Witch Doctor Brings Botanical Magic to Old Brooklyn Cocktail Scene
Liam Cutwater · September 16, 2026
Witch Doctor, a botanically-themed cocktail lounge, casts a spell on Old Brooklyn with house-made spirits and a vibe you won’t find anywhere else.
If your idea of a great night is sipping something mysterious in a fairy-tale apothecary, Old Brooklyn's got your new haunt. Witch Doctor, a botanically-themed cocktail bar, opens September 2nd, promising wild drinks and a vibe that could only happen right here in Cleveland.
Not Your Grandma’s Gin: The Witch Doctor Menu
Step inside Witch Doctor and you’ll discover a bar program fueled by more than basic bitters and store-bought mixers. Here, nearly everything is handcrafted—from vermouth to herbal cordials. Owner Matt Luebert, of US Bartenders’ Guild fame, infuses house spirits with botanicals sourced from local shops, blending wellness with wild creativity.
- Housemade gin, rum, tequila, and vodka
- Custom cordials (think cherry, pomegranate, orgeat)
- Cocktails named Blood Oath, Brimstone, Anna Felactic, and more
- An ever-changing “Medicine Cabinet” of tinctures and bitters
Every drink is described with its unique benefits—stress relief, immune support, better digestion—so go ahead, call it medicinal.
Where Plants and Potions Meet: The Vibe
Witch Doctor does atmosphere like nobody else. The front bar is lined with apothecary jars stuffed with dried herbs, roots, and mystery ingredients. Wander further and you’re in a Norse-meets-bayou lodge, complete with stained glass, Rococo chairs, and tables made from hearty slabs of live-edge wood. At a 75-person cap, it never feels crowded—just intimate and a little enchanted.
- Botanical-filled apothecary bar
- Cathedral ceilings with a medieval twist
- Cozy, glowing lounge rooms for intimate hangs
If you ever wanted to drink in what feels like a wizard’s living room, this is it.
Who’s Behind the Magic?
It took Matt Luebert and the Eby brothers two years to transform 3314 Broadview Road into Witch Doctor’s quirky lair. Luebert brings serious mixology chops from previous stints at Rood in Lakewood and more. The team’s dedication shows in every square inch—and every drop poured.
Collaboration is a theme here too: next-door neighbor John Hagerty (Green Kitchen, Never Say Dive) will help supply the food menu, offering eclectic American fare served right in the cocktail lounge.
What’s On the Plate?
While the focus here is botanicals in a glass, Witch Doctor’s not leaving you hungry. Chef John Hagerty is crafting a menu that perfectly matches the bar’s offbeat style:
- Shared plates for sampling with friends
- Imaginative American bites with an international spin
- Food menu available directly at your table or bar seat
When to Stop By
This is an after-dark spot for when you want your evening to get interesting. Witch Doctor will be open
- Wednesday–Saturday evenings (check social for exact hours)
- Located at 3314 Broadview Rd., right in the heart of Old Brooklyn
Word to the wise: tables fill fast—this is Cleveland’s next quirky destination bar.
Old Brooklyn has been waiting for a little magic, and Witch Doctor brings it by the glass. If you’re ready to taste drinks you’ve never even imagined, now’s the time to make your way south of Denison. See you among the stained glass and bitters bottles.