If you are a young professional or new to Cleveland, it can be difficult to identify the hangouts that can benefit your career. It is not uncommon to see financial advisors, lawyers and federal government employees throwing back Long Islands on West 6th Street on a weeknight. These bars offer ideal opportunities to be charming and intelligent while slipping them a business card.

(credit: sushirockohio.com)

Sushi Rock

1276 W. 6th St.
Cleveland, OH 44113
(216) 623-1212
sushirockohio.com

This pricey restaurant has become a networking haven in the last five years. Wednesdays are Tsunami Night at swanky Sushi Rock.  This is a popular draw for the after-work crowd, and features half-price sushi, $4 martinis and $4 maki rolls. Happy hour is popular here, and it can be hard to find seating if you arrive late. Sushi Rock is yuppie central, and there is plenty of flirting to be had in between the legitimate networking. Many find the sushi overrated, but the social benefits are great. Valet parking is available.

(credit: clubcorp.com)

The Club at Key Center

127 Public Square
Cleveland, OH 44114
(216) 931-0147
clubcorp.com

Some of the most influential persons in Cleveland are members of this prestigious ClubCorp affiliate. However, non-members are often invited to attend networking and social events at the facility. Happy hour events attract executives, politicians and other prominent Clevelanders who will be impressed to see a young professional at The Club. This is the place to be if you are embarking on a new career or are a recent graduate. Check the club’s website for a detailed calendar of events.

Related: Best Happy Hour Spots In Cleveland

(credit: xoprimesteaks.com)

XO Prime Steaks

500 W. St. Clair Ave.
Cleveland, OH 44113
(216) 861-1919
xoprimesteaks.com

One of Cleveland’s best gourmet steakhouses, fashion leaders and DJs frequent XO Prime Steaks, and TV personalities walk in with models (true story!). This expensive bar/restaurant tends to attract professional athletes, visiting celebrities, local entertainers and business professionals. If you are feeling sexy and exclusive, then XO will allow you to rub elbows with the same. During the later hours and on weekends, the bar fills with yuppies and becomes more of a club atmosphere.

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McNulty’s Bier Markt

1948 W. 25th St.
Cleveland, OH 44113
(216) 274-1010
bier-markt.com

Ohio’s only Belgian beer bar, Bier Markt features more than 100 craft beers and roughly 30 rotating drafts. Happy hour food and drink specials run daily, and there is usually a crowd near the bar. Bier Markt is viewed as one of the more mature bars on West 25th Street, and is frequented by young to middle-aged business professionals. Most of the patrons are very approachable, and exchanging contact information is less intimidating here than at XO for instance. The weekends can be more party than professional, so get your networking in during the work week.

(credit: hiltongardeninn3.hilton.com)

Harvey’s Bar & Grille

1100 Carnegie Ave.
Cleveland, OH 44115
(216) 658-6400
hiltongardeninn.com

This wonderful bar/restaurant is located inside the Hilton Garden Inn in downtown Cleveland. Sit at the bar, and you may find yourself chatting with a Key Bank executive, city councilman or a medical school faculty member. It offers Great Lakes beer on tap, and you can order food quickly from the in-house Great American Grille. Happy hour specials run daily, and there are raffles during Cleveland Indians home games. Arrive close to 6 p.m. during the week to avoid feeding the meter or paying to park in the Hilton’s parking lot.

Related: Best Bars For An Older Crowd In Cleveland