This Tiny But Delicious Restaurant In Cleveland Proves That Good Things Come In Small Packages
By Nikki Rhoades|Published June 21, 2023
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Nikki Rhoades
Author
Nikki is a lifelong Ohioan with a love for literature. She holds a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Akron and has enjoyed publishing her written work since 2007. She has a love of travel and does so frequently, though she believes that home is where the heart is — she continues to work in and around Cleveland as a digital content specialist to this day, working on everything from commercial scripts and social media posts to grassroots marketing initiatives.
Remember “Cheers?” While the idea of hanging out in a friendly neighborhood bar was commonplace in 1993 (when the show ended), it’s an unfortunate reality that old-school neighborhood bars are quietly becoming a thing of the past. From neighborhood demographic shifts to the pandemic, many things have worked against this concept over the years. Nonetheless, many familiar neighborhood bars continue to persist in Cleveland, and they’re something like local secrets now. Long-time Clevelanders know the best spots to hang out, especially in many of the city’s most eclectic neighborhoods. But if you’re downtown, where would you go for a casual neighborhood hangout spot? It turns out, there’s one neighborhood bar and restaurant in Downtown Cleveland that keeps the old-school neighborhood hangout concept alive, and it’s just steps away from Playhouse Square.
Stop everything you're doing! We need to talk about one of the best pierogi entrees in Cleveland.
Like many Clevelanders, I am a bit of a pierogi fiend. I love them, whether I make them at home or purchase from a local brand. The secret is in the preparation, as you want to get a nice golden brown crisp on the outside for peak indulgence. And there's one restaurant that consistently makes them perfectly.
This entrée and many other delicious dishes await you at Becky's, a tiny local business you might easily overlook.
However, locals have been flocking here since 1986. Nicknamed "Downtown's Neighborhood Bar," Becky's has remained a small-town feel despite its close proximity to Playhouse Square.
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At first glance, Becky's looks just like any other sports bar.
To help make your night memorable, TVs, arcade games, dart boards, and a jukebox infuse energy into the atmosphere. Colorful lights keep it lit while remaining dark and intimate, and the vibe somehow feels familiar even if you're a first-time visitor.
However, there's always magic happening in the kitchen.
Salads, chicken tenders, and handhelds are just a few features on their all-American menu. They even have a few uniquely Cleveland offerings, like the pierogi sandwich.
And the possibility of special events, which pop up every so often, keeps visitors on the edge of their seats.
There's nothing quite like walking into a restaurant and discovering that you stopped in on a live music night! If this is your vibe, keep an eye out for upcoming events at Becky's.
When the sun starts to go down, the night menu slowly becomes the star of the show at Becky's.
While Becky's is only open until 9 p.m. on Mondays, it's open until 1 a.m. the rest of the week. The night menu, while still featuring many of your favorite apps and entrees, shifts gears to feature more casual options like hot dogs.
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Delicious options like the chicken salad club sandwich can be found both on the lunch/dinner menu and the night menu.
Pierogies, on the other hand, are only offered during the day. So if you're planning on munching during your visit (which you should!), you may want to plan your trip accordingly.
Of course, the casual ambiance of the business and fun bar games make this a fun spot to visit even if you're not planning on eating.
The concept of the neighborhood bar is quietly fading into oblivion, but this spot in Downtown Cleveland preserves the old-school concept. It's the kind of place where strangers become regulars, and where you can meet people from every walk of life.
Becky's is one Cleveland bar and restaurant that belongs on your radar.
Look for Becky's at 1762 E 18th St, Cleveland, OH, 44114.
This neighborhood bar and restaurant in Downtown Cleveland has been a local favorite since 1986. While it’s an amazing spot to catch up with friends, it’s also undeniably an indulgent dining experience. Come hungry, because the kitchen at Becky’s is ready to delight your taste buds.
While you’re in the area, you should budget a bit of time to spend in Playhouse Square. It’s the second largest theater district in the nation (behind Broadway), and it has quite the story to tell.
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