If you've sat on the patio at Collision Bend Brewing with a pint and watched a freighter inch around the bend in the Cuyahoga, you know why the place works. The river is right there, the beer is brewed on-site, and the food runs from wood-fired pizza to jerk chicken fries to tacos that pull from Greek, Indian, and Southern California traditions. It's been the Flats' go-to brewpub since 2017, Scene has named it Best Restaurant in the Flats two years running, and we keep going back.
Collision Bend Brewing dining. Photo: Collision Bend Brewery.
The Name: Collision Bend and the Crooked River
Collision Bend Brewing takes its name from the river itself. For over a century, large barges and commercial vessels have navigated the narrow, crooked passages of the Cuyahoga with surgical precision. The river earned its reputation early; Cuyahoga means "crooked river," and at one tight turn along the waterway, the early Industrial Revolution saw several accidents involving bridges and ships. That stretch became known as Collision Bend.
Today, teams of engineers and crews have largely eliminated the risk, but the bend still tests ship captains. Freighters inch around the U-shaped curve, delivering cargo to foundries and mills. When you sit on Collision Bend's patio, you're watching the same feat of navigation that has defined Cleveland's industrial identity. The brewery leans into that history, and their about page describes it as "a toast to our city's past and the progress that Cleveland has through its industrial roots." You can see it yourself while you drink. There's something grounding about watching a 500-foot vessel maneuver through a turn that once sparked citywide debates about redirecting the river entirely. Cleveland discussed straightening the Cuyahoga as early as 1901. The first detailed study didn't begin until 1912, and dredging work continued intermittently into the 1950s. The bend survived, the ships kept running, and now you can sit there with a pint and watch the whole thing unfold.
The Building: 1863, Civil War Ships, and a Return to the River
The building is as much a draw as the name. Collision Bend occupies the Hausheer Building at 1250 Old River Road, constructed in 1863. It started as a chandlery, where Civil War-era merchant ships stockpiled supplies before setting sail onto the Great Lakes. The building stocked rope, canvas, hardware, and provisions at the heart of Cleveland's maritime trade.
When Collision Bend opened in April 2017, they moved into the former Watermark restaurant space. The Watermark had closed years earlier, and the historic brick structure was renovated for a new chapter. The 12,000-square-foot layout now holds the brewhouse, three bars, a wood-burning pizza oven, and seating for 200. There's a four-season patio, an outdoor deck overlooking the river, and a Brewer's Room for private events. Exposed brick and ambient lighting give it that industrial-meets-modern feel. One patron described the atmosphere as "wonderful" and the meal as "truly outstanding." Another said the place "has it all: an amazing patio right in the river, great beer, and a great menu."
Boats can dock along the patio, and there's exclusive parking. The Flats East Bank has seen plenty of development over the past decade. Coastal Taco, Punch Bowl Social, and a wave of new construction have transformed the neighborhood. Collision Bend sits just off the main strip, in a building that predates most of it. When Cleveland Magazine reviewed the brewery in 2017, they noted that the spot was "just off-the-beaten path from all the new development shine," and that description still holds. You get the river, the history, and a brewpub that feels rooted in the place rather than dropped in, and you feel the history when you walk in.
The Brewer: Luke Purcell and the Great Lakes Connection
Luke Purcell runs the beer program and helped launch Great Lakes Brewing Company into national prominence, and when Collision Bend opened, his involvement signaled that the place would take brewing seriously. The original Flats location runs an eight-barrel system, with beers handcrafted on-site and paired with a menu designed to complement them.
The tap list rotates, but you'll consistently find styles that work in a brewpub setting. Lake Erie Sunset, a blood orange witbier, has become a signature. Benny's Cream Ale is the kind of easy-drinking option that's hard to find done well. One reviewer called it "slightly sweet" and "a decent cream ale," and appreciated that the bartender set down a glass of water without being asked. Old River Kolsch, a hoppy German-style beer, is another go-to, along with C-Town (their American IPA) and Canal Basin Brew (a German pilsner). Hope Flows, a Kolsch-style beer, has a purpose beyond the glass: a percentage of proceeds from every pour goes to support cancer patients at the Cleveland Clinic.
For something bigger, Gullnado is an imperial double IPA that one News-Herald reviewer called their favorite of the flight. Bollard Pull, a porter, also stood out. Flights run around $10 for four beers, with a slight upcharge for higher-ABV options. The brewery now has over twelve beers on tap, with seasonal and limited releases cycling through. The Euclid production facility, which opened in January 2024, handles distribution and canning on a 30-barrel system, while the Flats location focuses on fresh, on-premise pours.
The menu was designed specifically to complement the beer. Dombrowski and the team built the food program around the idea that flavors should work together. Many ingredients are locally sourced, and the brewery's website notes that the menu "will continue to change as Luke releases new batches." That kind of flexibility keeps things interesting. The kitchen responds to what's in the tanks, so the food evolves with the beer.
The Food: Small Plates, Wood-Fired Pizza, and Cleveland's Melting Pot
Here's where Collision Bend distinguishes itself. Cleveland Magazine's 2017 review put it plainly: "Don't let the name fool you." The brewery steers toward a place where you sit and eat. The menu is inspired by Cleveland's melting pot, with small plates that hit Southern California, Italian, and Asian comfort zones. Consulting chef Andy Dombrowski, who developed the program with the Bruell Restaurant Group, researched other breweries and noticed most served heavy sandwiches or little food at all. At Collision Bend, the idea was different. "The whole thing is meant to be a gathering place," Dombrowski said. "We want you to drink a couple of beers. But if we give you a sandwich as big as your head, you're probably going to eat like half of that, drink your beer and be done for the day."
So they built a menu of shareable small plates, with more than twenty options and five taco varieties. The San Diego fish taco comes with beer-battered cobia, cabbage, cilantro, red onions, queso fresco, salsa, and crema. The lamb gyro-style taco wraps tender ground lamb with cucumbers, feta, tomato, mint, basil, and romaine in a tzatziki-inspired sauce. The pulled beef taco leans Indian, with curry, potatoes, cabbage, cilantro, red onion, and a tomato-mint relish, plus pickled limes that ferment for weeks.
The giant molten meatball has developed a following. It's stuffed with cheese, baseball-sized, and served with marinara. They go through about a hundred on a busy night. The sauerkraut balls nod to Cleveland's German roots and include roast pork shoulder, herbs, cream cheese, and house-made cocktail sauce. And then there's the popcorn. Collision Bend Popcorn sounds simple. It's coated with chicken schmaltz, dusted with Mexican pepper seasonings, and finished with lime zest and pecorino. Cleveland Magazine's reviewer almost skipped it. "It's just popcorn, right?" They couldn't stop eating it. "So salty, tangy and tasty that we couldn't stop eating it by the handfuls."
A 2023 News-Herald review found that "the food steals the show." The French Fries 420 Style come smothered with beer cheese sauce, spicy mayo, jerk chicken, cilantro, cabbage, and crispy onions. The reviewer "decided multiple times that I was done picking at the tray only to go back in for more," and their friend "all but dove across the table to grab the last piece of chicken." The Sunset Mussels add jalapeño slices to butter and garlic for a kick, and the toast points are there for soaking up the broth. The Chile Braised Pork Quesadilla gets the chef's treatment with braised pork butt, refried black beans, pickled poblanos and onions, Monterey jack, queso fresco, poblano cream, and cilantro. One diner gave a bite to their friend and the result was "deeply smoky" and "great stuff." The Street Corn pizza combines roasted garlic, jalapeño, Monterey jack, queso fresco, cilantro, and tajin with sweet corn on a thin crust.
The wood-fired pizzas range from traditional pepperoni to the salami and green olive pie loaded with pickled peppers, roasted peppers, and four cheeses. Roasted Brussels sprouts with house-made caramel (garlic, ginger, lemongrass, shallots, fish sauce) have filled the void for anyone who missed Michael Symon's version at Lolita. Critics and regulars agree that you should stick with the small plates, and that's where the kitchen shines. Cleveland Magazine's reviewer tried the entrees and found them "too basic and uninspired." The ale-brined chicken breast and bistro steak didn't make the cut. The Asian stuffed chicken legs had promise on paper but "each note fell short." The roasted eggplant melt was tasty but "a little hard to nab all the components in one bite." Order the small plates, share them, and have a couple beers—that's the experience Collision Bend was built for. When Schneider wrapped up her review, she recommended taking home a crowler of Old River Kolsch, and we've done that ourselves. Thirty-two ounces for eleven dollars, and it holds up.
The Euclid Expansion: Production, Distribution, and a Second Home
In January 2024, Collision Bend opened a production facility in Euclid at 1261 Babbitt Road. The 25,000-square-foot space houses a 30-barrel brewing system, a taproom, and a kitchen.
Collision Bend Brewing. Photo: Collision Bend Brewery.
All distribution, kegs, and canned beer now come from Euclid, while the Flats location focuses on draft beer for the restaurant. The Euclid taproom offers elevated small plates and bar fare, including firecracker shrimp, mini-pierogies, jerk fish fingers, pizza, burgers, and breakfast items. A dozen core and seasonal beers pour alongside the full food menu. Cleveland Scene covered the opening, and the Euclid Observer noted that the brewery was bringing "award-winning brews" to the East Side. For Clevelanders who live east of downtown, it's a way to get Collision Bend without the drive to the Flats.
The Euclid space sits in an industrial park adjacent to an Amazon warehouse. The taproom has bar seating for about two dozen people with spaced-out tables. It's a different vibe from the Flats—there's no river view, but you get the same beer and a kitchen that holds its own. The production side was expected to be fully operational within a month or two of the taproom opening. If you're picking up cans or looking for Collision Bend on tap elsewhere in Northeast Ohio, that's where it's coming from now.
The Vibe: Riverside Patio, Live Music, and a Gathering Place
The Flats location has become a destination for more than beer and food. When Collision Bend opened in April 2017, the partnership between Luke Purcell and restaurateur Zack Bruell (who is no longer involved) aimed for a "gathering place" rather than a typical brewery. Julian Bruell, Zack's son, had managed several New York City restaurants before returning to Cleveland. He helped train the staff on service, including how to greet a table and how to fold a napkin. Dombrowski told Cleveland Magazine that "little extras you can do really make people's day. They might leave and say, 'Wow, they took really good care of us.'" That philosophy has carried through, and the patio fills when the weather cooperates. You can sit in the glassed-in area between the deck and the main dining room when it's cooler. Live music sets up on weekends. One reviewer was glad their table wasn't near the band so they could talk without shouting. The space accommodates private events, from corporate gatherings to birthdays and wedding showers. Reception capacity runs to 300, with banquet seating for 160. The Brewer's Room and tasting areas handle smaller groups.
Service has drawn consistent praise. One party of fourteen had "Lawrence and Autumn" as servers and called them "outstanding." "Service was quick and professional yet very personable." When a guest didn't like her dish, they took it off the bill and brought something she loved. Another reviewer noted multiple server handoffs but said "the communication was good and everything we ordered arrived at a reasonable time." The staff "didn't seem like much of a beer expert" in that instance, but "the service was pretty impressive overall." Small touches add up, like a bartender setting down water without being asked. They offer crowlers to go, online ordering, and reservations.
Brunch runs Saturday and Sunday starting at 11:30. They have a kid's menu, and gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options are marked on the menu. The place is dog-friendly on the patio and ADA compliant. They host St. Patrick's Day parties, Brunch Singo, and events like the Bagpipe Bash. The newsletter, "The Bender," keeps you posted on new beers, bands, and specials.
What Patrons Say
The testimonials on the website tell a consistent story. Tiffany Rowlison: "Great atmosphere! Sam handled our party of 12 like a pro! He was very attentive & was on his a game! Clams, Hot Chicken Sandwich, Burger, Pizza, Grilled Chicken, Fish Tacos, Salad, etc…all great! Beer & cocktails superb! We'll definitely go back!" Zachary Darland: "I really enjoyed the beer here! Brut ipa, the food was amazing sat outside with a great view on water!" Dayna Jackson: "This place has it all. An amazing patio right in the river, great beer, and a great menu." Danny Naro: "Came in for Sunday brunch. Was not disappointed. Great food and excellent beer. Great service with a nice view. Will be back." Ithaca Court: "Had a fantastic night with a group of 14 friends. Lawrence and Autumn were our servers and they were outstanding! ... The food was overall excellent, the crab cakes were…words fail. ... Truly an outstanding meal."
The News-Herald's anonymous review gave food, atmosphere, and service each four out of five. The critic expected to be "a little more impressed" with the beer given Purcell's pedigree, but found the appetizers "lived up to my wildest dreams." Cleveland Magazine's Kim Schneider concluded that "whether you consider it a brewery or restaurant, it's about good food, good service and good beer."
Awards and Recognition
Scene's Best of Cleveland readers have voted Collision Bend Best Restaurant in the Flats for 2024 and 2025. Alley Cat Oyster Bar and Lago East Bank rounded out the top three in 2025. The recognition comes from people who eat and drink in the Flats regularly. When a brewpub on Old River Road beats out the rest of the neighborhood two years in a row, it says something about consistency. The Flats has a lot of options now, but Collision Bend has held its ground.
Practical Stuff
The Flats location is at 1250 Old River Road, on the East Bank, just south of Route 2. Hours are Monday through Thursday 11:30 to 9, Friday and Saturday 11:30 to 11, and Sunday 11:30 to 5. Brunch runs 11:30 to 3 on Saturday and all day Sunday. Reservations are accepted and recommended for groups. Parking is adjacent to the building, and boats can reserve dock space.
If it's your first time, get a flight to sample the beer range. For food, start with the popcorn and a few small plates. The French Fries 420 Style, the mussels, and the tacos all have their fans. If you're in a group, the wood-fired pizzas and larger plates work, but the small plates are where the menu excels. Ask about Hope Flows if you want a beer that supports a cause. Lake Erie Sunset and Benny's Cream Ale are safe bets for something approachable.
The Euclid location at 1261 Babbitt Road offers lunch and a full tap list if you're on the East Side. Both spots have merch, gift shops, and takeout. Private events and catering are available. The brewery participates in the Cleveland Brewery Passport, so if you're collecting stamps, add Collision Bend to the list. They're a Destination Cleveland partner and show up on the city's official tourism materials. When out-of-town visitors ask where to go in the Flats, we send them here.
Bottom Line
Collision Bend Brewing has held down a prime spot on the Cuyahoga for eight years. The building has history, and the beer is brewed by someone who helped put Cleveland craft beer on the map. The food program takes risks with an eclectic, shareable menu that pulls from multiple cuisines, and when it hits, it really hits. The patio overlooks the river where freighters still navigate the bend that gave the place its name. Scene's readers have named it the best restaurant in the Flats two years running. We bring visitors here when we want to show off the Flats, we come back when we want a beer and a meal that we know will deliver, and we keep an eye on the river while we're at it.
You'll find them at 1250 Old River Road in Cleveland and 1261 Babbitt Road in Euclid. Reservations are recommended. If it's your first time, get the popcorn, get a flight, and sit on the patio when you can to watch the ships go by.
Sources
About Our Brewery. Collision Bend Brewing Company. https://www.collisionbendbrewery.com/about/ (Accessed March 2025).
Schneider, Kim. "Collision Bend Brewing Co. Proves It's More Than A Brewery." Cleveland Magazine. September 12, 2017. https://clevelandmagazine.com/food-drink/restaurant-reviews/articles/collision-bend-brewing-co.-proves-it's-more-than-a-brewery (Accessed March 2025).
Meszoros, Mark. "Collision Bend Brewing Co. review: The food steals the show." The News-Herald. October 12, 2023. https://www.news-herald.com/2023/10/12/collision-bend-brewing-co-review-the-food-steals-the-show-at-cleveland-restaurant/ (Accessed March 2025).
Best Restaurant (Flats) 2025. Cleveland Scene. https://www.clevescene.com/best-of/2025/food-and-drink/best-restaurant-flats-46761697 (Accessed March 2025).