8 Breweries in Cleveland, OH Where You Can Sample the Local Beer Scene

There’s nothing quite like cracking open a cold one – at the end of a long day when it’s finally time to kick your feet up and unwind, in the sweltering heat of summer after you’ve been working on the yard all day, as you tune in for the Browns game or sit down to watch the Cavaliers. No matter when you choose to sip your brews, one thing’s definitely true – sometimes your go-to canned beer is fine, but sometimes it just won’t cut it.

If you’re looking to expand your brewing horizons, then you’re in the right place. We’ve searched high and low for the best places to get a sip of Cleveland’s hop-pening local brew scene so that you don’t have to. Here’s a sneak peek at what we’ve got in store for you:

• The dedicated sours facility of bona fide Cleveland beermaker Platform Brewing Co.
• Outposts of brewing companies from nearby Pittsburgh, PA and Lakewood, NY
• Even an award-winning national brewhouse in case none of these local options quench your thirst for something new

Plus, we’ve also pointed out all of the Cleveland breweries on this list that are currently accepting GiftYa.

What’s the deal with GiftYa?

Glad you asked. GiftYa is a convenient digital gift card that you can send in seconds from your phone or computer. On your end, you can customize the gift with a photo, video, or message. On your recipient’s end, they can easily cash in their gift like a normal digital gift card, hook it up to a card they carry with them every day anyway, or exchange it for another option in just a couple of clicks. With GiftYa, convenience is king.

So if one of your friends needs a little nudge to meet you for a cold one tonight, why not cover the first round when you text them a GiftYa to one of the awesome breweries below? 

Just a thought. Now, on to the good stuff – without further ado, our list of can’t-miss breweries in Cleveland.

1 - Fat Head’s Brewery & Saloon

Cleveland’s Favorite Thing to Come From Pittsburgh, PA

Grab a Fat Head’s Brewery gift card by following the link!

24581 Lorain Rd | North Olmsted | fatheads.com

Don’t scroll away just yet – I know that just said Pittsburgh. But you don’t have to be a fan of the black and gold to enjoy some of the best brews the Steel City has shipped across the state line. The original Fat Head’s Saloon was opened in 1992, and as it grew in popularity, a few other locations have opened – including this one in North Olmsted.

This location is kid-friendly, so don’t worry about bringing little ones along to snack on pretzel bites while you take in the whole Fat Head’s experience. Start with a flight to sample some of their most popular offerings – like the Head Hunter IPA and Sunshine Daydream Session IPA. With a wide range of year-round, seasonal, and collaboration options to choose from, you’re sure to find something to sip on. 

And don’t forget to pair your IPA with a fresh, juicy cheeseburger – this may be a list of Cleveland’s best breweries, but Fat Head’s takes the number one spot on our list because the food here is just as good as the booze.

“Come for the beer, stay for the food.  We went with sample sizes of beer - try whatever you want.  So many options!  Brewer made root beer, drink as is or add the vanilla vodka. Everyone's meals were great. Above expectations!!  Bowling and darts available, too!” - Yelp Review 

Grab a Fat Head’s Brewery gift card by following the link!

2 - Southern Tier Brewery

Tailgate Before the Game or Grab a Growler to Go

Text a Southern Tier Brewery gift card

811 Prospect Ave East | Gateway District | taprooms.stbcbeer.com

Southern Tier Brewing Company is one of the top craft beer producers in the country. Sometimes, when brewing companies get that big, they stop innovating. But take one look at the innovative offerings on Southern Tier’s draft list, and you’ll put any fears you might have about creativity to rest. The downtown Cleveland taproom has 30+ taps, so you’re sure to find something you like. Whether it’s the Peanut Butter Cup Imperial Stout, the French Toast Imperial Ale, or their famous 2XIPA, there’s something for everyone.

Plus, the downtown location is just steps away from Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse and Progressive Field. That means if you’ve got some time to kill before tip-off or you’re looking for the perfect way to end a summer day at the ball field, Southern Tier Brewing Company has you covered.

“I can't believe I haven't written a review for this place yet! We always loved Southey tier beers but now that they have a restaurant we love the food too. The place is super fun, the environment is cool and rustic with multiple floors and rooms! The beer flights are where it's at though!” - Yelp Review 

Text a Southern Tier Brewery gift card

3 - Collision Bend Brewing Company

Cleveland’s Melting Pot on the Cuyahoga River

Buy a Collision Bend gift card

1250 Old River Rd | Warehouse District | www.collisionbendbrewery.com

Brewing companies sometimes get an unfair reputation as being dives, when in reality there are plenty of cool and classy taprooms out there. Collision Bend Brewing Company is one of those spots that’s impossible to mistake. With plenty of outdoor seating a beautiful riverfront views, Collision Bend Brewing Company prides itself in being the place where good food and good brews collide.

Collision Bend has menus tailored to a variety of occasions, from a special lunch or dinner any day of the week to brunch and tailgate options on the weekend. Regulars love that Collision Bend has plenty of vegetarian and gluten-free menu options so that everyone can enjoy what the kitchen is dishing out. 

“This place has a ton of great beer. My wife and I each got a flight and we loved all eight beers we tried. The nachos and 420 fries were delicious as well. Our dog was allowed to sit with us on the beautiful patio in the back of the establishment.” - Yelp Review 

Buy a Collision Bend gift card

4 - Phunkenship

Sour Beers Have Never Tasted So Sweet

Grab a Phunkenship gift card

3135 Sackett Ave | Clark-Fulton | platformbeer.co

Coming in at number four on our list is a true Cleveland brewery. Platform Beer Co. was founded in 2014 in Ohio City, but it didn’t stay a hometown secret for long. Platform Beer quickly spread throughout the great state of Ohio and even into neighboring states as well. Unique among Platform’s other breweries and taprooms is Phukenshop, the brewing company’s dedicated sours facility.

Here you can sample your favorite Platform Beers, site-specific offerings, and of course plenty of sources. If you’re hungry, it may be best to grab a bite before you head to Phunkenship – as of this writing, there aren’t any food items on the menu. However if you sour on beer (pun intended) the fully stocked bar is more than capable of keeping the good times rolling with cocktails, mocktails, and wine options as well.

“Atmosphere: such a cool spot in the most unsuspecting place. Recently opened in an abandoned warehouse, this place is already becoming a spot to be. Easy to miss on the outside, with a grey door on the brick storefront. We went on a Saturday afternoon, and there were a bunch of people, twenty - forty somethings age, enjoying a flight, beer, or cocktail. This place is like a less fratty, hipper micro punch bowl social with good indie music, green walls, a bocce court and pool table. ” - Yelp Review 

Grab a Phunkenship gift card

5 - Masthead Brewing Company

One of the Top 50 New Breweries Nationwide According to BeerAdvocate Magazine (2017)

1261 Superior Ave | Civic Center | mastheadbrewingco.com

Masthead Brewing Company calls a piece of Cleveland history home, transforming an old car dealership from 1921 into a modern brewhouse. Perfect for kicking back on the weekend or hanging out with coworkers after a long day, be sure to try Masthead’s Midwest Red IPA as well as their mouthwatering wood-fired pizza.

“Masthead is an amazing spot in downtown Cleveland you can grab an amazing wood fired pizza & a brew from the many varieties on tap! There are big vats of local brews behind the amazing bar. Do yourself a favor and get to Masthead Brewing!” - Yelp Review 

6 - Forest City Brewery

Old Meets New at This 18+ Neighborhood Brewery

2135 Columbus Rd | Tremont | www.forestcitybrewery.com

If you’re looking for a casual beer garden in Cleveland, look no further than Forest City Brewery. The reclaimed brewpub has a vintage feel – the timber framed space dates all the way back to the early 1900s. You’ll love the balanced, European-style brews and live music. FCB even hosts events several nights a week – be sure to stop in for BINGO, latin dance night, or whatever tickles your fancy.

“I wish we could make it over to Forest City Brewery more often. This brewery is such a good hidden gem, tucked away in the backstreets of Ohio City. They must have one of the most relaxed patio areas of any brewery in Cleveland. ” - Yelp Review 

7 - The Cleveland Brewery

Get In Early if You Want to Try Cleveland’s Hidden Gem for Yourself

777 E 185th St | North Collinwood | theclevelandbrewery.com

Unlike some of the bigger names on this list, The Cleveland Brewery is just starting out. Currently open only one night a week, we’re expecting great things if the crowds are any indication. Take Yelp’s advice and get in early if you want a chance to try The Cleveland Brewery for yourself – their small-batch brews sell out fast!

“So this is a very interesting little small batch craft joint with very limited hours. They're only open on Friday nights from 6 pm to 9 pm. If you don't get there on the early side you won't be able to sit. Free pretzels at every table.” - Yelp Review 

8 - BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse

Award Winning Beer You Can Rely On in Cleveland and Across the Country

Text a BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse gift card

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25779 Brookpark Rd | North Olmsted | www.bjsrestaurants.com

If none of the local spots on this list have quite quenched your thirst for a new brew, this BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse location at the Great Northern Mall certainly will. BJ’s has been awarded more Gold Medals over the last eight years than any other restaurant brewer – so even though their beer is sourced from BJ’s locations all over the country, you’re sure to find something worth sipping.

“Love the chicken flatbread. Extensive beer and food menus. The pizookie is phenomenal-get the s'mores one. They offer a variety of seating options for small and large groups!” - Yelp Review 

Text a BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse gift card

That’s a wrap on the most popular breweries in Cleveland, OH.

We hope you found something on this list that hits the spot. And don’t forget, if you want to treat a loved one to the first round, you can get things rolling in just a couple clicks when you send them a convenient GiftYa card to one of the participating locations on this list. 

Be sure to come back soon – we’re always adding more restaurants, attractions, and breweries to our catalog and new guides to our blog. Til then!