CLEVELAND, Ohio — The Guardians pulled off the unthinkable this past weekend, completing the biggest regular-season comeback in MLB history to win their 13th American League Central Division title.
Brayan Rocchio’s walk-off three-run home run in the 10th inning on Sunday’s game was the cherry on top of a regular season that had the Guardians trailing the Tigers by 15 ½ games in early July. Now the team is gearing up for a quick turnaround into the postseason, facing Detroit in an AL wild-card matchup. Game 1 is set for 1:08 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 30 at Progressive Field.
While many fans have scrambled to snag tickets for one of the possible three games in the series this week, not everyone will be able to secure seats. Thankfully, Northeast Ohio will be abuzz with postseason excitement, so there’s no shortage of places to watch the game and celebrate.
For fans looking for a fun spot to cheer on the Guardians in the postseason, here are 21 bars in Greater Cleveland perfect for watching the Guardians’ 2025 playoff run.
Stories by Alex Darus
Where to find Northeast Ohio’s best clambakes in 2025
Where are the best happy hours in Greater Cleveland? It depends on your mood
Reality TV star-turned-rocker Tom Sandoval returns to Cleveland after ‘America’s Got Talent’ run
Flannery’s Pub
323 Prospect Ave., Cleveland
Flannery’s is the laid-back sports bar on East 4th Street, a simple option for game day. The Irish pub always has the Guardians game on for folks stopping in for a drink or looking for a place in the center of the Gateway District to soak up the action.
West End Tavern
18514 Detroit Ave., Lakewood
West End Tavern is another popular Lakewood spot for Guardians games. The bar offers $1 hot dogs and $15 buckets of beer during every game, from first pitch to the final out, for dine-in customers only.
Scalpers Bar & Grill
5718 Mayfield Road, Lyndhurst
Scalpers is the East Side favorite for watching hometown teams on the big screen. Game-day fare includes wings, burgers, loaded fries and cold beer. Tall cans of Bud Light and Miller Lite are $3 during Guardians (and Cavs) games.
City Tap
748 Prospect Ave., Cleveland
City Tap is perfectly situated in the Gateway District for a pre- or post-game drink. The bar typically opens early on game days for pre-gamers and keeps the sound on for folks sticking around to watch.
Thirsty Parrot
821 Bolivar Road, Cleveland
Located across from the ballpark, the Thirsty Parrot opens two to three hours before first pitch. Expect cold beer, bar snacks and a large front patio.
Hoopples
1930 Columbus Road, Cleveland
Hoopples is one of those classic dive bars that is quintessentially Cleveland. Games play with sound on both inside and on the patio, and the bar opens at noon on playoff game days.
HI 5
1052 Old River Road, Cleveland
HI 5 in the Flats bills itself as a destination for game day, especially during the playoffs. Alongside big TVs and daily drink specials, HI 5’s menu includes comfort food like crunch wraps, brisket eggrolls and fry trios.
Winking Lizard
Locations in Lakewood, Cleveland, Brunswick, Independence, Avon, Beachwood, Macedonia, Bedford Heights, Mayfield Heights, Peninsula, Copley, Mentor, Canton
Each Winking Lizard location is busy during a Cleveland game, from Guardians to Cavaliers. Expect plenty of large TVs, draft options and bar snacks.
Great Lakes Brewing Co.
2516 Market Ave., Cleveland
Great Lakes Brewing Company continues its shuttle service to Progressive Field one hour before and after games during the playoffs. The shuttle is free with any purchase from the brewpub or gift shop. The brewery opens at 11:45 a.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday for the wild-card series.
Market Garden Brewpub
1947 W. 25th St., Cleveland
Market Garden Brewpub is a beer lover’s ideal spot for game day viewing while you sip on a beer adorned with the Guardian bridge logo. The indoor and outdoor spaces are equipped with plenty of TVs, so you never have to worry about finding a good spot.
The Clevelander Bar and Grill
834 Huron Road East, Cleveland
The Clevelander is always a bustling downtown spot on game day, thanks to its location across from Progressive Field. The patio is open weather permitting and large TVs make it easy to see the game from every angle.
The Old Angle Tavern
1848 W. 25th St., Cleveland
The Old Angle in Ohio City is the type of no-nonsense pub that is always a go-to spot for watching Guardians games. The TVs always have sound on, and food and drink specials are guaranteed. The lively vibes of the neighborhood add to the entire experience.
Whistle Taproom & Venue
818 Huron Road East, Cleveland
Whistle Taproom’s number of taps rivals the amount of 4K TVs on its walls, making it great for game day watch parties. Pizza and paninis round out the game-day menu.
Johnny’s Little Bar
614 Frankfort Ave., Cleveland
Johnny’s Little Bar is downtown’s favorite dive bar that’s also the best place to belly up to the bar to watch a game. Johnny’s famous burgers and an ice-cold beer complete the experience.
Hi and Dry
2221 Professor Ave., Cleveland
Hi and Dry in Cleveland’s Tremont neighborhood is as much of a sports bar as a duckpin bowling hangout. Guardians games are always on, paired with cocktails, draft beer and bites like confit wings, everything-breaded tenders and waffle fries.
P.J. McIntyre’s Irish Pub
17119 Lorain Ave., Cleveland
In the Kamm’s Corners neighborhood, P.J. McIntyre’s is known for its Irish bar food and for playing every Guardians game on its TV screens. Cheer on the Guards while enjoying a pint of Guinness and a basket of Irish egg rolls.
Merry Arts
15607 ½ Detroit Ave., Lakewood
The longtime pub opens every weekday at 11 a.m., making it the perfect spot for West Siders to pregame. Merry Arts is an old-school bar that always has the games on the TV, and tends to be a lively spot to gather with other Cleveland fans.
Wolfey’s Bistro and Pub
1069 E. Broad St., Elryia
Wolfey’s opens daily at 11 a.m. and always plays the Guardians games on TV, making it a great West Side spot for the playoffs. Food and drink specials are usually also a part of gameday festivities.
Noble Beast Brewing Co.
1470 Lakeside Ave., Cleveland
Noble Beast Brewing will open at 11 a.m. both Tuesday and Wednesday ahead of the playoff games against the Tigers. Local craft brews, wings and bar snacks make up the menu.
Lakewood Truck Park
16900 Detroit Ave., Lakewood
The indoor/outdoor spaces at Lakewood Truck Park are lined with TVs that always have the Guardians on. Enjoy food from rotating trucks and drink specials during the game.
Dive Bar
1214 W. 6th St., Cleveland