When the Barking Spider Tavern, located in a coach house on the Case Western Reserve University campus, closed in September 2016, there was much wailing and gnashing of teeth in Cleveland’s music community. In its 30 years it had become a beloved hangout for musicians and serious music fans, unique in the market for its eclectic mix of music, which included blues, jazz, gospel, reggae, folk, bluegrass, old-time, roots rock, pop and just about anything else you could think of, and its policy of paying performers by passing the hat. Many musicians had jammed together there and ended up forming long-running projects that were nurtured by regular nights at the club. And while most of the talent was local – and booked months in advance — proprietor Martin Juredine always managed to squeeze in a touring singer/songwriter looking for a last-minute gig.
After Juredine died in 2011, his daughter Jenna took over the club. But in 2016 she’d just had a baby and the demands of running a club open seven days a week, 363 days a year was too much.
Last summer, word came that Dave’s Cosmic Subs, the rock & roll-themed sub shop chain founded in Chagrin Falls, would take over the space. Now they’re open, and they’re trying to retain some of the elements of the old Barking Spider while adding their own take. Now the club will feature a full bar with 12 taps, a variety of domestic and craft beers, and specialty cocktails, along with a full menu of options, including vegetarian, make with fresh ingredients. It’s also adorned with the rock & roll posters and memorabilia all the Dave’s Subs outlets are known for.
While the club will likely never return to being the low-key, year-round clubhouse for musicians it once was, they plan to start booking bands in various genres on Friday and Saturday and host open mic nights as well. And yes, there will be a cover charge.
Cleveland, OH 44106