If you’ve lived in the Cleveland suburbs for any length of time, you know the drill. You want a place to grab a beer, maybe some wings, and watch the Browns struggle on a Sunday afternoon. But you don't want a chain. You're tired of the plastic, cookie-cutter vibe of the "big box" sports bars. This is basically why everyone in the 44133 area code eventually finds themselves at The 3 Spot North Royalton OH.
It’s tucked away at 13855 Ridge Road. Honestly, if you aren't looking for it, you might just cruise right past it, but that would be a mistake. It’s one of those local joints that manages to be a neighborhood dive and a high-end sports bar at the same time. Weird combo? Maybe. But it works.
What is The 3 Spot anyway?
Look, people call it a lot of things. A wings joint. A pub. A community hub. At its core, it’s a family-owned spot that has become a staple of North Royalton’s social scene. It’s the kind of place where the person sitting next to you has probably been coming there for fifteen years, and the bartender knows exactly how they like their burgers.
One of the first things you notice when you walk in is the lighting. It’s got this weirdly cozy, festive glow—lots of lights and a vibe that feels like a permanent holiday. It’s not "fancy," but it’s clean and wide open. They have a massive "family room" or party area that gets booked out for everything from 50th birthday parties to fundraisers. If you’ve ever tried to host a fantasy football draft in your living room and realized you don't have enough chairs, you’ve probably looked into their private room.
The Menu: More Than Just "Bar Food"
Okay, let's talk about the food because that's usually why people show up. The 3 Spot North Royalton OH isn't trying to be a Michelin-star restaurant. They know their lane. But they do that lane better than most.
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The Wings and "Frips"
If you don't order the wings, did you even go? They have some of the best bone-in wings in the area. On Wednesdays, they usually run a special—99-cent wings—which, in this economy, is basically a gift. But the real sleeper hit on the menu is the Frips. They’re these thin-sliced, ruffle-style potatoes that are somewhere between a chip and a fry. You can get them seasoned in like eight different ways, from Garlic Romano to Caribbean Jerk.
The Heavy Hitters
Then you’ve got the Route 3 Nachos. These things are dangerous. If you order them "Loaded," you’re getting a mountain of chili, jalapenos, black olives, and cheese. It’s easily a meal for two people, or one person who has given up on their diet for the day.
- Sirloin Tips: Surprisingly good for a sports bar. They come with sauteed mushrooms and onions.
- The Gyro: It’s authentic, shaved right off the loaf. In a town with a lot of Greek influence, they hold their own.
- Fish Fry: Friday nights are a madhouse here for a reason. The beer-battered cod is a local legend.
The Beer Situation
If you’re a craft beer nerd, you’ll be fine. They aren't just slinging Miller Lite (though they have plenty of that). The tap list is actually pretty impressive. On any given night, you’ll find stuff from Great Lakes Brewing Company, Fat Head’s, and even some heavier hitters like Founders or 3 Floyds.
They use Untappd to keep their beer menu updated, which is a godsend if you want to know if that specific IPA you like is on tap before you leave the house. They usually have around 40-50 different options if you count the bottles and cans.
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The Reality of the Vibe
Is it perfect? Nothing is. If you go on a Friday night during a Cavs game, it’s going to be loud. Really loud. If you’re looking for a quiet, romantic candlelit dinner where you can whisper sweet nothings, go somewhere else. This is a "shout over the music and cheer for a touchdown" kind of place.
Service is generally great, especially if you get one of the regulars like Sherry, who has a reputation for being on top of everything even when the place is packed. Some people have mentioned that it can get a little crowded and the wait times for a table can creep up on weekends. That’s just the price of being the most popular spot on Ridge Road.
Why Locals Keep Coming Back
It’s about the consistency. You know what the food is going to taste like. You know the beer is going to be cold.
North Royalton has a few other options, sure. You’ve got Fire 45 for a more "elevated" dining experience or Mastro’s, but The 3 Spot is the middle ground. It’s where you go in a t-shirt and jeans. It’s where you take the kids for dinner because they have a solid kids' menu and enough TVs to keep them distracted.
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Key Info You Actually Need:
- Location: 13855 Ridge Rd, North Royalton, OH 44133.
- Hours: They open at 11:00 AM every day. They stay open until midnight or later most nights, except Sundays when they wrap up around 8:00 or 9:00 PM.
- Parking: There’s a big lot, so you rarely have to hunt for a spot, which is a huge plus compared to bars in Lakewood or Downtown.
What Most People Get Wrong
People think it’s just a "man cave" because of the sports bar label. It’s actually very family-friendly during the day and early evening. You’ll see soccer teams in there after games and families celebrating graduations. It only really transitions into that "late-night bar" feel after 9:00 PM.
Another misconception is that it’s expensive. Compared to the prices in downtown Cleveland, The 3 Spot is a bargain. You can get a solid sandwich or a wrap for around ten bucks. Their "Mama Bear" sandwich—a hoagie with grilled chicken, ham, salami, and white American cheese—is a massive amount of food for the price.
Making the Most of Your Visit
If you’re planning on heading to The 3 Spot North Royalton OH, here is the play:
- Check the Specials: Don't just order off the main menu. They have daily specials like Taco Tuesday or the Wednesday wing deal that can save you a ton of money.
- Try the Frips: Seriously. Get the Garlic Romano seasoning. It’s worth the breath mint you’ll need afterward.
- Book Ahead for Groups: If you have more than 6-8 people, call them. They’re good at accommodating, but that back room fills up fast.
- Watch the Clock: If you want a quiet meal, go between 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM. If you want the energy, show up an hour before kickoff.
The 3 Spot isn't trying to reinvent the wheel. It’s just a really good, reliable North Royalton institution that treats its regulars like gold and keeps the beer flowing. Whether you're there for the 3 Way Potato Skins or just a place to hide from the Ohio winter for a few hours, it usually delivers.
Next Steps for Your Visit
- Check the current tap list: Hop on Untappd and search for "The 3 Spot" to see what’s currently pouring so you aren't standing at the bar staring at the handles for ten minutes.
- Plan for Wednesday: If you're a wing fan, mark your calendar for their bone-in wing special, but get there early—the "after-work" crowd hits hard around 5:30 PM.
- Scope the private room: If you have a graduation or a birthday coming up in 2026, stop in and ask for a quick walkthrough of the back room to see if it fits your headcount.