Cavs game day drinking spots | Metromix Cleveland
Cavs game day drinking spots

The 2009-2010 Cavs season is upon us and there's never been more reasons to be excited for basketball in Cleveland than there are now. The Cavaliers picked up a mega-star in Shaq, finished with the best regular season record last season, made it all the way to the Eastern Conference Finals, and LeBron is still here!

The team is considered a contender for the NBA Championship, and with two huge stars onboard, the game day experience of pre-drinking, watching the game and post drinking could be one the best ever in Cleveland.

To make sure you don't miss out, we here at Metromix put together a list of drinking spots that are a stone's throw from "The Q" as well as a few spots off the beaten path that you might enjoy.

Clevelander Bar & Grill

Clevelander Bar & Grill

834 Huron Rd. - Cleveland
216-771-3723

If you're in Cleveland for a Cavs or Indians game — the Clevelander is the place to start your pre-game partying.

Tower 230 Sports Bar & Grille

Tower 230 Sports Bar & Grille

230 Prospect Ave. - Cleveland
216-348-0023

Located in Tower City, Tower 230 Sports Bar & Grille is an after-work hangout for many business professionals who work in connecting buildings.

Thirsty Parrot

Thirsty Parrot

812 Huron Rd. - Cleveland
216-685-3200

Whether you're headed to The Q or Progressive Field, some pregame partying is just a crosswalk away at Thirsty Parrot.

Flannery's Pub

pick Flannery's Pub

323 Prospect Ave. - Cleveland
216-781-7782

It’s all about pouring the perfect pint at Flannery’s Pub.

Local Heroes

Local Heroes

2217 E. 9th St. - Cleveland
216-566-8100

If you’re hungry before or after a game, Local Heroes Grill and Bar isn't far away.

Panini's Bar & Grill

Panini's Bar & Grill

840 Huron Rd. - Cleveland
216-522-1510

Panini’s Bar & Grille, known for its “famous overstuffed sandwich,” is the place to go for a hearty sub.

Harry Buffalo

Harry Buffalo

2120 E. 4th St. - Cleveland
216-621-8887

Located within walking distance of The Q and Progressive Field, the Harry Buffalo is a great pre–game and post–game stop.

Winking Lizard Tavern

Winking Lizard Tavern

811 Huron Rd. - Cleveland
216-589-0313

This Winking Lizard is the place to be before the game.

Corner Alley Bar & Grill

Corner Alley Bar & Grill

402 Euclid Ave. - Cleveland
216-298-4070

The Corner Alley provides 11 lanes, a full-service martini bar and restaurant (The 4th Street Bar and Grill) and an extensive drink and food menu that will, er, bowl you over.

Fergie's Downtown

Fergie's Downtown

2130 E. 9th St. - Cleveland
216-696-4030

Located just steps away (OK, maybe 1,000 steps) from Quicken Loans Arena, Fergie’s Downtown caters to those stopping by for a quick drink and bite before and after the game.

Wonder Bar

Wonder Bar

2044 E. 4th St. - Cleveland
216-298-4050

Within walking distance of Progressive Field, Quicken Loans Arena and Tower City Mall, Wonder Bar is located right in the heart of downtown Cleveland.

Fat Fish Blue

Fat Fish Blue

21 Prospect Ave. - Cleveland
216-875-6000

Head to Fat Fish Blue if you're in the mood to have a good time.

Cleats Gateway

Cleats Gateway

2123 E. 2nd St. - Cleveland
216-574-9464

For the sports fan, Cleats Club Seat Grille stands up to its name.

Forti's Bourbon, Beer & Eatery

Forti's Bourbon, Beer & Eatery

746 Prospect Ave. - Cleveland
216-575-0226

Housed in the former Boneyard Beer Farm location, Forti's is an upscale sports bar and restaurant featuring 20 different types of premium bourbon

Rathskeller Restaurant & Tavern

1144 Prospect Ave - Cleveland
216-621-1552

In a downtown area filled with trendiness, Rathskeller is a solid sports bar.

Hoopples River Bed Cafe

1930 Columbus Rd. - Cleveland
216-575-0483

Ok, so Hoopples is not that close to "The Q," but it was voted "Best Pregame Bar" in Best of Cleveland 2009. We thought it was worth a mention here.

The Flat Iron Irish Restaurant & Bar

The Flat Iron Irish Restaurant & Bar

1114 Center St. - Cleveland
216-696-6968

Spend a couple bucks at the area's oldest Irish pub and get a free shuttle ride to and from the game. You were going to pregame anyway, so why not get your money's worth.

Gillespie's Map Room

Gillespie's Map Room

1281 W. 9th St. - Cleveland
216-621-7747

Map Room is all the way on W. 9th, not a short walk to "The Q," but it does have some of the best pizza around and cheap drinks. That might make it worth the distance.

Barley House

pick Barley House

1265 W. 6th St. - Cleveland
216-623-1700

The Barley House is one of the W. 6th hot spots. Afterall, Shaq's "Welcome to Cleveland" party was there. Should be a good time during Cavs games.

Sixth Street Pizzeria & Bar

Sixth Street Pizzeria & Bar

1313 W. 6th St. - Cleveland
216-574-9600

It's a good place for drinking and a quick bite, sounds just right for pre and post game activities. Might be worth the few extra blocks this pizzeria is from the arena.

What other people are saying...

2 comments | Add Your Own
No-pic-dude

JPNKT from Ohio City - October 30, 2009 at 12:05 PM

I like to drink at the Garage Bar in Ohio City before I watch Professional Basketball in the Arena downtown

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No-pic-chick

Girlygirl1 from Fairview Park - October 30, 2009 at 10:37 AM

The Clevelander is by far my favorite spot for pregame drinking!

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