Entry No. 8 — the Cleveland file — filed under: witchy
Bad Medicine
Disguised by an unassuming facade that resembles a dentist's office on busy Lorain Avenue, this occult-tinged listening bar is a temple of spirits and sound. Bartenders spin curated vinyl records on twin turntables through vintage Hi-Fi equipment while serving precision-crafted cocktails.
The story
You could drive past 13334 Lorain Avenue a dozen times and assume it's a quiet medical clinic wedged between West Park auto lots. Owners Adam McDaniel and Bryan Tetorakis intentionally gave Bad Medicine a blank, understated exterior that resembles a doctor's office. Once you step past the threshold, the disguise gives way to a dimly lit sanctuary framed by dark wood shelves stocked with spirits and vinyl record spines.
The center of the room is the backbar, where twin turntables sit ready for the bartenders to drop the needle on full LPs—ranging from classic rock like Pink Floyd's 'The Wall' to jazz, blues, and hip-hop. Every track runs through vintage Hi-Fi audio equipment pulled from the owners' personal collections. That same level of precision carries into the drink program, where cocktails are built using custom spirit blends, house-made bitters, and cold-processed cordials.
What it's like
A visit feels like stepping into a private library dedicated to analog sound and craft spirits. Music fills the space at a rich decibel level through the vintage sound system without forcing you to shout across the bar. Because Bad Medicine operates strictly on a walk-in basis with no reservations, showing up close to the 5 p.m. opening guarantees a seat; otherwise, expect to stand and soak in the room until a stool opens up. Order a craft cocktail alongside chef Dennis Davis's Vatican Burger—a double patty layered with fried Genoa salami, provolone, and herb mayo.
The move: Snag a walk-in spot at the bar to listen to a classic LP like Pink Floyd's 'The Wall' on vinyl while sharing a 'Vatican Burger' topped with fried Genoa salami.
- 📍 West Park
- 💸 $$
- ⚡ Up for anything
- 🌗 Indoors
Where: 13334 Lorain Ave, Cleveland, OH 44111
Hours: Added 2026-07-21 — confirm current hours before you go.
Pair it with
- Pins & Needles — Pair Bad Medicine's Hi-Fi vinyl session with a descent into a meticulous 1970s rec-room speakeasy located just 1.4 miles away.
- Cleveland Curiosities — Match the bar's occult-tinged theme by browsing taxidermy, wet specimens, and real human bones five minutes down the road.
- Museum of Divine Statues — Extend the sacred-meets-strange outing by viewing over 200 restored Catholic statues housed in a decommissioned 1970s parish nearby.
Good to know
Do I need a reservation to get in?
No. Bad Medicine is strictly walk-in only and does not accept reservations, operating on a first-come, first-served basis.
Can I request a song or bring my own vinyl?
No. The bartenders curate and spin full album sides from their own collection on the twin backbar turntables throughout the evening.
What kind of food is served?
Chef Dennis Davis cooks upscale bar fare, ranging from small plates like whipped cheddar and fried Brussels Caesar salad to hearty items like the Vatican Burger topped with fried Genoa salami.
What are Bad Medicine's operating hours?
It is open Monday through Saturday from 5 p.m. to midnight, and closed on Sundays.
Plan a visit & invite your people →
Further reading: Official site · clevelandmagazine.com · clevescene.com
last checked: 2026-07-21