Meet Rachel Ulloa | Bar Owner & Entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Rachel Ulloa and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rachel, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
When I was younger, taking risks scared me. I preferred staying within my comfort zone and avoiding uncertainty. But as I grew older, I realized that if I really wanted to experience life to the fullest and achieve my goals, I had to get comfortable—and confident—with taking risks.

Now, I’m probably a little too comfortable with risk! I’ve come to understand that calculated risks are necessary for growth, both personally and professionally. Whether it’s been expanding my business or stepping into leadership roles, taking risks has opened doors to opportunities I might not have encountered otherwise. Of course, I always weigh the pros and cons carefully, but I no longer let the fear of failure hold me back.

Risk-taking has played a significant role in my career and life. It’s pushed me to make bold decisions that have led to growth, innovation, and success. I see risk as a chance to learn and adapt, whether the outcome is a win or a lesson in what not to do next time.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
When the opportunity to take over the small dive bar I worked at arose, I jumped at it—not necessarily because I had a burning desire to own a bar, but because of what I could offer the community and the city of Cleveland through it. I saw it as a chance to create something much bigger: a space for creatives to showcase their talents, a hub where art, music, and culture could thrive, and a place where people from different walks of life could come together.

Cleveland, like many cities, doesn’t have many truly inclusive spaces where diverse communities can gather, collaborate, and connect. That’s something I’m incredibly proud of—being able to build an environment that fosters creativity and inclusivity. It’s been about more than just running a business; it’s been about creating a platform where people can express themselves, share their art, and form connections they might not have otherwise.

Getting to where I am today professionally hasn’t been easy. There were a lot of challenges—financial struggles, self-doubt, and the general uphill battle of building something from the ground up. But through persistence, support from others, and a deep belief in the vision I had for this space, I pushed through. I learned that creating something meaningful takes time, patience, and resilience. I’ve also learned the importance of community—how vital it is to surround yourself with people who believe in your vision.

What I want the world to know about my brand and my story is that it’s not just about owning a bar; it’s about creating a safe, welcoming, and inspiring space for people to come together through the power of art and music. I want to continue to push boundaries, spark creativity, and bring more inclusivity to Cleveland.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Best Week in Cleveland:

I’m a huge fan of great food, and Cleveland has so much to offer in that department, so we’d definitely be eating our way through the city! Here’s what our week would look like:

Cents Pizza – Located on Lorain Avenue, this spot has some of the best pizza I’ve ever had. The owners are awesome, and the pizza is always on point.

Good Company – This place serves incredible diner-style food, all made from scratch. Their wings are a must-try—they’re seriously to die for!

Roaming Biscuit – For breakfast, we’d stop here for the most delicious biscuit sandwiches. My favorite is the smoked brisket biscuit, but you really can’t go wrong with anything on the menu.

Bar Amazonia – For cocktails, this spot is a vibe. They serve up some of the best craft cocktails in a super cool, laid-back setting.

Aside from eating and drinking, I’d definitely take them to see a show at Playhouse Square—Cleveland’s theater district is the second-largest in the country, right after New York, which is pretty amazing!

We’d also get some fresh air with a walk at Edgewater Park—the views are always beautiful, and it’s a perfect spot to relax.

And, of course, I’d end the week at Rebar. We could catch some local live music or an incredible DJ set, because nothing wraps up a great trip like enjoying the local talent in the perfect atmosphere.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are so many people who have helped me get to where I am today that I could easily fill a list a mile long! But if I had to choose just one, it would be my sister. She has been one of my biggest supporters and motivators throughout my career. There were countless times when things didn’t seem like they were going to work out, and I was ready to give up. In those moments, my sister was always there, pushing me to keep going and reminding me of the bigger picture.

Her encouragement and belief in me, even when I didn’t believe in myself, have been invaluable. She not only listened when I needed to vent but also offered practical advice and perspective. Without her unwavering support, I’m not sure I would have had the strength to push through some of the toughest challenges.

Beyond family, there have been many friends, and colleagues who have also played a significant role in my journey, offering guidance, feedback, and opportunities that have helped shape my path. But if I had to give credit to one person who’s been a constant through it all, it would definitely be my sister

Website: https://rebarcleveland.com

Instagram: https://rebar.cleveland.com

Image Credits
Kevin Churkh
Ellen.mgo
Jeremy Taylor