For many years, Matt Fish was a noted star in the local food and music scenes, known for his membership in various punk bands and his restaurant Melt Bar and Grilled, which started as a hip Lakewood bar with grilled cheesed sandwiches and expanded into multiple locations with a lengthy menu of signature sandwiches. Eventually, times changed, and Melt contracted; Fish closed the original Lakewood location in early 2025 while contemplated his next step.
In June 2026, he unveiled that next step: Proof Public House in Ohio City. He describes it as a “punk rock and roll bar and restaurant.” While that may sound a little like Melt (including the local artwork by punk-connected artists such as Jake Kelly and Sean Kelly), the menu is a whole different thing. It features a curated selection of diverse, seasonable offerings from hearty entrees to shareable apps, including vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free selections, and even a kids’ menu — something for every taste. And of course the drink menu is chosen with the same care to go with the menu: local Cleveland beers on tap, rock & roll themed craft cocktails, pours of bourbon and rye, and a wine for every palette.
Proof opens at noon seven days a week, and is open every day until 9pm (6pm on Sundays).
4116 Lorain Avenue
216-644-4292