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    Academy Tavern

    3.7 (114 reviews)
    ModerateBars, American, Burgers
    Open 11:00 am - 1:00 AM (Next day)
    Updated over 3 months ago

    Academy Tavern Photos

    ACADEMY TAVERN ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Live music
    Moderate noise
    Divey
    Outdoor seating

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    Recommended Reviews - Academy Tavern

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    a bar with a clock and pennants on the wall
    Angelo C.

    This neighborhood landmark has long been a fixture on Larchmere and has consistently served good food and drinks. One afternoon my friend and I decided to stop in to grab lunch and we opted to sit outside on the patio. The vintage interior is inviting and offers plenty of space at the long bar and a wealth of drink options! Since I wasn't feeling very adventurous, I went with a quesadilla and a rum and coke. Although the food took about 45 minutes to be brought to the table, it was nonetheless tasty and quite satisfying. That is the only reason why I omitted a star. Other than that this time honored locally owned and operated establishment is a solid choice for a few drinks and tasty fare in a lively setting.

    Front entrance
    Evan F.

    What a great little vibe this spot has...a total neighborhood bar atmosphere where the owners clearly knew lots of folks in the place as they "worked the room". My wife and I decided to share a few dishes (as we most always do). Our server suggested we order their signature burger and one of the flatbreads. We started off the meal by splitting the house salad with herb vinaigrette dressing (they were out of the green goddess...d'oh!). The dressing was tangy / zingy with a nice selection of greens and a few veggies. Salad came with a nice piece of fresh bread and butter on the side. The two main dishes came out together. The Little Spice flatbread was built around chorizo and a few different grilled veggies (like onions and red peppers). Unfortunately, it was too doughy and lacked any depth of flavor; I could taste the onions, peppers and chorizo but it needed their Academy Sauce to give it some bite. The Academy Burger was a little overdone and was decent but nothing "Wow". It was served with two kinds of cheese and strips of bacon. I also used their Academy Sauce on the burger, which is like a creamy and spicy thousand island dressing. Fries were well seasoned and would have been good, if they were hot. I think I may have to give this place another try sometime as so many others have really loved it...I would call it more like just above average.

    Agnes I.

    I was in the area for a local Yelp Elite event so I stopped by here for dinner with fellow Yelpers. Atmosphere: Casual ambiance. Big space. A bit dark inside. I wish there was more natural light. Food: I ordered the chicken parmesan sandwich with sweet potato fries. The sandwich was okay but there was too much marinara sauce (tomato red sauce). I think the sandwich would have tasted better without the the sauce actually. I ordered in a little bit of a rush so I couldn't really look at the menu but in my head the fact that marinara sauce was in this sandwich didn't quite make sense since you normally find that in Pizza. Anyway, the sweet potato fries were great though. Service: Quick service and friendly staff.

    Outdoor street sign
    Garrett I.

    Came in town for business and to see some friends. I needed a place to watch the basketball and enjoy a nice drink. I was lucky enough to find this place. It is a small neighborhood bar that feels homey. It has a nice outdoor open space in the middle. The server immediately asked if she could get me food or a drink. I ordered the tavern burger, wings and a rum and coke. The drink and food came out quickly. It was cooked to my request of medium well. The wings were hot and crispy, just the way i like them. During these tough Covid times this bar came through. The owner manager was also cool. Very hospitable. I definitely suggest you stop by if in town

    Academy burger with tots
    Carter D.

    This place was A-OK but nothing to brag about to friends. It was definitely a chill bar vibe with bar style food and there was plenty of seating for our group of 6 around 5pm. The menu has a decent variety and prices aren't horrible but some things seem more expensive than the vibe of the place. Gives you the idea of a regulars place as people knew each other by name and servers sat down with visitors. Our food took a very long time to come out and we were rushing to scarf it down to make it to our event in time. I got the Academy Burger and it was pretty tasty but the tots were the best part. Beer was cold and a good variety but no specials for craft beers during HH so typical price. We had fun with one another but I wouldnt go back again for the food or drinks unless all my friends chose to meet there and I wanted to stop in to see them or something like that.

    At the best bar in cleveland, polishing down the best burger in cleveland with a great cleveland beer!

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    9 months ago

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    8 months ago

    A neighborhood bar through and through. The friendliest place in town. The trivia host is very handsome.

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    1 year ago

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    9 months ago

    Great drinks and great service. The bartenders are so friendly. I love coming here after work for a drink

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    9 months ago

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    3 years ago

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    8 years ago

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    8 years ago

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    3 years ago

    Basic local bar for shots and beer. Good draft selection. Mediocre food served in styrofoam. Occassionally some good love music.

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    6 years ago

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    8 years ago

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    3 years ago

    I've gone to the academy tavern multiple times and overall everything has been good. Great food and vibe

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    8 years ago

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    8 years ago

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    5 years ago

    Food menu is pretty simple-typical bar food. Drinks are decent. Bartenders are nice. Patrons are the best.

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    7 years ago

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    6 years ago

    Service was good . Because of Covid the menu is limited. I see it will be nicer after Covid is over .

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    5 years ago

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    Academy Tavern - bars - Updated August 2026

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