Cleveland takes its cocktails seriously. Across the city, bartenders are turning out the classics with real precision, giving old favourites a fresh twist, and building brand-new drinks from scratch.
Here are 9 places to consider pulling up a stool:
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Velvet Tango Room
Grown-up drinking reigns supreme at the Velvet Tango Room, where the bartenders are so exacting they measure bitters with an eyedropper. Order sophisticated sips like the French 75 or the slightly sweet Tango Manhattan — and if you're in the know, try scoring a seat in the "secret" back room.
Cloak & Dagger
A dark, theatrical little spot in the historic Tremont neighbourhood, with a book-themed cocktail menu that shifts with the season — currently its "Little Book of Monsters." It's equal parts cocktail bar and storybook, and all the better for it.
Porco Lounge & Tiki Room
A tropical hideaway between Tremont and Ohio City — all thatch, rum and umbrella-topped glasses. The peachy Blackbeard's Ghost is the one tiki devotees make the trip for.
The Fairmount
Ask any self-respecting Cleveland Heights local and they'll point you in the direction of The Fairmount. Grab a heaped helping of truffle fries and the house shot, aka the Verdita — pepper-infused tequila with a mint, cilantro, jalapeño and pineapple chaser. There's only one way this evening is going, isn't there?
All Saints Public House
Patio season just went up a notch with All Saints Public House. The hottest patio in Cleveland is now even hotter (literally) — the heated patio is ready for the colder months, so you can unwind like a local over good food and drink in Battery Park.
Society Lounge
Styled after the café society of the early 1900s and tucked just off East 4th Street downtown, Society Lounge is as cultivated as bars come. Raise a finely manicured pinky with a Cucumber Gimlet or a 4th St. Sour made with rosemary-infused vodka — the house's calling cards.
Vault
Set inside century-old bank vaults at The 9, where the old-money surroundings do half the work. Savour some of Cleveland's best cocktails in this swanky room; the signature pour, fittingly, is the Gold Coffer — an intoxicating mix of Bacardi, Luxardo liqueur and pineapple juice.
Amazonia
A speakeasy hidden behind Hola Tacos in Lakewood — half the fun is finding the door. Step inside and the dimly lit room carries an air of mystery and adventure, with a menu of specialty cocktails inspired by Central and South America.
Bad Medicine
Opened in 2024, Bad Medicine in West Park is what's known as a "listening bar," where the team don't just pour incredible concoctions but spin vintage vinyl, setting the tempo for the evening with a cocktail menu that keeps pace.
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Wherever you choose to begin, you're in good hands – Cleveland's bartenders are as happy perfecting a classic as dreaming up something entirely new.
Remember, please drink responsibly.
Posted by: Destination Cleveland
Posted on: 02/10/2026