Great Lakes Brewing Company, Cleveland, Ohio

History

The Victorian building at 2516 Market Avenue that houses the Great Lakes Brewing Company Brewpub was rented and eventually purchased by the Conways in 1987, but previously served as the site of a French restaurant called the "Market Street Exchange". The Brewpub is actually two historic buildings merged: The Market Tavern and MacClean's Feed & Seed Company. The Market Tavern was established circa 1865 and became a popular watering hole for Cleveland's various legal and civil service professionals and tradesmen. Its most famous patron was Eliot Ness, former leader of Chicago's "Untouchables" (Prohibition agents) and the man credited with taking down Al Capone's gang. After Chicago, Ness set his sights on Cleveland, which at the time was teeming with organized crime and government corruption. Ness did some of his most impressive work in Cleveland as Director of Public Safety and later ran (unsuccessfully) for Mayor.

Around the Brewpub

The Taproom retains much of the charm and mystique from the 1930s era in its grand Tiger Mahogany bar (Cleveland's oldest) and intriguing bullet holes said to have come from Eliot Ness himself.

The Brewhouse features an upclose view of the seven barrel brewing tanks used in the early days of Great Lakes Brewing Company, as well as antique scales used by MacClean's Feed & Seed Company.

The Beer Cellar is an extension of the Taproom, but reflects a more authentic "brewpub" atmosphere. Renovations in March 2004 included a brand new wooden bar, plasma televisions and a fully stocked bar of GLBC craft brews, wine and liquor. The previous Beer Cellar was a beautiful, turn of the century "Rathskellar" complete with stone walls and a viewing area of smaller beer tanks. The new renovations have enhanced the previous structure while generating additional space for pub customers and providing an ideal venue for watching live sporting events. Now available for private rental!

The Beer Garden was renovated in August 2006 to include a retractable "Roman Curtain" roof and other eco-friendly components. The Roman Curtain roof is a durable canvas roof that encloses the Beer Garden, which allows use of this indoor/outdoor dining area all year. The peak of the "roof" is 24 feet high and ceiling fans provide constant air circulation. A radiant heat fireplace and floor generate warmth during the colder months. The eastern side of the Garden features an energy efficient straw bale wall, the first of its kind in Cleveland. The southern end of the Garden has been redesigned with a 10 foot high sliding glass door that allows in natural light and a scenic view of the Garden's wrought iron gate, lush trees and Ohio City's Market Square.

The Avenue offers curbside seating in front of the Brewpub on Market Avenue among dimly lit trees and bright flowers. Food and beverage service is also available on the Avenue weather-permitting.

Above the Taproom are two facilities known as the Market Room and the Rockefeller Room, which served as law offices for a young John D. Rockefeller before he got his start with Standard Oil (SOHIO). Now available for private rental!

Brewpub Hours

Monday - Thursday: 11:30 AM - 10:30 PM (bar open until 12:00 AM)
Friday and Saturday: 11:30 AM - 11:30 PM (bar open until 1:00 AM)
Sundays: Closed

Happy hour is available Monday - Friday from 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Reservation Policy: GLBC takes reservations for parties between 8-15 people. For parties under 8, we offer call-ahead seating: call 30-45 minutes before you plan to arrive and leave your name with the hostess. A credit card number is required to hold the reservation. There is a 48-hour cancellation policy; if the group is a no-show, $15 will be assessed per person.

Brewpub Contact Information
Great Lakes Brewing Company
2516 Market Avenue
Cleveland, Ohio 44113
216.771.4404
216.771.4466 (fax)
info@greatlakesbrewing.com

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