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| - Lounge Leo, or "old man bar" as its known to all of us who frequent is a definite diamond in the rough. The atmosphere is generally pleasant (although the occasional distasteful bunch from CASE pile in and cause a bit of a commotion). When I moved to Cleveland 5yrs ago, I settled in quite well, but always felt something was missing. Back home there was a small Irish pub that my friends and I frequented a few times a week, the kind of "cheers" atmosphere where the owner bartends and everyone knows your name. This was what I was missing the most, until I found Lounge Leo.
After being introduced to the lounge I knew I had finally found that comfortable neighborhood familiarity that I had back home. I'm not a beer drinker so I can't really comment on choice of beers. I do know there's only two on tap, but a pretty decent selection of bottles. As for liquor, there's always plenty and they rarely run out. If you don't see it sometimes you just need to ask!
Michael, who's one of the owners and a bartender and Keith who's another bartender are two of the friendliest people I've ever come across. Both of which I now consider dear friends. They are both always willing to accommodate and to experiment, not to mention they both make drinks with "healthy" pours of liqure in them! When I first walked into Lounge Leo I was nothing more than a customer, now I feel very much like I'm a close neighbor or family member. As a word to the wise, I would avoid Friday nights, theres usually an upper 20s/lower 30s something male and some "flavor of the week" looking ditzy blonde bartending. Both are slightly less than friendly and pour drinks on the light side. Friday nights seem to also be "bartenders friends night out" because those familiar with them are the only ones that seem to get service. This bar is definitely one of Cleveland's most fantastic spots for anything from a quiet drink alone to great fun and drinks with friends. A must see for any local or visitor!
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