A Weekend In Cleveland

CLEVELLANNDDDDDD (said in Lebron James voice always), my favorite city. It might have something to do with the fact that I was born and raised here but that’s neither here nor there. Let’s start by getting this out of the way– Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Science Center. Right on the lake. Go if you’re interested. People will recommend it. I won’t. I mentioned it though, so I’m in the clear. Moving on. This city is on the upswing, for real. It’s not a walkable city, but our little neighborhoods are only a short uber ride away.  This is not a ‘Best of Cleveland’ blog, but a “what I like about my city’ blog. Maybe in the future I’ll break down it down by restaurants, bars or specific sights, but for now we’re rollin this way! OKAY, SO, what do I like to do and what do I recommend? Here we gooooooo.

I’m just gonna tell you right off the bat, if you’re coming to Cleveland, depending on

what time of year, you should look into either a Cavs, Browns, or Indians game. We legit have the best fans AROUND and each and every atmosphere is fun for different reasons.
Let’s start with my favorite, CAVS BASKETBALL. I’m writing this on 12/29/17 and we currently have the best basketball player on the planet on OUR team. He goes by the name Lebron James and he’s a straight killlllaaaaaa (plz see the superfan to da right). Okay, so my recommendation? Buy tickets to the game and grab dinner on East 4th beforehand.  I would say Lola has phenomenal food, but it’s a definitely a more fine-dining type of restaurant, so instead maybe check out Mabel’s for some low key, cool vibe, bomb ass BBQ food. BOTH restaurants are owned by our own Cleveland based Iron Chef, Michael Symon, so you really can’t go wrong!

After dinner, drinks at Butcher and Brewer is a must. I really think it’s the most fun atmosphere to pregame and watch the game. If you’re hungry post game–BARRIO. Best Mexican around and their salsa is second to NONE. It’s a build your own type of place or you can select the pre-made specials. I actually go with the taco bowls and I’m still obsessed. The casino is also in walking distance, so if you’re  trying to buy some time until traffic dies down that’s not a bad option. Even if you don’t gamble, you can always sit at one of the many bars and grab a drink !

Here are two videos of East 4th during the 2016 Cavs Finals. It was the most insane I’ve ever seen the city (until the celebratory parade occurred), like I’m talking complete total bedlam..and well deserved might I add! Happy to say I witnessed history that night, SO AWESOME.

Ugh, the best.
Indians baseball. We’ve gone to the playoffs the last two years so Cleveland baseball has really made our Spring fun and our late October’s exciting.

Pregame spot? Thirsty Parrot has got you covered. It’s primarily an Indian’s bar with a laid back caribbean theme. It has a spacious deck for solid pre games or Sunday fundays and they have a DJ every Friday and Saturday night if you’re looking for a fun post game spot. I heard the bartenders are pretty rad as well ;). While at the game I like to suggest the standing room tickets.

You can get $15 tickets if you buy early enough and it allows you to hangout and mingle at leisure. If you’re coming into town for the weekend, check out the Indian’s website in advance and try and snag some Friday tickets. You’ll be treated to dollar dog night and an amazing post game fireworks display!

BROWNS season. Look, I know we’re not the best and potentially the worst, but we have fun and we act like every game is the freaking Super Bowl. Tailgating is huge in Cleveland and the Muni Lot will be your main spot. Even if the whole drink out of solo cups, wait 30 minutes in line to pee, and freeze your bottom off is not your thing, taking a stroll down the never ending aisles is amusing and entertaining in itself.

It’s a sea of brown and orange and people just showing up for a good time. If you’re still looking to party afterwards, head right on up to West 6th. It’s a street full of bars, some restaurants, and a lot of lost dignities. You’ll most likely end up at Dive Bar or Barley House and you should be guaranteed a good time. If you come to Cleveland and are looking for places to hit up, West 6th is a good nightlife location regardless of sporting events. It has more of a clubby vibe with DJs, deafening loud music, and those light saver things I always manage to become preoccupied with.
So yeah, West 6th is for the clubs, Justin Bieber sightings, and where the Cavs like to party, but if you’re looking for more of a low key but still very trendy and fun setting I’d suggest Ohio City. West 25th is the main drag and it’s filled with restaurants and bars that really speak to the foodie and the beer drinker. I’d say just about all of the restaurants

are good, but Townhall takes the crown. They are known for high quality, non GMO food that caters to just about any type of person/diet/lifestyle–vegan, vegetarian, paleo, carnivores, gluten free, food sensitivies/allergies and so on. The food is easily modified to your liking AND it tastes amazing. It’s honestly a great spot for weekend brunching, weekday meetings, or nightly dinner dates with your friends. It has a homey vibe and is usually decorated according to season. It’s also a hot spot at nighttime along with the other restaurants on the street.

Great Lakes Brewing Company is down the street too and if you’re looking for some great local beer then stop there.  I recommend a beer sampling because you get a variety for a great price and leave with a solid buzz. I mean look at might cousin here, he’s clearly loving life.
Shopping? WSM otherwise known as the West Side Market! A local farmer’s market with some of the most affordable and fresh produce around from local vendors. They have another section that serves meats, pastries, pastas, coffees, oils etc etc. It’s only open S, M, W, F, Sa and it’s best to either go bright and early to beat the crowds or to go at the very end score some even better deals. Bring a bag or a cart because you are guaranteed to shop! Its also conveniently located right next door to the bars/restraurants on 25th :). When you head inside, be sure to grab a crepe ( I prefer sweet over savory–hiii nutella and PB) and then make your way to the balcony to sit and people watch.

Now, if you’re coming to Cleveland in the Summer you have to go to the East Bank of the Flats.

(If you’re on West 6th, walk about 5-10 minutes down the hill and you’re there, hello there hot mess great to see ya. Coming from Ohio City? Order an Uber, look out the window, and enjoy the 7 minute car ride). The Flats is right on the water with great restaurants and bars. You can dock your boats, ride your jet skis or rent some kayaks as pictured to zi left. Overall it caters to your casual drinkers, to your weekend family outings, and to the late night party scene. FWD is a dayclub/nightclub that really makes you feel like you’re in Vegas or somethin’. PunchBowl also just opened their rooftop bar which gives you a nice view of the water and the surrounding bars. We have a few breweries down there, but I’d say Collision Bend has the best view of the water attached to it! I’d recommend Coastal Taco’s patio for drinks and maybe Alley Cat or Collision Bend for a nicer dinner.
Edgewater is another hot spot during the summer. It’s our beach that provides a great spot to layout, a family picnic location, beach volleyball, or a place to get a good workout in. On Thursdays during the Summer they have what they call ‘Edgewater Live’ where live bands will come to perform and food trucks will roll in. Grab some grub, a cold beer from a vendor and park your butt on beach blanket and enjoy the views.

All in all, Cleveland has a lot of apparent and hidden gems. If I had to recommend a specific time frame, I’d say May to October. This city has so many great spots for eating, drinking, sight seeing, and exploring and I’ve only mentioned a few. It’s a place I’ve called home for a very long time and it’s always treated me well. Cleveland is on the rise, and this is a perfect time to come see what all the hype is about.

Until next time,

Lauren.