonal draft selections are always on tap here. Try the fluffy scratch-made Tavern tater tots, or the spicy-sweet firecracker shrimp — either would play well with a Bee’s Knees cocktail (Hendrick’s gin, honey and lemon) or a Burntwood-exclusive Taberna IPA.
33675 Solon Road, 440-914-0290, burntwoodtavern.com/solon; Happy Hour 3-6 p.m. daily
Yours Truly
While best known for breakfast and lunch, Yours Truly is a true-blue bet after work, too. Start with the famous “Notso” fries — golden potato discs topped with melty cheese, bacon and sour cream. They come in three sizes, so you can stuff yourself, or save room for dinner. For a lighter option, dip into the house-made hummus.
6141 Kruse Drive, 440-600-2445, ytr.com/solon; Happy Hour: 2:30-6 p.m. daily
Rollhouse Solon
Hit the lanes, or don’t, but definitely spare a moment at this entertainment emporium for a RollHouse lemonade (blueberry vodka, fresh blueberry puree and lemonade) or a pour of bourbon from the bar’s impressive collection. Follow it with jalapeno poppers, wrapped in bacon and baked to order.
33185 Bainbridge Road, 440-248-4080, therollhouse.com/solon
Elle Restaurant & Lounge
Mediterranean-inspired fare sparkles in this jewel box restaurant. Pair an Italian red with the eggplant fritters — crispy spheres served with Calabrian aioli and salsa verde — or skip straight to the cocktail list for inspired creations like the Boulevard of Broken Sweets, featuring bourbon, sweet vermouth and cocoa nib-infused Campari.
33730 Bainbridge Road, 440-656-3553, ellecle.com; Happy Hour: 4-6 p.m. Tuesday-Friday