Northeast Ohio Breweries & Craft Cocktails Directory
We Ohioans take our beer seriously, and nowhere is this more evident than in northeast Ohio, where craft brewing has evolved from a pioneering movement to a thriving yet increasingly competitive industry. As of 2022, Ohio offers more than 430 breweries—up from just 60 a decade ago.
Northeast Ohio’s brewing legacy dates back to 1800, when Cleveland’s first brewery opened along the Cuyahoga River, but it was Great Lakes Brewing Company’s 1988 launch in Ohio City that helped spark a modern craft movement in the Midwest.
Northeast Ohio breweries continue to garner national recognition, with Ohio brewers winning ten awards at the 2024 World Beer Cup. While the Ohio craft beer landscape faced new challenges in 2024—from shifting consumer preferences to competition from seltzers and canned cocktails—northeast Ohio’s brewing scene remains vibrant. The region’s breweries aren’t just producing exceptional beers; they’ve become cornerstone institutions in their communities, contributing to a statewide industry that generates $1.27 billion in economic impact and produces 1.29 million barrels annually.
Best northeast Ohio breweries: our local picks
As longtime northeast Ohio residents and beer enthusiasts, we’ve sampled countless brews across the region. The breweries we’re featuring below represent our carefully curated favorites—places we regularly visit and confidently recommend to friends and family. Each has earned its spot not just for their exceptional beer, but also for their atmosphere and vibe, consistent quality, and contribution to their communities.
North Water Brewing (Kent)
We keep coming back to North Water for their consistently excellent, well-crafted beers. (Honorable mention to Bell Tower Brewing, too.) North Water’s location along a favorite bike trail and near Towner’s Woods makes it a perfect stop after outdoor adventures. The dog-friendly patio and university town atmosphere create an inviting space to bring in food from Kent’s local spots (though they’ll be adding flatbreads soon). It’s part of our regular routine, often paired with a visit to nearby Bent Tree Coffee and Taco Tantos.
Muskellunge Brewing (Canton)
Let’s be clear: we come here for the beer, period. The owner’s meticulous attention to brewing shows in every pour, especially in his extraordinary mango gose that we crave all summer. While the taproom is cozy (read: small) and often hosts local game nights, it’s the consistently exceptional beer quality that keeps us coming back.
Woodshop + Mike’s Pizza (Canton)
This combination has become our go-to pizza and beer destination. The vibe is perfect, and Mike’s Pizza steals the show—simply the best in the area. The Woodshop taproom is the perfect complement, serving reliably good brews. Together, it’s a great vibe. Worth noting: Woodshop’s sister location, Unhitched Brewing in Louisville, offers excellent food, solid beers, and nice outdoor seating in their original spot.
Other northeast Ohio breweries we love
Noble Beast Brewing (Cleveland)
A perfect spot for both exceptional beer and food, though you’ll want to plan ahead—it gets packed for good reason. We typically meet friends here, drawn by the quality brewing and full menu. Despite the crowds, it remains one of our favorite meeting spots in the city.
Market Garden Brewery (Cleveland)
The outdoor patio in Ohio City keeps drawing us back, but it’s their seasonal staples that really shine. We regularly stock our fridge with their distributed beers: Franklin Castle, Citramax, Haze Bro, Old Zahm, and Festivus are standouts. The food consistently hits the mark, making it a reliable choice for both dining and drinking.
Bookhouse Brewing (Cleveland)
When we want to unwind after biking or hiking in the Cleveland area, Bookhouse is a go-to. The relaxed, book-lined atmosphere offers a perfect contrast to the city’s more bustling spots. Their thoughtfully crafted beers match the chill vibe, making it an ideal place to decompress and enjoy quality brewing.
Noble Creature Wild Ales & Lagers (Youngstown)
This brewery perfectly captures Youngstown’s current renaissance (Jen’s hometown). Housed in a beautifully renovated church, it offers excellent beer and a fantastic patio with city views. It’s more than just a brewery—it’s a symbol of Youngstown’s revitalization, and the high-quality brews match the impressive setting.
Lock 15 Brewing (Akron)
Sometimes simple is best: Lock 15 delivers consistently good beer and food. Its location near Akron’s bike and hike trails makes it a convenient stop for refreshment after outdoor activities.
Sandy Springs Brewing (Minerva)
We love the authentic small-town atmosphere here—and we mean that in the best way possible. The warm welcome, quality food, inviting interior, and private patio make it our chosen spot to meet up with friends. It’s proof that great brewing isn’t just found in bigger cities.
The Brew Directory: a guide to the best northeast Ohio breweries
Independent breweries locals frequent
Beyond our personal favorites, northeast Ohio boasts an incredible variety of craft breweries*. Our research revealed more than 75 independent breweries across the region that locals cherish and talk about, each adding its own character to the local beer scene.
Editors' Choice
Look for this watermark symbol to find the restaurants we've tried and given two thumbs up.
Cleveland area craft breweries
Akron craft breweries
Breweries in Canton
Youngstown area breweries
Other NE Ohio craft breweries
Where locals buy craft beer in northeast Ohio
Northeast Ohio’s best craft beer retailers range from specialty bottle shops to well-stocked grocery stores, each known for their diverse selection. Many maintain extensive craft beer sections featuring both local breweries and sought-after national brands, while some offer mix-and-match options for sampling different styles.
Butts & Brews
Canton
Corkscrew Johnny’s
Richfield
Discount Drug Mart
Multiple locations
Erik’s Grocery Bag
North Canton
Giant Eagle
Multiple locations
Mack’s Beverage
Parma
Mustard Seed Market
Three Akron locations
Sammy’s
Streetsboro
Vintage Estates
Boardman
The Cocktail Bar & Distillery Directory: a guide to the best northeast Ohio cocktail bars
Editors' Choices for Good Vibes and Spirits
Even those of us who enjoy and excel at mixing drinks at home—a hobby that’s as rewarding as it is economical—do occasionally want to experience expertly crafted cocktails and locally distilled spirits in a great atmosphere.*
Western Reserve Distillers (Ohio’s first and only USDA certified organic craft distillery, committed to locally-sourced ingredients) in Lakewood, Towpath Distillery in Akron, and Seven Brothers Distilling in Geneva all produce excellent spirits that have earned permanent places in our home bars, and their cocktail programs showcase their house-made products beautifully.
Amba in Cleveland, though primarily celebrated for its outstanding food, has also impressed us with thoughtfully crafted cocktails, as has Prosperity Social Club (great pierogi and dive bar atmosphere). At spots like Imperial Room and Conestoga Grill, both located in Canton, we love the vibes but find ourselves drawn to neat pours—sometimes the best way to experience a quality spirit is in its purest form.
NE Ohio locals enjoy spirits and cocktails at these places
Whether it’s a special occasion, a night out with friends, or simply the desire to try something new and let someone else do the mixing, northeast Ohio offers a solid array of cocktail destinations and craft distilleries.
Finding cocktails and craft distilleries near Cleveland
Craft cocktail bars & distilleries in the Ashtabula Area
Akron area craft cocktail lounges & distilleries
Craft distilleries & cocktail bars in Canton
Youngstown area craft cocktail bars & distilleries
Other NEO craft distilleries & cocktail lounges
* Craft Beverage Disclaimer: Beer, Spirits & Cocktails Edition
This list is like a well-curated flight menu, not an exhaustive inventory. We’ve poured in local favorites from personal visits and mixed in suggestions from neighborhood drink enthusiasts. Just like that hidden brewery or secret speakeasy you swear by, some stellar spots might be off our radar, and new establishments are opening their doors all the time. While some recent additions to the craft beverage scene haven’t yet garnered enough buzz to make this list, we’ll keep updating as more breweries, distilleries, and cocktail spots earn their place in the lineup. So keep sampling, keep exploring, and remember—the best drinks are the ones that make you want to raise your glass again!