I'm starting to think that divey pubs with unexpectedly divine bar food is a Cleveland's expertise.
No, I'm serious. ABC Tavern nails bar food. Not just any old greasy grub though. This is borderline gastropub faire with unique, delicious twists and a hot-damn-that's-cheap price tag.
For instance, you can grab something traditional like a fresh, juicy hamburger or something a little different like a lamb quesadilla with cucumber sauce. All of the menu is made from ingredients fresh from the West Side Market too, which is just the icing on the cake (or the ketchup on the fries).
A large and vast brew selection doesn't hurt my love for ABC either. From cheap domestics and throwbacks to pricey imports and micros, they'll most likely have whatever you're looking for. And with fast, friendly and talkative service to boot? Someone calls Wayne's World 'cause I feel a "schwing" coming on!
Lastly, like many other bars in C-Town, ABC Tavern certainly isn't lacking in the atmosphere department. You can tell it's got history coming out its butt, plus some to spare. Old-school bar bowling? Check! Room for a private party upstairs? Oh yeah, they've got that too. My only issue came from not realizing how loud those damn bowling machines actually are-- especially when played by drunk people who are trying to throw the ball through the thing. Yikes.
Added bonus? This bar runs on a jukebox, people! I love that kind of vibe in a smaller bar, so don't forget to bring your dolla-dolla bills, y'all!