Never Say Dive — Restaurant in Cleveland

Part of me never wants to say Never Say Dive - but that would be gatekeeping. So let's discuss.

Not being a local, it was hard to pick out this humble bar in the humble Old Brooklyn neighborhood. Street parking in the adjacent residential roads is your best bet. You may be wondering what exactly a "high-low bar" is. Walk in and you'll start to understand - kitschy decor like a life size Star Trek Picard cut-out and lava lamps, obscenely bright blue tabletops with checkered floor tiles somehow make sense paired with bottles of French wine, caviar, and beautifully plated Toast.

There are a few patio tables out front for nicer days, but I found myself really enjoying the vibes inside the bar, and the hugely varied clientele.

We arrived to a packed house, but gave our name to the friendly hostess that evening who pointed shared that we would be able to get drinks at the bar and transfer our tab over to our table once we were seated. The bartender immediately hooked us up with a bottle of water and some cups and menus. While the food items are on the pricier side, the drinks were all very reasonable, ranging from $3 (yes, THREE) drafts and cans to $15 cocktails, and even some house-made seltzers which I will return to try. Each cocktail is creatively crafted and named - my Metallicus was a soothing green with all the refreshing flavors of a spring patio day.

Hospitality is certainly a strong suit. Our tatted waiter sat comfortably with us to review the menu and gave us ample time to decide on some food items to share. The menu isn't very long, but if you're anything like me, you'll want to bring as many friends as possible so you can order one of everything. We ended up sharing several items, some more sharable than others. The favorites were the Asparagus, Dive Dog, and Mushroom Toast. You wouldn't think that a hot dog could be elevated, but the perfectly crisp poppy seed bun, tender kobe dog, and subtle pops of caviar are simply chef's kiss. I nearly licked the plate to get every smear of white bean puree under the Asparagus, and the Mushroom Toast was a wonderfully complex mixture of flavors. Cavatelli was on the salty side (though the pasta itself was pillowy and delicious), and sweet soy marinade on the poke-style Tuna Toast was just okay.

Can't wait to see the next menus this talented and down-to-earth crew...

UPDATE:

I wanted to update my review since it's been awhile since opening. I can honestly say that Never Say Dive is one of my favorite bars and restaurants (and it's not just because it is walking distance from my house).

The food is amazing, highly suggest the fried quarter, best fried chicken ever! The burger is solid, and the snacks are to die for! We love the pickled eggs so much. I personally love the small menu that changes every couple months and I can honestly say I have never had a bad meal here.

Next is the drinks! Omg the drinks here are so so delicious! Like I have said in the past, they have a little something for everyone. Want a cheap beer? get a Narragansett, want a fancy cocktail? they have that too! A delicious house made seltzer? yup they have that as well. NA cocktails are also a thing here.

Last but not least, the servers.. We love you guys so much! This place has truly turned into such a great local bar and all of the bartenders and servers are truly the best. They always make you feel welcome every time you walk through the door and genuinely I can't wait until the next time we stop in.

Original review: Such an amazing recreation of the space! I am so excited that this amazing spot is in Old Brooklyn (and walking distance from our house!) The drinks are amazing and they have something for everyone. Cheap beer, house-made seltzers, delicious cocktails, NA cocktails. Just a great spot. Can't wait...

If you have ever wondered what wine goes with the best fried chicken you have ever had. Never Say Dive has the answer. (Tuesday night special)

If you have ever wondered if corn on the cob can be top tier side dish for a king Never Say Dive has the answer.

And if you wondered if you can have a cold beer with caviar, again Never Say Dive has the answer.

This bar/restaurant/passion project absolutely blew me away. From an unassuming patio to a quant bar and dining room. It’s only after letting it soak in that you realize they somehow managed to use every color known to man in there esthetic without offending your senses. Further the menus, wall art, and dish-ware compliment this aesthetic without being cheap or too on the nose.

The cocktails are simply better than you expect.

The food is some of the best I’ve ever had.

The environment is as relaxed as a family Sunday meal.

If you want to experience Cleveland culture at its peak. Check out Never Say Dive. And do NOT call it a dive bar. Or do. They won’t...