Great Lakes Brewing Company
Few names carry as much weight in Midwestern craft beer as Great Lakes Brewing Company. Founded in 1988 by brothers Pat and Dan Conway, Great Lakes was Cleveland’s first modern brewpub — a combination microbrewery and restaurant nestled near the historic West Side Market. Ohio’s original craft brewery, it has spent nearly four decades brewing award-winning lagers and ales while remaining fiercely independent and employee-owned, deeply rooted in the fabric of Cleveland.
The brewpub itself is steeped in history. The building is said to house the oldest working bar in Cleveland, once a feed store, with original architectural elements still intact. The atmosphere is warm, unpretentious, and unmistakably Midwestern — exposed brick, dark wood, the ambient hum of a working brewery, and a pub menu that punches well above its weight. Whether you’re pulling up a stool at the bar or settling in for a full meal, this is a place that rewards lingering.
“Ohio’s original craft brewery — brewing award-winning brews since 1988; independent, employee-owned, and rooted in Cleveland.”
Great Lakes has grown into one of the country’s largest craft breweries while staying true to classic and traditional beer styles — no small feat in the modern craft landscape. Tours are available and highly recommended for any serious beer enthusiast. The brewing process is visible from the restaurant, giving every visit a behind-the-scenes feel that few brewpubs can match.
A visit to Great Lakes is about more than the beer. It’s a walk through the history of American craft brewing, set inside one of Cleveland’s most storied buildings. The pub menu complements the beer program thoughtfully, and the brewery tours give visitors an unusually transparent look at how each pint is made. If you’re exploring Ohio’s craft beer scene, this is the essential starting point.