A new bar looks to combine a love of literary arts with the love of good wine.

Clevo Books, located in downtown Cleveland, is an independent bookstore that focuses on translated fiction and nonfiction books from around the world. According to the bookstore’s website, “Clevo Books aims to become that bridge between English readers and foreign language writers.” The name ‘Clevo Books’ pays homage to Cleveland and the many ethnicities that make up our great city.

Originally located in the Old Arcade, Clevo Books moved to its current location at 1026 Euclid Ave. in 2024 and will be further expanding with a new wine bar in the future.

As the store grew in size, Clevo Books founder Cathryn Siegal-Bergman wanted to hold events in the new, “larger space”. When looking for drinks to serve at these events, wine seemed like the most logical pairing.

At the moment, the wine bar is still in its preliminary stage as contractors send in their bids. The good news is that once the wine bar is up and running, the hours will be expanded later into the evening, adding to Downtown Cleveland’s nightlife. Once the bids are in, construction changes are planned for the bookstore as it expands to accommodate the new wine bar.

As for obtaining a liquor license, “The licensing process was a little time-consuming, but not difficult”, Siegal-Bergman said, “I had to contact a lawyer and he filled out all the TREX (Economic Development Transfer) forms for transferring the license.”

“The license had to be transferred to Cleveland and that basically just needed the local council person’s approval and we got that.”

Siegal-Bergman says she’s very fond of Italian wines and will start with those selections, before growing the selection as time goes on.

In the meantime, she wants everyone to know that Clevo Books is available for event bookings. “Anything that people might want a small venue for, we’ll be open to.”Event bookings can be made directly though Clevo Book’s website.

Follow Clevo Books on Instagram and Facebook for updates on the new wine bar and events or join their mailing list to stay in contact.