Great spot on the West Bank of the Flats. The food was great, but the service really stood out. The bartenders were friendly and attentive, even coming out from behind the bar to provide table service and make sure we had everything we needed. They also had the local Cleveland sports on the TVs, which is always a plus. We just got a condo next door, so I have a feeling McCarthy's may quickly become one of our regular hangouts. Great food, great service, and a relaxed atmosphere. Looking forward to coming back. read more

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In true Agnes fashion, I'm writing this review 3 years later (LOL) but thankfully I wrote a draft right after I visited so my memory won't escape me. I visited McCarthy's music venue (and bar) on a Friday night in early May 2023 with 3 friends after attending the MIX at the Cleveland Museum of Art. A guy in my group wanted to come here as he had been here before. I only came because of my friends (LOL) because as a non-drinker, I don't frequent bars often. A rowdy bar scene isn't pleasant but McCarthy's was welcoming and surprisingly calm for a Friday night. On the night that I visited, there were not a lot of people there. I don't drink alcohol but McCarthy's offers a whole array of beverages, including non-alcoholic ones. My friends ordered drinks and some food (fries maybe). The food options looked fine as a typical bar. I enjoyed dancing on the open floor space with my friends. The bar was not that clean in some areas but overall, it is a chill spot. Service was friendly. **** GOAL of 250 reviews in 2026 - 152/250 total reviews in 2026 - 993 total Yelp reviews - Reviewed on 9 July 2026 read more

Stumbled upon this gem while walking my dog on a trip to visit family. Aldi was absolutely the sweetest and attentive. I was visiting from the south, she showed me that southern hospitality doesn't just belong in the south! 10/10 would return and recommend this place if you're ever downtown read more

Came to McCarthys to "pregame" before a show at Jacob's Pavilion, got here at 5pm. Street suggested the place would be BUMPING inside, it wasn't. Which is okay, since we wanted to get food before the show. Food was mid, but it's a bar so that's fine. My qualm is the bartending staff. They are not busy as I'm writing this, & the ONLY bartender to show any kind of kindness was Aldiana. LOVE her. Will only come back if she's behind the bar. She's the sweetest soul here! read more

McCarthy's Downtown - Music Venues Near Me - Cleveland, Ohio

Ups and downs. I have a special place in my heart for McCarthy's but they always find a way to disappoint. In this case, only late night menu offered at 8:30p on a Sunday. And then, told only fried items available from that menu. So... the potato skins on late menu, not available because according to bartender, they are 'baked.' What??? Are you trying to make money on great food or make the cook have a super easy night?? read more

McCarthy's Downtown - LATE night menu offered before 9:30p but not everything on it available! - Music Venues Near Me - Cleveland, Ohio

Killer spot before a concert at Jacob's pavilion. Staff were chill, environment was cool, and prices were solid. Music was 10/10. Would recommend to anyone who is downtown for a concert and needs a bite to eat and some food. read more

To begin, McCarthy's is pure CLEVELAND spirit and essence, a melting pot of all the best the city has to offer. Customer service is always amazing; I can attest to it being some of the best customer service I've received. Bartenders are friendly and creative magicians because of the flavorful spirits that are created. Secretly, the best wings in the city; every flavor is delicious. The steak quesadillas are so tender and juicy. The McCarthy's Burger is a work of art, seemingly melts in your mouth with the delicious burger, corned beef, and caramelized onions merging into an oasis. The dessert are the absolute only weakness of the menu, menu asked to speak with bartender about desserts and bartender explained there are no desserts. read more

The wings were amazing and perfectly tossed in a very delicious sauce. The bar also had a really old school vibe with modern music playing. read more

McCarthy's Downtown - Mc Carthys Signature Wings with sweet Thai sauce - Music Venues Near Me - Cleveland, Ohio

Shoutout to the bartender Erin, she was very sweet and took great care of my wife and my sisters! I decided to come down to this bar for my sisters 21st birthday and was met with Jocelyn however you spell her name by harassment for both me and my wife. Accusing us of having fake ID's because we have out of state ID's. I'm 24 and my wife is 25 Jocelyn was persistent on that our ID's were fake it felt like harassment trying to prove I'm of age to have a drink at a bar. It was just very weird to me I never experienced anything like this and will unfortunately not be retuning due to the harassment from Jocelyn. Jocelyn who is also the "kitchen manager" didn't have the proper equipment or knowledge to properly check that our ID's were valid. Instead she goes on google.com to look up Arizona ID's. I have a Virginia ID that is horizontal meaning I'm over 21 Jocelyn said that was fake. She had her friend from Arizona showed her an old Arizona ID to prove that ours were fake, when whole time the arizona ID's recently got changed. Jocelyn also wasn't bright enough because she accepted my wife's under 21 Virginia ID. I think Jocelyn had some personal insecurities or some animosity because she let my sisters go in fine, but it was a hassle for my wife and I. Made us very uncomfortable and will not be returning unless Erin is there. read more

Disappointed in my experience here. Kyleigh is the worst server and rudest I've ever met that is all. Won't be back. I will say chicken wings were great and that's it. read more

This was by far the best wrap I've ever had! It wasn't even on the menu but my friend ordered a chicken Caesar salad and it looked so good! I asked if they could make it into a wrap and they sure did! It was HUGE and amazing!!! read more

McCarthy's Downtown - Chicken Caesar wrap - Music Venues Near Me - Cleveland, Ohio

Walked to McCarthy's after seeing a concert at Jacob's Pavilion one night, and it seemed a lot of people had the same idea! Fortunately, the space is large and can accommodate even big groups. Overall, it's a casual spot with people just looking for a good time. There were tables situated around the bar and even a small stage with the DJ and karaoke! The energy was high, and the food and drinks were flowing. The staff handled all the customers very smoothly and took great care of everyone! I would definitely recommend swinging by McCarthy's whenever you want a fun night out or when your seeing a show at Jacobs - so convenient! read more

Love Mccarthys! Perfect bar for any occasion in the flats. You can come down before a concert at Jacob's Pavillion (its a 2 minute walk from there) or any event in general because its very accessible to the entirety of downtown. Every bartender is full of good vibes and very friendly. The food is phenomenal! Its typical bar food selection but everything is prepared fresh! I have had pratically everything on the menu. If you come on a Browns gameday or a concert day they'll have special menu to fit your needs as well. It is a very safe atmosphere away from the ruckus with good music. Lastly but obviously not least you will not find a more affordable bar down here and that is a guarantee! read more

Hardly anyone in bar. Took forever to get service. I ended up leaving then the staff took notice to acknowledge my presence. At that point I kept walking. I guess the noisey few locals on other side of bar were more important. They made it a uncomfortable uninviting environment. Sizing up my wife and I. She was pulling me by my arm to leave with her nonchalantly. I haven't been there in a long time. I probably won't be returning anytime soon. Definitely felt like an unsafe environment. I do not recognize this manger or owner who commented back. I have never worked there. She obviously has me confused. I am a honorably discharged disabled veteran. read more

What an amazing place. Val was amazing! What an amazing individual. Great personality and overall personality!

So when has this become a thing???? See entry from McCarthys Ale House below. CHEESEBURGER W/FRIES. $13.00 Now who out there thinks the bill comes to $13.00 (plus tax)? Anyone?? I got my bill for....wait for it.....$17.62. When asked why it wasnt $13-something the waiter replied the cheese and fries were extra. WTF!!! Today I ordered a Seasoned steak sub with sour cream (exactly what it said on the menu) from Philly Steak. Total = $11.00 Bill = $12.00 When asked why I was told the sour cream was extra! Nowhere....I repeat, nowhere... on the menu did it say there was an upcharge for the sour cream! True. I am ranting. And I am pissed. But I need to know if this is happening to anyone else and where? This needs to be stopped!!! read more

Total dive. It filled the need for a beer and bar food. The workers were very busy and were working hard but there wasn't enough of them. Not their fault. read more

Stopped into McCarthy's for a quick bite to eat. They have your average arrangement of typical bar foods - but their buffalo chicken wrap won my heart over. So good! The space is massive and has lots of specials throughout the week. Wednesday is $12 steak night, and I believe they had $5 pizza night, among others. I will definitely be stopping back in! On the weekends, the place sounds like it's packed - often hosting a variety of events. Making it a key place in the area! Also special shoutout to Thomas! Super friendly and gave great service. read more

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We came in from out of town to see a show at Jacobs Pavilion. This place is right down the road and a good place to stop on your way in. Amanda served us at the bar and was super cool! She remembered our name and order from before and after. Good times! read more

Unorganized and bartenders couldn't handle noon crowd the day before St. Patrick's day. Waited for thirty minutes and still couldn't get served. Definitely avoid if you want to be served within any reasonable time. I can't imagine that they will be able to keep up on St. Patrick's day or after any event. read more

Here's the deal: I came to McCarthy's drunk as a skunk after taking a Nautica booze cruise. Curse you, Cleveland Beer Week, with your Off-Shore Pour full of high ABV brews! Needless to say, I wouldn't be driving, but my companion was steady enough to just need a bite of food. The bar across the way didn't have an open kitchen, so McCarthy's was where we ended up. Listen, I don't remember much, but I do remember digging into some onion rings (they were okay; even drunk, I'm still an onion ring connoisseur) and some nachos, which were honestly pretty great. I remember chatting with a lovely couple next to us, but what I remember most was Thomas, the bartender who, when I left my purse behind in all of my boozy glory, made sure it stayed safe until it could be retrieved the next day. I called the bar as soon as I realized I'd left my purse behind, and they assured me it would be waiting for me the next morning. Lo and behold, it was! Thank you, Thomas, for your excellent service and for keeping my stuff safe when I was being less than responsible. read more

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Not a huge menu but the service and food were excellent! The portions were very generous! Highly recommend the chips, they are homemade!!!

If you wave cheap beer specials in front of my nose, of course I'm going to bite! McCarthy's in the flats is a pretty cool bar that most people don't of think of. My guess is probably because Harbor Inn is across the street, and let's face it, that place just rocks. But McCarthy's isn't like Harbor Inn, and I love it all the same! Especially when you tell me that I can bring in the most enormous cup in the world, and you'll fill it with beer for a ridiculously low price. And don't get me started on their fantastic happy hour prices. Two buck shots can really get you into some trouble on a work night, let me tell ya! Not only can you drink on the cheap and nibble pretty decent bar food for even less, this bar doesn't skimp on entertainment either. Sometimes you just want to chill out, throw a couple back and listen to some live music. McCarthy's offers you a thrifty spot to do so. Reggae, Rock, you name it! This a a great place to just vibe out to some live tunes. Besides all of the obvious positives about this divey joint, my favorite characteristic is actually in their relatively grungy bathroom. If you take a gander into one of the middle stalls, you'll see "Marge is an asshat" written on the wall. I have no idea who Marge is nor do I know why she is an asshat, but that's the funniest thing I've seen written in a public restroom in a loooooong time. In fact, I've never heard the term "asshat" before I saw it here. So, thank you for that, McCarthy's. I truly appreciate it read more

McCarthy's Downtown - the logo for mccarthy's downtown - Music Venues Near Me - Cleveland, Ohio

I love this bar! Nice energy! However, server's are slow! We also went and oh my, they gave my sister and her friend GLASSES that had other's lipstick ALL OVER. It was disgusting! Like are the glasses being washed? Makes me not even want to continue going because of this issue. Food is great though! And prices are AMAZING! Just have to actually wash your dishes! read more

I love the atmosphere, Symone is always a pleasure. Happy hour is always a win! Food specials all week and a jukebox with all the latest music. read more

Dustin, Kayla, Symone & Jose are amazing! The service is fast and efficient. Tacos are good and the vibes are always great !

I just love McCarthy's. It's a gritty, fun, filled-with-good-people bar located in the Flats West Bank. They have great food deals ($5 for a decent quality pizza), an amazing beer selection, and are a music venue for local bands and events. When I think of Cleveland, I think of McCarthy's. It's always sure to be a great time and most likely filled with several drinks. I just adore a bar where no one judges you, everyone seems to know everyone, and you can kind of just hang out and chill without being rushed or bothered. There's plenty of bar and standard seating, a big TV screen, a stage for local performances, and games for pay spread throughout the space. It's not super fancy. But it reminds me of Cleveland and it feels like home. Its also walking distance to Nautica, Music Box Supper Club, and other bars in the area. There's plentiful street parking. Their kitchen is open pretty late, so McCarthy's will always have your back when "that hour" hits and you need some greasy bar food. It always feels like something fun is going on at or near McCarthy's, so don't overlook this gem of a bar when you're in the area! read more

Ventured to this spot for my 2nd turn at it. First time was a quick stop to check out a local reggae band playing. Oddly situated on the west bank of the flats a couple blocks up the street from the river. Mind you, it was a wednesday night...and it was pretty vacant with maybe 15 other guests in the bar. Flat panel tvs line the bar. A separate room in the back had guitar hero setup on the big screen, cornhole laid out on the floor and an arcade bowling game. Tables/stools were of the old style bar type. $2.50 special Landshark beers were going on that month. Ordered up some munchies: I got a regular burger cooked up, slightly but deliciously charred on the outside, on a delciously buttery toasted bun (there was a definite hint of good ol' lard-y butter on the brown bun goodness). Sounds sexy, no? On the side, was a large pile of "fresh cut" fries...plenty to share. Other grub partners got the pulled pork sandwich which they repeatedly yelped with enthusiasm was "mighty tasty" and "delicious" and the thai peanut chicken wrap which was finished with nice grill marks on the outside and fresh vegetables stuffed within; however the thai peanut sauce was quite mild. Rest of the menu was filled with the usual bar food and various salads, specialty sandwiches and pizzas that had creative ideas like the "the big cram", "smothered chicken sandwich" and options such as getting your sandwich/burger on a pretzel roll. Affordability was key here, mighty tasty grub, great portions and burgers and sandwiches ranging 6 to 7 bucks! Also daily happy hour until 7:00pm. read more

Not one of my favorite places to hang out. Attracts a tough crowd (albeit a fun crowd). Food is lousy. Nothing special. They have quite a few events here and it gets crowded. Go across the street to Harbor Inn for a more chill, laid-back, throw darts environment. read more

Great find on a Saturday afternoon for lunch and day drinking before and after the aquarium!

Bartenders are un attentive. It was about 10-12 of us. They didn't really make eye contact, gave us 1 drink at a time instead of getting a round for all of us together. Walking away for a while while some of us still needed service. Don't make eye contact. Bartenders have a bad attitude. They mistakenly charged one of us in the group for onion rings and when one of us spoke up about it, the bartender proceeded to yell, "you're drunk as f*** don't know what the f*** you ordered shut the f*** up and leave." I bartend as well, and I was paying attention to my surroundings. A man wearing an orange long sleeve button down and grayish pants ordered the onion rings. I know because I sat near him and witness him receive them; eat them and leave. Maybe instead of cussing people out and power tripping, they should charge people appropriately and if they don't , don't make a customer/guest pay for something they didn't order. Also if you're ever unsure, ask the customer for the last name on the tab. Bar basics 101. Guess they didn't take that class. Overall a bad experience. Spend your money literally anywhere else. read more

Ive been to McCarthys a few differnt times over the past 4 years and went just for drinks. This past weekend the Mr and I went in looking for some bar eats. I ordered the chicken tacos and he ordered a salad and hot chicken wings. I have to say, the chicken tacos were excellent. The cajun aoli was heavenly. Salad was pretty standard and wings were tastey as well. Pretty hard to mess up wings and salad though. read more

Cheap beer, good local bands, outdoor area - great spot!

I would give this place a zero if possible. My girlfriend and I walked in after the winter warmer brew fest to grab a drink and do some bar hopping we walked in and found that the bar was empty but a bunch of guys were out front. When we walked through the front door we were asked to pay a $20 cover per person by a vested hells angel who said they had an event there this afternoon and evening. I quickly said no thank you! Make your own judgement but I would never support an establishment like this and neither should you but do your own research. The Harbor Inn across the street is the better choice when in this area and of course there are plenty of other Pubs downtown that would appreciate your business. read more

It was the first time ever to Cleveland and to any bar in the area. This place exceded my expectations. It's a local bar that wasn't too crowded (but then I was there on a Tuesday night.) They have several beers on tap (The local beer, Christmas Ale from Great Lakes Brewing company, is really good!). The bartender made a really good chocolate cake shot. =) The food was yummy and a good variety from calzones, pizza, cheesy bread, salads, sandwiches, etc. The place is really fun with various games in the back... cornhole, animated bowling, (i think pool), guitar hero!, and some other stuff that I didn't venture to. Best of all is their happy hour prices, both the beer and shots were $2/each! OMG that's so unheard of in California! If it wasn't for the darn snow I'd visit Cleveland more often! read more

Great place to go if you want to order a drink and then have the bartender forget that you ordered a drink, and then when you finally get it there's a hair on your drink. Excellent service by far and will be using the hair to add to my non existent weave. read more

while it was cool to have a whole place to ourselves on a Thursday night, i was bummed out by the bar food options. We went in because we saw a sign for $5 pizzas outside. but no such thing inside. the only vegetarian option on the menu was cheddar jalapeno poppers and fries. although they did have pumpkin ale. so maybe another star for that? read more

Classic dive bar with cheap food and cheap drinks. McCarthy's strikes me as the kind of place that people go when they really don't give a damn but I always give a damn so me and Mccarthy's don't vibe that well together. If you're in the Flats, or just looking for a hole in the wall place, McCarthy's is for you! read more

Went with a group around 4pm on a Saturday. The place was empty and scorchingly hot inside (was 80° outside) the air was on but was barely working. They were literally almost out if absolutely every beer and liquor. There was only one person working and she was a short strung out blonde who made Charlie sheen look 10yrs sober. I would definitely not recommend this bar. Go to shooter's its a block away and 100% better. If I could give negative stars this would be a neg 3. read more

BEWARE...Do not eat here. The food sucks. My quesadilla was burnt and had cheese and only a little chicken. The buffalo wrap was nothing but lettuce and a little chicken. The server said they are supposed to be burnt. Ha!!!!!!! I would only ever come here for drinks. read more