Feeding your sports fan soul

Cleveland sports fans are nothing if not loyal—weathering championship droughts, buzzer-beater heartbreaks and everything in between. That same die-hard spirit is alive and well at Cleats Club Seat Grille in Chardon, where the energy of game day is served up daily—alongside wings, burgers and unbeatable happy hour deals.

When the owners designed the high- concept dynamic décor and crowd-pleasing menu, they sought to make an experience that’s close to being at a Cleveland sports game, but even better. They concocted the epic Bar Food Tower, a feast featuring 18 wings, a large order of fries, four¼ lb smash burgers and a large order of fried pickle chips for $45.

“Our goal is to provide the ultimate sports viewing experience,” says owner Matt Hollingsworth. “With 15 flatscreen TVs, there really isn’t a bad seat in the house. We’re thrilled this month to open our patio, with plenty of space to hang out and catch the Cavs and Guardians games.”

Happy Hours, Lunch Crowds

Happy Hour runs from 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day—yep, every day—with $1 off tall beers, $3 bottles, $6 craft cocktails. Weekly food specials include $0.69-cent Traditional Wing Tuesdays and $0.69-cent Boneless Wing Wednesdays.New menu favorites include mini smash burgers and pepper jack cheese cubes with sweet Thai chili sauce.

Matt reports they do a robust lunch business because of the variety-filled, value-priced menu.

“You can order six wings and French onion soup for less than it would cost to make your lunch at home and bring it to work,” he says. “Our lunchtime specialties are built for speed. Once you order, the plate is in front of you within minutes. And they are available for takeout as well.”

He says they offer so many light shareables people like to mix and match. One of the newest items to the menu that’s a mega-hit are the pepper jack cheese cubes with sweet Thai chili sauce. Mini smash burgers have also become a cult favorite.

The locally owned restaurant backs up its tagline “Home of the World’s Best Wings” by offering 20 sauces and dry rubs, introducing some unique flavors like Spicy Maple and Erie Island Smoke as menu staples.

“Whether for happy hour or lunch, we are blessed with a loyal crowd of regulars that dines here five to six times a week, so we like to keep the menu fresh,” Matt says.

In May, the Burger of the Month is the It’s Nacho Burger, a Southwest delight brought to life with Cajun seasonings, queso blanco, southwest corn salsa, grilled onions, fried tortilla strips topped with a zesty drizzle of cilantro lime ranch and served on a brioche bun. The spicy ’burg pairs beautifully with the Cocktail of the Month, which is a tart-fresh Blueberry Lemon Drop Martini.

“For those making healthy choices, we’ve also introduced Carbliss Cocktails, which have zero carbs and only 100 calories, in fresh flavors like pineapple, peach, black cherry and strawberry,” says Matt. 

Cleats plans to introduce a wing eating contest in the coming months. Stay tuned to the Cleats Chardon social media accounts for official details and dates.

Grad Gatherings, Backyard BBQ Done Right

With grad party season officially here, Cleats has become a go-to name on everyone’s party planning list, whether throwing your party there or picking up beautiful platters. It also hosts loads of local fundraisers, corporate events and celebrations of life.

Matt says over its 16 years serving the area, people have gotten used to giving Cleats a call and having them work out what would be the best fit for their party, whether it’s dozens of wings, slabs of ribs or an assortment of sliders.

New this year is Cleats’ Backyard BBQ catering—an all-you-can-eat picnic buffet cooked onsite with mobile grills. The menu includes burgers, dogs, pulled pork or chicken sandwiches, plus sides and toppers. Each party has a 50-person minimum, and the cost is just $20 per person.

“People just call and we handle it all,” Matt says. “It’s perfect for busy folks who want to enjoy their party without the food prep. We also have carryout catering platters for parties at home, or you can have your party at Cleats with our private event banquet menu.”

Cleats Club Seat Grill is located at 602 South Street in Chardon. Kitchen hours are Tuesday-Sunday, 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m, with the bar open later. Cleats is closed on Mondays. Call 440-285-8222 or visit CleatsChardon.com for more information.