The best bars & nightlife in Ashland

Elks Lodge is a private, members-and-guests social spot where the bar stays lively, Taco Tuesday and the Thursday burger fry hit the spot, and monthly dinners or the occasional Saturday brunch bring folks together. They also champion local scholarships, veterans, and charities, which makes every toast feel extra local.

From the Ontario newsletter, October 16, 2026

If you’re in the mood for grown-up drinks that aren’t pretending, Beanos Buckeye Ballroom leans into premium spirits, polished cocktails, and a vibe that somehow fits both a Tuesday catch-up and a big night. Friendly pros behind the bar, thoughtful mixes, and zero pretense... just Loudonville good.

From the Millersburg newsletter, October 14, 2026

Laxton Hollow Brewing Works is Ohio's only exclusive real ale brewery, pouring small-batch, naturally conditioned cask ales with zero artificial carbonation.

From the Lexington newsletter, October 14, 2026

Some nights call for zero fuss, just a friendly pour and hearty grill fare, and Weber's Bar nails that sweet spot Shelby folks appreciate, perfect for catching up with friends, relaxing after a long day, and enjoying solid, straightforward plates that taste like they should without trying too hard.

From the Shelby newsletter, October 7, 2026

Parrot's Head Pub is the spot when you want a legit beer selection without leaving Shelby, with over 200 bottles and six rotating drafts, plus a house-made Chicago-style 312 Urban Pizza that takes its time and rewards your patience. Weekend bites and private party options keep it lively.

From the Shelby newsletter, October 4, 2026

Whether you're into easy-drinking classics, IPAs, or seasonal one-offs, Black Fork Brewing keeps the taps fresh with beer brewed right here in Shelby. Expect live music, Music Bingo, special releases, and a chill patio vibe that makes it easy to linger with neighbors...

From the Shelby newsletter, September 25, 2026

Legends Sports Grill & Pub brings classic American eats to Shelby with juicy burgers, smoky BBQ, wings and something crispy to snack on alongside cold beer or a cocktail.

From the Galion newsletter, September 27, 2026

O'Bryan's Pub has been the local hangout since 2001, pouring Guinness on tap and turning out craveable staples like the signature O'Bryan's Burger, a surprisingly addictive Grouper Reuben, and O'Bryan's Peppercorn Sauce, so when you want easygoing comfort with friends, this is the move.

From the Ashland newsletter, October 11, 2026

Whether you’re craving a well-made classic, a seasonal craft cocktail, or exploring whiskies from around the world, The Third Place nails the sweet spot between cozy and lively. It’s Ashland’s premier whiskey bar with 20 Uniontown Brewing beers on tap, the perfect after-work hangout.

From the Ashland newsletter, October 5, 2026

Stand-alone & airport wine bars offering lunch, dinner & small plates with custom-paired wines.

The Brothers Lounge keeps your week humming with a lineup of live bands, jazz, comedy, and sing-alongs across its Concert Hall and cozy Wine Bar. Grab a seat on the patio, pair Chef Wyn’s seasonal American fare with something sippable, then stay to dance.

From the Cleveland newsletter, October 17, 2026

Need a no-fuss spot that nails the classics this week? Wagon Wheel Pub is your neighborhood go-to for juicy burgers, crispy wings, and pizzas with Parma’s 2020 Best Pizza Crust, plus a deep beer lineup that makes weeknights with friends feel like a mini victory lap.

From the Parma newsletter, October 6, 2026

The Vault Wine Bar pours thoughtfully curated wines alongside craft beers and easygoing cocktails, with casual eats that actually pull their weight. Meet a friend, taste your way through something new, or just settle into a glass and good conversation this week.

From the Shelby newsletter, September 29, 2026

Nelly's Hideaway is a no-fuss spot to decompress, keeping it classic with juicy burgers, crispy fried favorites, and gloriously cold beer. This week, post up with friends for darts or Silver Strike Bowling, then call it a night feeling like you actually left the house on purpose.

From the Shelby newsletter, October 2, 2026

Porco Lounge & Tiki Room is your midweek mini-vacation, with award-winning tiki cocktails built on fresh-squeezed juices, house-made syrups, and a ridiculous 300-plus spirits lineup.

From the Cleveland newsletter, September 15, 2026

Formerly Secret Society Comedy, Henceforth Comedy keeps the city laughing with curated lineups that pop up at cool spots around town. Keep an eye on their rotating calendar for showcases like One More Joke at The Winchester Music Tavern on August 4, then go discover your new favorite local comic.

From the Cleveland newsletter, September 23, 2026

With an actual tree over the bar and a pint of Guinness poured the way it should be, The Treehouse nails the cozy-meets-rowdy pub vibe. Expect shareable wings, sliders, pizzas, and brunch favorites, live music some nights, and TVs for the game... an easy Youngstown weeknight or weekend plan.

From the Youngstown newsletter, September 6, 2026

Named after a 19th-century Cleveland Irish neighborhood, Old Angle Tavern nails the neighborhood-pub sweet spot with stone-and-wood coziness, proper pints, and hearty pub grub. Live music pops up some nights, soccer gets its due, and the crowd lands comfortably between hip and beer-swilling... which is exactly the fun.

From the Salem newsletter, October 14, 2026

Classic-meets-creative cocktails and elevated bar bites are the move at Bad Medicine. Think a cucumber-bright Archangel or bourbon-kissed Golden Tooth with rosemary fries and a Fried Chicken Sandwich, plus Tiki Tuesday and weekly events... perfect excuse to slip out this week and feel fancy without trying.

From the Parma newsletter, September 29, 2026

Whether you're craving a proper breakfast, a burger and fries, or old-school comforts like lasagna and meatloaf, Backroom Bar and Grille keeps it coming across two bars with pool and darts. Add Wednesday night trivia and late-night snacks, and you’ve got an easy go-to for low-key fun with friends.

From the Ashland newsletter, October 16, 2026

Johnny's Little Bar is a hidden Cleveland gem with thick, juicy burgers and freshly made fries in a cozy dive vibe that wins over regulars fast. Friendly, no-frills service, a solid craft beer lineup, and that satisfying burger and fries combo make it a clutch pick when you want simple done right.

From the Lorain newsletter, September 6, 2026

Boisterous Australian-themed chain serving steaks, seafood & other hearty steakhouse fare.

Set in a beautifully restored former mortuary, The Phoenix Brewing Company pours a rotating lineup of hand-crafted beers brewed on-site, from easy sippers to the fan-favorite Ferryman Oatmeal Milk Stout. Expect weekend music, community game nights, and a friendly taproom that feels like Mansfield’s living room.

From the Ontario newsletter, October 21, 2026

From their NE Ohio orchard to your glass, The Brownhoist Cider Company LLC makes crisp, dry ciders with non-GMO, pesticide-free apples and handles everything in-house. Hit their Cider Bunker tasting room to sample unique, not-sweet flavors, or find them on tap around Cleveland when you're out.

From the North Ridgeville newsletter, September 12, 2026

Hilarities 4th Street Theatre keeps national stand-up rolling through, and you can make it a full night with cocktails at Kevin's Martini Bar, dinner at Pickwick The Restaurant, then head downstairs for the show or a themed Frolic Cabaret. Consider this your midweek reset.

From the Cleveland newsletter, October 7, 2026

When your week needs a mood lift, Cent'Anni brings Cleveland’s Little Italy to life with a cozy cocktail bar vibe, Italian drinking culture, and wood-fired Roman style pizza that pairs suspiciously well with another round. Treat yourself to a laid-back night that feels like a quick escape.

From the Cleveland newsletter, October 18, 2026

Rowley Inn is that food-driven neighborhood bar pouring local brews and turning out Cleveland-twist plates that actually hit the spot, and they even snagged a Diners, Drive-ins and Dives feature. A short hop from Parma, when you want unfussy brunch or a low-key hang that still feels special, this is the move.

From the Parma newsletter, October 24, 2026

When you're craving a straight-up great burger, unexpected lasagna fix, or prime rib that actually hits the spot, MVP's Sports Bar and Grille keeps it classic and satisfying. Add live music and you’ve got an easy local hang where friends, games, and comfort food happily coexist.

From the Shelby newsletter, October 11, 2026

Whether you're wine-curious or a card-carrying grape nerd, Wyne Tasting & Cocktail Bar lets you sample by the sip with self-serve dispensers and wine on tap, pair it with a tidy charcuterie board, and keep things fresh with a monthly featured wine. They even host classes and private hangs.

From the Cleveland newsletter, October 23, 2026

Feeling wine-curious this week? Flight Cleveland in Gordon Square keeps things adventurous and approachable with pre-selected flights, short pours, and a shop stacked with bottles you’ll actually want to drink.

From the Cleveland newsletter, October 4, 2026

Superelectric Pinball Parlor is a casual bar packed with coin-operated pinball machines from several decades plus a few video games. Order a drink, chase high scores, and when the bug bites, jump into league nights or book a party so the crew has bragging rights for weeks.

From the Lorain newsletter, September 13, 2026

Whether you’re winding down after work or plotting a low-key night with friends, Hickory Vines Winery & Venue pours easygoing sips with vineyard views and plenty of breathing room. Bring your own grub or see what they’re cooking, book a private tasting, or hop a luxury cart tour.

From the Ashland newsletter, October 24, 2026

Butcher and the Brewer pairs housemade beers with carefully sourced American fare in an industrial-chic setting that feels equal parts lively and laid-back. When you're craving a local pint and food that goes beyond the usual, this is your easy win for weeknight plans.

From the Cleveland newsletter, September 26, 2026

Great Lakes Brewing Company keeps the pints interesting with a dialed-in tap list, a lively brewpub for pairing beer with bites, and patio hangs plus events like Emo Night and History Happy Hour. Rally some friends this week and make it your meetup spot.

From the Cleveland newsletter, September 29, 2026

La Cave du Vin is a cozy wine bar and shop with a deep bottle list, craft beers for the hop-inclined, and plenty of cheese to match. Voted Best Wine Bar in Cleveland in 2025, it has that warm, linger-all-night vibe, plus a low-key wine club if you like surprises.

From the North Ridgeville newsletter, September 11, 2026

Set on The Blueberry Patch, 1285 Winery turns carefully sourced grapes into easy-drinking pours, then pairs them with wood-fired pizzas, legit pasta, artisan cheese plates, plus craft beers. There’s Friday live music and a brunch menu that makes “just one glass” a bold prediction.

From the Galion newsletter, October 10, 2026

Welcome To The Farm brings live country at a proper volume plus big-game energy, with smoky BBQ and cold drinks to match. It’s Chase Rice’s Cleveland spot with Forward Hospitality, and it nails the rowdy but friendly vibe when you just want to sing along, eat brisket, and unwind.

From the Cleveland newsletter, October 19, 2026

Characters Sports Bar & Grill has been serving Parma for over 20 years, and their awesome wings are the kind you start craving before lunch. Grab a seat on the all-season, full-service patio, bring your fun self, and let their crew keep the good vibes rolling this week.

From the Parma newsletter, October 20, 2026