Professional basketball’s best and brightest take over The Land from February 18-20, 2022. Cleveland plays host to the 71st annual NBA All-Star Game at our recently-transformed Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse — and, with it, an entire weekend of hoops-related action.
Each night, if the final buzzer sounds and you’re not ready for this All-Star party to stop, CLE has got you covered. But, first, you need to re-fuel. After all, a day full of hoops hype can really work up an appetite. Check out our picks for the best late-night dining and drinks around Cleveland’s three major centers of All-Star activity.
Mabel’s BBQ, Image © MMGY
The FieldHouse will be rocking all weekend long. From the young guns strutting their stuff in the Rising Stars Game on Friday to the dunk-filled All-Star Saturday Night, there’s a lot more here than just Sunday’s main event. Before calling it a night, take an after-hours swing through these Gateway District faves.
The sign says it all: Tacos, tequila, and whiskey. How could you go wrong? Barrio’s Gateway location, just a quick stroll from Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, will stay open until 2:30 a.m. each night of All-Star Weekend. Craft a custom taco and down a casa-made margarita to celebrate.
Celeb chef Michael Symon’s Cleveland spin on barbecue (using Bertman’s Ballpark Mustard and Eastern European spices) will offer special late-night hours in honor of All-Star Weekend. Load up on brisket, kielbasa, ribs, and much more each night until the clock strikes twelve.
This East 4th hotspot keeps its kitchen open until 1 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights, so go Irish with the corned beef and cabbage (or traditional pub food like burgers and wings) in the wee hours. Oh, and don’t forget a pint of Guinness, Harp, or Smithwick’s on draft.
For the real sports bar experience, head down Prospect Ave. to City Tap. Their late-night menu features mini tacos, the half-pound City Tap Burger, loaded nachos, chicken quesadillas, and more. Plus, its bar offers more than forty beers on tap.
Image © Punch Bowl Social
For one entire weekend, Public Auditorium becomes hoops heaven. NBA Crossover will offer fans immersive experiences, opportunities to meet star players, and limited-edition merch. Afterwards, hit the nearby Warehouse District and The Flats for a late-night bite.
Another must-visit on The Flats East Bank. Grab a craft cocktail at the bars (yes, plural) and munch on burgers, tacos, and even chicken ’n’ waffles until closing time. We know you’re here for the grub, but don’t leave without a spin on Punch Bowl’s Nordic-themed mini-golf course or hitting that classic “NBA Jam” machine.
This Flats East Bank eatery and bar is open until 2 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. Try — and share — the Barbarian Pretzel, Skillet Mac and Cheese, or Bourbon Trail Meatballs. And, with a name like Beerhead, you just know the brews will be good.
Craft pizzas are the name of the game at Chef Dante Boccuzzi’s fun concept in Flats East Bank. Some of our faves include the Spaghetti & Meatballs pizza and the Purgatory pizza (it’s actually heavenly). Even better, on Friday and Saturday night, Inferno will stay open until 4 a.m. to kick off All-Star Weekend in style.
This Warehouse District landmark mixes nightlife with that classic sports bar atmosphere. Wolf down a plate of Burning River Fish Tacos or bite into the fan-fave Cleveland Cheesesteak. Or both. We won’t tell anyone.
Masthead Brewing Co., Image © Sean Fee, Destination Cleveland
It’s game time over at Cleveland State’s Wolstein Center. The NBA All-Star Celebrity Game tips off on Friday, followed by the inaugural NBA HBCU Classic between Howard University and Morgan State University on Saturday and the NBA G League Next Gem Game on Sunday. When the teams head for the showers, make your own escape and drop in at one of these nearby late-night spots.
After a full day of basketball, a visit to Cleveland State’s favorite hangout is a must. The bar will have their full kitchen menu (burgers, sandwiches, and pierogis) available each night until 1 a.m. Keep an eye out for Becky’s drink specials all weekend long.
Open until 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, Masthead slings a Neapolitan-style pizza with the best of ‘em, complete with either traditional toppings or more Cleveland-friendly ones like sauerkraut and corned beef. Or belly up to the 100-foot bar and order their Ice Melter for a little taste of summer. Who couldn’t use some of that on a cold February night on the North Shore?
At this Old-World gem in the heart of CLE, it’s Oktoberfest in February. Hofbrauhaus — and its authentic German beerhall experience — will be open on Friday and Saturday until midnight. And when we say authentic, we mean it. Beers brewed on site, menu items like baked pretzels and schnitzels, and even a nod to The Land with Cleveland-style beef stroganoff and pierogis.
This place is all about those Roaring Twenties vibes. Open on Saturday and Sunday of All-Star Weekend, The 9’s speakeasy-themed cocktail lounge (inside actual century-old bank vaults beneath the historic Cleveland Trust Rotunda) serves up a small bites menu that includes charcuterie, poutine, grilled flatbread, and even Korean BBQ pork belly sliders. And, if you’re after a sweet treat to cap off the evening, look no further than Vault’s seven-layer Opera Cake. (Drools)