Best Bars in Youngstown, OH

March 25th, 2022 by

In Youngstown, locals work hard, but they also know how to relax. Whether you prefer to unwind with a cold pint of beer and quiet conversation or a fresh, fruity cocktail and loud music, the Youngstown social scene has plenty of bars, pubs, and breweries that are sure to excite you. We’ve rounded up some of the best bars in Youngstown, Ohio. Here are some of the best options for your next date night, weekday happy hour, or Saturday night out with friends.

Ryes Craft Beer and Whiskey

glass of whiskey in youngstown ohio

Image via Flickr by ddb and kdw

If you’re looking for a quiet place to unwind after a long day, Ryes Craft Beer and Whiskey might be your best bet. Their beer list leaves little to be desired, with IPAs, stouts, porters, lagers, and, like the namesake, rye beers. As you might also expect, you can also enjoy some of the best whiskey around at Ryes. Whether you’re looking for a big name whiskey or a whiskey with an unexpected twist of flavor like apple or black cherry, you can find it on their menu.

If you can’t choose between beer or whiskey, you don’t have to. Ryes also offers a list of boilermakers, which pair a glass of beer with a shot of whiskey. History buffs can also find plenty to love at Ryes Craft Beer and Whiskey. There’s a special menu of Prohibition-era cocktails, so you can get a taste of the 1920s. With options using whiskey, gin, scotch, brandy, and rum, you might have trouble picking which historic cocktail to try first. Located on the second floor of the Federal Plaza, Ryes offers scenic views of downtown Youngstown.

Whistle & Keg

Beer experts will have a blast trying out the expansive menu at Whistle & Keg. This isn’t your average brewery, though. Whistle & Keg puts you in charge. You can pour your own beer from their massive row of tap options, which span from the most popular beers around to one-of-a-kind craft choices. You could even mix several different beers in one cup if you want. When you’re done, you pay by the ounce. If you’re not into beer, there’s still plenty for you to enjoy, like hard liquor, wine, and even kombucha.

You’re also welcome to make your evening your own by bringing in outside food and setting up at a table with friends or family. With a limit of 96 ounces, Whistle & Keg makes sure all guests can enjoy their vast selection while staying safe. If you’re looking to try all the best local beers or find your new favorite brew, stop by Whistle & Keg.

Steel City Bar and Grill

You’ll never be bored at Youngstown’s Steel City Bar and Grill. For a local bar, Steel City manages to pack action into every square foot. If you like to pair your favorite drink with a side of entertainment, you might appreciate the frequent live music shows featuring some of Youngstown’s best local bands. If you’re feeling competitive, try your hands at a game of billiards or darts. You can even play virtual golf with two digital arcade games simulating an afternoon on the green.

Come hungry, too, because Steel City offers an expansive menu of delicious American fare. Plan your trip on a Friday evening to take advantage of half-price appetizers at happy hour. If you can’t pick between favorites like mac n cheese bites, tater tots, or potato skins, get a combo plate to share with the table, which includes your choice of three, four, or five appetizers. Steel City Bar and Grill is a lively local spot where you can enjoy great music, delicious bites, and a bit of friendly competition.

Noble Creature Cask House

For a great drink, a unique atmosphere, and beautiful views, plan a trip to Noble Creature Cask House in Youngstown’s Smoky Hollow. The building used to house the historic Butler Memorial Presbyterian Church, and Noble Creature’s renovated taproom still contains touches of the church’s original architecture. With tall ceilings and colorful stained glass windows, this unconventional gem is anything but boring. There are plenty of seating options for groups large and small in this open microbrewery.

On the menu, you’ll find a variety of small batch beers with distinctive flavors. If you have a refined palette and enjoy carefully crafted brews, Noble Creature’s selection might impress you. Plus, it’s hard to find fresher beer than this. Everything on Noble Creature’s ever-changing tap list gets brewed on the premises in their basement brewhouse. If you’re up for a new experience and a great glass of beer, try Noble Creature Cask House.

V2 Wine Bar Trattoria

If you’d opt for wine over beer, you might want to check out V2 Wine Bar Trattoria. Located in the Federal Building in Youngstown, V2 Wine Bar Trattoria is a wine-focused little sibling to Vernon’s Cafe, an Italian restaurant in nearby Niles, Ohio, and the menu features some of the same signature dishes. You can purchase wine by the bottle from their list of white, red, and sparkling options, or you can order by the glass. In addition to fine wines, V2 also serves 21 different craft beers and 11 martinis.

If you’re visiting V2 for a pre-dinner drink, consider supplementing it with a snack from their Small Plates menu. Favorites include the hot peppers in oil if you’re feeling brave or the chicken wings with your pick of sauce. For something a little more substantial to eat, explore their menu of artisan pizzas.

So, there you have it. Sweeney Buick GMC just rounded up five of the best local bars in Youngstown, Ohio. Did we forget any great dive bars or dance clubs? Make sure to check out some local breweries while you’re at it. Let us know if we missed your favorite spot to grab a drink in town, and we’ll make sure it gets added. If you’re ready to explore Youngstown’s happening social scene in a car that’s sure to turn heads, we’re ready to help. Explore our diverse inventory to find a new or used car that matches your lifestyle and start planning your visit to our Youngstown dealership today.