Velvet Tango Room

Came for the cookies & cocktails workshop. Nicely done. The speaker was knowledgeable and enthusiastic about bourbon. Beautifully decorated in the backroom for the holidays as well. Staff was pleasant and engaging as usual. Drinks were tasty as well. Can't wait to come back!

The Velvet Tango Room’s dark, classy ambiance transported us back to the Prohibition era, creating a unique and memorable atmosphere. The only element that could have elevated the experience further would have been the addition of live music, perhaps some smooth jazz or a soulful piano performance. The service was excellent, with staff being both accommodating and attentive. Although my girlfriend and I stayed for just one drink, we shared the goat cheese dip, which truly stole the show. The whipped goat cheese was perfectly complemented by candied bacon, sweet dates, and a drizzle of hot honey. Paired with crispy crostini, each bite was a delightful balance of flavors and textures. Our cocktails were skillfully crafted, making The Velvet Tango Room a great choice for well-made drinks and delectable small bites. If you’re seeking a place with exceptional cocktails and a cozy, nostalgic vibe, The Velvet Tango Room is definitely worth a visit.

Very disappointed. We rented a bus to drive around greater Cleveland to look at Xmas lights. I was telling the folks we were with about this place and how cool it is. We had 10 adults and two children. The kids had to use the restroom so we went there. I told the bartender that the kids needed to use the restroom and would get back on the bus. I said that the adults were going to have a drink and be gone in ten minutes and we would make it worth his while. The bartender said that was fine. Another employee, apparently a manager, said that the kids could not use the restroom and were not welcome there. He said he didn't care if we were going to buy drinks. Just so happens that two of the people I was with are quite wealthy and were very turned off. It is Thursday night and I could understand if they were busy but they were not. I have told so many people about this place and the positive experiences I personally have had there. No longer will I do that. The manager if that's what he was, was rude and didn't care that we were going to spend money. If the owner I met many years ago is the same owner, he should rethink his management team. If the people I was with had good experience, I'm sure they would have brought potential clients and business people here. Cross this one off your list if you were thinking of going here. The fact that I am in the top 10 percent of reviewers on Google leaves me with the ability to have a voice. In response to the establishments response: I did not become angered, disappointed, yes, not angered. I pride myself on not letting others dictate my responses. It was a simple request to allow a child to use the restroom. They were not going to stay any longer than to do that. It was a reasonable request.

A sheet describing the dress code is placed outside the door at Velvet, and I love following it! The tradition established here is to uphold the original ambiance of the speakeasy from prohibition. If you are expecting to come to an upscale cocktail bar, do not wear ripped jeans, jerseys, or other casual attire; that is on you. I came in a dress. Remember that craft cocktails take longer to create than a dive bar, so patience is crucial when at an establishment this lovely. I love the Velvet Tango Room and would highly recommend it!

Incredible atmosphere - from an unassuming outside, walk into a speakeasy style bar with dim lights and live music. Bartenders and servers highly knowledgeable and can make recommendations - the menu is very long! Delicious drinks but pricey!

I took my wife out for a night on the town, and she said it’s one of the best cocktail bars she's ever experienced (and she grew up in Chicago, so that's high praise). She went with a Grasshopper for dessert, and I ordered an Old Fashioned—both were outstanding. The service and live music was exceptional as well, which really made the evening even more enjoyable.

We waited over a hour for drink order. We were patient,, but you were incredibly understaffed. The staff said it had been an unusually difficult night. We had a party of 4. We spent over $100 and then we were harassed for talking too loud. Our drinks were surprisingly taken away from us by an overworked heavily tattooed gentleman who seemed under the influence. Ordinarily we immensely enjoy our experience. Tonight you just seemed a bit off. We felt bad for the staff:

We sat outside in the garden area, and it was such a great experience! The smoked salmon platter was delicious, as were our drinks (we got the paper plane and dark n' stormy).

VTR never disappoints. Great atmosphere and drinks. Always recommend to family and friends coming into town to visit.

This cute little speakeasy has hand muddled and specialty drinks. The ambience is super cute. They do have some small bites. Every time I've been there's been a piano player. They have a lovely backyard with a little putt putt game, outback. Check this spot out.

Expensive but quality & inventive craft cocktails, comfortable setting. Excellent service.

Cool atmosphere. Good drinks Bartenders will listen and recommend We didn't have any food because the kitchen was closed for a large party - they only have a few "heavy" snacks Cocktails are $20

Velvet Tango Room is such a lovely experience every time I come. It has a very intimate, jazz, speakeasy vibe going on. But, no matter how many people are packed into this bar, they make you feel like the only people there. Very attentive, helpful, & friendly! The cocktail menu (or should I say book) is very large, so you will definitely be sure to find something you like! It is sorted by alcohol type, so it is very easy to navigate - don't be afraid to ask questions if you have any! Most of their drinks are around $14, but are worth every penny - they are handmade in front of you and are very delicious! These are some of the best cocktails I've had in Cleveland and I know if you give it a shot you're going to enjoy them too!

Velvet Tango Room used to be one of our favorite spots. We've been coming here for years, always loving their drinks and service. If a drink wasn't to our liking, they'd replace it without hesitation--no questions asked. This time, we came to celebrate my wife's 45th birthday, and things were completely different. She ordered her usual drink, but it wasn't the same. When we mentioned this to the waiter, he arrogantly told us they had changed the recipe, as if it was our fault for not knowing. We asked to replace the drink with an Old Fashioned, and he brought out half a glass. When we questioned it, he argued that's how it's supposed to be. At that point, we just asked for the check--only to find out we'd been overcharged for both drinks. When we brought it up, the waiter reluctantly adjusted the bill but acted like he was doing us a favor. On top of that, the ambiance has completely changed--and not in a good way. The once classy, upscale decor has been cheapened. It looks like they cut every possible corner, and it shows. Even the bathrooms, which used to feel luxurious with lotions and perfumes, now feel like a gas station restroom. They're stocked with the cheapest toilet paper and paper towels imaginable--so thin they practically disintegrate in your hands. If you came here 2, 3, or 4 years ago, you know why this place was rated as a top 10 bar in the US. It's not even in the top 500 now, and it's because of experiences like this. To make matters worse, when we asked to speak to a manager, we were told the waiter was the manager. We are never coming back. This place is quickly becoming a dump under this new management.

Stumbled into this spot around 8 on a Saturday and easily got a table but instantly watched the place fill up after that. Server was incredibly friendly and candid about the cocktails. They have alll of the best classics and some fun seasonal offerings. There was great live music and the space was cozy. There's a great lounge area with a couch that looks almost like a living room and is perfect for groups. A bit loud due to the music in the background but a great spot for a well made drink with art nouveau / art deco vibes.

The Velvet Tango is a classy, dark getaway that I dug the moment I walked in. It's so dark that from the outside I wasn't sure if it was open. I love jazz and the live music was extraordinary - compelling if you want to listen, unobtrusive if you're chatting up your friends or your date. Seemed to me to have a lot of regulars, a nice place to relax in and enjoy a cocktail. Clevelanders have a real gem here.

Velvet tango room is an unassuming, unique, jazz cocktail bar. My friends and I came on a Friday night, and were able to be seated at the high tops without a reservation. I really love how they have a satisfaction guaranteed policy, to encourage patrons to branch out and try more cocktails. Our server was so helpful and informative about the various cocktails we were interested in, and guided our choices with a deft hand. While their cocktails are usually $20, their happy hour pricing ranges from $12-$15. The live jazz was also excellent, though at times it was challenging to hear because of how loud the place was. I definitely recommend checking out this unique cocktail bar!

One of my fav cocktail bars in cleveland! It's a bit hidden but beautifully decorated inside. I love that they organize their menu by spirt type. They specialize in the more classics cocktails but have some house created ones too. There is a limited snack menu but don't expect a large meal here! They have a really great happy hour too! A select list of 8-10 cocktails are $12 and the rest are $15 (compared to the usual $20). The staff and bartenders are extremely friendly and are always willing to help you find the right cocktail for your tastes/mood!

Went there for after dinner drinks. The service and ambiance were awesome. Didn't try the food but I'm sure it would be good

Come here for very well made drinks- both classic cocktails and eccentric new choices. The Hulett was a mix of tequila and Laphroaig which turned out like a margarita with tastes of lime and tequila. The Ramos gin fizz was an epic foamy mildly sweet delicious concoction which had a sort of mild sweet citrus flavor. Bartender Amy was so very helpful with my selections. Prices are $20 per cocktail. Only a few food items to choose from ranging from $8 to $20ish for antipasti basically. Small place. Decor is a blend of old fashioned mid 19th century styling with notes of speakeasy and Ramada or Drury Inn from the mismatched and aged carpet and furniture. Cozy place but it was really cold inside so I literally had to keep my jacket on to stay warm. For $20 a drink I'd like them to keep the heat on in the winter.

This business definitely deserves a "5"! This was the start of our night. We bragged to our friends about their delicious made in house Moscow Mules! They take their time and make a perfect and memorable drink. Top that off with their cheese tray and you are in for a good time. The servers were EXCELLENT!! They made us laugh and completed our night. Afterwards we walked to the back and looked at all the pictures of past celebrities. Took pictures on the sofa and around the piano. My friends were impressed! Now I only go on special occasions and drink one Moscow Mule each and I'm out. It can get a little pricey! It's worth it.

Grown and sexy vibes. Ambiance is on point !They got a piano player and the tv plays black and white old timey shows. the wine will have you feeling real saucy

Velvet Tango Room is the sexy, swanky cocktail bar you've been looking for. Take a first date to impress them, or spend a night on the town with friends and listen to the smooth jazz being piped in, or the live music they bring in. The cocktail menu is extensive - and mainly focused on classics. On our recent visit, my husband got the Last Ward (a play on the Last Word), and I got a Rangpur Gimlet - a delicious and frothy lime and gin concoction. Our server was there when we needed her and gone when we didn't - the perfect service to have an intimate evening out. My only complaint is the pricing. $15 per cocktail is on the high end in Cleveland, and having no variability really isn't appropriate pricing for the variety of cocktails they have. An old fashioned is certainly costing less in products on hand than a more complex drink with specialty liqueurs. We'll be back when we want a nice night out on the town - but it's more than likely for when we want a night cap rather than a place to have several drinks.

Some of the best cocktails in cleveland. Located in a not so obvious building in Duck Island. Such a range of drinks mostly organized by type of spirit. They have all the classics + some invented at Velvet Tango. I've never had a bad drink, but the bartenders always stress that if you don't like something they will remake it or make you something else. They also have the best happy hour. Outside of happy hour drinks are $20, but during HH, all drinks are $15 with a special list for $12. Also pro tip- go during live music (usually jazz on fri and sat)

Excellent bar. The wife and I were in Cleveland to visit family and she found this spot. We got reservations for the lounge in the back room. Great, classy Gilded Age speakeasy vibe. Our bartender (John? Jon?) was extremely helpful and made us some of the best cocktails we've had.

Outstanding! Great place, nice ambiance, incredible cocktails! A nice place to gather and enjoy the evening!

Tried a seasonal drink but not sure if I like the fact that all drinks are $20. It's a bit hefty. The live jazz music is nice. Decor seems a bit dated

Fun atmosphere with the live jazz band. Interesting concept where the menu doesn't actually tell you what's in any of the drinks, but they have funny descriptions that are more mysterious than anything. They also cost $20 a piece, but there's the disclaimer that if you don't like something they'll just make you something else. They seem to know how to make a great cocktail- mine even had a whole egg in it! It wasn't bad and smooth for sure.

If i could give this a zero it would be... came here for some cocktails, on my bachelor, in from out of town and was mistreated upon arrival. We were talked down to, belittled all of which was completely unwarranted. We were trying to converse with staffed however we were greeted with pompous, arrogant, and demeaning mannerism. We could tell they wanted us to leave so we ask for the check, upon receiving the check they charged us 20% large party fee FOR SITTING AT THE BAR. Ive been to bars and restaurants all over this country and I've never heard of such a thing nor felt this discriminated before. 0/10 - wouldn't recommend.

Grown N Sexy crowd for sure...loved this swanky bar with a live old school jazz band, the band was fabulous. All cocktails are $20 for the most part and they are worth it due to the fresh ingredients and decent pours. The service was perfect from start to finish. I believe her name was Kate and she made us feel like we were her only customers that night. She explained drinks and helped us navigate through the lengthy drink menu. She was the most pleasant server I've encountered in a very long time. Everyone stopped by to check in on us and made us feel like we were at home. I'm not from Cleveland but when I'm in the area, this will be my first stop.

You will get cocktails for the highest quality at VTR. The menu is extensive and the bartenders know how to prepare a cocktail. If you are not sure you are ready to try something new, ask the bartender for a recommendation based on something you know you like. Here, when they say fresh squeezed lime juice, they mean FRESH, just squeezed 5 seconds ago - not some store bought "not from concentrate" mess. The freshness of the ingredients shines through in the drinks. The drinks are top-notch. No question. But there is another reason to visit! Live music! Sometimes they have a live band which is icing on the cake for me. Tip: food selection is very limited and parking is a pain but just keep driving around until you find a spot lol, it's worth it. Oh and happy hour is 5-7 (I think) drinks are $5 off, which means they cost $15. It's not cheap but it's worth it.

Beautiful patio! Great food! Really nice place for private party we attended! Awesome food Service! Very complete bar menu!

Very nice vibe in here. We stopped in around 8 or 9 on a Friday evening and luckily got seated fast. The drinks are strongggg and tasty! The menu is a whole book, organized by spirits which is nice and easy to navigate. I loved my tequila drink with the banana cinnamon syrup. Relaxing atmosphere, friendly service, all around nice place! We'll be sure to visit again in the future.

This speakeasy style bar was everything I hoped it would be. I went on a slow Monday and there was neither a wait, nor a need for a reservation after 6p. The drink menu is impressive, and the quality of the cocktails is as advertised. Some of the best I've ever had - no lie. There are also small plates available, so a great place to pre-game an outing or to just relax with some friends. I can't wait to go back.

Stopped by VTR on a recent date night with the wife and we sat at the bar because there were no open tables. We were given drink menus to peruse and peruse we did. I don't consume mixed drinks often, so I was clueless as to what to order. I told the bartender that I like sweet drinks and she recommended the Amaretto Sour or a peach cocktail. The word, "sour" scared me, so I went with the peach one. My wife ordered the Ultimate Amaretto Sour. It took about 10 minutes to get our drinks. We watched the bartenders skillfully craft and shake the drinks. We also noticed that they poured egg whites into several drinks, which made me return to the menu to read why. I learned that egg whites make the drinks beautifully frothy when shaken vigorously. When I sipped my drink, I realized why these cocktails cost $18. Wow! Best mixed drink I've ever tasted. Then my wife and I switched and I tasted her Amaretto Sour. It was even more amazing! It was so much better than my peach cocktail and it made me wish that I ordered the same as her. Not sure why it's called Amaretto Sour when it's really very sweet. I guess Amaretto Sweet just doesn't have the same ring. We finished our drinks, paid, and went on our way feeling a sense of contentment and satisfaction knowing that we finally made it to VTR.

SO delicious. I absolutely loved the ambience of a quality cocktail and piano.

The best kept secret in Cleveland! I love this place. Good drinks, good people and good cheer!

Small bar and small room and patio in the back that can be rented out for small parties maybe 50 people bartenders didn't seem to know about many drinks and were very slow making them food was ordered from somewhere else our piano guy was late and didn't play very long valet was nowhere around to park our car we had to park it ourselves we will not be returning

Fantastic! Exceptional cocktails, knowledgeable but friendly (and nice) mixologists and amazing live jazz. I will come back here every time I return to Cleveland. An amazing combination of high quality, yet low pretension.

Great atmosphere and excellent service. Drinks are made nicely. No wait to be seated on a Thursday night

Heard so much about this place and had this certain image in my mind but VTR did not live up to my expectations. The place was tiny, cramped, dark, old and quite opposite of the Society Lounge. There was no room to tango nor any velvet! I expected some upholstered seating, armchairs or cozy cushions/booths to snuggle up with your date at but nope. Just a few uncomfortable wooden chairs and a crowded bar. The ceiling was so low and the lighting was so dark that I almost missed the baby grand at the back. All cocktails are $20 and what kind of a base price point is that? We were unimpressed with everything and only ordered 1 drink between us and that is where all 3 stars come from...the drink we ordered--the Shanghai Fizz...wow, the yummiest cocktail I might have ever had. It was like a floral, sophisticated milkshake. The liquor was something I've never tried before and it dangerously did not taste like alcohol at all! It had the smoothest, slightly herbal flavor and looked absolutely amazing with the perfect egg white foam on top. I asked the server what made it Shanghai and she was like, "ummm nothing in particular" which was fine but I would've added a spot of lychee juice for perfection.

We visited Velvet Tango on a recent trip to Cleveland, and were happy to hear an incredible live jazz trio (piano, sax and bass) at 7pm on a Friday. The cocktail selection was incredible, although my drink took upwards of 20 mins to prepare. Very little beer selection; although there were 6 listed on the menu, only 3 were available, including a Chaimay priced at $18.50 a glass. The venue is small and cramped, but not in an unpleasant way. It's on an up-and-coming street. Because it was happy hour, my drink was $15, but cocktails are usually $20 each. The music is most certainly the value add at Velvet Tango.

20$ per cocktail BUT TOTALLY WORTH IT. Each drink was made fresh from scratch by the awesome bartenders. The LIVE MUSIC was superb, and the decor gave a bit of a speakeasy vibe with modern touches. They have the front bar area and the backroom. The backroom has a more romantic feel and reservation is required (perfect for a date). The front bar area is louder and has more energy (perfect for being with a group). 2 drinks per person is required for the backroom FYI. Do not let the small appearance from the outside fool you. You wont regret coming.

Such a cool vibe and ambiance! The drinks are pricey, but completely worth every penny. The live jazz music is a great touch.

Love this place. Knowledgeable staff and great cocktails worth waiting for. Warm and cozy atmosphere that comes alive when the always fantastic live music starts.

Take yourself back in time to a speakeasy vibe with old classic cocktails and live music that has you feeling like you're in a different era. The Velvet Tango room is known for craft cocktails made from scratch with the freshest ingredients and classic tools for shaking and mixing. The methods and style shine through in the exquisitely made cocktails, that will blow your tastebuds away! My favorite here is the Pisco Sour a very popular drink of South America. The bartenders are amazing here and will concoct something up to you're liking if you describe your preferred taste. It's always fun seeing what they come up with. We got a quick tour of the secret back room with a private bar that can be accessed with a reservation ahead, or they use it as overflow on super busy nights. I would definitely reserve this spot for future visits, there was a nice fireplace and a more intimate feel. Always enjoy a night here whether it's to start or end and evening out on the town!

A classic place with modern drinks. The place has a charm of early 1900s. White ceilings, wooden decor and slightly darker ambiance. There are bullet holes from the probation era if I remember correctly. Light jazz music in the background. The menu has depth and creativity; however I asked bartender to make drink based on my taste- smoky, spicy, slightly citrusy and bright. She did an excellent job. The place has party rooms as well, which I would gladly reserve for visitors for unique Cleveland experience.

This has now become my go to cocktail bar. Really appreciate all the staff making me feel like a valued regular. Amy is very hardworking and is here every time I am. I find it hard to find consistency but every time I am amazed by the service and quality of drinks I've gotten. Never had one I haven't liked (but in case I do, staff is always happy to exchange it out)

Great place for cocktails, elevated and quaint atmosphere. Phenomenal service!! They explained everything, kept the water flowing, attentive, accommodating to getting our party seated, checked in regularly so we could order more drinks. All around great experience, delicious drinks and something for everyone in the menu

Do not be fooled by the unassuming exterior of this fine establishment. The single pink neon sign hanging in the front window you would assume Dive bar. This is in my opinion the start of the fine cocktail revolution in cleveland. Every other place in cleveland is trying to be them. Every juice in every drink is squeezed fresh, every cocktail is hand made to your whims and fancy. Nothing compares to a scratch made cocktail with bitters that are so home made and potent that they are measured with eye droppers as if you are going to an old world apothecary. The service and friendless of the staff to guide you through the novel of available drinks. If you don't see what you are liking for have a conversation and let the mixologist take control and enjoy!

Rarely write yelps but this stood out as a bad experience. Made a res specifically for the back room on Valentine's Day, arrived and was told that the back room "wasn't staffed," so we had to sit in the front bar--which wasn't a particularly enjoyable or classy atmosphere. Watched a server jeer at another confused couple that'd also made back room reservations. Drinks were fine, but felt like paying $20 per drink for a frustrating experience at a below-average bar.

Have been here twice now- both being on my 23rd and 24th birthdays, and I can see why my boyfriend chose to take me here both times to end the night. Last year, we went with another couple on a surprise double date. I was living in Chicago at the time and visiting for my birthday weekend to see my boyfriend and I was so enthralled with this place. It was fancy, dimly lit, had amazing live jazz music, and the drinks were incredible. I was super excited when after we finished a lovely dinner at Parallax last night, we stumbled back into this place. I just moved to Cleveland about a week ago and it was so familiar and comforting to see the same band playing in the back. There were a lot of reserved spots last night, but the woman who met us at the door showed us to the bar where we were able to get some seats. We had never sat at the bar before and were discussing how talented the bartenders were. There was an assortment of tinctures and specialty/high end liquors all over the bar and the women taking our orders seemed very knowledgeable and able to make anything we needed. It actually turned out to be a good thing that we were seated there, because it was truly enjoyable watching them at their craft. My boyfriend got a Tango Manhattan, which is apparently his go-to drink there. I have to say it was impressive because this was the first Manhattan I have ever tried that I truly enjoyed (and he gets me to try and hopefully like almost every one he gets). It comes with a house made red wine reduction, Makers Mark, and bitters. It's a slightly sweeter take on the Manhattan and I was so impressed that I loved it. I got the Monster Smash which was an October special. I don't remember exactly what was in it, but I know it had bourbon and pumpkin butter (very slight, not a very overwhelming flavor, in the best way). I LOVED this drink and could've gobbled down a second one if we were not already incredibly stuffed from dinner and a few drinks at dinner. I love this place and it is so cozy and sentimental to me. I can't wait to go back. I've heard there's another room in the back, and I'd love to check that out sometime as well. Thanks for being an absolute gem, VTR!

This was such a lovely place its makes you feel like you went back in time; to a beautiful vintage dream. Live music, cozy vibe with a fireplace and the drinks were good I got a Cleveland Rose!

Charming place with great drinks, live music, and an intimate vibe. The staff it's knowledgeable and friendly. Great find.

So glad this spot is open since being closed for covid. You cannot get a better cocktail or experience in Cleveland. The bar tenders will guide you to make the right choice. If you can get there for the live jazz music, it will 100% make your evening.

Beautiful space great service I'll take Any women there if you like her they have a band playing some nights best place I've been to in a long time

Velvet Tango Room (VTR) is the best cocktail bar in Cleveland. As an old speakeasy, dimly lit and intimate, it has got a lot of character, perfect for date night. The prices are steep (unless you make it to happy hour) but the skilled and devoted bartenders will help you find a a memorable drink that will make the price worth it. -- Happy Hour -- Happy hour is 4pm to 7pm on weekdays. Drinks are half off! -- Drinks -- If a drink is on the VTR menu, it's a good drink, I promise. Their menu is a book organized by types of alcohol. The whiskey/bourbon/rye sections are a bit more developed than the others and I'd recommend ordering from that if you like those types of liquors. They also have a monthly selection of themed drink specials if you're up for something new. The Perfect Manhattan is really tasty, but it is STRONG and dry. The Boudoir (chocolate martini) is strong as well, but the chocolate is great for a sweet-tooth. My favorite drink (by far) is the Sidecar. I've never had a better Sidecar than the one VTR makes, try it! -- Service -- There are typically two bartenders working VTR on a weekday and they handle the whole house with ease. VTR tends to attract and keep skilled career bartenders, not just college students making vodka cranberries. Everyone is welcoming, knowledgeable of the menu and most other drinks, and very willing to help you find something you'll enjoy. -- Atmosphere -- There are two houses in VTR. The front includes a bar, a few high tops, and a room with some tables and couches. There's always a live jazz band playing (which is awesome, but can make it loud if you're sitting close to them). It's dimly lit and homey, romantic vibes through and through. The back room is the old speakeasy. It's through a closet and a false-mirror. So much character! It's got a fireplace, room for another small band, couches, some tables, and an outdoor area. This room can be rented for private events and is open to the public by reservation on weekends only. -- Food -- The food selection at VTR is fairly sparse. Mostly (expensive) assorted nuts, cheese boards, and other light snacks. This isn't somewhere you should go expecting a meal. Drinks: 3/3 Stars Service: 1/1 Star Atmosphere: 1/1 Star