My absolute favorite Cleveland venue, long before we (Shoparooni) became neighbors!
The Tavern is my preference...I like seeing small bands in a small bar, and the Tavern is perfect. Easy to get a beer (they have Schlitz!), and you can see the band no matter how many people are in there. The Ballroom is pretty rad, but I'm a tiny-venue kinda guy. Plus, a cute girl totally grabbed my ass in the Tavern once, so I have fond memories of the place. The bartenders are easy on the eyes, the beer is damn cold, and they always get the coolest/strangest bands.
*thumbs up*