Gunselman's Tavern In Cleveland Has Been A Favorite Place To Grab A Drink Since 1936
By Nikki Rhoades|Published September 15, 2021
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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.
There’s just something special about long-standing businesses, isn’t there? When it comes to historic taverns in Cleveland, few places quite compare with old school hot spots like Gunselman’s. This fascinating tavern opened its doors in 1936 and has been delighting generations of visitors ever since. Within its wood-paneled walls, all are welcome… and its friendly ambiance echoes this attitude. Take a look:
Once upon a time, Henry Gunselman found an opportunity to take over a familiar Cleveland cafe... and he redid the place with his own flair.
As the story goes, Henry Gunselman was a whiskey salesman back in the day. He went to the Pastime, a former restaurant at this location, to collect a bill that couldn't be paid, so he took over. Under his direction, Gunselman's quickly became a cherished neighborhood hangout.
Ever since that fateful day on December 11, 1936, Gunselman's Tavern has been a local favorite for cold drinks and warm meals.
Today, comfort food is the name of the game at Gunselman's. The menu consists of familiar cuisine like burgers, pierogies, mac and cheese, panko-crusted walleye, and so much more.
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The menu has evolved over the years to offer all the most popular bar food options, but the ambiance has evolved very little since its founding.
Original bar stools and a century-old mahogany bartop will take you back to the good old days. However, some recent renovations have given the place some extra oomph, like updated air conditioning and cleaner bathrooms.
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Over the years, all sorts of stories have unfolded in this interesting space... including, potentially, liquor sales during Prohibition.
Old elements in the space, like steel braces on doors, imply that this space may have once operated as a speakeasy; however, little is known about its history before Henry Gunselman took over operations. While he eventually sold the space in 1959, his legacy remains... including a tale about his refusal to open a safe when held at gunpoint.
Today, things at the tavern are much more relaxed... but every visit is both entertaining and flavorful.
In addition to a menu featuring locally sourced ingredients, there's a rich story infused into this historic space. Truly, every visit is an opportunity to take in features from this old-school Cleveland landmark.
Swing by during special events for an added level of entertainment -- this space truly comes to life!
Find the tavern at 21490 Lorain Road, Fairview Park, OH 44126.
There’s so much charm and ambiance in this charming Cleveland tavern and dining destination. Are there any other historic taverns in Cleveland that you would recommend? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
Are you a fan of history? Visit some of the oldest restaurants in Cleveland for a serving of history and other flavors that will tempt your taste buds.
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