Tuesday 1st of January 2013 04:03:35 PM

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The Great Lakes Brew Pub is a nice little place in an old history building with a great atmosphere The staff was knowledgeable and very helpful and attentive. All in all, I'd say that Great Lakes is worth the visit.

We got there in the early evening and had to wait almost an hour for a table. In the meantime, I was able to check out the shop next door, the courtyard across the street, and the surrounding market.

The bar is a bit small, but we sat outside. I went with the sampler, and the quality of the beer was good.

Saturday 15th of August 2009 06:00:59 PM

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I stopped by GLBC while driving from DC to Detroit, and I'd read about some of their beers. The outside patio area was great and in view of the Old Market area, but a crazy thunderstorm came through so I didn't get to sit outside.

The cellar bar area downstairs was closed, but I looked in and it had a lot of historical character to it. The atmosphere of the upstairs bar is amazing too (love the bullet hole in the tiger wood bar, supposedly from Eliot Ness).

Unfortunately, the bartender was not overly helpful or friendly. He was definitely NOT a talker, and I had to ask for service, he didn't ask me other than belatedly after I first sat down at the bar.

I ordered a sample flight of all 10 beers they had on draft at the time (about $15 I think), and all were good or great. My favorites were the Dortmunder Gold, Commodore Perry IPA and their Grassroots Ale (a saison).

The food on the menu looked delicious, but it was a bit pricey, and I didn't eat anything other than a meat and cheese board (which was good and filling).

Wednesday 5th of August 2009 02:36:36 PM

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The old pub was beautiful. The beers are excellent. My favorite is the Edmund Fitzgerald Porter, with a coffee taste to it. Another favorite was a seasonal called Rye of the Tiger IPA. They gave a tour of the brewery. It was really impressive, and huge. The food was good. I had the brats and perogis, or however you spell it. This will be one that I will return. I even bought a growler full of the Rye IPA.

Monday 18th of May 2009 04:12:35 PM

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For my official review, I visited GLBC Sunday after a football game. We went downstairs first. The basement feature a couple plasma TV's, a bar, and 8 or 10 tables. The menu downstairs, is limited to a couple sandwiches and appetizers. It's not roomy, featured no table service, and the lone bartender seemed a little ovewhelmed with the crowded room.

The main floor restaurant was a little more relaxed. The menu is not overly large, but does contain variety. I started with a bowl of Stilton-Cheddar Ale soup, and had free range porcini stuffed chicken as my entre. Both courses were delicious. Great Lakes also has a very nice beer garden for those better weather days.

And now for the important part, the beer. Edmund Fitzgerald Porter, Dortmunder Gold, Elliot Ness, Locktender, and Anniversary were available. I had two beers not in there bottled Line-up: Cleveland Brown Ale, and Octoberfest. Both beers lived up to Great Lake's bottled line-up.

Stopped Sat. (5/20/06) before taking thier "fatty wagon" shuttle to an Indians game. It was very busy, but worth the wait. As of May 1, closed Sundays, except for special events.

Saturday (8/26/06) sat in the newly renovated beer garden. This is gonna be a great year round addition for GLBC.

Tuesday 23rd of September 2008 10:14:29 PM

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Great Lakes' new brewery is located in an historic old brewery (Schlather). The brewpub has an old style bar from the Eloit Ness era. The beer at Great Lakes is always solid- first and foremost is their flagship - Dortmunder Gold (formerly Heisman). This is generally the go to beer in Cleveland. The advantage to going to the brewery (as their beers are widely available in the midwest)are the brewpub only ales. The best seasonals are Christmas Ale, Noseferatu and Conway's Irish Ale. Well worth the trip- they always have their 6 regulars plus 2 -4 seasonal/special.

Here are some comments on each of their beers:
Dortmunder Gold- basically a stronger version of what you might consider an everyday drinking beer. More flavor and definitely stronger. This one has won a ton of awards at GABF.

Eliot Ness - One of my all-time favorite beers, a vienna lager that packs a punch.

Edmund Fitzgerald - A very strong porter, grows on me more everytime I drink it. A bit more coffee than chocolate in flavor.

Noseferatu - Definitely GLBC's most hoppy beer, takes some getting used to because it is not like most other beers they make. But it packs a hefty punch, I believe in the 8.5% ABV range.

Blackout Stout - This is their primary stout, they make it in the winter months only. Similar to Edmund Fitzgerald, a fairly strong coffe flavor over chocolate. A real treat is the oak barrel aged version they make as a brewpub only feature.

Conway's Irish Red - An irish red similar to most others you have probably had, not a favorite.

Holy Moses - Belgian Wit, quite strong but not a favorite of mine.

Burning River IPA - A favorite amongst many in Cleveland, I have definitely had better IPAs but it is decent. Relatively drinkable for a hoppy beer.

Saturday 1st of March 2008 07:47:50 PM

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This is a must stop for any micro-enthusiast, and a pilgrimage for any Great Lakes Brewing fans. This place will rock any micro lover's world. The atmosphere is absolutely like none other, and their daily selection is fantastic. For those whom have never tried great lakes brews, you are missing out. I highly recommend the Edmund Fitzgerald Porter, as well as the Dortmunder Gold. But if you have the opportunity, try everything on tap. I need to get back here soon....been too long!

Thursday 15th of November 2007 09:32:07 PM

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Cleveland ROCKS!

Wowser, what a great brewpub. The ambiance was nice in all areas of the place and the beer list was excellent. I think they had 10 drafts, might have even been 12 and all were great. The styles were varied and the flavors were very good. The food was tasty and the service was spot on from the barkeep to our corner table. The only issue of the entire visit was they should have warned us that overconsumption can lead to hangovers!

I gotta get back here!

Tuesday 10th of April 2007 09:24:56 PM

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Located on a quaint little street off of West 25th by the West Side Market, Great Lakes Brewing Co. offers stellar beers in a stellar atmosphere.

Usually 6 "regulars" on tap with an additional 2 or 3 seasonals. All clean, all tasty, all worth trying. Deep rich wood adorns the bar (along with authentic Eliot Ness bulletholes). Long bar seats about a dozen; 4-seater tables on the opposite wall. Dining area surrounds a couple of fermenters. And additional bar downstairs in a cellar-like setting with dim lighting and stone walls. The newest seating area is the Bier Garden with retractable roof weather permitting.

Food is quality with plenty of options on the menu. If you're running tight on time, just skip to the end and get the ice cream made with Edmund Fitzgerald Porter. YUM!

Gift shop next door has clothing and glassware, along with 6-packs to go. Parking is available at the end of Market Street; public transportation via the Rapid Transit's Ohio City stop and a short walk. Going to an Indians game? For $1 their "Fatty Wagon" will take you to and from Jacobs Field across the bridge.

An old tavern with great history. A staple during my trips back home.