LVL Group Pauses Alcohol at Brine Bar

The Cleveland restaurant group is serving nonalcoholic drinks while it resolves a liquor license renewal issue.

Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Dining Out

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Would you go out to dinner at a restaurant serving only mocktails?

The LVL Group has paused alcohol service at Brine Bar and La Ville Lumière while it resolves a liquor license issue. During the interim, both restaurants are offering a temporary nonalcoholic beverage program.

Why it matters

The pause affects diners in Cleveland who expect a full beverage menu at these restaurants. The group attributed the renewal problem to complications stemming from matters involving a former business partner and has reapplied for its license.

Mocktails are priced at $10 and nonalcoholic beers at $6 during the interim program. Brine Bar is a 36-seat, walk-in restaurant at 10427 Clifton Blvd.

The players

The LVL Group

The LVL Group is a Cleveland restaurant company that operates Brine Bar and La Ville Lumière.

The details

The LVL Group posted a statement on October 28 saying both restaurants would adjust operations and offer mocktinis, mocktails, spiritless spritzes, and nonalcoholic wine and beer. The group said it hopes to return to its regular beverage program as soon as possible.

October 21: Brine Bar opened with oysters, lobster rolls, and cocktails.
October 28: The LVL Group posted its statement on the liquor license issue.
October: Brine Bar and La Porta Rossa debuted.

Culture Shift

Pauses in alcohol service during license disputes are part of a broader trend of restaurants in Cleveland experimenting with sophisticated nonalcoholic drink menus. The interim mocktail program at Brine Bar reflects growing demand for alcohol-free options in dining rooms.

Diners visiting Brine Bar or La Ville Lumière should expect a nonalcoholic beverage menu until the liquor license is restored. Mocktails are $10 and nonalcoholic beers are $6 during this period.

The takeaway

Diners planning a visit to Brine Bar or La Ville Lumière should check current beverage availability before arriving. The interim program offers a range of nonalcoholic options while the license issue is resolved.