The Best Bars, Restaurants and Night Clubs for People Over 30 in Cleveland, Ohio

Though much maligned, Cleveland, Ohio, is a diverse, vibrant city that offers residents and visitors an eclectic mix of cuisine, culture and nightlife. There are amazing museums, professional sports, a host of theatres and concert halls, and all the dining and imbibing options you could ask for.

I could go on and on about all the great things to see, do and eat in Cleveland. But, since AC wants to know about the best bars, restaurants and nightclubs for people over 30, let's focus on that.

If you're like me, you lost interest in "clubs" years ago. The only "club" I'm interested in is a Billy club, which I'd use to beat the hell out of all those obnoxious, drunken 20-somethings that fill up on Jell-O shots and vodka and Red Bulls, screaming and stumbling like they're 15-year olds that got into grandma's white zinfandel.

Go ahead and call me old, un-hip, out of touch, whatever. Clubs suck. I don't care who's there, how attractive the patrons or clientele are, or how "exclusive" the place is. There's nothing I hate more than a bunch of young, pretentious assholes who have severely bloated and unmerited self-worths crammed into a tight space where loud, annoying techno "music" blares, unresponsive bartenders make you wait to pay $10 a drink, and bouncers on some sort of weird power trip tell you where to stand and what to do.

Yeah, yeah, yeah, call me a bitter old crank, too. But, I've been there. I've done the club scene to excess. And even when I was young and somewhat hip I hated the club scene. Now that I'm 30, I really hate it.

Okay, enough with my ranting. Let's move on to the best bars and restaurants in the Cleveland area for people over 30. This is by no means a comprehensive list. There are many more great places in Cleveland - these are just some of my favorite spots, in no particular order.

1. Player's On Madison (14523 Madison Ave., Lakewood, Ohio 44107)

Player's is definitely one of my favorite restaurants in town. I've dined there many, many times, and each time has been spectacular. The entire menu is great, the prices are decent, and the service and ambiance are impeccable. But, besides all that, Player's has one of the best patios in town. A nice, little secluded back porch with foliage, fountains and a babbling brook provides the perfect atmosphere for meeting with friends over some appetizers and a few cocktails. For a quiet romantic dinner, an amazing meal, or drinks on a cool, relaxing patio, Player's is tough to beat.

2. Fat Fish Blue (21 Prospect Ave. E, Cleveland, Ohio 44115)

Located downtown in the Gateway District, Fat Fish Blue offers Louisiana-Creole style cuisine and a relaxed atmosphere. The food is great, but the real draw is the live entertainment. Both local and national touring artists perform at Fat Fish Blue, giving residents a chance to hear cool blues tunes. The late, great Robert Lockwood Jr. often performed at Fat Fish Blue, pretty much right up to his passing. If you want a taste of New Orleans without all the hype and hustle of Mardi Gras, then Fat Fish Blue is for you.

3. Gamekeeper's Taverne (87 West St. Chagrin Falls, Ohio 44022)

One of the East Side's finest spots, Gamekeepers offers a diverse, changing menu, filled with varied fish and game options. For those long Cleveland winters, there are several cozy fireplaces to snuggle around. For those all-too-short Cleveland summers, there's a great tree-lined patio, perfect for wasting away a warm night. For an exceptional fine dining experience or a casual haunt to grab a round, Gamekeepers has it got it in spades.

4. Nighttown (12387 Cedar Rd., Cleveland Heights, Ohio 44106)

A world-renowned jazz club (the only club in Ohio on Down Beat's list of The 100 Best Jazz Clubs in the World), Nighttown offers live music year-round and a mix of friendly, intimate settings - a bar area, a casual lounge, a private room, an all-weather outdoor spot (with a full-wall waterfall), and a formal dining room. Open since 1965, Nighttown offers a hip atmosphere and a cool vibe. The décor is beautifully classy and the staff is warm and welcoming. You'll feel like you've been transported to a better, simpler time, free of drama and pretension.

5. Viva Barcelona
(24600 Detroit Rd.,
Westlake, Ohio 44145)

Another West Side restaurant/bar with top-notch food and an amazing patio. Offering authentic Spanish and Mediterranean cuisine, Viva Barcelona is like taking a trip to Spain and Portugal - without the long flight. A great place to gather for a pitcher (or two) of sangria, margaritas or daiquiris. Inside and out, Viva Barcelona is a must visit.