Proof Public House: Matt Fish’s No-Frills Tavern Shakes Up Lorain Ave

Proof Public House is Matt Fish’s ode to the classic Cleveland tavern, making Lorain Ave the place to swap bar stories again.

Clevelanders, your neighborhood hang is back. Proof Public House in Ohio City is Matt Fish’s latest adventure—a spot where your old favorites meet a chef’s mischief. This no-fuss tavern puts the soul back in local, right at the crossroads of homegrown cool.

Matt Fish’s Next Chapter

If you know Melt Bar & Grilled, you know Matt Fish is no stranger to Cleveland comfort food. But with Proof Public House, Fish steps beyond the world of over-the-top grilled cheese. Here, he reinvents tavern staples, pushes boundaries, and creates a vibe that feels like your best friend opened a spot next door.

Killer Sandwiches & Pub Classics

Sandwiches reign supreme here, and Fish’s signature touch is all over them:

Parmageddon—the cult classic gets a starring role.
Shrimp Roll—juicy, garlicky red shrimp, crispy slaw, plush hoagie bun (as breezy as Midcoast Maine).
Pub Burger—half a pound of pure burger joy, cooked to a perfect medium.
Cheesesteak—shaved ribeye, saucy, messy, and kissed with chipotle aioli.
Gonzo—pulled pork, Oaxacan cheese, pineapple slaw, and black bean spread (for those who crave everything at once).

Out back, Fish’s inherited smoker cranks out:

Smoked Wings—lightly smoked, char-grilled, sauced up or naked.
Pulled Pork—with citrus and smoke, straight from the Southern Pride rig.
Vegan Tofu Wings—crisp, spicy, and dairy-free for plant-based pals.

Neighborhood Feels & Legendary Decor

Proof’s walls are a love letter to Cleveland music and bar culture. Expect:

Gallery-worthy concert and club posters
Murals rescued from former Melt locations
Relics from Speak in Tongues, Cleveland’s iconic punk venue

You’ll feel like you’re having a drink in a living history book (but way less stuffy).

Not-So-Basic Appetizers & Vegetarian Faves

Start your meal strong with apps that play to the crowd:

Rudy’s Pierogi Platter—grilled onions, cabbage, sour cream, microgreens; short, sweet and comforting
Whipped Goat Cheese—spicy tomato tapenade and endless grilled bread
Hand-cut Fries—golden, crispy, worth every penny

Drinks for the People

The bar at Proof declares war on overcomplicated beverage lists. Instead, you get:

Inventive Cocktails—the Sonic Reducer (rye meets banana, and somehow it works)
Cleveland Beers on Tap—rotating rarities from Noble Beast, Market Garden, Fat Heads, Butcher and Brewer, and other locals

The Courtyard Scene

Craving sunshine? Hit the brick-paved courtyard out back for a leafy, low-key oasis—proof that patios are a Northeast Ohio birthright.

Why Proof Matters Now

In a world where every other spot is chasing viral experiences, Proof Public House is all about being real. No gimmicks. No soulless chains. Just the neighborhood tavern, perfected by a chef who actually gives a damn.

Stop in soon for a burger, a beer, and that old-school feeling that Cleveland families have passed around for generations. Proof isn’t just the future. It’s the heartbeat of Lorain Ave.