As strange as it may seem, my curiosity has driven me and a few friends to explore the neighborhood's many watering holes. My personal goal over the next several months is to stop into every establishment to see what they look like inside and find out what kind of people they attract and serve. I ultimately hope to discover one or more spots within the community that have a comfy atmosphere and friendly people and make for great places to hang out and recommend to others, and determine which most exemplifies Old Brooklyn through and through. My initial efforts have been concentrated east of Pearl Road.Here are the places I've enjoyed so far and a few remarks about each.
Steelyard Tavern, Broadview Road at Natchez Avenue
Located on Broadview Road a few storefronts away from Councilman Cummins ward office, Steelyard Tavern was a delightful surprise. It's housed in a old brick building that abuts the sidewalk, and the newly-renovated interior boasts a tin ceiling. Steelyard Tavern is somewhat small, but very quaint. It's one of the first OB bars I'm aware of that has a wider beer selection, including Cleveland's own Great Lakes Brewing Company. The crowd was very friendly and welcoming. The tavern's Myspace page says that it has "the vibe of Tremont in the heart of Old Brooklyn." I couldn't agree more. Here's another review from cleveland.com.
Zeleznik's, Jennings Road at Harvard RoadZeleznik's is truly an Old Brooklyn institution. I've previously written a post about Zeleznik's on Old Brooklyn Blogs, and the fact that it was one of the first in the series OB Featured Business speaks volumes about what I think about the longstanding pub. It's quite a charming place, and part of what I enjoy most is hearing what Peggy Zeleznik has to say.
Mike's Bar and Grille, Broadview Road just west of Valley Road
Again, I didn't know what to expect walking into a house converted into a pub. A lot of work seems to have been put into the interior, which was very nice, clean, and brightly lit. There are a few diner-type booths, a long pub table, and other tables in addition to an expansive bar. A large patio has been recently constructed on the front of the building, and I like the addition of a bike rack.
The Dirty Dog, State Road at Oak Park Avenue
The Dirty Dog is a quaint little corner neighborhood bar on one of my favorite Cleveland streets. After my group sat down, the owner stopped over to say hello and share a warm welcome. I suspect that he's a Cleveland firefighter because the 'Dog had that type of decor. There's a pool table, and like the Steelyard Tavern and Mike's, the bowling machine is a nice touch. I didn't get to check out the food menu, but the Dirty Dog does have a full kitchen.
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Based on my perceptions (Growing up in the 1990s, I remember many harleys parked outside of it, under its previous name) I didn't expect the Steelyard to refer to itself as having the vibe of Tremont, but I've never visited there.
ReplyDeleteI'm not much of a bar fan, but I'd also add Cleats on Jennings and Harvard. Great wings, reasonable prices.
Old Brooklyn has a lot of bars, although a few have closed over the years (Last Chance Saloon, on Broadview, near Searsdale;
The raging bull on Roanoke and Broadview - I've heard that one can be a bit sketchy; and another whose name I forget, across from the Last chance saloon, next to the paint shop, which now houses a church).
Hey Will, the physical space looks a lot like a Tremont bar. It reminds me a bit of The Flying Monkey. I've only been there once, but enjoyed the experience.
ReplyDeleteCan I give an honorable mention to what used to be the "Sports Inn" on the corner of Archmere and State Rd.? Funny, I just stopped by that bar during a visit last September (I live in North Carolina now), and I can't even remember the current name! Anyway, I grew up in this bar in the 70's- great times! Anyway, judging from your list, I guess the Dirty Dog is more popular?
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