Highlights
- Live music
- Sports
- Bar games
- Live performances
- Great beer selection
oChef » Smedley’s – Cleveland
Smedley's - Cleveland
Photo from Smedley’s
Smedley's at a glance
Cleveland Kamms Corner
- 🍻 Bar & Pub
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 18 of the guests
#18 out of 62 places to eat in Cleveland
#3 Bar & Pub out of 5 in Cleveland
Good
7.9 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
186
Reviews
86%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Lively atmosphere
- Diverse menu
- Good value
Frequently criticized
- Service inconsistency
- Cleanliness issues
- Crowded space
The restaurant Smedley’s is a lively Bar & Pub located in Cleveland’s vibrant Kamms Corner neighborhood. Here, you’ll discover a welcoming spot where the energy is always high, especially with regular live music performances.
It’s a perfect destination if you’re looking for a casual and cozy atmosphere to unwind, catch a game, or enjoy some great entertainment with friends.
Overview: Introducting Smedley's
Smedley’s offers a vibrant local experience, often praised for its lively atmosphere and the warmth of its friendly people. Guests frequently enjoy the diverse menu, from hearty breakfasts to satisfying bar food, making it a comfortable spot for many.
However, some visits reveal occasional inconsistencies, particularly with food preparation and certain staff interactions. While the prices are generally appreciated, a few patrons have noted concerns regarding cleanliness and the occasional challenge in getting attention.
Good
7.9
out of 10
186
Reviews
86%
Satisfaction
25
negative
1
neutral
160
positive
Overall, Smedley’s maintains a solid reputation, reflected in its Restaurant Score of 7.9 and a Customer Satisfaction rate of 86%. This indicates a generally positive experience for most patrons, with many finding it a reliable choice.
These figures are drawn from 186 customer observations, with 160 positive remarks outweighing 25 negative ones. Delving deeper, the Ambience (8.1) and Food (8.4) stand out as particular strengths, frequently receiving praise for their quality and contribution to the overall experience.
Service (7.1) also performs well, though some experiences suggest room for improvement. The Value (6.8) provided is considered good, making it an accessible option for many.
What people like
- Lively atmosphere
- Varied food selection
- Affordable pricing
What people don't like
- Inconsistent service
- Cleanliness issues
- Occasional overcrowding
With a Recommendation Score of 8.1, Smedley’s generally earns a nod for its vibrant social scene and approachable offerings. If you’re seeking a place with a lively atmosphere, good value, and a diverse menu, it’s certainly worth considering for a casual outing.
However, be prepared for potential variations in service and occasional lapses in food consistency or cleanliness. While it delivers a solid experience for many, managing expectations around these points will ensure a more satisfying visit.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Smedley's
Food (8.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 56% of the guests
When it comes to the grub, this spot really shines! With a good score of 8.4 and an excellent customer satisfaction of 93.8%, its clear most diners are leaving happy. Out of 48 total opinions, a whopping 45 were positive, praising the fantastic drink selection, must-try corned beef, and massive grilled cheese sandwiches.
Dont miss the amazing lobster mac-n-cheese! However, its not entirely perfect. A few of the 3 negative remarks mentioned issues with the wings being rubbery and flavorless, and some burgers were unfortunately burnt despite being ordered medium rare.
While these are minor hiccups, theyre worth noting.
Food
48
Reviews
93%
Satisfaction
3
negative
0
neutral
45
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great drink selection
- Delicious corned beef
- Massive grilled cheese
What people don't like
- Rubbery, bland wings
- Burnt, dry burgers
Often praised
- foodMy experience at the restaurant was wonderful. I always love coming here because of the great atmosphere, good food, and friendly people. We love when Ynot comes to Smedleys!
- drinksTo top it off, we learned about their occasional complimentary taco bar on Sundays, featuring homemade fried nachos, soft and hard shells, and a variety of meats and fixings. Lisa and Barb are great, and the drinks are excellent! We've found our new go-to spot.
- bar foodbar food was decent enough to cure the hunger
- wingsCan't go wrong with wings
- Corn beef hashLisa suggested the Corn beef hash to start and they make it with real ends from a corn beef roast
- FoodFood:5
- Parmageddonpierogi, kraut, and cheese stacked between buttery bread — ridiculous and perfect
- bottle of beerif you had a bottle of beer
- breakfastsGood breakfasts
- burgersCan't go wrong with burgers
Frequently criticized
- Irish Car Bombbartender was unsure of how to make an Irish Car Bomb
- burgersThe burgers were ordered medium rare. They were burnt to a crisp.
- wingsThe wings were rubbery and had no flavor.
If youre looking for a place with a great vibe and mostly delicious food, especially their unique sandwiches and mac-n-cheese, this spot is definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful that a few patrons have had minor issues with the wings and burgers, but overall, its a solid choice.
Service (7.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 60% of the guests
When it comes to service, youre generally in for a good experience! With a solid score of 7.1 and customer satisfaction at 76.6%, many patrons praise the great bartenders, friendly staff, and rapid service. Based on 36 positive comments, you can expect a welcoming atmosphere and attentive people.
However, not all 11 negative opinions were glowing. Some guests encountered issues with staff and security, including concerns about a bartenders math and instances of confrontation. While these seem to be isolated incidents, they are worth noting for a balanced perspective.
Service
47
Reviews
76%
Satisfaction
11
negative
0
neutral
36
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, great bartenders
- Rapid, prompt service
- Welcoming, kind staff
What people don't like
- Rude staff/security
- Bartender math issues
- Hard to get attention
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at the restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed the great food and great service. The awesome live music really added to the atmosphere, and the friendly people made it a fun place to hang out :)
- peopleMy experience at the restaurant was wonderful. I always love coming here because of the great atmosphere, good food, and friendly people. We love when Ynot comes to Smedleys!
- stafffeel safe with there staff on high alert
- bartenderThe bartender, Rachel, was super interesting and personable
- bartendersgreat bartenders
- JamieJamie which is a special needs man that is the sweetest thing
- Lisa and BarbTo top it off, we learned about their occasional complimentary taco bar on Sundays, featuring homemade fried nachos, soft and hard shells, and a variety of meats and fixings. Lisa and Barb are great, and the drinks are excellent! We've found our new go-to spot.
- ServiceService:5
- StibbsThis guy was born to play, and a real crowd pleaser
- bar backHe is a bar back
Frequently criticized
- securityToday, I witnessed something that made me sad for humanity: someone at the bar pushed Jamie, being unaware of his social boundaries. I was disappointed that there was no security to protect Jamie. Instead, I had to jump in and tell an older gentleman that what he did wasn't right.
- bartenderbartender tell me I'm barred
- bartender's mathOne of your bartenders needs to go back to elementary school and learn math
- called to a voice mailcalled to a voice mail that was full
- confrontationI don't like confrontation and I'm not going to sit there and argue
- get anyone's attentionhard to get anyone's attention for a drink
- message them on FBtried to message them on FB about an incident
- older gentlemenolder gentlemen that what he did wasn't right
- security guarddrunk security guard man handle me
- staffvery rude and showed no respect for others
Overall, the service here is quite good, making it a place worth checking out if you value friendly and prompt attention. Just be aware that a few experiences suggest there might be occasional hiccups with certain staff members or security interactions.
Ambience (8.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 84% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot really hits the mark with a strong score of 8.1 and a fantastic customer satisfaction rate of 88%! Patrons consistently praise the lively atmosphere, especially the live music and rock bar vibe. With 73 positive remarks out of 83 total, it's clear that the friendly blue collar crowd and overall Cleveland staple feel create a truly enjoyable experience.
However, not every note is perfect. A few of the 9 negative comments mention concerns about the volume being too high, and some found it to be a small place leading to overcrowding. There were also a couple of remarks regarding cleanliness.
So, while the energy is high, be prepared for a potentially loud and cozy environment.
Ambience
83
Reviews
88%
Satisfaction
9
negative
1
neutral
73
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great live music
- Lively rock bar vibe
- Friendly, diverse crowd
What people don't like
- Loud volume
- Small, crowded space
- Cleanliness concerns
Often praised
- atmosphereSmedley’s has a pool table, a place for live music, jukebox, and a ton of TV’s
- live musicI enjoyed the great food and great service. The awesome live music really added to the atmosphere, and the friendly people made it a fun place to hang out :)
- musicAs a single woman, I love Smedley's. I go by myself to listen to music and feel safe with their staff on high alert regarding what is going on in their establishment. There are regular male patrons who are true gentlemen and walk me to my car when I'm ready to leave.
- patronsI had a fantastic time at Smedley's. The service was exceptionally prompt, and the patrons were beyond wonderful. Our bartender, Rachel, was super interesting and personable, bringing life to an otherwise slow Monday night.
- bandscool bands
- crowdThe atmosphere is loud, colorful, and full of personality. They offer great craft beers and have a great crowd with zero pretense. It's pure Cleveland comfort food energy.
- live bandsBest place in town live bands
- Armstrong Bearcat bandespecially Armstrong Bearcat band
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- Cleveland stapleA Cleveland staple for a long time
Frequently criticized
- COVID-19 precautionsno masks or any trying of covid-19 times
- cleanlinessLost a star for overall cleanliness
- guy singingespecially the guy singing
- live bandlive band, which was not very good
- loud rock and metal bandsmore for people looking for loud rock and metal bands
- overcrowdingcauses overcrowding in such a small space
- small placeSuper small place
- societyHe insisted it wasn't his fault and that Jamie should have been behind the bar. That makes me mad and sad for society. If you can't have a drink and be aware of who and what is around you, then drink at home.
- volumemy only concern is the volume
If youre looking for a vibrant, no-frills rock bar with great live music and a friendly crowd, this is definitely your spot. Just be ready for a lively, potentially loud atmosphere and a cozy space that might get crowded. Its a fantastic choice for a fun night out, especially if you love rock and roll.
Value (6.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 16% of the guests
When it comes to value, many folks are raving about the affordability, with a solid 75% customer satisfaction and a pretty good score of 6.8. Based on 6 positive remarks out of 8 total, customers frequently highlight the cheap drinks and food, noting that the drink prices, including beer and liquor, are quite reasonable and often described as great. However, it's not entirely without its hiccups.
A couple of comments, though fewer, did point out some concerns regarding billing accuracy. There were mentions of needing to check registers carefully, with one customer feeling they were incorrectly charged for items like a dozen wings.
Value
8
Reviews
75%
Satisfaction
2
negative
0
neutral
6
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cheap drinks
- Great food prices
- Fair liquor prices
What people don't like
- Billing errors
- Check register
Often praised
- pricesThe prices are really low
- beer and liquorfair priced beer and liqor
- drink pricesreasonable drink prices
- drinks and foodcheap drinks and food
- priceGreat price also.
Frequently criticized
- dozen wingsthey took it upon themselves to charge us for (2) dozen wings.
- registersyou better check your registers cuz I guarantee it's over
If youre seeking a place where your money stretches further, especially for drinks and food, this spot seems like a strong contender. Just be sure to double-check your bill, particularly for larger orders, but overall, its worth considering for its budget-friendly appeal.
How are the prices at Smedley's?
You’re looking at roughly $14 per person – reported by 18 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For a Bar & Pub, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While the average is $14, we see a nice mix of spending. Many guests keep it under $10, while others venture up to $30, showing there’s a range of options available, but the majority stick to the $1–$20 sweet spot.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 18 reviews.
A look at how this Bar & Pub’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in Cleveland.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Bar & Pub. It offers a good balance, allowing guests to enjoy a casual bite or a drink without breaking the bank, while also having options for those who want to spend a little more.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Smedley's
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Moderate (16–30 min.)
Noise Level
- Loud
9
Artful Grilled Cheese & Cleveland Comfort
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I tried the "Parmageddon, " a massive grilled cheese sandwich featuring pierogi, kraut, and cheese stacked between buttery bread. It was both ridiculous and perfect.
The atmosphere is loud, colorful, and full of personality. They offer great craft beers and have a great crowd with zero pretense. It's pure Cleveland comfort food energy.
- grilled cheese sandwiches10
- Parmageddon10
- atmosphere10
Service Intent
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Kindness and Respect for Jamie
I absolutely love this place and I love it more because they hired Jamie, who is a special needs man and the sweetest thing. He works as a bar back. Please, if you're in Smedley's, be nice to him.
Today, I witnessed something that made me sad for humanity: someone at the bar pushed Jamie, being unaware of his social boundaries. I was disappointed that there was no security to protect Jamie. Instead, I had to jump in and tell an older gentleman that what he did wasn't right.
He insisted it wasn't his fault and that Jamie should have been behind the bar. That makes me mad and sad for society. If you can't have a drink and be aware of who and what is around you, then drink at home.
Don't go into Smedley's ever thinking it's okay to treat humans wrong, ESPECIALLY JAMIE! I'm writing this review so more people are aware of who Jamie is when you go into Smedley's or even the West Park area. He's the kindest man with the sweetest soul.
Please be patient and kind always. ☮️💓
- Jamie10
- bar back10
- kindest man10
- security2
- older gentlemen1
- society2
Price per Person
- $1–$10
Service Intent
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
9
Fantastic Time with Great Service
I had a fantastic time at Smedley's. The service was exceptionally prompt, and the patrons were beyond wonderful. Our bartender, Rachel, was super interesting and personable, bringing life to an otherwise slow Monday night.
The atmosphere offers a pool table, a place for live music, a jukebox, and a ton of TVs playing the latest sports games.
- service10
- patrons10
- bartender10
Service Intent
- Solo Dining
Group Type
- Solo Dinner
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
1
Bartender Math Error - Never Returning
My experience at this restaurant was extremely negative due to a significant issue with the bartender's math. I believe the register was incorrect, and I was essentially robbed. I avoid confrontation, so I didn't argue, but I will never go back and will never recommend this place to anyone.
This experience is part of the reason I struggle with mental health and avoid going out, as people can be ignorant. This was the one time I decided to go out by myself, and it turned out to be an awful experience.
- bartender's math1
- registers1
- confrontation1
Price per Person
- $1–$10
Service Intent
- Regular Visit
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Great Dive Bar for a Relaxed Drink
My favorite dive bar in the west park area. It's perfect if you're looking for a quick beer and shot with no one to bother you. I love that it's not over the top or trendy like some of the other bars in the area.
It also has pool and darts.
- dive bar9
- quick beer and shot8
- not over the top8
What Smedley's offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Popular for
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Dancing
- Food at bar
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Food
- Wine
- Beer
- Happy hour food
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Parking
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
What kind of entertainment and atmosphere can you expect at Smedley's Bar & Grill?
At Smedley’s Bar & Grill, you can immerse yourself in a cozy and casual atmosphere. You’ll find regular live music, exciting sports broadcasts, engaging bar games, and various live performances, making it a vibrant entertainment hub in Kamms Corner.
What are the parking and accessibility options available at Smedley's Bar & Grill?
Smedley’s Bar & Grill offers convenient parking with options like free street parking, a free parking lot, and usually plenty of parking. For your comfort, the venue provides a wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot, and restroom.
How does Smedley's perform overall?
Smedley’s achieves a Restaurant Score of 7.9 and a Customer Satisfaction of 86%. Its Food (8.4) and Ambience (8.1) are particularly strong, while Service (7.1) and Value (6.8) also contribute positively to its standing.
What kind of atmosphere can I expect at Smedley's?
Patrons often describe a lively and welcoming atmosphere, complete with live music, a jukebox, and a pool table. It’s known for its great crowd and being a Cleveland staple for entertainment.
Are there any common concerns visitors have about Smedley's?
Some visitors have noted inconsistent service, including difficulties getting attention or issues with staff conduct. There have also been mentions of cleanliness concerns and occasional overcrowding due to its popularity.