The Oldest Bar In Cleveland, Harbor Inn Has A Fascinating History
When one explores and admires the streets of Cleveland, they will find a cornucopia of old and historic buildings. Many have housed multiple businesses and attractions, but a few historic buildings have continuously operated as the same entity since opening. Bars, in particular, seem to come and go with population and demographic changes, but this one bar in the Flats is the exception to that reality.
This familiar and cozy destination is located at 1219 Main Ave. in Cleveland and its ambiance is nothing short of nostalgic.
The building's history before 1970 is challenging to trace, but some newspaper articles indicate that the location has been a bar since 1895.
The West Bank once hosted a Powerhouse for the Woodland & West Side Street Railway Co., a group that powered Cleveland's old electric street lines. Many local factory workers once occupied the bar's campus, but it truly catered to people of all backgrounds.
Mementos of Cleveland history decorate the charming interior. Though the bar recently changed ownership, its design and layout have changed very little since around 1969.
Munch on mozzarella sticks while you take a tour of the Flats' own hidden history.
Harbor Inn is open Tuesday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. and stays open half an hour later on Fridays and Saturdays.
This bar is an icon, and Clevelanders can’t get enough of its atmosphere. Have you visited the Harbor Inn before? What year did you first discover it? Share your stories in the comments, because we’d love to learn about what these walls would tell of if they could talk!
For more, check out these epic historic landmarks throughout Cleveland.
