La Cave du Vin: 4 of 52

La Cave du Vin: Cleveland, Ohio

4 of 52

La Cave du Vin

2785 Euclid Heights Blvd

Cleveland, OH

Rank: #1 of 4

Type of Establishment: Wine shop, Tasting Room, Beer Bar, Bottle Shop

BEERS ON TAP (at time of visit) —>

Smuttynose Wheat Wine

Stone Brewing Oaked Arrogant Bastard Ale

Weyerbacher Hotel Poter

Stoudt’s Pilsner

Flying Dog Raging Bitch Belgium Style IPA

Tommy Knocker Black Powder Nitro Stout

FOOD OPTIONS: Small plates such as varying cheeses, cured meats, olives, breads and spreadable dips.

STAFF OPINION: Knowledgeable about beer, passionate about the establishment and craft brewing.

La Cave du Vin has an amazing ambiance.  As we walked down the street, every breath a struggle against the cold wind, we scurried down the stairs to La Cave.  Low lighting, small cafe tables, an entire wall of wines and the glowing refrigerator of beers make this place comfortable and worth a stop. As we walk toward the refrigerator, our excitement builds. We are afterall in the mid-west, beers that are “foreign” to us back West are in abundance. Weyerbacher, Founders, Jolly Pumpkin, Bell’s….

They do have approximately 5 beers on tap at any given time and the waitress/bartender was very attentive and willing to explain each beer to us.  However, we decided on bottles. You pick your bottle and the bartender will open it for you and provide glassware. Generally, you can buy the beer “to-go.”  For all you visitors, the state of Ohio does not permit beer sales on Sunday. What day did we go? Sunday, as that bottle of Bell’s Hopslam stared mockingly at us. Luckily we had the chance to have Hopslam on tap earlier in the day. Just a heads up, the prices on the bottle selection are on the high side if you are looking to enjoy it in the comfort of your own home.

We had three bottles: Founder’s Double Trouble IPA; Founder’s Red Rye and Jolly Pumpkin’s BAM Noire.  All were beyond amazing. The Double Trouble, a double IPA had a hoppy, sweet aroma and was exceuted to perfection. The balance was perfect, but there was still a bite to it. This beer began with a punch and ended with a smooth, comforting finish.  One of the best IPA’s to date.  The Red Rye was surprisingly hoppy and bitter. However, there was a grainy aftertaste and malt balance. JP’s BAM Noire, a Saison/Farmhouse Ale had that familiar funk to it, but rounded out with a sour finish with some citrus notes. Enjoyable from start to finish.

La Cave’s bottle selection alone is worth the visit. However, the ambiance, the staff and the small treats will keep you coming back.