LAKEWOOD, OHIO — Since opening in 2023, Tapster Cleveland has quickly become a favorite gathering spot for locals looking to explore new drinks at their own pace. Opened by Jordan Kay, Tapster’s first franchisee, the tasting room offers a unique self-pour experience that has reshaped how Clevelanders enjoy everything from craft beers to kombucha.
With over 30 rotating taps featuring a range of beverages, including local brews, craft cocktails, ciders, and more, Tapster Cleveland allows guests to pour as little or as much as they want, making it easy to sample a wide variety of offerings. This flexibility, combined with a laid-back, social atmosphere, has made Tapster a must-visit destination in Lakewood.
From Chicago Inspiration to Cleveland Reality
Before launching Tapster Cleveland, Kay spent four years in Chicago, where he became a regular at Tapster’s Lincoln Park location. The concept captured his imagination, and when he moved back to Cleveland, he felt a strong desire to bring the self-pour experience to his hometown.
“Tapster was my favorite bar in Chicago, hands down,” Kay shared. “I loved the freedom it gave guests to explore new drinks in a laid-back atmosphere. When I moved back to Cleveland, I knew it was just the kind of experience I wanted to share with my hometown.”
His passion and drive led to the opening of Tapster Cleveland in 2023, marking the start of a new chapter in Lakewood’s social scene.
A Hub for Local Flavor and Community Engagement
What truly sets Tapster Cleveland apart is its focus on local culture and community. Kay’s vision was to create more than just a bar; he aimed to build a space that felt like a natural extension of the neighborhood. Tapster’s taps frequently feature drinks from local breweries, ensuring that Cleveland’s rich craft scene is always represented.
“My goal was to make Tapster the place where Clevelanders can come together and try local beverages they may have never heard of before,” explained Kay. “It’s about discovery, but it’s also about supporting local brewers and making Tapster a real part of the neighborhood.”
Tapster Cleveland’s community involvement goes beyond its beverage offerings. The tasting room hosts a wide array of events, from flash tattoo nights and pop-up markets to themed trivia nights and book club gatherings. Tapster Cleveland also partners with local food vendors like Spice Kitchen, The Pierogi Lady, and Pizza Bagel Lady so guests can pair their drinks with delicious, locally crafted bites. Kay’s dedication to community engagement ensures that Tapster remains a vital part of Lakewood’s social fabric.
“We’ve embraced the community, and they’ve embraced us right back,” said Kay. “Whether it’s through our weekly trivia nights, Daddy & Me Saturday mornings, monthly book club, or just being part of Lakewood Alive’s events, we’ve found that locals enjoy the individualized approach we take here.”
By offering a unique self-pour concept, access to local bites, and an all-in-one event gathering space in a setting that feels authentically local, Tapster Cleveland has quickly become a beloved part of Lakewood’s nightlife. For Jordan Kay, it’s more than pouring drinks; it’s about creating a space where people can discover new flavors, support local talent, and make lasting memories.
How To Start Your Pour
New guests will walk into a Tapster Tasting Room. Upon entry, you will be greeted by staff. There will be a quick ID check, and patrons will open a tab utilizing their credit card. Guests are then given a linked Tapster Tap Card, which can be used at taps of their choice.
Grab a glass and pour whatever you like. Try something new and go back for more. Gone are the days of squeezing between bar stools and placing your hand in the air to eventually grab the bartender’s attention. Once you are ready to checkout, just pop back over to the staff member where you checked in. Alternatively, you can drop your Tapcard in Tapsters Self-Checkout Boxes.
Tapster Clevland has created a seamless, stress-free, delightful experience that will pour smiles while you tap into newly discovered brews. For more information about Tapster Cleveland, visit tapstertastingroom.com
