Gameday

Harry Buffalo East 4th

This two-level bar in Cleveland is a hot spot to gather before a game. Standard bar food makes up the core of the menu here, and with its proximity and popularity, it can get busy. On the warmer days, expect the “garage doors” to be open on both levels — which is great if you want to feel like you’re outside without being directly in the sun.

Bowling at The Corner Alley

A game day in Cleveland isn’t just reserved for the action on the field — it means you can play, too! The Corner Alley is at Euclid and East 4th and is part restaurant, part bowling alley in the heart of downtown.

With large garage doors that are opened on nice days, this bar offers up standard pub fare, and bowling for up to eight guests per lane, this is a great place to stop in for some pregame bowling fun.

The Thirsty Parrot

The Thirsty Parrot is the closest bar to Progressive Field and has been a pregame spot and right of passage for local fans. It may seem smaller at first glance from the outside but has a massive outdoor deck that serves as pregame central for game day crowds. Be sure to ask about the “Cuyahoga River Water” for an authentic Cleveland experience.

The Clevelander

As some may say, you can’t say ‘Clevelander’ without ‘Cleveland,’ and the bar with the namesake has been a staple for pregame activities since its inception. The two-story bar offers Cleveland memorabilia, pop-a-shot, and a true sports bar feel. There’s an outdoor patio and some pregame drink specials, and it’s only a three-minute walk from the ballpark.

TSI Tip: If the Clevelander or Thirsty Parrot are looking or feeling a bit too crowded, other bars in the Gateway District that have small outdoor patios include Whistle, A.J. Rocco’s, and Wonder Bar (which only serves drinks, no food).

Mabel’s BBQ

The spot to get BBQ downtown is none other than the one owned by Cleveland native Chef Michael Symon. Mabel’s serves your food on metal lunch trays and offers your favorite BBQ options with a Cleveland twist. The bi-level restaurant offers communal-style seating, drink options from beer to bourbon, and a local-inspired dessert menu. 

Remember that Cleveland twist? Mabel’s BBQ incorporates Cleveland’s very own Bertman Mustard right into the sauce. Yes, the same mustard that’s been the calling card for the last 90 years at Cleveland ballparks.

Geraci’s Slice Shop

Geraci’s Slice Shop opened in 2023 and plays into an 80s vibe with a simple menu. The restaurant is located within the 5th Street Arcades, which is just a few minutes walk from the stadium, and a generous slice starts at $5.

Tacos and Tequila

There are two spots on or near East 4th to grab some tacos and enjoy a drink before heading to the ballpark: Barrio and Blue Agave.

Barrio and Blue Agave

Barrio is a casual and affordable gameday staple that we locals love. You can build your own tacos or just pick from a list of their favorites. The service is often pretty quick, and the chips and salsa are complimentary. (FYI: Barrio is also located inside the ballpark, but if you have the time, the restaurant version will have way more options).

But, if you’re looking for more of a full-service restaurant, Blue Agave is right around the corner on East 4th. It’s a bigger spot with a broader menu, but will take a little longer to get through.

Colossal Cupcakes and Rocket Fizz

Located right next door to each other on Euclid Ave, this is a one-two punch for those who need a sugar fix. Colossal Cupcakes has a fantastic array of bakery treats, while Rocket Fizz’s gigantic candy selection will make any kid happy. They’re right off the East 4th, making it easy to drop by before the game (and you can bring them into the stadium with you if you’d like).

Pregame drinks

If getting in early and finding a good place to hang out is your goal, head straight to the Corner Bar in right field. The two-deck bar has drink rails, seating, and tables on both levels. 

The Corner Bar has been a ballpark favorite since the 2015 renovations and is always lively. It’s open to everyone, and is a good place to get out of the elements if you need to. The bar has multiple flat-screen TVs, and steps away are the right field drink rails.

Visit Heritage Park

Even if you aren’t there to root for the home team, Heritage Park is a great thing to check out at the ballpark. You can’t miss the upper level of the park, which is right on the center field plaza. But make sure to walk down the stairs to the rest of the exhibit, which is full of plaques of past Indians/Guardians players, as well as a bronze replica of the drum used by the late superfan John Adams, which he used at more than 3700 games over 46 years. The Park is open throughout the game, and it’s free, so you can do this before or during the game.

First Game Certificates

Don’t forget to commemorate your visit to the ballpark with a first game certificate! Head to Fan Services in the lower bowl behind section 153 or in the upper bowl at section 550. If you forgot to get your certificate, don’t sweat it! Visit the Guardians website to get one digitally emailed or sent in the mail to you — both options are free. 

TSI TIP: The first game certificate in the ballpark is printed on a heavier, glossier, cardstock. If you can get this one and keep it safe from the elements, go for it! Worst case scenario — if it gets damaged, you can print out another at home.

Photo ops

Slider has been a staple at Cleveland games for more than 30 years and is hard to miss with his fuchsia color and polka-dotted belly. Unfortunately Slider doesn’t have any regularly scheduled appearances around the park, so if you want a selfie, you’ll just have to randomly bump into him on the concourse. 

The same goes for the Hot Dog mascots that have taken on popularity and lore of their own. Onion, Ketchup, and Mustard participate in the Sugardale Hot Dog Derby after the top of the 5th — and if you’re sitting in right field you’ll have the best view as they run right by. This is also a good place to try to snap a photo with them as they frequent the area, including for the seventh-inning stretch.

For a photo opportunity that isn’t constantly moving, you can snap a shot by the large Diamond C which is located in the right field concourse as you go up the escalators to the upper levels (behind Sections 108-113). There is also new Cleveland-themed signage on the Family Deck level and Terrace Garden, so head up there for additional photo ops.

Best for kids

Located in the right field 300-level (303-316), the family deck is a great spot for those with younger kids. Between the Kids Clubhouse, which has a slide that spans two floors, and “Slider’s Hot Diggity Dog House” which serves kid-friendly concessions, this section covers your bases.

Due to the renovations, some activities are not currently available (such as the wiffle ball field and Guardians Dash), but will be later this season. Kids can still participate in the “Hot Corner” game, and enjoy the newly revamped outdoor play area.

Watch an inning from the Old Bullpen

When Jacob’s Field opened, it was designed with two separate bullpen areas in right field. But, during previous renovations, the bullpens moved to the stacked set in right-center field that allows fans to watch both the home and visiting team warm up.

Now, you can line up right outside the corner bar area by the remaining old bullpen and get a wristband to go watch an inning from field level. Only 15 people are admitted at a time to watch one full inning, but the view is worth the wait.

 TSI Tip: Try to do this in the earlier or later innings of the game.Weekday games tend to draw less than the weekends, so it may be more easily achievable during a visit then.

Food and beverage options

Progressive Field offers a lot of concessions from local restaurants, which is why eating inside the ballpark is something that we are happy to recommend. Some of our favorites include:

• Barrio (109, 158, 529) for great tacos
• Happy Dog, for unique twists like their Slider Dog (which has Fruit Loops on top!)
• Perry’s Ice Cream, featuring their “Doughing Doughing Gone” flavor
• Local beers from Great Lakes Brewing Co, Fathead’s, Brew Kettle, and more.
• A bunch of local options are located in the outfield behind sections 101-113