The long-standing Tick Tock Tavern on Clifton Boulevard in Cleveland is winding down the clock on its operations, with its owners preparing to close the establishment on December 18 after a storied 89-year run. WKYC reported the impending shutdown, noting the deep nostalgia surrounding the tavern, which has served patrons, including famous personalities like Tom Hanks and George Stephanopoulos. Keeping with tradition, the bar will also host an auction, selling off items from the storied interior, including the bar top, stools, and tables, as indicated by Cleveland19.
John Tripodis, who, along with his brother Chris, has managed the tavern since the early '90s, cited climbing rent costs as a primary factor for the closure. This ending comes after the Tripodis brothers' decades of work, culminating in a retirement well-earned but signaling the end of an era for a Cleveland landmark. Beyond the famous "Famous Rib and Chicken" fare, the Tavern has also been a community cornerstone, supporting charitable causes and hosting AA meetings for 16 years, a sentiment echoed by their Instagram announcement, according to WKYC.
With its distinct St. Louis-style ribs, the Tick Tock Tavern has captivated the Edgewater neighborhood, establishing itself as more than just a watering hole but a repository of nearly a century's worth of memories. It's a narrative of American enterprise, beginning humbly in 1935 and enduring through eras of significant social and economic change. FOX8 reports that the venue's cessation of operations will be followed by auctioning the aforementioned dining items, providing patrons with a tangible piece of the tavern's history to take home.
The final day of service is slated for December 18, but pickup for auctioned items will occur on December 19, confirmed by Cleveland19. Numerous Clevelanders will likely seek to secure a souvenir from the Tick Tock Tavern, where they have fostered personal connections, celebrated life's milestones, and enjoyed simple, good food. As the clock stops for the Tick Tock Tavern, patrons will say their goodbyes, reminiscing about the good times, encapsulated by laughter, libations, and the smoky aroma of barbecue.
