Ever driven down Detroit Road and wondered about that building with the circus-themed name? Honestly, if you're local to Lorain County, you've probably heard someone mention ZZ's Big Top Avon at least once, usually in the same breath as "best wings in town."
But things are a bit different lately.
The name "ZZ's" has a long history in Avon. For years, it was that classic neighborhood spot where you could grab a beer, eat some seriously messy wings, and not worry about being fancy. It had this specific, lived-in energy. However, if you look at the signage or try to order online today, you’ll notice a shift toward the "Big Top Brewhouse" branding.
Basically, the old ZZ’s Big Top was acquired by the folks behind Avon Brewing Company, and they’ve been busy integrating it into their growing family of Ohio breweries. It’s not just a standalone dive anymore; it’s part of a bigger local empire that includes spots in Medina, Lorain, and Madison.
What’s the Vibe Now?
The transition from a traditional bar to a modern brewhouse can be tricky. You don’t want to lose the soul of the place, right?
The new management, led by Ken Weaver, Mathias Hauck, and Brian Weaver, seems to get that. They kept the circus theme—which is honestly iconic for that location—but polished the edges. You still get those small-town bar vibes, but the beer quality has spiked. You’re now drinking "Gemstone Cowboy" or "Soul Stealer" directly from the source.
It’s definitely more of a "family-friendly" spot during the day now. You’ll see parents with kids eating corn dogs next to groups of friends doing a taster flight.
The interior got a facelift too. It’s cleaner. Brighter.
But it still feels like Avon.
The Menu: Is It Just Bar Food?
Short answer: No.
Longer answer: It’s high-end comfort food that knows its audience. You can't talk about ZZ's Big Top Avon without mentioning the wings. That’s been the staple since like 2015 when people were filming YouTube reviews of their "Bang-A-Rang" sauce.
They still do the "Wing Circus" and "Nug Circus" deals. If you go on a Monday, you’re looking at half-off traditional wings, which is a steal in 2026.
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Here is a quick look at what’s actually hitting the tables:
- The Smash Burgers: People are obsessed with the "Smashville." It’s messy, salty, and exactly what you want with a pint of IPA.
- The Three Ring Circus: This is their way of letting you sample. You can get wings, nugs, or even fried sprouts (which are surprisingly good, seriously).
- Gluten-Free Options: Surprisingly, this spot has become a go-to for GF folks in Avon. They’re careful about cross-contamination, which isn't always a given in a "wing joint."
- The Weird Stuff: Chocolate churros and pork rinds. It’s a circus, after all.
Weekly Events You Should Actually Care About
Most bars have "specials," but the Big Top Brewhouse schedule is pretty packed. They’re leaning hard into the "community hub" thing.
- Monday: The Wing Day. Half off. Just go early because it gets packed.
- Tuesday: Two for Tuesdays. Two drafts and 10 wings for $22. It’s the perfect "I don't want to cook" solution.
- Friday: Karaoke starts at 8 PM. It gets loud. It gets weird. It’s great.
- Sunday: Happy Hour all day.
They also do live music and open mic nights. Since they have a dedicated stage, the sound quality is actually decent, not just some guy in a corner with an acoustic guitar he can barely hear.
Why the Name Change Matters
Some old-timers still call it ZZ’s. The new crowd calls it Big Top Brewhouse.
The reality? It’s both.
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The acquisition allowed the venue to survive the post-COVID landscape that claimed so many other local spots. By joining the Avon Brewing Company collective, they gained access to a massive rotation of craft beers that a standalone bar just couldn't maintain.
You’ll find beers from the Lorain Brewing Company and Madison Brewing Company on tap here too. It’s a local ecosystem.
Location and Logistics
You can find the "new" ZZ's Big Top Avon at 820 Center Road.
It’s right in the heart of the city. If you’re coming from the 35015 Detroit Road location (where the original ABC is), it’s just a quick hop over. They’re usually open from 3:00 PM until midnight every single day.
Parking can be a bit of a nightmare on Friday nights, especially when there’s a game on. They have a patio for when the Ohio weather decides to behave, which is a nice touch if you want to escape the karaoke volume inside.
Actionable Tips for Your First Visit
If you’re heading out there, don’t just wing it.
- Download the Toast app. They use it for everything from loyalty points to pickup orders. You can actually see the live tap list before you walk in the door.
- Check the "Gold Card." If you’re a regular, they have a $20 membership that pays for itself in discounts pretty quickly.
- Try the Onion Petals. Most people go for the fries, but the onion petals are legitimately better than what you’d get at a major steakhouse chain.
- Watch the clock. Happy Hour is 3–5 PM on weekdays. $2 off drafts and half-off snacks. That’s the "sweet spot" if you want to beat the dinner rush.
The evolution of ZZ's Big Top Avon from a local dive to a polished brewhouse is a win for the city. It kept the circus fun but leveled up the craft. Whether you're there for the $10 Wednesday corn dog basket or a 24oz bucket of "Saucy Nugs," it’s clear this spot isn't going anywhere anytime soon.
Check their social media or the official Big Top Brewhouse website before you go to see if they have a specific band or event scheduled for the night.