The 1899 Pub — Thousands of dollar bills decorate this two-story Downtown Willoughby party bar with a shared summer patio that lets you sneak into neighboring Ballantine for a dance. 38228 Glenn Ave., Willoughby, 440-269-1899
ABC the Tavern — The 20-year neighborhood staple is Ohio City’s place to go for cheap beers, pub grub and an eclectic soundtrack that keeps the good vibes going. 1872 W. 25th St., Cleveland, 216-861-3857, abcthetavern.com
Around The Corner Saloon & Cafe — Lakewood’s only nightclub also has a varied menu of bar bites (you need to try the wings), daily specials and indoor and outdoor bars. But many flock to this West Lakewood bar for the hermit crab racing. 18616 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, 216-521-4413, atccafe.com
Azure Rooftop Lounge — Who needs New York City when you've got views of Progressive Field and Terminal Tower from this rooftop hotel bar, which boasts health-conscious shareables and sunny summer cocktails. 2017 E. 9th St., Cleveland, 216-239-1200, azure9cle.com
Bar Oni — Built out of a pandemic pivot, this Tremont bar puts Izakaya culture on full display with housemade cocktails, Japanese beer and yakitori. Read more about what you'll get on the plate at this Tremont bar. 2173 Professor Ave., Cleveland, 216-713-1741, bar-oni.com
Billy’s — A Cappelli Martini Bar — Get your Sex and the City on at this suburban favorite, which offers more than 40 creative martinis like a Cosmopolitan, Espresso Martinis and even a Dirty Pickle. 7338 Industrial Park Blvd., Mentor, 440-585-8815, billysacappellimartinibar.com
The Clevelander Bar and Grill — Enjoy the highlights (and lowlights) of Cleveland sports at this temple of fandom with dozens of TVs, a big screen projector and 32-ounce beers. 834 Huron Rd E., Cleveland, 216-771-3723, clevelanderbar.com
Cloak & Dagger — This devilish vegan bar has earned national acclaim thanks to its vegan cocktail and bar bites menu and its literary approach to menu making. Peek inside the Tremont bar. 2399 W. 11th St., Cleveland, 216-795-5657, cloakanddaggercle.com
The Corner Bar at Progressive Field — Name a better deal than $13 for a standing room ticket and a complimentary beer at this homey bar inside Progressive Field. We’ll wait. 2401 Ontario St., Cleveland, 216-420-4487, mlb.com/guardians
Dive Bar — Don’t let the name fool you; this is downtown’s hottest spot for drink, dancing and mingling. 1214 W. Sixth St., Cleveland, 216-758-1413, divebarcleveland.com
The Fairmount Cocktail Bar — At one of Cleveland’s busiest intersections, watch the world go by from inside this cocktail and small plates oasis with a patio and a fireplace. 2448 Fairmount Blvd., Cleveland, 216-229-9563, thefairmount.net
Flight Cleveland — Wine has never felt this accessible. With more than 400 varieties available, this Gordon Square spot has something for wine veterans and novices alike. Meet owner Lindsay Smith. 5712 Detroit Ave., Cleveland, 216-400-6867, flightcleveland.com
Galaxy KTV — Grab a drink, get your song and flex your golden pipes at this karaoke spot in AsiaTown. Read where we put our pipes to the test. 1593 E. 30th St., Cleveland, 216-203-2222, galaxyktv88.com
Gillespie's Map Room — You don’t need to be tipsy to eat this world-class pizza (though it usually tastes better if you are.) 1281 W. 9th St., Cleveland, 216-621-7747, maproomcleveland.com
Good Night John Boy — Come for the linoleum dance floor, shag carpet and 20-foot-tall poster of Farrah Fawcett, stay for the world-class pizza and cocktails. Read more about the cocktail that hits peak '70s vibes. 1167 Front Ave., Cleveland, 216-990-2300, goodnightcle.com
Griffin Cider House & Gin Bar — The largest collection of gin in the Midwest (seriously, over 100 different kinds), meets cider on draft in this English-style, Mahogany pub. 12401 Madison Ave., Lakewood, 216-767-5444
Happy Dog — Wash down your Fruit Loop- and kimchi-covered hot dog with one of the 75 tap beers on tap at this spot. Bonus points if you do it on a night where they have live music. Here's what our vegan writer is ordering now at Happy Dog. 5801 Detroit Ave., Cleveland, 216-651-9474, happydogcleveland.com
Harbor Inn Cafe — Enjoy a sip of Cleveland history at this beer-and-shot staple in the Flats that’s been around since 1895. We caught up with the most recent owner to learn more about the dive's rich history.1219 Main Ave., Cleveland, 216-241-3232
The Harp — Tucked under Cleveland’s Huntington Water Tower, this Irish pub with classic fare features a stained glass barback, a draught list with local crafts and Irish imports, and a hillside patio that overlooks the city and the lake. 4408 Detroit Ave., Cleveland 216-939-0200, the-harp.com
Herb’s Tavern — A family-owned establishment since 1963, this Rocky River spot has one of the best burgers in Northeast Ohio (aptly named The Herb Burger) along with a patio and expansive drink menu. 19925 Detroit Road, Rocky River, 440-331-9870, herbstavernrockyriver.com
Hi and Dry Bowling & Beer — Possibly Tremont’s best day-drinking brunch spot, the party keeps going thanks to duckpin bowling, craft beer, an eclectic menu of American bar bites and a solid Sunday football crowd. 2221 Professor Ave., Cleveland, 216-566-9463, hianddrycleveland.com
Humble Wine Bar — While wine is the name of the game here (there are over 50 offerings), be sure to pick up one of the 14 pizza options, ranging from clams to vegan sausage, from the bar's wood-fired oven.15400 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, 216-767-5977, humblewinebar.com
Iggy’s Bar — Tiki Tuesdays and $2 Miller High Lifes brought us to this revitalized, upscale dive bar with a younger crowd. Free pool Mondays, weekend soccer and dart leagues kept us coming back. 13405 Madison Ave., Lakewood, instagram.com/iggysbar
Johnny’s Little Bar – Through a dingy door down the alley next to Johnny’s Downtown, you’ll find the last of the downtown dives. It’s the perfect cozy spot to eat a burger, drink a beer and escape the club scene. 614 Frankfort Ave., Cleveland, 216-861-2166
Jukebox — Pierogies and the best jukebox in town make this LGBT-friendly craft beer bar a Hingetown favorite. 1404 W. 29th St., Cleveland, 216-206-7699, jukeboxcle.com
The Little Rose Tavern — With freaky decor, vegan dive bar food and original live music, this West Park watering hole is like your favorite dad bar on acid. Don't leave without trying the flamin' Fireclaw shot. 14206 Lorain Ave., Cleveland, 216-331-1441
LBM — This Norse-themed bar boasts a small but powerful menu of ambitious seasonal drinks along with a rotating list of liquors, beers and meads. Get to know co-owner and bartender Eric Ho here. 12301 Madison Ave., Lakewood, 216-712-4692, lbmbar.com
Mahall’s 20 Lanes — You never know what your night might look like at this bowling alley and music venue, which also hosts dance parties and themed nights and slings top-notch fried chicken. Meet the bubbly bartender Cassie Trainer here. 13200 Madison Ave., Lakewood, 216-521-3280, mahalls20lanes.com
Merry Arts Pub and Grille — Play armchair (er, barstool) quarterback at this sports-centered Lakewood bar, which has been a neighborhood favorite since 1932. 15607 ½ Detroit Ave., Lakewood, 216-226-4080, merryartspubandgrille.com
Moe’s Tavern — D’oh! Spend a night feeling like a Matt Groening character, a classic Cleveland gangster or a Cleveland State University student at this historic Downtown bar that inspired the spot of the same name on the Simpsons. Learn more about the history of Moe's Tavern. 1740 E. 17th St., Cleveland, 440-525-1041, moes-cle.com
Parma Tavern — You’d be hard-pressed to find better food in Parma than at this local staple. 5680 Broadview Road, Cleveland, 216-635-1800, parma-tavern.com
Parnell's Pub — With two locations, these cozy bars have served countless pints of Guinness and Irish whiskey to Clevelanders since opening in 1997. Get to know the man behind the bar Declan Synnott. 1415 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, 216-862-8953; 12425 Cedar Road., Cleveland Heights, 216-321-3469, parnells.pub
The Pompadour — Chef Rusty James Phillips’ fine dining tapas and seasonal craft cocktails, which often incorporate ingredients from the patio herb garden, shine at this stylish spot. 320 High St., Fairport Harbor, 440-639-0263, thepompadourbar.com
Porco’s Lounge & Tiki Room — Don your favorite Hawaiian shirt (you can leave the grass skirt at home) and head to this Ohio City spot, which offers 20 Polynesian cocktails inspired by owner Stefan Was’s deep explorations of tiki culture and Caribbean rum. Sip on the bar's flagship cocktail, the Zombie, right here. 2527 W. 25th St., Cleveland, 216-802-9222, porcolounge.com
Quintana’s Barber & Dream Spa — It’s not a total lie when you tell the spouse you’re headed to the barber or spa and end up in this basement speakeasy with whiskey-focused artisanal cocktails. 2200 S. Taylor Road, Cleveland Heights, 216-421-8380, qbds.net
Rocky River Wine Bar — Name a cuter spot to sip rose and waste the summer away than this string-lit patio with full-service dining and 70 bottle options. Ya can’t. 1313 Linda St., Rocky River, 440-799-4300, rockyriverwinebar.com
Rowley Inn — You’ll feel like you’re drinking with Mr. Parker at this A Christmas Story-themed bar, which boasts a robust menu of cocktails, beer and wine. Just be sure to leave your Red Ryder at the door. 1104 Rowley Ave., Cleveland, 216-795-5345, therowleyinn.com
Scalpers Bar & Grille — Don’t stick to takeout at this family-run sports bar and grill, which piles burgers high, taps craft beers and domestics, and has some of the best wings in town. Find out what makes this over-the-top bar food special. 5718 Mayfield Rd., Lyndhurst, 440-442-3577, scalpersbarandgrille.com
Society Lounge — Creativity is the main ingredient at this Downtown craft cocktail bar, which features unique takes on everything from daiquiris to manhattans. 2063 E. Fourth St., Cleveland, 216-999-7005, societycleveland.com
Speak of the Devil — Go down the rabbit hole at this craft cocktail bar, which has played a vital role in Downtown Lorain’s restoration. Learn more about the bar's studious approach to cocktail making. 205 W. Fifth St., Lorain, 440-434-4286, speakofthedevillorain.com
Spats Cafe — Oh shi… shoot. Watch your tongue. This family-friendly bar harkens back to simpler times. Sip cheap beer, eat fish frys and mussels, watch football and fill the Keno machine with locals. 9853 Johnnycake Ridge Road, Mentor, 440-352-0597
The Spotted Owl — Enjoy a night of lighthearted debate, mercurial melds and good company at the bar that serves as the heartbeat of Tremont. 710 Jefferson Ave., Cleveland, 216-795-5595, spottedowlbar.com
Stevenson’s Bar & Grill — Smash this Cleveland-famous burger, an East 200th Street institution since 1920, without making a mess. We dare you. 800 E. 200th St., Cleveland, 216-999-7156
Super Electric Pinball Parlor — Gordon Square’s pinball bar speaks to your inner child with a themed cocktail menu and 17 vintage machines. 6500 Detroit Ave., Cleveland, 440-506-4661, superelectric.tv
Tavern of Little Italy — Finally, in a sea of house wine and pastas, Little Italy gets a beer bar to watch the game or party on the patio. 2117 Mayfield Road, Cleveland, 216-331-1069, twistsocialclub.com
Tina’s Nite Club — The pores of these cinder block walls contain the remnants of some of Cleveland’s wildest nights and most epic karaoke performances. 5400 Herman Ave., Cleveland, 216-651-8057
The Treehouse — After 25 years under the tree that stretches across the ceiling of this brick corner bar in Tremont, we’re still coming back for the Irish grub, local pints and backyard garden patio. 820 College Ave., Cleveland, 216-696-2505, treehousecleveland.com
Twist Social Club — From weekly drag shows to a full patio, Twist Social Club is one of Cleveland’s most vibrant bars. Find out how this LGBTQ bar became a staple of Northeast Ohio's queer community. 11633 Clifton Blvd., Lakewood, 216-221-2333, twistsocialclub.com
Velvet Tango Room — Regular Ron Leonhardt Jr. recently bought the luxurious 25-year-old lounge and correctly changed as little as possible. 2095 Columbus Road, Cleveland, 216-241-8869, velvettangoroom.com
