Brewery Profile

Great Lakes Brewing Co

In Cleveland’s Ohio City neighborhood, a visitor to the main Great Lakes Brewing Co. site is entering one of the city’s established beer landmarks rather than a newer taproom outpost. Founded in 1988, the company is recognized as Ohio’s original craft brewery, and it still operates with deep ties to Cleveland as an independent, employee-owned business. The primary production facility and brewpub share the same broader location, so the visit has more context than a simple bar stop. Inside, the experience centers on a full-service restaurant and several distinct taproom areas, giving guests different ways to approach the same brewery: a meal, a pint, or a more casual look at what is being poured that day.

Travelers in this part of the Midwest often look for breweries that connect regional brewing history with familiar, well-made styles. Great Lakes fits that pattern because its portfolio includes both traditional and contemporary beers rather than a single narrow specialty. Two of its best-known examples are Dortmunder Gold Lager, described as a flagship beer, and Edmund Fitzgerald Porter, both of which reflect the brewery’s long-running place in the market. Its distribution across Ohio and surrounding states means some visitors may already know the brand from stores or restaurants before arriving in Cleveland. A stop at the brewpub adds the setting behind those beers and places them in the neighborhood where the company built its reputation.

For planning purposes, the Ohio City location is the central visitor point to know: it combines the brewery’s main production presence with the brewpub, restaurant service, and multiple taproom spaces. Because the brewery maintains a broad lineup and the available selections may vary, the taproom is the place to confirm the day’s pours, including whether the flagship and other core beers are on draft alongside any current releases. Visitors who want food do not need to treat the stop as beer-only, since the site includes a full-service restaurant. Those interested in Cleveland’s craft beer development may also find the visit useful as a reference point, given the brewery’s 1988 founding date and its status as the state’s first craft brewery.

The Great Lakes Brewing Co. operates its primary production facility and brewpub in the Ohio City neighborhood of Cleveland, Ohio. Established in 1988, it holds the distinction of being Ohio's original craft brewery. The company is structured as an independent, employee-owned entity, maintaining deep operational roots within the city. While the source material highlights its award-winning history, the brewery focuses on a diverse portfolio of traditional and contemporary styles, including its flagship Dortmunder Gold Lager and Edmund Fitzgerald Porter. Distribution extends throughout Ohio and surrounding states, supported by a significant production capacity. The main location features a full-service restaurant and multiple distinct taproom areas.

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2516 Market Ave, Cleveland, Ohio, 44113-3434

Phone: 216.771.4404

Website: http://www.greatlakesbrewing.com

Hours: Brewpub Hours: Monday - Thursday: 11:30 AM - 9:00 PM (Bar 10:00 PM); Friday - Saturday: 11:30 AM - 10:00 PM (Bar 11:00 PM); Sunday: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM (Bar 5:00 PM). Gift Shop Hours: Monday - Thursday: 11:30 AM - 9:00 PM; Friday - Saturday: 11:30 AM - 10:00 PM; Sunday: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Popular Beers

A quick look at notable pours currently tied to Great Lakes Brewing Co.

Beer Styles at Great Lakes Brewing Co

Great Lakes Brewing Co brews across a range of styles. The current lineup includes Ale, Stout, Milk Stout, Hazy IPA, Wheat, Premium Light Lager, and Pale Ale. Specific pours rotate over time — check the taproom board on the day of your visit for what is currently available on tap.

Upcoming Events

Upcoming public events currently attached to this brewery.

  • Sunday Funday Brunch Bingo

    Jun 14, 2026

    Every Sunday from 12PM to 2PM enjoy brunch and play Bingo for fun prizes with friendly brewpub callers. Prizes awarded each round, including a grand prize at the end.

  • Cleveland Baseball Game Day Specials

    Jun 14, 2026

    Enjoy special deals on game days including $4 Cold Rush cans, $20 Rally Drum Lemon Shandy pitchers, and $12 Polish Boy loaded fries. Utilize the Gameday Shuttle for easy transport…

  • Halfway to Halloween Brewery Tours

    Jun 14, 2026

    Join haunted brewery tours with beer in hand, hearing stories of ghosts haunting the buildings. Special May edition of Haunted History Tours available on certain dates in May.

  • Sunday Funday Bingo

    Jun 14, 2026

    Brunch-time Bingo every Sunday from 12PM to 2PM featuring games, prizes, and drink specials starting February 22.

  • Gameday Shuttle Service

    Jun 14, 2026

    Free shuttle service to most home baseball games with purchase from brewpub or gift shop, running one hour before and one hour after the game. Check Instagram for updates.

  • Cleveland Baseball Gameday Shuttle

    Jun 15, 2026

    Make transportation easy with our gameday shuttle for most home games. Free with any purchase from our brewpub or gift shop, running one hour before and after games.

  • Kids Eat Free Tuesdays

    Jun 16, 2026

    On Tuesdays through May, kids under 10 eat FREE with adult purchase of a large plate or sandwich from 4PM to kitchen close. One free kids' meal per adult.

  • Wine Wednesday Specials

    Jun 17, 2026

    Every Wednesday from noon to 8PM at the brewpub, get half off bottles of wine. Pair it with the house Caesar salad and fries during Happy Hour (4-7PM) for $15. Dine-in only.

  • GLBC x Absolut Summer Music Series

    Jun 17, 2026

    Join us on Wednesday nights for live music at the brewpub from 6PM to 8PM, featuring local bands and brews along with cocktail specials sponsored by Absolut Vodka.

  • Last Call Trivia

    Jun 18, 2026

    Join Last Call Trivia every Thursday from 7PM to 9PM at the brewpub. Teams compete for prizes and enjoy food and drink specials. Reservations recommended. Follow @glbcbrewpub for…

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Great Lakes Brewing Co located?
Great Lakes Brewing Co is located at 2516 Market Ave, Cleveland, Ohio, 44113-3434. Use the map and directions on this page to plan your visit.
What are Great Lakes Brewing Co's hours?
Current hours are: Brewpub Hours: Monday - Thursday: 11:30 AM - 9:00 PM (Bar 10:00 PM); Friday - Saturday: 11:30 AM - 10:00 PM (Bar 11:00 PM); Sunday: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM (Bar 5:00 PM). Gift Shop Hours: Monday - Thursday: 11:30 AM - 9:00 PM; Friday - Saturday: 11:30 AM - 10:00 PM; Sunday: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM. Hours can change on holidays and during private events — call ahead if your visit is time-sensitive.
How can I learn more about Great Lakes Brewing Co?
Visit http://www.greatlakesbrewing.com for the brewery's own information about beers, events, and operations. Beer.Social aggregates public data and visitor-facing details to help with planning a stop.