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PROOF ATMOSPHERE

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Happy hour specials
Outdoor seating

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Recommended Reviews - proof

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Dinner plate w brisket and honey corn muffin
Amy J.

Great server who was timely with the drinks and orders and friendly. I'm picky about barbecue since I'm from Kansas City. The KC style sauce they have is thick and sweet yes, but also has a little spicy kick I wasn't a fan of. It has hints of smoked cherry or maple. The white sauce is very vinegary and not my fave either. The brisket had a nice fat cap on the thick slices but the meat itself was dry unfortunately. The macaroni looked well topped but somehow lacked flavor which was unexpected given that it had a great appearance. The honey corn muffin it came with was moist, sweet, and delicious however! The pulled pork on the salad was pretty decent- not flavorful particularly but a good mix of moisture and fat. The salad was good sized with smoked tomato pieces which were really smokey and sadly yet again not to my liking. The cider vinaigrette was good and thick but very sweet. Overall not a terrible place for barbecue but definitely not good barbecue either.

Anthony S.

Unfortunately I feel like this place has gone down hill. The first time I came here last year, I had a great experience with food, drink, and staff. On my second visit I came and it was meh, but figured it was an off night. My most recent visit was the worst of the 3. They are open until 10PM and I visited around 8:20PM. I figured it was enough time to still get fresher food. The brisket was very fatty, and gray (no smoke ring, indicative of quality barbecue). Both the brisket and Mac and cheese were cold further leading me to believe neither were made fresh. The plate claims to be served with garlic toast and pickles/onions. The toast was plain toast, and I had 3 shreds of pickles that were limp. Too bad the taste of the pickles were the best part of the meal. The drink I had was good (hence the 2 stars), but wouldn't bring me back. The next day I felt pretty sick (food poisoning symptoms) and Proof was the only thing I had all day. Given the cold food, I wouldn't be surprised if it wasn't kept above the "danger zone". Not sure if it was a change in management/ownership, but I hope this place gets back on track.

Pork nachos
Kate K.

I was thrilled to see Proof reopen, and it's truly better than ever. Chef Brandon Lassiter is so, so talented, and it was an honor to write about him and his food in a recent issue of Cleveland Magazine. The BBQ is great -- obviously. The pork nachos are decadent and massive (though they now helpfully come in a half-size), and the brisket tacos are juicy and flavorful. But for me, it's the smashburger that truly stands out. It's one of the best burgers I've ever eaten, and it's easily one of my top three favorite burgers in Cleveland. (Top two, maybe? In contention with only Cordelia and maybe Bearden's.) The vibe is laid-back and casual, like a nice, new version of a neighborhood dive -- and with much better food and liquor than most. The stuff is super friendly, and the back patio is perfect on a sunny day. Make this your new favorite spot!

Smash burger
Renee B.

We've been here twice and enjoyed both visits. Pork belly appetizer is very tasty. Love sitting on their patio. We'll definitely go back again.

Great patio!

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6 months ago

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1 year ago

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10 months ago

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1 year ago

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1 year ago

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3 months ago

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3 months ago

Great food! Wonderful atmosphere. The service was excellent. The bar is beautifully designed and built.

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5 months ago

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1 year ago

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2 years ago

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9 months ago

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1 year ago

Wonderful food! Nice patio. Always treat their customers well. I can always count on a solid experience.

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1 year ago

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1 year ago

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1 year ago

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2 years ago

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8 months ago

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2 years ago

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9 months ago

Found this place via Yelp! after a trip to the Cleveland Zoo. Food was amazing. Definitely a hidden gem and worth checking out!

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1 year ago

Cool atmosphere, great menu, and even better food. Brisket was great came with well seasoned fries. Wings may have been the best part

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9 months ago

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10 months ago

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1 year ago

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2 years ago

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1 year ago

2$ a bone ribs are unbeatable. Great smoked wings! Homemade Bleu cheese. Outatating prices for happy hour drinks. Fast and attentive service

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2 years ago

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2 years ago

Even though I loved the ambiance and felt the sangria was great, the ribs were tender but a bit dry at ends.

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2 years ago

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2 years ago

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11 months ago

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2 years ago

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2 years ago

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2 years ago

Awesome atmosphere and food! Had previously been in Tremont and Just went to the new location. Same great foot but the space is way nicer

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2 years ago

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2 years ago

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2 years ago

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2 years ago

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2 years ago

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2 years ago

Went after Guardians game. They stay open later than most places. Food and service wad great.

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2 years ago

Smash Burger, Mac and Cheese, Brisket, Ribs - All Excellent. Great relaxing atmosphere on the back patio.

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proof - bbq - Updated May 2026

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