The Oldest Bar In Cleveland, Harbor Inn Has A Fascinating History
By Nikki Rhoades|Published July 24, 2018
×
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.
When one explores and admires the streets of Cleveland, they will find a cornucopia of old and historic buildings. Many have housed multiple businesses and attractions, but a few historic buildings have continuously operated as the same entity since opening. Bars, in particular, seem to come and go with population and demographic changes, but this one bar in the Flats is the exception to that reality.
This familiar and cozy destination is located at 1219 Main Ave. in Cleveland and its ambiance is nothing short of nostalgic.
Advertisement
As the city's oldest continually operating bar, the walls of the Harbor Inn have witnessed a wide range of unique situations over the course of its history.
The West Bank once hosted a Powerhouse for the Woodland & West Side Street Railway Co., a group that powered Cleveland's old electric street lines. Many local factory workers once occupied the bar's campus, but it truly catered to people of all backgrounds.
In addition to a selection of hundreds of beers, this iconic dive bar also features old-timey antiques and memorabilia.
Mementos of Cleveland history decorate the charming interior. Though the bar recently changed ownership, its design and layout have changed very little since around 1969.
With a selection of beverages and tavern food that would delight politicians and factory workers alike to this day, this historic Cleveland attraction is a must-see.
Harbor Inn is open Tuesday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. and stays open half an hour later on Fridays and Saturdays.
This bar is an icon, and Clevelanders can’t get enough of its atmosphere. Have you visited the Harbor Inn before? What year did you first discover it? Share your stories in the comments, because we’d love to learn about what these walls would tell of if they could talk!
