Bar: Hoopples
Address: 1930 Columbus Rd, Cleveland, OH 44113
Score: 8.3/10
Where to start with this one. Hoopples is a bar that I have driven past no less than a dozen times and have not thought much of it. It truly could not be in a better location. The front of the bar overlooks one of the many bridges in downtown Cleveland and is right along the river. Hoopples has been in the same spot since 1981 and has seen the multiple iterations of the flats that have occurred since they were founded.
This is the type of bar that if you are a Clevelander that your dad has definitely been to. The inside of the bar I’d imagine has not changed much since they were founded. Wood floors and a massive wood bar are the stars of this bar. I really appreciated all the windows that were behind the bartender that overlook downtown Cleveland. For the decor, you can expect “typical” bar decor of bars from this tim, a good amount of bar signage, especially for Cleveland and OSU. The star of the show for inside was the giant sticker wall, with layers and layers of stickers that have been placed over the years. I typically only see these sticker walls in bars in FL or the west coast. It was cool to see it in the heart of the Midwest. The other star for me was the vintage bowling game they have in the bar. I did not explore this game to check out if it was in working condition, but man it was sweet. I have played these before in other bars, they are a damn good time. Refreshing to mix it up from darts, pool, or some of the other popular bar games.
While I appreciate a dark, cozy, bar, I appreciate a nice patio just as much. Hoopples had just that. The patio they had was seriously impressive. With it being 78 degrees in October, you know I had to take advantage of this and spend the rest of my time at Hoopples, outside. The patio was just right by the bridge, which you also don’t see often. Not too sure how much this patio gets used because of the short summer and fall seasons that Cleveland has, but when it is sunny, I am not sure you will find a better patio. If you are going to Cleveland, this is a bar I’d stop by. You will find plenty of seating, good prices, and a rich history of the bar located right along the Cuyahoga river.
Price: A buddy of mine paid for the drinks, I’d be lying if I said I knew the exact prices.
Decor: Classic Ohio sports decor.
Service: Nothing bad, nothing memorable, solid service.
Atmosphere: We went before a Browns TNF game. For it being 3pm the place was starting to get busy with Browns fans
High Life Bottle?: Did not see it.
Bonus Points: None