Looking to catch the big game with a group of friends in Cleveland? Wondering where to find that perfect sports bar atmosphere to cheer on your favorite team? Well, look no further! In this article, we will explore the vibrant sports bar scene in Cleveland, highlighting some of the best spots where you can kick back, enjoy some delicious food and drinks, and immerse yourself in the excitement of live sports. So, whether you’re a die-hard Cleveland Cavaliers fan or a soccer enthusiast, let us guide you to the ultimate sports-watching experience in the heart of Cleveland.
Overview of Sports Bars in Cleveland
Cleveland, Ohio is a sports-crazed city with loyal fans supporting their beloved teams. Whether you’re a fan of the Cleveland Cavaliers, Cleveland Browns, or Cleveland Guardians, you’ll be thrilled to know that there are plenty of sports bars in the city where you can catch all the live action. These bars are a haven for sports enthusiasts who want to immerse themselves in the electrifying atmosphere, indulge in delicious food and drinks, and cheer on their favorite teams alongside fellow fans. In this article, we delve into the number and variety of sports bars in Cleveland, highlighting the popular ones, their unique features, happy hour offerings, game day experience, and more. So grab your jersey, put on your game face, and get ready for an exciting tour of the sports bars in Cleveland!
Popular Sports Bars in Cleveland
The Clevelander Sports Bar & Grill
Located in the heart of downtown Cleveland, The Clevelander Sports Bar & Grill is a go-to spot for sports enthusiasts. With its vibrant atmosphere and modern interior, it offers a truly immersive experience for fans. The bar boasts a wide variety of beers on tap, signature cocktails, and a delectable menu that includes fan favorites like wings, burgers, and nachos. The Clevelander is also known for its extensive collection of sports memorabilia, showcasing the rich history of Cleveland sports. Whether you’re watching a basketball game or a baseball match, this sports bar has you covered with numerous screens displaying the action.
Winking Lizard Tavern
A Cleveland institution, Winking Lizard Tavern is a beloved sports bar that has been serving fans for over 30 years. With multiple locations throughout the city, including at the popular Gateway District near the stadiums, it is a convenient choice for pre-game or post-game celebrations. Winking Lizard Tavern is known for its impressive selection of beers, with over 100 draft choices, including local craft brews. The menu features a wide range of appetizers, sandwiches, and entrees, making it the perfect place to fuel up before a big game. With ample seating and numerous high-definition screens, this sports bar ensures that you never miss a moment of the action.
Harry Buffalo
For a lively sports bar experience in Cleveland, look no further than Harry Buffalo. Located in the vibrant Warehouse District, Harry Buffalo offers a spacious and energetic ambiance that caters to sports fans of all ages. The bar boasts an extensive menu, with mouthwatering options like loaded fries, juicy burgers, and flavorful tacos. Sports enthusiasts can enjoy a wide selection of beers, including local and international favorites. With its numerous large screens strategically placed throughout the venue, Harry Buffalo provides excellent sightlines and ensures that you won’t miss a single play. Whether you’re watching football, basketball, or any other game, Harry Buffalo promises a memorable experience.
Wild Eagle Saloon
Wild Eagle Saloon is the ultimate sports bar for those who want an immersive and unique game-watching experience. Conveniently located in the heart of downtown Cleveland, this spacious bar is known for its rustic decor and cozy atmosphere. The menu at Wild Eagle Saloon offers a variety of mouthwatering dishes, from gourmet pizzas to indulgent mac and cheese bites. Beer lovers will be pleased with the extensive selection of craft beers and specialty cocktails. What sets Wild Eagle Saloon apart is its massive 30-foot video wall, providing an unparalleled viewing experience. With its state-of-the-art technology and comfortable seating options, this sports bar ensures that every seat is the best seat in the house.
Location and Facilities
Location of popular sports bars in Cleveland
The popular sports bars mentioned above are all conveniently located within Cleveland, making them easily accessible for locals and visitors alike. The Clevelander Sports Bar & Grill is situated downtown, close to major attractions and the sports stadiums. Winking Lizard Tavern has multiple locations, with some near downtown and others in the suburbs, ensuring that there’s a convenient spot for everyone. Harry Buffalo is located in the vibrant Warehouse District, adding to its appeal as a destination for sports enthusiasts. Wild Eagle Saloon is also centrally located downtown, offering a prime spot for game-watching.
Facilities available at these sports bars
All of the popular sports bars in Cleveland offer excellent facilities to enhance the game-watching experience. From ample seating options to large high-definition screens, these bars ensure that fans have a clear view of the action from every angle. Comfortable seating arrangements, including booths, tables, and bar stools, cater to different preferences. The bars also feature a lively and energetic atmosphere, with vibrant decor that reflects the sports theme. Additionally, the sports bars provide ample parking options and are easily accessible via public transportation, making it convenient for fans to gather and enjoy the games together.
Unique Features of Each Sports Bar
Ambiance and decor
Each sports bar in Cleveland has its own unique charm and ambiance. The Clevelander Sports Bar & Grill boasts a modern and sleek interior, with eye-catching wall displays of sports memorabilia that pay tribute to Cleveland’s sports legacy. Winking Lizard Tavern exudes a laid-back and cozy atmosphere, with its rustic decor and warm lighting creating a comfortable setting for fans to relax and enjoy the games. Harry Buffalo offers a lively and energetic ambiance, with its vibrant colors and lively music adding to the festive atmosphere. Wild Eagle Saloon stands out with its rustic and Western-inspired decor, transporting guests to a cozy lodge in the heart of the city.
Food and drink options
When it comes to food and drink options, the popular sports bars in Cleveland have something for every palate. The Clevelander Sports Bar & Grill offers a diverse menu that satisfies cravings for classic bar food with a gourmet twist, such as their mouthwatering Kobe beef sliders and truffle fries. Winking Lizard Tavern is known for its extensive beer selection, including local craft brews and seasonal favorites, complemented by a menu featuring crowd-pleasing dishes like their famous Ultimate Nachos. Harry Buffalo impresses with its wide variety of flavor-packed appetizers, hearty sandwiches, and signature buffalo wings. Wild Eagle Saloon tantalizes taste buds with their unique twists on comfort food classics, such as their Buffalo Chicken Dip and BBQ Chicken Pizza.
Seating arrangements and screens
All of the popular sports bars in Cleveland offer ample seating options to accommodate different group sizes and preferences. The Clevelander Sports Bar & Grill features a combination of high-top tables, booths, and bar seating, providing a comfortable spot for fans to gather. Winking Lizard Tavern ensures that there’s a seat for everyone with their spacious dining areas and both indoor and outdoor patio seating options. Harry Buffalo offers a mix of bar stools, tables, and private booths, allowing guests to choose their preferred seating arrangement. Wild Eagle Saloon provides a range of seating options, including couches, high-top tables, and bar seating, as well as private areas for larger groups. In terms of screens, all the sports bars have strategically placed high-definition screens throughout the venue, ensuring that fans have a clear view of the game no matter where they are seated.
Happy Hours and Special Deals
Happy hour timings
For those looking to enjoy their favorite sports games on a budget, the popular sports bars in Cleveland offer enticing happy hour specials. The Clevelander Sports Bar & Grill has happy hour from 4 PM to 7 PM, Monday through Friday, offering discounted drink specials and appetizers. Winking Lizard Tavern has an extended happy hour from 3 PM to 7 PM, Monday through Friday, featuring discounted draft beers and select appetizers. Harry Buffalo also offers a generous happy hour from 4 PM to 7 PM, Monday through Friday, with discounted drinks and food options. Wild Eagle Saloon offers happy hour specials from 3 PM to 7 PM, Monday through Friday, including discounted drafts, cocktails, and appetizers.
Drink and food specials
In addition to happy hour, the sports bars in Cleveland entice fans with a variety of drink and food specials throughout the week. The Clevelander Sports Bar & Grill features daily specials such as Taco Tuesdays, Wing Wednesdays, and Burger Thursdays, where you can enjoy discounted prices on these fan-favorite menu items. Winking Lizard Tavern offers daily deals like Half-Price Boneless Wings on Mondays and $2 Tacos on Tuesdays. Harry Buffalo has enticing specials like Half-Price Burgers on Mondays and discounted wings on Wednesdays. Wild Eagle Saloon tempts with discounted margaritas on Mondays and half-priced appetizers on Tuesdays. These specials give fans the opportunity to enjoy their favorite treats while cheering on their teams without breaking the bank.
Biggest Screens and Surround Sound
Sports bars with large screens
If you’re looking for an immersive game-watching experience with the biggest screens in town, you won’t be disappointed by the sports bars in Cleveland. The Clevelander Sports Bar & Grill features several large high-definition screens strategically placed throughout the venue, ensuring that fans have a clear view of every play. Winking Lizard Tavern also boasts numerous big screens, providing optimum viewing angles from anywhere in the bar. Harry Buffalo offers multiple large screens that add to the excitement of the game, allowing fans to get up close and personal with the action. Wild Eagle Saloon stands out with its massive 30-foot video wall, creating a captivating viewing experience that makes you feel like you’re right in the stadium.
Availability of surround sound systems
To truly immerse yourself in the game atmosphere, the popular sports bars in Cleveland have surround sound systems that enhance the viewing experience. The Clevelander Sports Bar & Grill ensures that fans can hear every cheer and play with their high-quality surround sound system. Winking Lizard Tavern also provides excellent surround sound, allowing fans to feel the excitement of the game. Harry Buffalo offers a lively experience with their energetic atmosphere and surround sound, creating an immersive environment for fans to cheer on their teams. Wild Eagle Saloon elevates the game-watching experience with their state-of-the-art technology and surround sound system, delivering crystal-clear audio that adds to the excitement of the games.
Sports Coverage
Types of sports events covered
No matter what sport you’re passionate about, the sports bars in Cleveland have you covered. From basketball and football to baseball and hockey, these bars showcase a wide range of sports events. The Clevelander Sports Bar & Grill televises all major sports events, including NBA basketball games, NFL football games, MLB baseball games, and NHL hockey games. Winking Lizard Tavern ensures that fans can catch basketball, football, baseball, and hockey, as well as other popular sports like soccer and golf. Harry Buffalo broadcasts a variety of sports events, including basketball, football, baseball, and hockey, as well as UFC and boxing matches. Wild Eagle Saloon offers coverage of major sports events, from basketball and football to hockey and baseball, ensuring that fans never miss a beat.
Availability of multiple games/shows simultaneously
One of the advantages of visiting a sports bar is the ability to watch multiple games or shows simultaneously. The popular sports bars in Cleveland understand the importance of catering to diverse fan interests. The Clevelander Sports Bar & Grill features numerous screens that allow fans to watch multiple games or shows at the same time, ensuring that everyone can enjoy their preferred sports events. Winking Lizard Tavern offers multiple screens strategically placed throughout the bar, providing the opportunity to watch different games or shows simultaneously. Harry Buffalo also offers multiple screens, allowing fans to catch multiple games at once, creating a dynamic atmosphere for sports enthusiasts. Wild Eagle Saloon takes it a step further with their massive video wall, providing the ultimate multi-game viewing experience.
Game Day Experience
Atmosphere on game days
Game days at the popular sports bars in Cleveland are electric and filled with excitement. The Clevelander Sports Bar & Grill buzzes with energy as fans gather to support their favorite teams. The lively atmosphere is contagious, with cheers, chants, and high spirits filling the air. Winking Lizard Tavern creates a laid-back and welcoming atmosphere, where fans can relax, enjoy their favorite beverages, and engage in friendly banter with fellow supporters. Harry Buffalo emanates a vibrant and energetic atmosphere, with fans cheering passionately for their teams and celebrating every thrilling moment. Wild Eagle Saloon combines the excitement of game day with a cozy lodge-inspired ambiance, ensuring that fans can enjoy the games in a comfortable and spirited setting.
Crowd interaction and enthusiasm
The sports bars in Cleveland are known for their enthusiastic and engaged crowds. It’s not just about watching the game; it’s about being part of a community of passionate fans. At The Clevelander Sports Bar & Grill, fans come together to cheer, high-five, and engage in spirited discussions about their teams’ performances. Winking Lizard Tavern encourages interaction with its friendly staff and lively atmosphere, fostering a sense of camaraderie among fans. Harry Buffalo amps up the enthusiasm with its energetic crowd, creating an electric atmosphere that intensifies with every nail-biting play. Wild Eagle Saloon fosters a sense of community where fans can bond over their shared love of sports, engaging in friendly competition and lively conversations.
Sports Memorabilia and Decorations
Sports-themed decorations
If you’re a sports fan looking for an immersive experience, the sports bars in Cleveland won’t disappoint in terms of their sports-themed decorations. The Clevelander Sports Bar & Grill features eye-catching wall displays showcasing autographed jerseys, historic photos, and other memorabilia, paying homage to Cleveland’s sports history. Winking Lizard Tavern complements its rustic decor with sports-themed accents, such as vintage stadium seats and framed sports memorabilia, creating a nostalgic ambiance. Harry Buffalo embraces its sports theme with vibrant murals, team flags, and sports memorabilia displayed throughout the venue. Wild Eagle Saloon creates a cozy lodge atmosphere, adorned with sports-themed artwork, vintage sports equipment, and team flags that make you feel right at home among fellow fans.
Presence of memorabilia from teams
For die-hard sports fans, the presence of team memorabilia adds an extra level of excitement and connection to their beloved teams. The Clevelander Sports Bar & Grill boasts an impressive collection of sports memorabilia, including signed jerseys, iconic sports equipment, and framed photographs. This allows fans to feel a part of Cleveland’s sports legacy while enjoying the game. Winking Lizard Tavern showcases team memorabilia, including autographed jerseys, helmets, and sports equipment, creating an authentic sports environment. Harry Buffalo proudly displays team memorabilia, allowing fans to relish in Cleveland’s sports history while cheering on their teams. Wild Eagle Saloon adds a personal touch to its sports-themed decor with team memorabilia and vintage photos from local teams, creating a cozy and nostalgic atmosphere.
Additional Entertainment Options
Pool tables, dart boards, and other games
While sports are the main attraction at these bars, the popular sports bars in Cleveland go above and beyond by offering additional entertainment options. The Clevelander Sports Bar & Grill features pool tables where fans can test their skills between games or during halftime. Winking Lizard Tavern offers pool tables, dart boards, and various arcade games, adding to the fun-filled atmosphere. Harry Buffalo provides an array of entertainment options, including billiards, arcade games, and shuffleboard, ensuring that there’s never a dull moment. Wild Eagle Saloon offers pool tables, shuffleboard, and other games, providing entertainment for fans looking for some friendly competition or a break from the intense game action.
Live music or DJs
To further enhance the overall experience, some sports bars in Cleveland offer live music or DJs. The Clevelander Sports Bar & Grill occasionally hosts live music events, adding a lively and energetic element to the game-watching atmosphere. Winking Lizard Tavern features live music performances on select nights, creating a vibrant atmosphere for fans to enjoy. Harry Buffalo often hosts live music acts or DJs, taking the excitement up a notch and turning game day into a full-fledged party. While Wild Eagle Saloon does not offer live music, the energetic atmosphere and lively crowd create a high-energy environment that rivals any concert.
If you’re a sports enthusiast in Cleveland, you’re in luck! The city offers a plethora of sports bars that cater to every fan’s needs. From The Clevelander Sports Bar & Grill and Winking Lizard Tavern to Harry Buffalo and Wild Eagle Saloon, each bar has its own unique features and offerings that make game day an unforgettable experience. So gather your friends, grab your jersey, and head to one of these sports bars to cheer on your favorite teams, indulge in delicious food and drinks, and immerse yourself in the electric atmosphere. Cleveland truly has it all when it comes to sports bars, ensuring that every fan has a front-row seat to the action.