Our History
Cleveland's First and Oldest Wine Bar
The founder and creator of Market Avenue Wine Bar (MAWB) returned to Cleveland in 1993 with a vision of opening a wine bar. His direction came from his Hungarian heritage and the interpretation of barrel maker as his namesake. His dream came true in the fall of 1994, and MAWB was born. MAWB was originally located across the street, where the Great Lakes Brewery retail store currently stands. In 2008, when his lease was expiring, Greg moved the Wine Bar across the street to its current location and expanded by opening a coffee shop named after the Dutch pronunciation, Koffie Cafe and his love of South Africa. For 29 years, this business was in his veins, and he enjoyed every minute of it.
As time passed, things changed, and in the Fall of 2021, Greg met Elizabeth, a longtime customer who had been frequenting Koffie Cafe and the Wine Bar since her college days. Over the course of 10+ years, Elizabeth visited the Wine Bar on her trips home and considered it her home away from home. In the fall of 2022, she approached Greg about her desire to purchase, and there was instant chemistry between the two. After many long conversations, in May 2023, the deal was sealed with a hug and handshake, and Elizabeth became the new owner of Cleveland’s First and Oldest Wine Bar.
1994
Join us in the heart of Ohio City!
We're located on Market Ave between West 25th and West 26th. Street Parking is available. There’s a pay lot on West 26th.
I’ve been to alot of wine bars in different places and this by far tops them all. I have yet to find a wine bar that has the selection market avenue wine bar. It’s a rare gem!
Attended an event at Market Avenue Wine Bar.
The space was amazing - the back room was so nicely Victorian decorated (although the "little vignettes" of seating did make it a little difficult to mingle).
Once we received one drink ticket and we proceeded to the front room to the bar to select our wine - we had 4 different wines to choose from. I asked the bar tender to tell us about the 4 wines so that I could make an informed decision, and he really had no clue. He told us 3 were white, 1 red, 1 was French and the other from Spain. He didn't know anything about the sweetness or bouquet of the wine. So I just picked one - it was pretty good!
One of the owners came to the event space and told us that the bar has over 100 different wines, some served by the glass, some by the bottle only. They also have some beer and other alcohol in case you are not into wine!
Overall it was a good event and I had fun!
The space was amazing - the back room was so nicely Victorian decorated (although the "little vignettes" of seating did make it a little difficult to mingle).
Once we received one drink ticket and we proceeded to the front room to the bar to select our wine - we had 4 different wines to choose from. I asked the bar tender to tell us about the 4 wines so that I could make an informed decision, and he really had no clue. He told us 3 were white, 1 red, 1 was French and the other from Spain. He didn't know anything about the sweetness or bouquet of the wine. So I just picked one - it was pretty good!
One of the owners came to the event space and told us that the bar has over 100 different wines, some served by the glass, some by the bottle only. They also have some beer and other alcohol in case you are not into wine!
Overall it was a good event and I had fun!
This is an amazingly cool, chill place to hang out with friends. Friendly bartender, tasty appetizers, and a great wine selection. In an area surrounded by breweries and bars it's nice to have a wine bar that caters to wine lovers!
Sat with the other tonight and had a great experience. Very motivated, informative, engaging, and made our night. Hidden gem away from the chaos of 25th! Looking forward to their special events coming up!
I have never been so disrespected by a bartender in my entire life. She was rude and actually lost my credit card while I was standing at the bar. I will not go to this establishment again.
We just LOVE this place!!! The staff makes you feel just like you have been coming there for years,even if it's your first time! Warm,friendly and romantic atmosphere. Great food and excellent service such a joy to go there!
My husband and I are having a wonderful time! This wine bar is amazing!!! Definitely coming back!
I had a fabulous time with Ellie and Soli tonight. The baked bried board is phenomenal. Nice bourbon pours. Great wine selection. Highly recommend!!!
Overall I like this place, and I had some good drinks, but my waitress was quite rude
amazing romantic speak easy vibes in here. Class and comfort in one. Incredible place. Best wine bar in the Land
Great ambiance, awesome wine list. The bartender is stellar and the owner very charismatic. There's a selection of tapas to go with your wine.
So grateful to Market Avenue Wine Bar for being the venue of my bridal shower. It was absolutely perfect. The owner is such a great hostess. She was super attentive and accommodating. The staff is great. Can’t wait to host future events at this amazing venue.
If you're looking for the perfect fusion of tranquility and sophistication, Market Avenue Wine Bar is your haven. This magnificent gem radiates the charm of a tranquil New York City venue, offering an enchanting escape right in Ohio City.
From the moment you step in, you're swept into an atmosphere that's both relaxed and vibrant. The bar's ambiance exudes a quiet, restful elegance that encourages you to breathe easy and let your worries melt away. The meticulously designed interior reflects an undeniable commitment to creating a venue where patrons can find solace amidst the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
What makes Market Avenue Wine Bar truly remarkable is its impressive selection of wines. The diversity of the collection is enough to make any wine connoisseur swoon, and even those new to the world of wines will find an inviting and educational experience. Each wine is perfectly served and contributes to an evening of unforgettable indulgence.
Market Avenue Wine Bar is not just a place; it's an experience, a sublime escape from the ordinary. It is where excellent wine, divine food, and a welcoming ambiance coalesce into an extraordinary adventure. It's a symphony of pleasure for all your senses. To visit is not just to drink, eat, and relax, but to celebrate the true essence of life. Five stars do not do it justice, but they'll have to suffice until I can give it more. A standing ovation for Market Avenue Wine Bar!
From the moment you step in, you're swept into an atmosphere that's both relaxed and vibrant. The bar's ambiance exudes a quiet, restful elegance that encourages you to breathe easy and let your worries melt away. The meticulously designed interior reflects an undeniable commitment to creating a venue where patrons can find solace amidst the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
What makes Market Avenue Wine Bar truly remarkable is its impressive selection of wines. The diversity of the collection is enough to make any wine connoisseur swoon, and even those new to the world of wines will find an inviting and educational experience. Each wine is perfectly served and contributes to an evening of unforgettable indulgence.
Market Avenue Wine Bar is not just a place; it's an experience, a sublime escape from the ordinary. It is where excellent wine, divine food, and a welcoming ambiance coalesce into an extraordinary adventure. It's a symphony of pleasure for all your senses. To visit is not just to drink, eat, and relax, but to celebrate the true essence of life. Five stars do not do it justice, but they'll have to suffice until I can give it more. A standing ovation for Market Avenue Wine Bar!
Always a enjoyable experience at the wine bar! There is plenty of room for parties or solo work days! The food is great and goes well with the wine! There are also beers on the menu if you are feeling like getting some hops in your belly! I have never had bad service here, it is a very calm atmosphere!
Incredible service! They are so sweet and made martinis for our group of 5 even though they aren’t on the menu! Highly recommend for a fun drink and good vibes.
The charcuterie board was great...maybe could use more cheeses and less meat but overall tasty. The inside was very cozy. The scene outside reminded me of Alexandria Virginia with red bricks everywhere on a narrow lane. It's bigger inside than it looks. There's a pay parking lot nearby but we found street parking on a rainy Sunday afternoon.
I love this place. It’s quirky, and the TV doesn’t work, and the staff is hilarious, and you have the opportunity to really get to know people on the block. Dog friendly with a great HH daily.
Yesterday October 31st i had my first racial experience, I walked into this location at
11:00pm, I then asked the bartender where was the restroom so I can head there before I place an order. The bartender then stated "I'm sorry we are actually closed, " but there were 3 white men sitting at the bar. So he then stated
"we actually don't have a public restroom" I then stated "this is a public bar but you don't have a public restroom?" The bartender started stuttering over his words and then tried to point to where the bathroom was And at that point I was so disgusted I just left the establishment. Whoever owns this place definitely needs to do better with who they hire. What' a jerk.
11:00pm, I then asked the bartender where was the restroom so I can head there before I place an order. The bartender then stated "I'm sorry we are actually closed, " but there were 3 white men sitting at the bar. So he then stated
"we actually don't have a public restroom" I then stated "this is a public bar but you don't have a public restroom?" The bartender started stuttering over his words and then tried to point to where the bathroom was And at that point I was so disgusted I just left the establishment. Whoever owns this place definitely needs to do better with who they hire. What' a jerk.
This place is AMAZING for private parties hosting people who are wine lovers! They have a giant back room called the Burgundy Room that is plush and stylish and perfect for parting and mingling! Owners made us a cheese and charcuterie spread for $15 per person that also included some Greek nibbles … we were SO HAPPY with the food and wine and whole experience! Thank you Julie and everyone else at Market Ave. Wine Bar 🍷
