Beloved Tremont bar offers discounts, DJs and a fresh start for the space.
After more than a quarter‑century in Cleveland’s Tremont neighborhood, Lava Lounge will pour its final round this weekend. Owners Ricardo Sandoval and Jack Anfang are saying goodbye with a two‑night celebration that mixes bargain bites, cheap drinks and a dash of nostalgia for the spot that first opened in 1999.
So who stands to benefit from one last visit? Anyone craving late‑night memories—and an excuse to toast a local landmark—should show up ready to reminisce. Sandoval promises normal hours, guest DJs and a pledge to donate half the proceeds to Project Care at the APL.
What longtime patrons can expect at Friday and Saturday farewell celebration
Thinking of grabbing one final Lava Burger before the lights dim? Here’s the rundown:
- Dates: Friday, June 27, and Saturday, June 28
- Doors: Regular opening and closing times
- Menu: Slimmed‑down favorites at discounted prices
- Drinks: Reduced‑price beers and cocktails all night
- Entertainment: Rotating DJs spinning crowd pleasers
- Giving back: 50 percent of sales earmarked for Project Care
The idea, Sandoval says, is simple: “It’s our way to say ‘thanks.’ We want to leave the right way.”
Why new owners plan to keep the neighborhood gathering spirit alive
Even as the bar shutters, the address at 1307 Auburn Ave. won’t stay dark. Donna and Evan Bailey, along with Mike Beder, take possession July 1 and will convert the space into an Edison’s Pizza Kitchen outpost—a move Sandoval calls “the right fit for Tremont.” By handling the sale privately for ten months, he ensured a buyer who values community over a quick cash grab.
| Year | Snapshot of Lava Lounge history |
|---|---|
| 1999 | Doors open; kitchen keeps cooking until 2 a.m. |
| Early 2000s | After‑hours staff from Lola help build the crowd |
| 2010s | Tremont gentrifies; bar becomes a neighborhood fixture |
| 2020 | Pandemic chills late‑night scene |
| 2024‑25 | Owners quietly list the business and find new buyers |
Still wondering what’s next for Sandoval? “I’m cooking every day at Fat Cats, making bread and bao,” he laughs. “That’s enough for me.”
Farewell weekend marks the end of an era but not the address’s local role
Consequently, residents get both a heartfelt goodbye and the promise of fresh pizza in the same cozy brick building. If you’re free this weekend, why not stop by, tip your glass and help an animal charity at the same time? When the DJs fade Saturday night, the memories—and the community focus—will linger long after the last call.