Close Quarters Ranked as One of World's Smallest Bars

One of Avon Lake’s favorite pubs,, made MSNBC’s list of “World’s 10 Smallest Bars,” published April 15.

Here’s what the article, in msnbc.com's "Destination Travel" section, in part had to say:

“Nestled on a tree-lined, residential street just a block from the shores of Lake Erie, this local dive packs a lot into its 600-square-foot space. Close Quarters Pub is divided among 12 chairs, 11 stools, and prize-worthy collections of sports pennants, vintage postcards, yacht-club flags, and maps of Lake Erie, which wallpaper the walls and ceiling..."

The pub was ranked as No. 3, and one of only two in the United States.

We’re not sure “Nestled on a tree-lined, residential street” is the most accurate description. Close Quarters, filled wall-to-wall (and ceiling) with oddities, knick-knacks and memorabilia from around the world and locally, is set in a residential area, but on the heavily traveled Lake Road.

The pub, owned by local Harry Schindler and his wife Carole, has been a Cleveland-area landmark for more than 50 years, formerly going by the name “The Aftermath.” (Trivia: Legend has it "The Aftermath" was so named because the former owner was a math teacher in the Bay Village school district.”)

Schindler said he got a call a few weeks ago and didn't take it seriously. Eventually, MSNBC contacted a Lorain travel agency to come out and snap a photo. Standing behind his bar on April 18, he said he wasn't even aware the item had been published until a patron came into the bar.

A favorite among locals, the bar also draws visitors traveling down Lake Road and those who have heard about --or read about-- the bar online or in papers.

In addition to its unique decor, the pub is known for more personal touches: Visitors might find themselves in the line of fire of Harry's camera, with the printed photo landing in a basket or on the wall, not soon after.

The pub is distinquishable by its unique weathervane, which of an early "Where in the Patch" contest. It's also distiguishable by its "cash only" policy.

Check back soon, Close Quarters is on our list of restaurants we’re reviewing for May.