Cleveland's newest bar has a replica 'Friends' couch

EntertainmentBarflyy offers nostalgic pop culture, college-themed place in Flats East BankBarflyy is open in the Flats East Bank.Marc Bona, cleveland.comCLEVELAND, Ohio – Barflyy has opened its second location, tucked into the Flats East Bank in Cleveland, offering a chance for folks to go back in time.“We’re just retro, but we’re also college-sports theme,” general manager Brittany Garner said. “We started in a college town. We’re just trying to make nightlife not so serious - just a place for people to be themselves, have fun, dance.”The original location opened in Kent in 2018 and Cleveland opened recently in the former Inferno spot near Alley Cat Oyster Bar. So far, Garner said, it’s been a hit.“It’s been amazing; there’s been lines wrapped around the building,” she said. “We could not have asked for anything better.”It’s all about nostalgia - retro music and television to a not-that-long-ago pop-culture past. Graphics and art on the wall display photos of old-school bands and pop culture themes. Expect to see posters and pictures of “Friends,” “Napoleon Dynamite,” “The West Wing,” “Baywatch” and others. The bar doesn’t air the shows, but it does have a replica “Friends” couch. And Ohio college logos hang on the walls with the assorted pop culture of the day. Once football starts the bar will add even more large-screen televisions, and Garner said they also are bringing in cornhole boards and outside games.For drinks, she said Barflyy is trying to keep costs down.“We’re trying to stay on the cheaper side of things. We want to bring college life back to the Flats,” she said. “I feel like the Flats have become so expensive, so we’re really trying to make things more affordable for people. We’re straight to the point.” So expect vodka soda, vodka cranberry, canned beer and slushies.“Nothing too fancy,” Garner said. “We’re keeping things pretty simple.”Barflyy owns the Rum Runners space on the side for the patio, which also has cabanas. Draft stations will be up soon, and a local food company will be coming in, she said.“We just want to have a place where people can come in and it takes them back to some of the best times of their life, too.”Expect a retro feel - television shows, music, college - at Barflyy.Marc Bona, cleveland.comIf you go: BarflyyLocations: 1059 Old River Road, Cleveland, and 100 E. Erie St., Kent.Hours: Open Thursday to Saturday. Check for specific times.Prohibited attire:• Timberlands• Headgear• Jerseys and sportswear other than Ohio or college teams• Men’s tank tops• Backpacks/large bags• Athletic shorts• Sweatpants• Sleeveless shirts• Joggers (unless high end with pockets)• Hoods on inside venue• Sunglasses• Slippers• Crocs• Anything see-through• Bikini tops• All pants must be pulled up to the waist upon entryAs a features writer on cleveland.com's life and culture team, I primarily cover food, restaurants, beer, wine, sports entertainment and sports history. I have written four books, all on sports including "Not...