Top Cleveland and Northeast Ohio Sports Bars

By Sandy Mitchell

Updated 03/13/18

Looking for a place in Northeast Ohio to watch a Browns, Indians, or Cavs game? Consider these picks for the best sports bars in town.

  • 01 of 05

    Winking Lizard -- Downtown Cleveland

    Winking Lizard, Cleveland Ohio
    ••• (© Flickr user: Maitri/cc license)

    In the shadow of Progressive Field and Quicken Loans Arena, the "lizard" is the perfect place to still get the atmosphere of the game even if you don't have a ticket. With a half dozen TVs, killer wings, and burgers, and an extensive beer list, what more could a sports fan what? Arrive early on big game days; the place is sure to be packed.

    Winking Lizard Tavern
    811 Huron Rd.
    Cleveland, OH 44115
    216 589-0313

  • 02 of 05

    Don Shula's Steakhouse

    ••• (© flickr user: dsanden/cc license)

    Located in the Doubletree Hotel (formerly the Hilton) at I-77 and Rockside Rd., this sports bar/restaurant is easy to get to from all over town. Part of a chain founded by ​the legendary football coach, Don Shula, Shula's is part steakhouse, part sports bar. The food is way above average, the atmosphere relaxing, and it's open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner (ideal for those overseas sporting events).

    Don Shula's Steakhouse
    6200 Quarry Lane
    Independence, OH 44131
    216 901-7852

  • 03 of 05

    Divot's Sports Bar

    This North Royalton hang-out is more than just a sports bar. There's miniature golf, a driving range, a lovely patio, and pretty good food. A great place for those in south suburban Cleveland to catch a game.

    Divot's Sports Bar
    13393 York Rd.
    North Royalton, OH 44133
    440 237-3342

  • 04 of 05

    Johnny Malloy's Sports Pub

    This local franchise has ten locations, from Avon to Willoughby (and Lakewood and S. Euclid, among others). Named for a former Cleveland mounted policeman, they offer Geppetto's menu of ribs, pizza, wings, and sandwiches as well as beer specials, lots of TVs, and parties around important games.

    Continue to 5 of 5 below.
  • 05 of 05

    Little Bar and Grill

    Ok, it's a little dark, but this perennial favorite is within walking distance of all of the stadiums and popular with sports fans -- before, during, and after the game. It's also a good place to find a ticket if you don't already have one.

    Little Bar and Grill
    614 Frankfort Ave.
    Cleveland, OH 44113
    216 861-2166