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S C E N E C I T Y G U I D E 2 0 19 3
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A CHOOSE YOUR OWN CLEVELAND ADVENTURE
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Museum Photo by Erik Drost FlickrCC
H
igh culture or low culture, night
learn, something to experience. Don’t miss
caliber performing arts has never been as
or day, food or drink, arts or
the Power of Rock, a spellbinding exhibit
classy nor as comfortable. Yes, and there’s a
entertainment, this beautiful city
featuring video footage and sounds that
massive chandelier.
abounds with options. We’ve narrowed the lengthy roster of possibilities and experiences down to 25 we’d recommend
make the whole room shake.
2 | PLAYHOUSE SQUARE
3 | CLEVELAND PUBLIC THEATRE
tackling. Whether you conquer the entire list
It might seem obvious, but if you’ve
Although Cleveland Public Theatre is
or highlight just a couple during a weekend in
never caught a show at Playhouse Square,
committed to supporting home-grown artists
town, you won’t be disappointed.
you should rectify that mistake immediately.
and professionals alike, its dedication to
Playhouse Square is the nation’s largest
fostering conversation and communication
performing arts complex outside of New York
within the community at large is just as
City, and the thrill of going to see a touring
impressive. The theater’s programming is
like one of those things Clevelanders take
Broadway musical in one of its elegant
diverse and thought provoking, and aims
for granted. But we should all be paying
theaters really never gets old. There’s
to illuminate and examine pressing social
more attention, and stepping through
something old-timey about it, you know: a
issues, while its youth-geared programs
the doors. The Hall is oh-so-much more
night on the town. But it’s not just Broadway
offer cultural and personal enrichment. CPT’s
than a museum, which isn’t to knock its
musicals you’ll find at Playhouse Square.
ability to launch promising works by upstart
collection — do be sure to check out the
With nine distinct venues, programming
playwrights is an asset that enriches (and
Hall’s Right Here, Right Now! Collection, which
includes (but is by no means limited to)
emboldens) the local cultural scene.
showcases items from modern luminaries
comedy acts, variety shows, literary lectures,
not yet eligible for induction. But the Rock
a summer cinema series and concerts.
Hall offers so much more. From concerts,
There’s something happening every night of
talks, films and interactive exhibits, there’s
the week, and with competitive ticket prices
Back in the ’80s, video game arcades
always something new, something to
and discounted season bundles, seeing high-
were the hippest places in which to hang,
1 | ROCK HALL The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame might feel
25
We’ve narrowed the lengthy roster of possibilities and experiences down to 25 we’d recommend tackling.
4 | SUPERELECTRIC PINBALL S C E N E C I T Y G U I D E 2 0 19 7
Lakewood Park |
Photo by Aerial Agents
as they were communal gathering places
or the arty sections of a handful of major
as much as they were gaming emporiums.
cities. There are some real gems to be found
That’s the vibe of Superelectric Pinball Parlor,
in its tall, closely packed stacks and rooms
whose rows of flashing machines brighten
that seem to go on forever, including used
the corner of West 65th and Detroit. In a nod
and antique hardcover children’s books, an
to the owners’ reverence for pinball’s history
eclectic selection of fiction, and long-out-of-
and evolution, simpler older models — all of
print volumes of poetry by the likes of Edna St.
which have been lovingly restored to their
Vincent Millay, Kenneth Koch, and Anne Sexton.
original colorful glory — are as common as sleek new games. Find a nice selection of beer and nibbles like Korean fried chicken. Just be sure to wipe your hands before heading back to the machines.
5 | WATERLOO ARTS GALLERY This neighborhood anchor isn’t just the
The Larchmere neighborhood is widely known for its extensive offerings of antique and art shops. American Crafts is known for their collection of contemporary ceramics, wood and glass made by American artists from around the country. John L. Young Inc.
biggest supporter of Collinwood’s growing
specializes in antiques and jewelry from
arts district: It’s also a vocal champion for
Asia. Elegant Extras features antiques for
Northeast Ohio’s burgeoning arts scene. That’s
entertaining, like porcelain, crystal, and
obvious in the mind-expanding exhibits that
fine silver, and also has a wide selection of
cycle through the gallery in a given year — all
costume jewelry. Bingham’s Antiques has an
of which encompass diverse mediums and
eclectic mix of unique decorative arts from the
approaches — and the community-oriented
middle of the 20th century. Marc Goodman’s
way it approaches operations. After all, few
Antique Mall contains six separate dealers of
organizations would dare to combine their
fine furniture, artwork, glass, pottery, china,
annual meeting with a Valentine’s Day card-
jewelry and more.
making party — a welcoming, transparent gesture that makes the public feel connected to both the gallery and culture at large.
6 | LOGANBERRY BOOKS How can a bookstore that shares its space
8 S C E N E C I T Y G U I D E 2 0 19
7 | SHOP AROUND THE REST OF LARCHMERE
8 | LAKEWOOD PARK In the past few years, Lakewood Park has exploded in popularity. Sure, that’s because of the ongoing greatness of Foster Pool (another hidden gem in the city) and the kid-friendly
with a shop that sells antique Persian rugs not
playground. But the 2015 addition of the
be a place you’d want to spend hours browsing
Solstice Steps cemented Lakewood Park’s
around? Loganberry Books in Larchmere is the
reputation as a greenspace gem. The tiered,
sort of warm, inviting new and secondhand
elevated steps offer a gorgeous view of the
bookshop now found only in college towns
sunset, as well as a place to relax and soak up
S C E N E C I T Y G U I D E 2 0 19 9
some rays during the all-too-rare warmer months.
9 | BOWL AT MAHALL’S Going to Mahall’s is like stepping back in time. That’s a good thing: Although the 1920s-era alley received some updates in the past few years, the bowling is still as old school as it comes. What’s new (and welcome) is how Mahall’s has become a much-needed westside entertainment destination. The complex now regularly hosts all sorts of events: DJ nights and dance parties, comedy shows, and concerts from local and touring pop, punk, indie and emo bands. Plus, the bar has a small but mighty beer list and food menu that’s perfect for late-night noshing.
10 | 16-BIT BAR + ARCADE This isn’t the Nintendo binge of your childhood. At the popular 16-Bit Bar + Arcade in Lakewood, patrons sip on boozy cocktails named after retro crushes — Molly Ringwald, Carrie Fisher, Patrick Swayze and Marky Mark, say — to
Cleveland Museum of Art |
Photo by Erik Drost FlickrCC
earn free plays on a rotating list of old-school arcade games and pinball machines. Whether
galleries themselves. Provenance Cafe contradicts
art). But Cleveland’s Museum of Contemporary
you’re an ’80s kid (Galaga, Asteroids) or a product
the old saying about art in restaurants and food
Art’s bold new home is the first U.S. building —
of the ’90s (NBA Jam, Teenage Mutant Ninja
in museums. As one of the world’s top museums
and the first museum — designed by Iranian-born
Turtles), 16-Bit is sure to have a game for you.
with free admission, it’s no wonder CMA is one of
British architect Farshid Moussavi. MOCA is one
the most-visited, with more than 700,000 guests
of a handful of museums that has no permanent
each year.
collection. So while other museums promise
11 | THE SIDE QUEST Proof positive that Lakewood’s bar scene continues to become more diverse: The Side
13 | SEVERANCE HALL
something new with each visit, MOCA actually means it. The museum’s 6,000-square-foot top level functions as a versatile exhibition space and
Quest, a self-proclaimed mecca for “geeks and
Severance Hall is synonymous with the
nerds,” especially those who prefer to pair beer
Cleveland Orchestra, which has called it home
with board games. These games are available
since 1931. John L. Severance built the hall in
to rent at the bar for a nominal fee (or you can
memory of his wife, Elizabeth, whose personality
bring your own), although that’s not all the bar
and taste infuse the design by local architects
has on tap, entertainment-wise. The Side Quest’s
Walter & Weeks. The building’s classic exterior
weekly theme nights have a little something for
complements the rest of University Circle’s
Public Square, the Cleveland Museum of Natural
everyone: There’s an anime fan happy hour, a
cultural institutions. The interior is an explosion
History has grown into one of the finest natural
beginner’s Dungeons & Dragons night and even
of art deco, classicism, Greek and Egyptian revival.
history museums in the nation. CMNH is home to
Mario Mondays.
The Cleveland Orchestra performs most of its
a staggering five million specimens and artifacts,
regular season concerts in the main hall. The
numerous exhibits, and devoted researchers
more intimate Reinberger Chamber Hall, just off
whose work goes far beyond just dinosaurs. The
the main lobby, is used for educational programs
museum’s collections span a variety of natural
and chamber concerts. If orchestral music isn’t
disciplines including archaeology, botany,
many remarkable cultural treasures in University
your style, you can still admire Severance’s
ornithology and climate science. The museum’s
Circle. It houses nearly 45,000 works spanning
eclectic architecture on a free public tour. Call the
library contains upwards of 60,000 books and
from 3,000 B.C.E. to the present. In the age of
ticket office to reserve a spot.
periodicals available for on-site perusal by
12 | THE CLEVELAND MUSEUM OF ART The Cleveland Museum of Art is one of the
the selfie, the south galleries’ Armor Court is especially popular with tourists cheesing it
14 | MOCA CLEVELAND
up among the hollow plate and mail. The lofty
Let’s start with the building itself: a $27
offers a view of the outdoor plaza below.
15 | CLEVELAND MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY From its modest 19th-century beginnings on
appointment. The museum also oversees and preserves thousands of acres of land.
16 | CLEVELAND CINEMATHEQUE
atrium, conceived by Uruguayan architect Rafael
million black, prism-like block covered in more
Viñoly, hosts monthly mixers with live music,
than 1,300 Rimex steel panels that, on certain rare
airy atmosphere and — of course — booze. The
days, cast that iconic Cleveland sunlight onto the
museum’s performing arts series showcases a
street, blinding pedestrians and motorists alike
Cinematheque offers screenings of alternative,
range of artists in Gartner Auditorium and in the
(not exactly ideal when you’re about to go look at
independent, classic and foreign films nearly
10 S C E N E C I T Y G U I D E 2 0 19
The nationally-acclaimed, nonprofit Cleveland
$2 OFF* GENERAL ADMISSION
Karamu Theatre |
Photo Courtesy Karamu
every week of the year. Film buffs can take in
Eleanor Armstrong Smith Glasshouse focuses
16-mm and 35-mm films on a fairly regular
on plants and insects from Madagascar’s
basis, though most films are now shown in
desert as well as Costa Rica’s tropical
digital formats. The 300-seat theater resides
rainforest. The garden’s art gallery features
in the relatively new George Gund Building in
nature-inspired works by local artists. The
Uptown. It’s part of the Cleveland Institute of
botanical garden is open Tuesday through
Art’s new $75 million campus, which turns 3
Sunday; check online for hours.
years old this year. You can’t miss it: Just look for the LED “media mesh” jumbotron as you drive east on Euclid Avenue.
17 | KARAMU THEATRE Karamu, a professional theater company
WE BRING HISTORY TO LIFE
19 | WALKING TOURS Every week mid-May through midSeptember you can explore downtown through Take A Hike! A program of the Historic Gateway Neighborhood Corporation, Take
named after the Swahili word for “a place of
A Hike offers five free guided walking tours
joyful meeting,” focuses on productions that
of downtown neighborhoods complete with
illuminate the African-American experience.
actors portraying historic Clevelanders.
Founded by two white social workers, Karamu
Because whether you’re a local or visitor,
began experimenting with interracial casts
there’s few better ways to learn about a
in the early 20th century. Karamu claims the great poet Langston Hughes as one of its most illustrious alums. Karamu was part of an artistic settlement in the early 1900s that included an early childhood development center and a center for arts education. Today Karamu holds rigorous programming in dance, vocal music, and drama for children, youth and adults.
18 | CLEVELAND BOTANICAL GARDENS
2929 Richmond Rd, Beachwood 216.593.0575 I maltzmuseum.org
With its 10 acres of outdoor gardens and 18,000-square-foot greenhouse, the Cleveland Botanical Garden is a year-round escape from urban surroundings. Roughly 150,000 guests visit the botanical garden each year. The
Cleveland Botanical Gardens Photo by Emanuel Wallace
* Bring this ad with you for $2 off museum admission. Up to 4 visitors. Feb–Aug 2019. code scene19
S C E N E C I T Y G U I D E 2 0 19 11
John Hay. Lake View’s lush grounds are speckled with gravestones and monuments honoring more than 100,000 deceased. The Jeptha Wade Memorial Chapel features an interior designed by stainedglass legend Louis Comfort Tiffany. Docent-led walking tours are available for groups of 12 or more, with a registration fee of $5 per adult.
21 | CLEVELAND METROPARKS ZOO If there’s one thing Old Brooklyn is known for, it’s the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. Home to creatures of every shape and feather since 1882, the zoo is absolutely a must-see attraction for out of towners and locals alike. Especially since the zoo has been inundated with baby animals lately — including a rhino, otters, red foxes and a
View from Lake View Cemetery |
Photo by Erik Drost FlickrCC
giraffe. Zoos are typically known for their familyfriendly atmospheres, and this one is no different.
city than ambling about with an historical guide.
Lake View cemetery in Jamestown, New York,
Be sure to check out free Mondays between
Warehouse District neighborhood tours take place
where Lucille Ball was eventually moved after a
Memorial Day and Labor Day, available for all
Saturday mornings. For more information, visit
few years in Hollywood. Our own Lake View is the
Cuyahoga County and Hinckley Township residents.
warehousedistrict.org.
resting place of such 20th century figures as oil
20 | LAKE VIEW CEMETERY There’s something about cemeteries called Lake View and famous people: Think of the
magnate John D. Rockefeller, the untouchable Eliot Ness, Cleveland Orchestra founder Adella Prentiss
22 | ASIATOWN Events like the Cleveland Asian Festival and
Hughes, President James A. Garfield, and Abe
Night Market have attracted tens of thousands
Lincoln’s former aide and U.S. Secretary of State
of people to the neighborhood over the past few
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Tower of Power | Christian McBride | Dianne Reeves and the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra Béla Fleck & The Flecktones featuring Victor Wooten, Roy “Futureman” Wooten and Howard Levy John Scofield’s Combo 66 with Gerald Clayton, Vicente Archer and Bill Stewart | Jazz Funk Soul with Jeff Lorber, Everette Harp and Paul Jackson Jr. | Sax to the Max with Michael Lington, Vincent Ingala and Paul Taylor Ernie Krivda and Matthew Whitaker | Jamey Haddad’s Under One Sun | Helen Sung and Michela Marino Lerman Regina Carter and Xavier Davis | Akiko/Hamilton/Dechter B-3 Trio
West Side Market |
Photo by Emanuel Wallace
years, exposing many of them to the food,
large for the market to adequately serve,
people, culture and neighborhood. That
construction began on a larger site across
support does not go unnoticed by those who
the street. Architectural firm Hubbell and
live and/or work in the area, many of whom
Benes, perhaps best known for designing
have grown up on the sidelines of mainstream
the Cleveland Museum of Art, helmed the
American culture. From dim sum at Li Wah
project. In 2012, the Market celebrated its
to soup dumplings at LJ Shanghai to pho at
100th anniversary, and shows no signs of
Superior Pho to sizzlingly spicy chicken at
slowing down.
Szcehuan Gourmet to the buns at Koko Bakery, the neighborhood is an endless exploration of Asian food culture. Be sure to stop by Tink Holl, one of several bustling indoor Asian markets in the neighborhood.
23 | WEST SIDE MARKET
24 | FOREST CITY SHUFFLEBOARD There’s a welcoming smell on entering Forest City Shuffleboard: sawdust mixed with fried food. It’s a charmingly retro establishment offering indoor and outdoor
Under the open, Byzantine tile roof of
shuffleboard courts and tables. It’s friendly to
the West Side Market, shoppers can find food
all ages, and even if you don’t care for playing
from Greece, Cambodia, the Middle East, and
shuffleboard, there’s plenty of craft beer to
a whole host of Eastern European nations.
choose from.
The smell of cured meats and oils and cakes mingle in the air. Produce vendors shout out deals. Take out the parking and a visit to West Side Market is pure Cleveland food
25 | TABLETOP BOARD GAME CAFE In an increasingly digitized culture, there
magic. The Market can trace its roots back to
is comfort to be found in the physicality of
1840, when former Ohio City mayors Josiah
board games. That could be why Tabletop
Barber and Richard Lord donated land to the
Board Game Cafe is so darn fun. With a warm,
city on the condition that the site always host
inviting atmosphere and a library of nearly
a public market. The Pearl Street Market,
1,000 board games to choose from, Tabletop is
named for the street that would later
a place to enjoy a childhood favorite or learn
become West 25th, served the neighborhood,
a completely new one. Some nice bites and
in particular the immigrant population, for
beers will sustain you, and $5 will let you play
75 years. When the population grew too
all day.
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S C E N E C I T Y G U I D E 2 0 19 13
14 S C E N E C I T Y G U I D E 2 0 19
THE ESSENTIAL CLEVELAND DINING LIST
Fat Cats Photo by Emanuel Wallace
W
hatever label you choose to
hall always manages to exceed our lofty
Vedaa continues to upend that old saw by
bestow upon them – Best,
expectations.
composing exceptional dishes that focus on a single theme. In place of a meat-and-
Essential, Top Toque, Golden
Spoon, Primo Piattos – the meaning is the
Fire Food and Drink | 13220 Shaker Sq.,
three, diners zero in on carrots three ways,
same. These are the restaurants that stand
216-921-3473 | firefoodanddrink.com
or earthy beets blasted with sparkle, or a
out in a very crowded field for a variety of
There seem to be fewer and fewer
savory lamb ragu over a few supple gnocchi.
reasons, many of them intangible. When it’s
gimmick-free farm-to-table bistros, the types
Mix and match your way to the perfect meal;
time to answer that ubiquitous question of
of places that simply do in place of try. For
variety, after all, is the spice of life.
“Where should we eat?,” the answer can be
more than 20 years, chef-owner Doug Katz
found below whether you’re a newcomer,
has weathered every conceivable trend,
The Plum | 4133 Lorain Ave.
long-timer or visitor.
challenge and calamity in this unpredictable
216-938-8711 | theplumcafeandkitchen.com
business, responding with an ever-steady
If you aren’t pleasing every Cleveland
Mabel’s BBQ | 2050 E. 4th St.
hand on the wheel. Diners can always count
diner then you’re probably doing something
216-417-8823 | mabelsbbq.com
on Fire to deliver reliably delicious food
right. This edgy American bistro is fearless
There are restaurants that we enjoy and
trimmed with seasonal foodstuffs and served
when it comes to food, pushing out items
then there are restaurants that we can’t stay
by a professional staff in a crisp, cool setting.
that are so bold in conception that they can
away from. Mabel’s is one of the few Michael
Fire’s sunny weekend brunch can make a
seem like a dare. But in the hands of chef
Symon restaurants that succeeds largely
morning person out of Rip Van Winkle.
Brett Sawyer, dishes like raw pork tartar or a whole fried chicken served General Tso style
independent of the star chef’s renown. We go there not for the scene, but for the
Salt | 17625 Detroit Ave., Lakewood
are revelatory, stunning and singular. Here,
meat, amazingly savory, wood-kissed and
216-221-4866 | saltcleveland.com
humble ingredients like beets and carrots or
“Nobody orders small plates in
chicken skin and lake fish are transformed
brisket, turkey and kielbasa act like siren
Cleveland.” Since the birth of the turnip,
into artistic seasonal creations that manage
songs to hungry carnivores. The logistics of
that has been the conventional wisdom
to tickle as much as they do satisfy. It’s all
feeding this many people this much great
in these parts. Of course, at her whip-
presented in a sleek, contemporary interior
food aside, this bustling meat-and-bourbon
smart Lakewood bistro Salt, chef Jill
by people who actually seem to care. And
consistent. Here, slow-smoked pork ribs, beef
These are the restaurants that stand out in a very crowded ÄLSK MVY H ]HYPL[` VM YLHZVUZ THU` VM [OLT PU[HUNPISL
S C E N E C I T Y G U I D E 2 0 19 15
CLEVELAND’S PREMIER TURKISH & MEDITERRANEAN CUISINE
MADE IN HOUSE FROM SCRATCH WITH THE HIGHEST QUALIT Y INGREDIENTS & ALWAYS FRESH
El Riconcito Chapin |
Photo by Emanuel Wallace
was that barbecued pigeon we spotted on the menu?
Given that University Circle is the epicenter of Cleveland culture, you’d think it wouldn’t be so damned hard to find a great
Weekend Brunch - SATURDAY & SUNDAYS 11-3PM
Ushabu | 2173 Professor Ave.
meal. Fortunately there’s this French-themed
216-713-1741 | ushabu.com
gem, the crown jewel of the Zack Bruell
Diners who settle in for a tasting menu
kingdom. While we could happily live on the
HAPPY HOUR - MONDAY - FRIDAY 4-7PM
at this wee Asian bistro will be taken for the
wine and cheese alone, it’s nearly impossible
ride of their lives. Chef Matthew Spinner’s
to skip the garlicky snails, the mussels frites,
2270 Lee Road Cleveland Hts, Oh 44118 | (216)321-4400 | anatoliacafe.com
obsessive take on regional Japanese cuisine
and the textbook skate with browned butter.
is a deep dive with more twists and turns than
Do yourself a favor and order the pied de
a thrill ride. Enjoyed as part of a seven- or
cochon, goosed with the silkiest béarnaise.
13-course excursion, or on their own as a
What’s left to say about the service and setting
la carte appetizers, the dishes are stirring
other than they serve as polestars for others
seasonal still-lifes that simultaneously embody
to pursue.
1390 W. 9TH STREET
home and away. For shabu-shabu fans, Ushabu excels thanks to high-caliber ingredients,
Banter | 7320 Detroit Ave.
MALLORCACLE. COM
top-notch technology and an impressive sake
216-801-0305 | bantercleveland.com
216-687-9494
(C LEVEL AND W AREHOUSE D ISTRICT )
selection.
Banter is the antidote to serious food in somber settings. It’s county fair food with a
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The Black Pig | 2801 Bridge Ave.
bowtie, where fries, sausages, and hotdogs
216-862-7551 | blackpigcle.com
are spruced up for a clever crowd. You won’t
The Black Pig seemed to really come alive
find a better corndog to drag through the
following its move away from W. 25th Street.
mustard, and the crispy, melty fried cheese
More neighborhood haunt than arbitrary
curds will vanish quicker than the Statue of
destination, this is the rare type of place
Liberty at David Copperfield’s abracadabra.
where you can visit once or twice a week and
But most folks come for the poutine, and
never grow bored. In-house butchers are all
who can blame them. Perfect fries drip with
the rage, but this kitchen knows nose-to-tail
rich gravies made with real stock, while
better than most. Well-raised pigs come in the
pert cheese curds slowly weep into the mix.
back door and enter the dining room as Old
Banter’s tightly curated list of draft beer and
World charcuterie, crispy pork rinds, gently
wines by the glass is always on point.
braised flanks and juicy grilled chops. But this tony brick-trimmed boîte also crushes
Xinji Noodle Bar | 4211 Lorain Ave.
the pasta, beef and seafood games, which
216-465-2439 | xinjinoodle.com
is precisely what keeps us coming back for more.
Places that keep the moving parts to a minimum generally have a leg up on those that complicate matters. Start with great
16 S C E N E C I T Y G U I D E 2 0 19
L’Albatros | 11401 Bellflower Rd.
broth, fresh noodles, and quality meats and
216-791-7880 | albatrosbrasserie.com
you should wind up with a bowl of delicious
S C E N E C I T Y G U I D E 2 0 1 9 17
L J Shanghai |
Photo by Emanuel Wallace
ramen. That’s the formula here, where
Larder Delicatessen | 1455 W. 29th St.
bowls of bouncy comfort are ladled up
216-912-8203 | larderdb.com
in a hip-enough storefront. Toss in a few
At its heart, Larder is a Jewish deli, with
knockout starters like crispy-spicy Korean
matzo ball soup, thick pastrami sandwiches,
fried chicken, supple steamed buns and
and flaky fruit-filled rugelach. But there’s so
delicate pork-filled dumplings, pair them
much more going on here than that. Chef-
with cold beer and sake, and you’ve made
owner Jeremy Umansky utilizes techniques
a fan of us.
like koji (a Japanese mold) curing, foraging for wild edibles, cold and hot smoking, and
Zoma Ethiopian Restaurant
fermentation and pickling to produce an ever-
2240 Lee Rd., Cleveland Hts.
shifting roster of seasonal plates. On special
216-465-3239 | zomacleveland.com
might be a house-smoked whitefish salad
Despite what that one guy on Yelp
sandwich, wild-cherry blintzes, or chicken of
said about the “bread,” we’re slightly
the woods mushroom “pastrami” sandwich.
obsessed with Zoma. We love the communal
Neighbors already have worn a path to its door
atmosphere of the experience, where diners
for house-baked loaves, chocolate-swirled
sit around a platter of colorful, savory stews,
babka, dark and chewy chocolate chip cookies,
pinching off bites with stretchy injera. Rare
and flaky potato knishes.
is the place that hungry vegetarians and omnivores can so peaceably coexist thanks
LJ Shanghai | 3142 Superior Ave.
to items starring chopped greens, chickpeas,
216-400-6936
lentils, beef and chicken. The housemade
LJ Shanghai, a relative newcomer in
Ethiopian hot sauce, fueled by an exotic
Cleveland’s Asiatown neighborhood, has been
berbere spice blend, is righteous.
absolutely besieged by diners who recognize quality xiao long bao—or soup dumplings—
Il Rione Pizzeria | 1303 W. 65th St.
when they see and taste them. We’ve been
216-282-1451 | www.ilrionepizzeria.com
making habitual pit stops for those amazing
Il Rione might be “just a neighborhood
dumplings, but also the growing roster of
pizza parlor,” but it elevates the genre
satisfying soup, noodle, and meat dishes. Tops
thanks to warm lighting, stylishly weathered
in our book is the plump shrimp wonton soup,
interior, and a killer playlist from the golden
spicy beef noodle soup, Shanghai-style scallion
age of rock. While the menu is spare, the
noodles, and soy-braised duck.
New York/New Jersey style pizza exiting the open kitchen is amazing, with the clam pie
Vero Pizza | 12421 Cedar Rd., Cleveland Hts.
taking the cake. Diners can choose from a
216-229-8383 | verocleveland.com
half-dozen predesigned pies or can build
18 S C E N E C I T Y G U I D E 2 0 19
It might just be pizza to us, but to owner
their own from the crust up. Beer, wine, and
Marc-Aurele Buholzer, it’s a way of life. First
cocktails round out the fun.
you make the dough, then you stoke the fire,
Develop a hobby. Share joy with friends. Create lasting memories. Because Life Happens at Home.
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and finally you feed the neighborhood. There’s
a chance, but at least we went out with a smile.
only so much of that naturally leavened dough to go around, so admiring diners know to get here
Fat Cats | 2061 West 10th St.,
early to secure one or three of those fly pies.
216-579-0200 | coolplacestoeat.com Fat Cats is neither new nor flashy. For more
They exit the wood-burner with a textbook puffy, chewy, tender crust spotted like a leopard with
than 20 years, this early-era Tremont bistro has
slightly bitter bits of char. Those bits provide
lured diners to the far end of a quiet residential
the perfect foil to the sweet, rich Milk ‘n Honey
street by offering a cozy alternative to special
pie topped with garlic, mozzarella, egg and bit
occasion restaurants. We always find something
o’ honey.
on the menu that suits our mood, from a perfectly grilled off-cut chop to a fresh, seasonal
Flour | 34205 Chagrin Blvd., Moreland Hills
pasta. Never one to coast on classics, owner
216-464-3700 | flourrestaurant.com
Ricardo Sandoval floats fun fliers like Korean
Is it just us or does Flour get better and
steamed buns, Filipino lumpia, or Mediterranean
buzzier over time? We’ve been fans of the
grilled octopus. Servers here treat everybody
Italian restaurant since the start, lured out to
like regulars and have the knowledge to
suburbia by the four skilled hands belonging
recommend a great bottle of wine.
to Paul Minnillo and Matt Mytro. This tag team of tagliatelle put the panache back in pasta,
Boiling Crawfish Seafood
elevating the genre from dependable gut-buster
2201 Lee Rd, Cleveland Hts. | 216-459-7777
to captivating, elegant cuisine. The perfect
boilingseafoodcrawfishoh.com
Nora |
Photo by Emanuel Wallace
The seafood-in-a-bag trend rolled into town
pairings of noodles and sauce, like rigatoni with lamb neck gravy, are memorable to the very
with a bang, with three spots devoted to the
pak salsa served here. Guacamole is heavenly
last bite. Throw in a fistful of creative starters,
concept opening in a few short years. You don’t
just the way it was, but stir in some smoked trout
crisply tailored pizzas, and a great steak and fish
have to explain why to the diners who crowd this
and bacon and boom! Tacos filled with seasoned
dish and what else does one need (apart from a
small, boisterous storefront by the Cedar Lee
ground beef are pretty awesome, but how can
stellar wine list, which is covered)?
Theatre. Digging your hands deep into a bag of
we go back after trying the adobo-braised pork
spicy, saucy steamed seafood might be the most
with chile chipotle mojo? For tequila fans like us,
El Rinconcito Chapin | 3300 Broadview Rd.
fun one can legally have in a restaurant. The aptly
Momocho is the foggy Promised Land.
216-795-5776
named Handful is a Santa-sized sack filled with shrimp, crawfish, clams, andouille sausage, corn
Balaton | 13133 Shaker Sq.
fun is in the hunt. We first discovered the
and spuds, all lolling about in a mouthwatering
216-921-9691 | balaton-restaurant.com
joys of Guatemalan street food at a tidy little
gravy.
To tabletop adventurers like us, half the
Talk about underappreciated. When Balaton opened a half-century ago on Buckeye Road, the
storefront in Old Brooklyn, where the owner turned out amazing pupusas, dobladitas,
Greenhouse Tavern | 2038 E 4th St.
primary language spoken in the dining room was
chuchitos and garnachas, texturally satisfying
216-443-0511 | thegreenhousetavern.com
Hungarian. But word of the modest restaurant’s
Over the years, the Greenhouse Tavern has
stacks of corn pancakes, shredded beef, cool
remarkable goulash, Weiner schnitzel, and
salsa and salty cheese. We were sad to see
always come through for us as the Swiss Army
paprikash wriggled out, at first to the immediate
him go, but happy when El Rinconcito Chapin
Knife of restaurants. Few places have the culinary
neighborhood, and later to the city and region
resurfaced a couple miles away at a bigger,
range to span the bridge between every day and
as a whole. Come to the lovely restaurant at
brighter and better equipped new home. An
special occasion, from burger-and-beer-at-the-
Shaker Square, where Balaton has now resided
expanded menu includes all of our favorites
bar to blow-your-mind at the chef’s counter. It’s
for 20 years, and you won’t be awash in Old World
plus a laundry list of equally gratifying large
always tough to veer away from chestnuts like
shtick. Instead, you’ll enjoy expertly prepared
plates and weekend specials.
hand-ground steak tartar, Ohio lamb burger with
dishes like that Frisbee-sized schnitzel, and
“stinky cheese,” Animal-style frites and Tabasco
golden-brown fried chicken livers, and portly
Rising Grill | 3709 Payne Ave.
fried chicken. But we do so in order to find new
stuffed cabbages, and gravy-soaked spaetzle,
216-465-3561 | risinggrill.com
favorites like the summery salads, seasonal
all of it lovingly handmade to order and sold well
pastas and special seafood dishes that will vanish
below market value.
It was right around the time our server wheeled a cart up to the table that we regretted
before we can return. Collision Bend | 1250 Old River Rd.
not inviting more friends to dinner. Our combination platter had enough beef short rib,
Momocho | 1835 Fulton Rd.
ribeye, pork and chicken to feed half the dining
216-694-2122 | momocho.com
216-273-7879 | collisionbendbrewery.com Mega-restaurateur Zack Bruell has a bushel
Since he opened this jumping bean of a bistro
of restaurants around the city, and this one isn’t
bits of Korean BBQ on Rising Grill’s trusty new
a dozen years ago, Eric Williams has been defining
even our favorite. But that doesn’t mean we don’t
gas-powered grill tables. Hot off the grate, we
and refining his unique brand of modern Mexican
adore being down here by the river, soaking up
bundled up the charred, garlicky pieces of meat
food. Every move seems designed to inject more
the history of the 150-year-old brick building in
into cold lettuce wraps, dragged them through
flavor, texture and visual interest into the kinds
the Flats while enjoying riotously flavorful food
sauce, popped them in our mouths, and washed
of dishes we thought we knew. We grew up on
and beer. The sprawling menu is hard to pin
them down with ice-cold OB beer. We never stood
chips and salsa – but nothing like the nutty sikil
down, but can’t miss items include wood-fired
room. But we persevered, cooking up tasty
20 S C E N E C I T Y G U I D E 2 0 19
pizzas, lamb tamales, fish tacos, Moroccan-
restaurants. While you won’t be dabbing red
spiced lamb ribs, and burgers. Tack on a
sauce off your shirt, you will be awash in
flight of the house-brewed beer and watch the
the Old World charm that attracts us to the
freighters and kayaks float by.
Hill in the first place. Beneath a pressed-tin ceiling and behind a wall of windows, diners
Spice Kitchen | 5800 Detroit Ave.
dig into creamy burrata, crunchy polenta
216-961-9637 | spicekitchenandbar.com
fries, wild mushroom stuffed agnolotti, and
Ben Bebenroth is regarded as one of the
fettucine carbonara topped with crispy
region’s leading farm-to-table chefs for good
matchstick potatoes and a buttery poached
reason. He puts his money where his mouth is
egg.
HARRY’S is a Casual Steakhouse serving Great Steaks, Chops & Seafood at an affordable Price.
Over 15 Different Cuts Of Steak!
when it comes to sourcing food by managing a working farm just south of town. While the
Astoria Market and Café | 5417 Detroit Ave.
dishes change with the calendar, diners can
216-266-0834 | astoriacafemarket.com
count on options built around local produce,
Astoria manages to put a smile on our
pork, chicken, and beef and sustainable fish
faces morning, day or night. The retail market
and seafood. The cheery, flower-trimmed
keeps our pantry flush with gourmet foods
Detroit Shoreway bistro makes weekend
like imported cheeses, cured meats, olives
brunch all the better.
and wine. The large bar is an ideal place to meet up with a friend over cocktails, glasses
Soho Chicken + Whiskey | 1889 W 25th St.
of wine and a fully loaded meat and cheese
216-298-9090 | sohocleveland.com
platter. The animated dining room is where
If Soho literally served nothing but chicken
we land for full meals of tender wine-poached
and whiskey as its name suggests, we would
octopus, veal and ricotta meatballs, pizzas,
totally be down with that. What more do you
and grilled lamb chops. On the weekend, the
need when the fried chicken is this good and
brunches here draw reliably enthusiastic
the bourbon list is this long? But wait, there’s
crowds.
more! Meals start with airy biscuits, butter and jam. Stellar snacks like deviled eggs and
Superior Pho | 3030 Superior Ave.
pimiento cheese and chips are required eating.
216-781-7462 | superiorpho.com
And to go with that magical, crackle-crusted
Because pho is an essential part of a
yardbird are Southern suppers like shrimp and
balanced diet, not to mention one’s sanity,
grits and the always frog-free Frogmore Stew.
noodle shops like this one hold a very
If you can handle the heat, shower on Soho’s
important place in our lives. Winter or
famous hot sauce.
summer, a bowl of pho is more than food; it’s a restorative elixir that sets us on a brighter
Flying Fig | 2523 Market St.
path. Crispy spring rolls, citrusy cabbage
216-241-4243 | theflyingfig.com
salad, and meaty banh mi sammies also
As Ohio City continues to change at hyper-
Archtop Thinline Dreadnought Orchestra Auditorium A Style F Style Oval sound hole Solid body
make us happy, so it’s a good thing that the
speed, we’re increasingly grateful for Karen
versions served at this perfectly acceptable
Small and her unpretentious bistro. While
dining room are as delicious as the noodle
concise, the locally sourced seasonal menus
soup.
offer enough variety for everybody at the table, and that includes the vegetarians. Fresh,
Ginko | 2247 Professor Ave.
creative salads, savory small plates, meaty
216-274-1202 | restaurantginko.com
mains and just the right kiss of dessert is all
A wise man once said, “If the sushi is
a diner ever requires. For 20 years, the happy
cheap, run.” That sounds like solid advice
hour has remained one of the best in the biz,
given the logistics of flying fresh fish around
and summer sidewalk dining along picturesque
the globe. Since opening this edgy Asian
Market Avenue is the epitome of urban chic.
den beneath his eponymous bistro, Dante
See them all at our Kent store!
Boccuzzi has avoided shortcuts and costNora | 2181 Murray Hill Rd.
cutting measures in the pursuit of crafting
216-231-5977 | noracleveland.com
the city’s best sushi experience. Grab seats
Nora upends the Little Italy stereotype
at horseshoe-shaped bar and dig into
of the spag-and-ball joint by applying classic
spotless sashimi, sushi, and rolls. The kickass
French technique to Italian ingredients
room makes everybody feel like a rock star
to come up with dishes that are in synch
and the astute staffers always help unearth
with the season, if not the surrounding
the perfect bottle of sake.
135 S. Water St., Kent woodsysmusic.com 330-673-1525 S C E N E C I T Y G U I D E 2 0 19 21
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A TOWN BUILT ON BEER
Market Garden Photo Courtesy Market Garden
T
he craft beer boom shows no signs
Bad Tom Smith Brewing
our favorite breweries in town and the most
of slowing down, as evidenced by
1836 West 25th St., Cleveland
underrated gems around here. You’ll always
the seemingly unending new shops
Joining the bustling Ohio City brewery scene,
feel welcome when you slip into a booth at
opening from east to west. And that’s
this brewery, started in Cincinnati, was
Willoughby.
welcome news, for Cleveland is a town that
a welcome addition to the scene when it
loves its beer. And no matter where you find
opened in late 2017. Located in the former
Thirsty Dog
yourself, you’re bound to be a few minutes
Weenie a Go Go space, the taproom has up to
1085 Old River Rd., Cleveland
away from a choice brewery.
18 beers on tap and serves food from their
Thirsty Dog originally started as a brewery
neighbors Ohio City Burrito and Pizza Whirl.
in Akron before expanding to Cleveland. In
Forest City Brewery
October of 2017, they opened in the space
2135 Columbus Rd., Cleveland
BottleHouse Brewing Company
previously occupied by Crop Rocks in the
This brewery, located in Duck Island, between
2050 Lee Rd., Cleveland Heights
Flats and took over a space where you can
Tremont and Ohio City, recently updated
This Cleveland Heights brewery feels more
put your feet up, grab a freshly brewed
its beer hall and started hosting live music
like a community gathering place than a bar.
microbrew and watch the barges going by on
nights in addition to their story club, improv
Live music, board games, community tables
the Cuyahoga.
group and cinema group. Try a flight so you
and no televisions gives it more of that living
can sample all of their delicious beers.
room feeling. And the beer is delicious.
Terrestrial Brewing Company
Willoughby Brewing Company
This “self-serve” pizza place and brewery
7524 Father Frascati Dr., Cleveland
4057 Erie St., Willoughby
is one of the shining gems of the new and
In 2017, Terrestrial opened, bringing the first
In a town lauded for its craft beers, the
improved Hingetown neighborhood of Ohio
brewery to the Battery Park neighborhood.
contest for “Best Local Beer” is a tough
City. The former machine shop boasts a giant
In addition to having fantastic beers, they’re
one. But Willoughby Brewing Co., which has
space that can fit close to 200 guests. They
very dog friendly, so be sure to bring your
been slinging its Peanut Butter Cup Porter
always have five or six beers on draught, with
furry friend (just don’t give him/her any
for years now, is no slouch. The eastside
a current focus on sours and fruity beers
beer.)
staple consistently ranks high on lists of
like their Peach Guava American wild ale.
Saucy Brew Works
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Noble Beast | B U B BA S Q D I N I N G. C O M 8 2 0 C E N T E R R D • AV O N , O H
Photo Courtesy Noble Beast
The menu is designed around the famous New
If you love railroads and trains and you love
Haven, Connecticut style pizza.
beer, there’s no better brewery around. Beer comes out of old railroad spikes and their two
Sibling Revelry Brewery
signature beers, the Red Caboose amber ale
29305 Clemens Rd., Westlake
and the Coal Train stout, are worth the ride.
Two sets of brothers, who are also cousins
Stephen Webster
David Yurman
with each other, and their fathers, decided to
Platform Beer Co.
open a brewery in Westlake in 2016, which just
3506 Vega Ave., Cleveland
is so quintessential Cleveland. While this place
The Ohio City-based brewery owned by Justin
is fun to eat and drink at all year round, the
Carson and Paul Benner debuted with a wee
patio in the summer, being dog-friendly, with
3-barrel system in the summer of 2014. Six
live music, corn hole, food trucks and more,
months later the team upgraded to its current
is a huge draw here. And their summertime
10-barrel system, supported by a battery of
beers are perfect for the occasion, like their
new 15-barrel fermentation and conditioning
Lavender Wit, a Belgian-style white ale, and
tanks. It’s a microbrewery that feels like a bar
their Tangelo Fruit Haze, a tasty hazy fruit IPA
you just want to chill at for hours.
that blends grapefruit and tangerine. Noble Beast
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Rocky River Brewing Company
1470 Lakeside Ave. East, Cleveland
21290 Center Ridge Rd., Rocky River
In a quieter part on the city on the edge of
Established in 1998 as a premier brewpub and
Downtown sits Noble Beast, one of our favorite
restaurant, Rocky River Brewing Company was
breweries in town. Their Imperial Cookies
founded on creating world-class handcrafted
and Milk Stout is a real standout, as is their
beers, an award-winning menu, and a great
Catchweight Kolsch. The Corndogs, long the
dining experience. Over the past 10 years,
greasy fair staple-on-a-stick, get such an
Rocky River Brewing Company has won more
upgrade at Noble Beast Brewing that they
than a dozen national and international
almost have nothing in common with the
medals for its beers and numerous Silver
classic, apart from the skewer.
Spoon awards for its food. Working Class Brewery
24 S C E N E C I T Y G U I D E 2 0 19
Railroad Brewing Company
17448 Lorain Ave., Cleveland
1010 Center Rd., Avon
This brewery and taproom, located in Kamm’s
lasses are sexy. Masthead Brewing Company |
Photo by Doug Trattner
Corner, deďŹ nitely lives up to its name by
An Ohio Beef Burger and fresh baked pretzel
catering to the working class. Wednesday is
goes great with any of their beers.
Over 70 Years Downtown Cleveland >r^l >qZfbg^] Â? FZkd =Zobl% H=
a great night to visit if you’re in to trivia. And while we’d recommend getting a ight of beer
The Jolly Scholar
at most breweries, this one is really the place
11111 Euclid Ave., Cleveland
to do it so you can sample a myriad of their
Located on the Case Western campus and run
delicious brews, which are mostly named after
by it’s students, this brewery has really grown
blue collar professions.
in popularity recently. The kitchen is mainly
800 Huron Road, Downtown Cleveland s WWW JEROLDOPTICAL COM
a la carte, but on Sundays, they have all you Nano Brew
can eat boneless wings and french fries for
1859 West 25th St., Cleveland
just $9.95.
In 2013, Thrillist named this local brewery’s burger as one of the best 33 burgers in
Fat Head’s
America. If that’s not enough of a reason to hit
Multiple Locations
up this microbrewery, pair one of Nano Brew’s
In addition to their brewpubs in Canton and
award-winning burgers (or sliders) with any of
North Olmsted, the brewery recently opened
their 24 draft beers — they’ve got you covered
a 75,000 square foot space in Middleburgh
until 2:30 a.m.
Heights that is sure to blow your socks off. 20 taps dispense award-winning Fat Head’s
Masthead Brewing Company
creations like Head Hunter IPA, Bumble Berry
1261 Superior Ave., Cleveland
Blueberry Ale, Sunshine Daydream Session
If it’s true (please let it be true) that man
Ale and Goggle Fogger Hefeweizen along with
can survive on a diet of just pizza and beer,
pub-specials from a smaller R&D brewhouse
then Masthead Brewing Co. has all the
on site. Another 10 taps are set aside for
requirements necessary to sustain life. But
guest beers, ciders, meads and nonalcoholic
more than that, this two-year-old brewery
beverages like root beer.
has injected a much-needed jolt of life into an area of downtown Cleveland that desperately
Collision Bend Brewing Company
needed it.
1250 Old River Rd., Cleveland
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Zack Bruell’s brewpub in the East Bank of the Market Garden Brewery
Flats was recently named the best brewpub in the
1947 West 25th St., Cleveland
country, according to USA Today’s 10Best Readers’
This Ohio City brewery, one of the most
Choice Awards. The combination of the exquisite
popular microbreweries in town, is another
views, the locally sourced menu and home brewed
great spot to enjoy a cold, locally brewed beer.
beers all contributed to that lofty ranking.
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S C E N E C I T Y G U I D E 2 0 19 25
Butcher and Brewer |
Photo by Emanuel Wallace
Butcher and the Brewer
little brewpub dishes up a big assortment
2043 East Fourth St., Cleveland
of smoked and barbecued meats, along with
This East Fourth spot, known for their
homemade soups, salads, sandwiches, and
brewpub and their butcher shop, has been
entrées. Pulled pork is a particular fave —
a popular spot since opening in 2014. Their
for a change of pace, try it in the barbecued
meats, which are aged and cured in-house
spaghetti! There’s also a rotating selection of
are fantastic and their house smoked corn
24 beers on tap.
dogs coated in buttermilk batter are another standout. And their Stop-Hop-Kaboom IPA is
Boss Dog Brewing Company
one of the best IPAs in town.
2179 Lee Rd., Cleveland Heights After a few year vacancy left by beloved
BRIM Kitchen and Brewery
Lemon Grass, Boss Dog took over the space
3941 Erie St., Willoughby
and opened to much fanfare in late 2017. The
It took owners TJ Reagan and Chris Frate two
microbrewery is the standout but the food
years and more than a few wheelbarrows
isn’t far behind. Try some standouts like the
of cash to open BRIM, a stunning white-
candied bacon pizza, chicken fried duck and
brick-and-glass structure that looks like a
the potato pancake chicken salad sandwich.
refurbished warehouse on the edge of town. But all that planning led to this being the
Bookhouse Brewing
brewery that may boast the best food out
1526 West 25th St., Cleveland
of all of them. And the brews are very good
Differentiating itself from both the rough
as well.
and ready garage-style brewhouse and the cavernous factory-size production facility,
Brick and Barrel Brewing
Bookhouse is delightfully cozy, with fine
1844 Columbus Rd., Cleveland
carpentry softening exposed brick walls, tile
This brewery fits perfectly into the low-
floors and tin ceilings. Bookshelves line the
key vibe of the Columbus Road Peninsula
walls, lending a snug reading room vibe to the
neighborhood of the West Bank of the Flats.
100-seat space.
The interior feels like your neighbor’s really cool garage and the beers are really fantastic,
Avon Brewing Company
especially the Noble Saison, which is blended
37040 Detroit Rd., Avon
with Riesling wine. This is the perfect spot
This Avon brewery has grown from a relatively
before heading to a show at Nautica (or
small operation to one with close to 20 beers
whatever the hell it’s called these days.)
on tap. The Verde Gold ale, infused with Hatch Valley New Mexican Green Chilies, the
26 S C E N E C I T Y G U I D E 2 0 19
Brew Kettle
barrel-aged Black Widow imperial IPA, and
8377 Pearl Rd., Strongsville
the Blueberry Beauregarde are some of our
Casual, inexpensive, and family-friendly, this
favorites.
S C E N E C I T Y G U I D E 2 0 19 27
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10 Park Ave. Suite 112, Beachwood, OH 44122 216-230-2722 • condadotacos.com
HAPPY, HAPPY
Deagans Photo by Emanuel Wallace
H
appy hour, when it comes down to
Happy hour (Tuesday through Friday from 4
gourmet Italian food and wine to create truly
it, is really an excuse. An excuse for
to 7 p.m.) means discounted drinks at this
memorable nights. Their attention to detail
a pitstop between obligations, an
Lakewood favorite, but it also means nuts
and flavors runs deep into the happy hour
excuse to refresh and regroup, an excuse to
with brown sugar, rosemary and cayenne
menu, served Monday through Friday from 5
grab something tasty for less than it’ll cost
($3.50), buttermilk fried chicken skins ($3),
to 7 p.m. and Sundays from 5 to 9 p.m., when
you in just a few hours. And in many ways,
and spicy olives ($2.50). There are the damn
you’ll find eight small plates priced at $6.
the destination doesn’t matter. As long as
snacks.
Among the choices, cavatelli alla Bolognese with slow-roasted wild boar, veal and duck;
there are good people, cheap beer and some snacks, you’ll be just fine. So we’ll save you a complete rundown of Cleveland’s hundreds of
Judd’s City Tavern | 10323 Madison Ave. Few places have embraced the concept
carpaccio di salmon with thinly sliced raw salmon, capers and lemons; penne alla vodka
happy hour options and instead present you
of reverse happy hour with such immediate
with Italian fennel sausage; and formaggio
with just a few of our favorites that run the
fervor and dedication as Judd’s, which
ravioli with a champagne cream sauce.
gamut from early to late, from food-centric
opened last year in the Cudell neighborhood.
Assorted beers are just $3.
to budget beers, and from east to west in this
It’s a new bar with an old feel thanks to
thirsty city.
360-degree nostalgia created with vintage signs, gas pumps and assorted memorabilia.
Deagan’s Kitchen | 14810 Detroit Ave.
Blue Point Grille | 700 West Saint Claire Ave. This Warehouse District mainstay offers
And their “prime time” happy hour is built
one of downtown’s more decadent and
Where the damn snacks at? Happy hour
for when most of us actually go out: 8 to 11
rewarding happy hours on Sundays from 4 to
beverages, we should know by now, are best
p.m., when you can find $1.50 cans of Blatz,
8 p.m. and Monday through Friday from 3 to
enjoyed with something salty and delicious.
Hamm’s, Iron City and other tasty treats.
6 p.m. Grab six oysters for $8 and pair them with one of Blue Point’s $7 cocktail specials.
Bar nuts are called bar nuts for a reason. Sometimes we don’t want a giant burger or a pound of fries. Sometimes — almost
As long as there are good people, cheap beer and some snacks, `V\»SS IL Q\Z[ ÄUL
Luca | 2100 Superior Viaduct Since the summer of 2013, Luca Italian
XYZ the Tavern | 6419 Detroit Ave. When you’re in need of a simple, quick
always, in fact — we just want something
Cuisine has been attracting lovers of fine
small to nibble on whilst we sip on a brew
food and atmosphere to the Superior Viaduct,
one-two punch of a beer and a slice of pizza,
or two. Bless Deagan’s for recognizing that.
where magical skyline views combine with
XYZ is there for you. During happy hour from
S C E N E C I T Y G U I D E 2 0 19 29
Photo by Emanuel Wallace
4 to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, the Detroit-
colder months deliver a beehive of activity in
Shoreway neighborhood tavern makes it easy
the dining areas inside the house. No matter
and cheap, with a beer and a slice special for
the time of the year, Felice draws crowds for
just $5.
its wonderful cocktails and Mediterraneantinged menu, the small plates portion of which
Edwins |13101 Shaker Square By now you’re probably familiar with the origins and mission of Edwins, Brandon
is priced between $5 and $7 for its reverse happy hour on Friday and Saturday nights from 9 until close.
Chrostowski’s Parisian bistro and training facility at Shaker Square that helps ex-cons learn, work and advance in the culinary field.
Pier W | 12700 Lake Ave., Lakewood What you might think of exclusively as a
And by now you also probably know that the
special occasion destination is actually also
execution matches the mission here, where
home to one of the best happy hour deals
the food shines and the service is impeccable.
in Cleveland. Prices are slashed on the bar
Happy hour (Monday through Saturday, 4 to
menu from top to bottom, and usually by half.
6:30 p.m.) at a fine French bistro? Absolutely.
Short rib pierogies? $7. Salmon burger? $7.50.
Escargots de Bourgogne (Burgundy snails with
Blue cod sandwich? $7.75. Lobster bisque? $6.
fennel, garlic and butter) run just $7, truffled
It goes on from there, but you’ve probably
cauliflower gratin $8, Kroenenbourg 1664 $4,
already hopped in the car to head there, so
and so on.
we’ll move on.
Parallax | 2179 West 11th St.
Luxe | 6605 Detroit Ave.
Zack Bruell’s Tremont restaurant is almost
Gordon Square looks a helluva lot
20 years old but feels like it hasn’t aged a day.
different than it did 10 years ago, and
The sleek modern space proves the perfect
Luxe has played a significant role in that
setting for the chef’s Asian-French menu, and
transformation. Since it opened in May of
the perfect setting for a late-night special.
2008, it’s delivered big flavors on small plates,
Grab a seat at the bar on Friday or Saturday
drawing a diverse and enthusiastic crowd to
between 10 p.m. and midnight and score
the two-room interior and expansive patio,
half-price sushi. And if weekdays are more
a summertime favorite in the neighborhood.
your speed, find half-price bottles of wine on
Happy hour (Monday through Friday, 5 to 7
Wednesdays.
p.m.) brings seven pizza options at $10 apiece, including pork and goat meatballs, tasso
Felice Urban Cafe | 12502 Larchmere Blvd. Set in a charming turn-of-the-century
30 S C E N E C I T Y G U I D E 2 0 19
pork, and a fresh herb pie. Six small plates ($6 each) include fried Brussels sprouts,
Craftsman-style home, this unique and eclectic
salmon rillettes and local heirloom tomatoes.
eatery has become one of the most beloved
Pair one or more of those with a potent
spots in Larchmere. Summers bring a patio
$5.50 cocktail and you’ve got a recipe for the
and carriage house filled with diners, while
perfect evening.
S C E N E C I T Y G U I D E 2 0 19 31
FESTIVAL CITY
Dyngus Day Photo by Emanuel Wallace
FEBRUARY
Centered in AsiaTown, the festival
For four days in May, everything’s Greek
Brite Winter Festival (Mid to late February)
offers food, music, arts and more,
to us as this party celebrates its 49th
Free music, festivities and more in the Flats.
all honoring the city’s strong Asian
anniversary. TremontGreekFest.com.
2020 will mark the 11th annual outdoor music
population. ClevelandAsianFestival.org. Taste of Summer (5/24-5/26)
fest. BriteWinter.com.
MARCH
8th Annual
Enjoy the sights and sounds of the Cuyahoga
Downtown Willoughby Rib Burn Off
River on the east bank of the Flats with
St. Patrick’s Day Parade (3/17)
(5/18-5/19)
Scene’s annual food and drink celebration of
Everyone’s Irish for the day. Sing, drink,
Get out to downtown Willoughby for two days
summer. SceneTasteofSummer.com.
eat, dance and generally have fun with a
of family friendly entertainment, live music
downtown parade.
and all the ribs and beer you can handle.
Rockin’ on the River (May through August)
DTWRibBurnOff.com.
At Black River Landing in Lorain,
Cleveland International Film Festival
a summerlong series of weekend
(3/27-4/7)
Rite-Aid Cleveland Marathon (5/19)
concerts for bargain prices with great
For more than four decades, Cleveland
Whether you run or not, the marathon
views. RockinOnTheRiver.com.
screens the best and brightest on the festival
is a jaunt through Cleveland’s
circuit. ClevelandFilm.org.
neighborhoods that feeds off the fans and
APRIL
residents. ClevelandMarathon.com.
JUNE
Pride in the CLE (6/1) The LGBT Community Center of Greater
Dyngus Day (4/22)
Berea National Rib Cook-Off (5/24-5/27)
Cleveland hosts the fourth annual march
Celebrate all things Polish through
Down at the Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds,
and festival starting at Public Square.
Detroit-Shoreway, Tremont and Ohio City.
get more pork than you could possibly
LGBTCleveland.org/pride-in-the-cle
ClevelandDyngus.com.
dream of as you celebrate Memorial Day
MAY
Cleveland Asian Festival (5/18-5/19)
weekend. BereaRib.com.
Hessler Street Fair (6/1–6/2)) One of Cleveland’s most historic streets
Tremont Greek Fest (5/24-5/27)
32 S C E N E C I T Y G U I D E 2 0 19
celebrates its cultural heritage and
Cleveland loves a festival, or any excuse to get together in sizable numbers for food and drink, which means that no matter the month, there’s some sort of unique celebration happening around town.
Manicures/Pedicures Hair & Makeup Massages
Summer Solstice |
Photo by Emanuel Wallace
talent with the city in this, its 50th annual
Bringing a weekly mix of food, concerts,
gathering. HesslerStreetFair.org.
and family fun to University Circle, it’s a
Facials Body Wraps Eucalyptus Steam Room
Located on the 3rd Floor Cleveland Marriott Downtown at Key Tower 216.302.7426 | trilogycle.com
beautiful mid-week escape for Northeast Ohio. Avon Heritage Duct Tape Festival (6/13-6/15) What can duct tape do? What can’t it do,
UniversityCircle.org.
JULY
is the better question. With crafts, family
Cleveland Irish Cultural Festival (7/19-7/21)
entertainment, exhibits, food and more,
The Irish party heads south to the fairgrounds
enjoy al that is duct tape for three days every
for this annual celebration of all things
summer. DuctTapeFestival.com.
Irish. ClevelandIrish.org.
Summer Solstice Party (Late June, TBD)
Scene’s Ale Fest (7/27)
The Cleveland Museum of Art is the place to
The best party in Tremont returns again for
be for the annual solstice celebration, which
a full day of outdoor drinking and music in
features an evening of music, performances,
Lincoln Park. Clevescene.com.
art, food and drink. ClevelandArt.org. Taste of Tremont (Mid July, TBD) Tri-C Jazzfest (6/27–6/29)
July is Tremont month, and the neighborhood’s
Legends and newcomers grace Playhouse
eclectic restaurants are showcased at this
Square with all things jazz in one of the most
annual favorite that packs crowds up and
well respected concert series around, which
down Professor Avenue.
just so happens to be celebrating its 40th
TasteofTremont.com.
anniversary this year. TriC.edu/Jazzfest. Waterloo Arts Festival (6/29)
AUGUST
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330.333.4084 [Conveniently located downtown in the 5th Street Arcades]
A New Unique Boutique Concept, Offering Chic Women’s Apparel & Eyelash Extension Services.
Cuyahoga County Fair (8/6-8/11)
There’s no better time to head over to the
It’s the county fair and the county fairgrounds,
home of the Beachland Ballroom and a
and there’s nothing wrong with that. Animals,
neighborhood filled with art galleries and
food, fried stuff, beer and more. CuyFair.com.
shops. WaterlooArts.org/Fest SPARX City Hop (8/17) Wade Oval Wednesdays
Cleveland’s blessed with a host of
(Mid June through August)
neighborhoods boasting countless art
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S C E N E C I T Y G U I D E 2 0 19 33
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Taste Of Summer |
Photo by Emanuel Wallace
galleries and artists. This is your chance
Collaborative. IngenuityCleveland.com.
to see them all with free shuttles between stops. DowntownCleveland.com.
Woollybear Festival (Late September) Dick Goddard, woollybears, hometown love,
Burning River Festival (Mid August, TBD)
what can be better than that?
Great Lakes Brewing Co. helps entertain
VermillionChamber.net.
revelers while everyone learns a bit more about the environment over two days down at
Accidental Comedy Fest
the historic Coast Guard station surrounded
(Late September, TBD)
by the lake and lively music.
Accidental Comedy brings the best local
BurningRiverFest.org.
and national comics to Hilarities for a weekend of stellar laughs and good company.
Cleveland National Air Show (8/31-9/2) The air show and all its majesty and wonder return to the shores of Lake Erie for high flying
AccidentalComedy.com.
OCTOBER
fun over Labor Day weekend.
Cleveland Beer Week (Mid October, TBD)
ClevelandAirShow.com.
We like to drink. We really like to drink. This
SEPTEMBER
week-plus long event, brewers from around the country visit Cleveland for special pours
Chalk Festival (Mid September, TBD)
and Clevelanders enjoy their bars in a whole
This two-day celebration showcases the
new light. ClevelandBeerWeek.org.
colorful creativity of the community as artists and attendees create blacktop canvases. ClevelandArt.org.
NOVEMBER Winterfest (TBD)
The tree-lighting ceremony, horse carriage
34 S C E N E C I T Y G U I D E 2 0 19
IngenuityFest (9/27-9/29)
rides, family fun, snow, Christmas lights and
Science, design, art, comedy, technology,
free music await you as Cleveland kicks off the
people: They all come together at this stellar
holiday season in Public Square.
annual event, taking place at the Hamilton
DowntownCleveland.com.
YOUR WEEK, PLANNED
Third Fridays Photo by Emanuel Wallace
O
Lounge & Tiki Room
pen your door and pick a direction:
hosts $5 Movie Mondays, where film fans
You’ll find something wonderful or
can catch up on the latest Hollywood
bizarre or stimulating anywhere
flicks for significantly reduced prices.
diversion, there’s no better spot than
you look. You’ll probably also find a drunk
Participating theaters include Capitol
Porco (2527 West 25th St., Cleveland) to
guy taking a leak behind that dumpster
Theatre, Cedar Lee Theatre, Chagrin
feel like you’ve been transported from your
over there. But the fact remains that you
Cinemas, and Tower City Cinemas
daily grind and into a tropical paradise.
could do something different each night if you wanted to in Cleveland, and it turns out there is, in fact, a special event for every twisted interest no matter the day. Some
TUESDAY Vinyl Night
Jukebox owner Alex Budin has
If happy hour is meant to be a relaxing
Wednesdays are yacht rock night at this Polynesian oasis, with a raw bar stocked with oysters to go along with your potent, colorful cocktails and $8 daiquiri specials.
of our favorites are below. Consider it the
described his 1,350-square-foot
Bring an appetite, and your own Hawaiian
only calendar you never need to flip.
music-focused bar in the Hingetown
shirt.
SUNDAY
Beachland Brunch Start your Sunday funday right with
neighborhood as “a place where people can expect to hear and learn about music of multiple genres, all of which is concentrated in a constantly evolving
THURSDAY
Little Lou’s Karaoke at Tina’s Nite Club Tucked in and among the pointed
brunch at the legendary eastside club
jukebox.” The club hosts a vinyl night every
homes of the Detroit-Shoreway
from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with scratch made
Tuesday that serves as a listening party
neighborhood, Tina’s Nite Club is about as
chicken, vegan specials, eggies and the
for new releases, partnering with Loop in
unassuming a joint as you could possibly
Beachland’s famous Bloody Mary, all
Tremont, so patrons can hear a new album
imagine. Inside, a well-worn billiards table
enjoyed alongside some nifty tunes spun
on vinyl. You can bring your own vinyl and
anchors a room accented in tinted lights.
by guest DJs.
spin it too. It all starts at 5 p.m. and most
In one corner, on Wednesday and Thursday
weeks also feature deals on burgers.
nights, Little Lou holds court behind his
MONDAY $5 Flicks
Every Monday, Cleveland Cinemas
WEDNESDAY
Yacht Rock Wednesdays at Porco
But the fact remains that you could do something different each night if you wanted to in Cleveland, and it turns out there is, in fact, a special event for every twisted interest no matter the day.
stereo rig and vast CD collection, making Tina’s a can’t-miss destination for belting out Journey tunes.
S C E N E C I T Y G U I D E 2 0 19 35
ADDRESS (SPSVEHS &ZI LIǽIPH :MPPEKI ONLINE www.MetroParks.cc/Theatre PHONE 440.949.5200 ext. 221
PRESENTED BY FRENCH CREEK THEATRE
MARCH 29 - APRIL 14, 2019 +ȀȄȲȷȚȃ ȷȋȎȀȲȷȚȃ ȷȋ ȸȣ ȷȤȲ ȎȤȲȷȚ 2ȷȋȄȤȇȇȃ ȷȋ ȸȣ
2ȎȃȄș ȐȚ /ȷȃȨȤ -ȨȕȜȷȤȲ 1ȚȀȄșȃ ȐȚ 2ȄȤȲȄ )ȄșȗȃȋȇȄȤ 'ȨȨȗ ȐȚ &ȜȜȷȤ 0Ȥȇȇ 'ȷȃȇȲ ȨȤ ȋȺȇ ȤȨȒȇȜ ȐȚ 1ȨȎȄȃȷ 2ȷȚ &ȜșȨȋȋ )ȄȀȇșȋȇȲ ȐȚ /ȨȷȤȤȷ 2ȷȚ (ȎȜȜȄȤȷȤ
TICKETS:
$10 - $18 440-949-5200 or MetroParks.cc/Theatre
Sanctuary Cleveland |
Photo by Emanuel Wallace
FRIDAY MIX at CMA
One of the greatest parties in the city DOWNTOWN CLEVELAND’S NEW
Best Kept Secret!
floor. Hours are 5 to 9:30 p.m. and admission is free.
transforms into an engaging festival of colors and sounds and good eats. Normally a quiet, contemplative sanctuary, the atrium
• Visit us for lunch, dinner and happy hour!
trucks out front and live music on the first
the city on the first Friday of each month atrium at the Cleveland Museum of Art
• Hand selected wine list, providin the perfect accent to every meal.
tour of the local art scene. Look for food
goes down in one of the coolest rooms in for a themed event. From 5 to 9 p.m., the
• Traditional Italian flavors. Infused with a modern flare.
for every taste and budget, it’s a magical
SATURDAY
Sanctuary Cleveland The first Saturday of every month you
should find yourself in the basement of
@V\»SS ÄUK ZVTL[OPUN ^VUKLYM\S VY IPaHYYL VY Z[PT\SH[PUN HU`^OLYL `V\ SVVR
• Catering Options and private party room are also available
opened in the fall of 2012. It’s a vast space
Touch Supper Club in Ohio City for Sanctuary,
that welcomes visitors by day—offering a
which blends music, fun and a rotating
complementary respite from the museum’s
batch of the best local DJs to keep the party
archives elsewhere—and reels in revelers
bumping into the wee hours of the morning.
monthly for the much-loved MIX at CMA events.
Gumbo Dance Party
Third Fridays at the 78th Street Studios
dance parties in Cleveland goes down at
More than 50 studios and galleries
B-Side on Coventry with DJs, a live horn
Every second Saturday one of the best 1852 EAST 6TH ST C L E V E L A N D, O H 4 4 1 1 4
36 S C E N E C I T Y G U I D E 2 0 19
216.716.8900 muranocleveland.com
participate in this popular indoor art walk
section and themed sets from 9 to 2 a.m. It’ll
on the third Friday of every month. With new
cost ya $10, but it’s the best $10 you’ll spend
exhibitions every month and a piece of art
all week.
THE GREAT CLEVELAND OUTDOORS
Edgewater Park Photo courtesy the Metroparks
B
efore you stuff your belly with food
expanse of lush Lake Erie beach life just 45
host of other canoe rental ventures offer
and booze, and before or after you’ve
minutes or so from downtown Cleveland.
similar trips. You can’t go wrong with any
taken in all the cultural sights and
Grab a towel, pack a cooler, grab a book, and
of them. Check out mohicanadventures.com
sounds of the city, make some time to get
while away the weekend hours enjoying the
for more.
outdoors in Cleveland. There are many good
sweet, sweet rays. Put-In-Bay
reasons for that, Lake Erie being just one of them.
Cabrewing There’s simply no better way to tan
Hit the Beach
The Lake Erie islands are an integral part of summers in Northern Ohio. They sit,
and get drunk at the same time than lazily
timeless, awaiting tourists from around the
The beach? In Cleveland? Damn straight.
canoeing down a river. For the low price
region as school years come to a close and
The Metroparks took over Edgewater Beach
of $25, Mohican Park, just a short drive
minds turn invariably toward vacations.
some years ago and it is now like a mystical
from Cleveland, offers a 7-mile canoe trip
They are perfect for the rowdiness of those
magical place you wouldn’t expect to find
(estimated at about two hours) for which
darned twentysomethings, and gentle
in Cleveland, let alone mere miles from
you ought to bring a cooler full of cold ones.
enough for the most relaxed family friendly
downtown. It’s clean and secluded and
The canoe trip need not be strenuous. You
sightseeing. The pace of the daytime is easy-
boasts great views of the city and sandy
can row and sip at your own pace. Enjoy the
going, but as the stars come out at night,
accommodations you thought you had to
sunshine and the natural surroundings and
Delaware Avenue is like an MTV-sponsored
get on an airplane to enjoy. If you’re around
experience day-drinking how god intended
spring break (and the bars offer discounts
in the summer, do be sure to check out
you to: on a river in Ohio. If you’re a real
for brides-to-be, who are as ubiquitous here
Edgwater Live, the Park’s weekly Thursdsay
fitness freak or something, or have nothing
as the fake palm trees). All in all though,
night party featuring bands and food trucks.
on the agenda, you can do the 15-miler, a
it’s hard to think of something more fun
Out east, Headlands State Park offers a huge
four-hour trip, which costs only $8 more. A
than rolling around an island on a golf cart
Make some time to get outdoors in Cleveland. There are many good reasons for that, Lake Erie being just one of them.
S C E N E C I T Y G U I D E 2 0 19 37
THE ROCK HALL IS AUDITIONING PASSIONATE MUSIC FANS TO JOIN OUR SUMMER CREW. Apply now and help us welcome fans from around the world to the home of rock & roll. NOW HIRING
enthusiastic and energetic crew members to help deliver a world-class experience in: Box Office • Fan Engagement Guest Services • Membership Museum Store • Security No prior experience needed, just your love of rock & roll!
Visit rockhall.com/careers for more information
Cuyahoga Valley National Park |
Photo from Scene archives
in the summer. Grab a ferry for a day trip
best views in the entire region. A gem and a
from Sandusky or Port Clinton and be back
model of conservation situated between two
by bedtime. Visit putinbay.com for more
industrial cities, the Cuyahoga Valley National
information.
Park, also home to the outdoor concert venue Blossom Music Center, offers a glimpse of just
Kayaking the River There are few better ways to enjoy the
about any natural (and man-made) habitat Ohio has to offer, including marshes, beaver
sights of Cleveland than traveling through
ponds, quarries, caves and even an Indian
its main waterway in a kayak. The mighty
mound. Bald eagles have begun nesting in the
Cuyahoga winds through Northeast Ohio
park as well. And in case you’ve forgotten, and
carrying gigantic ore ships and weekend
many of you have, there’s an actual national
travelers, but it also affords you, the novice
park — one of only 58 in the entire, vast
outdoorsman, the chance to kayak alongside
expanse of America — just a short drive from
them. Whether you’re looking for a quick
wherever you live in Northeast Ohio.
two-mile jaunt or a five-mile marathon down the river (which is very much clean these days, thank you very much), there’s an option
Hike, Bike or Walk the Metroparks Lace up the boots, grab some trail mix
for you. And this adventure isn’t limited to
and hit one of the many Cleveland Metroparks
downtown Cleveland; plenty of routes begin
hiking trails, on both the east and west sides.
and end down south where the Cuyahoga
With hundreds of miles of trails and more
runs its way through the suburbs and toward
than 23,000 acres of land (and growing!),
Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Check out
there’s something new to experience every
Great Lakes Watersports at glwatersports.
weekend. North Chagrin, Mill Stream Run, Big
com for routes and rates.
Creek! With varying levels of difficulty and amazing views at every turn, it’s one of the
The Cuyahoga Valley National Park Just south of Cleveland sits more than 100
38 S C E N E C I T Y G U I D E 2 0 19
region’s crown gems. And if biking is more your thing, the parks offer some 69 miles of
miles of trails among 33,000 acres of nature,
smoothly paved asphalt along the Emerald
diverse plants and wildlife, and some of the
Necklace.
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