City of Superheroes

Cleveland is completely overflowing with superheroes.

In recent years, the Avengers had to intervene first as Public Square and Terminal Tower were taken hostage and strangely turned into a German city, and then they pretty much destroyed East 9th St just south of the Rock Hall.  Just this week, Captain America was defeating some nemesis, which really messes up traffic.

Cleveland has become the favorite filming location for latest summer superhero blockbusters, but we still celebrate our hometown hero: Superman, long rumored to be from the planet Krypton, the man of steel is a native Clevelander.

Superman began in 1933 as a daily comic by Joe Schuster and Jerry Siegel, who met in high school in the East Side Glenville Neighborhood. Siegel and Schuster were long denied credit for their creation, but Cleveland has a long memory. You can find out more about our superhero heritage at Carol and  John's Comic book store in the Kamm's Corner neighborhood, and you can even pick up a map of local Superman heritage sites.

Dollar Dog night

So once upon a time, 13 May 2011 to be precise, the Tribe had a Friday night game against the Mariners. The confluence of random discounts, dollar dogs, and general impulsivity resulted in Glenn driving in to Cleveland for a ballgame.

At 24-13, the Tribe was off to a hot start. Fausto Carmona - more or less our ace - took the mound against Doug Fister. In retrospect, you know this was an inauspicious beginning since Fausto turned out not to be Fausto at all, but some guy named Rob who had adopted a false identity.

Because it was a last-minute trip, Glenn had no time to prepare a proper scorecard and ended up using the woefully inadequate ones sold at Gate A. Adding insult to injury (because he finds it morally objectionable to pay $1 on a stadium pencil) Glenn scored the game with a permanent marker. This led to the single most error-ridden scorecard ever recorded.

Seated in the lower reserve among the "Choo Crew" (our right fielder), Jennifer and Glenn watched the Tribe come out to an early lead, 2-1 over Seattle into the 7th. Fausto, or Roberto, then gave up a single, a home run, a double, a walk, and another single... allowing Seattle a 4-2 lead. Tony Sipp pitched the 8th, then came back out for a turbulent 9th inning.

As the Indian's came up to bat, we found ourselves facing off against Seattle's closer, Brandon League. Leadoff man Michael "Dr Smooth" Brantley hit a double. The shortstop, Asdrubal Cabrerra followed with another double, scoring Brantley and bringing the Indians to within 2 runs at 4-2. Choo advanced Cabrerra with a groundout, but it was one down. Carlos Santana, just emerging as a power hitter, came to the plate. He worked League to a full count before hitting a weak grounder that went 4-3 for the out. Two out. The designated hitter came to the plate, the powerful but oft-injured Travis Hafner, or "Pronk" as we called him. The first pitch was fanned by a massive missed swing. Things did not look good. Only the promise of fireworks kept the crowd at ease. But on the next pitch, a baseball miracle occurred, the likes of which we haven't seen again. Pronk crushed the ball to deep center field for a 2-run scoring walk-off home run.

The Cleveland faithful went wild, and amid the random fist-bumps and high-fives by unknown bros, Glenn turned to cheer with his lovely princess. With a big smile, she looked up at him and asked: "Do you want to marry me?" Glenn paused for a beat, laughed and said of course.

As you know by now; to everyone's surprise, she pulled out hardware. Literal hardware, two hose clamps, and put one on his finger. Just to "cover the bases" (yuk yuk) she produced the flat head screwdriver necessary to adjust them to the perfect fit.

Waterloo Village

Waterloo Ave in the Collinwood Neighborhoodis one of Cleveland's latest comeback neighborhoods. Home of the Beachland Ballroom and well served by the arts organization ArtsCollinwood, Waterloo boasts a still growing population of unique boutiques, venues, and restaurants. It may also have the highest concentration of used record stores anywhere in Ohio. For more information and stories, see the freshwater cleveland listings.

Little Italy

Need a cannolli? Go to Little Italy. Great bakeries, boutiques and galleries. Little Italy is a fairly compact neighborhood, so it's a good option for a stroll and a quick tour to explore. In the evenings, it's worth it just for the smells of all the restaurants. On the East Side along Mayfield Road.

Coventry Village

Coventry Village is in Cleveland Heights on the East Side, just up Mayfield Rd. from Little Italy and Case Western Reserve University.

The neighborhood has gone through dozens of identities over the years. Once it was a counter-cultural center, at another time it was where punk rockers came for shows and to buy records. In the end, Coventry ended up one of the most diverse neighborhoods in the city, where, as the Coventry Village website describes it, "The diversity of the neighborhood brings purple-haired punk rockers into contact with elderly Russian immigrants, yuppie families, students from nearby Case Western Reserve University and John Carroll University".

Coventry is a destination for bookstores and restaurants like Tommy's. Phoenix Coffee has a cafe there along with a number of other restaurants.

The Root Cafe

The Root in Lakewood is another fabulous place for coffee, with a special focus on providing fresh, organic and vegetarian options.

Once upon a time the building was an original Phillips Vacuum store, and the owners have gone to great lengths to preserve and restore the unique character and architectural features, ending up with a space with a little of everything. It's a great location to relax and enjoy a scone and some coffee.

In Lakewood at 15118 Detroit Avenue

Gypsy Beans & Baking

Gypsy is a coffee shop in Gordon Square, at the corner of Detroit and W. 65th. Open, well lit space, good place to work or chat. But. The muffins. In fact, all the baked goods. Are. Fabulous. (particularly the muffins.)

Gordon Square

The Gordon Square Arts District around W. 65th and Detroit Ave is one of Cleveland's many success stories about neighborhoods revitalizing and reinventing themselves.

Gordon Square is a cultural center with the Cleveland Public Theatre and the Near West Theater, and has a classic movie house at the Capitol Theatre.

The neighborhood is home to boutiques like Yellowcake and Hausfrau records, some notable restaurants like Spice and Luxe, and excellent bars including XYZ Tavern, Happy Dog, and the Parkview.

Since all known images of our city's founder, Moses Cleavland, show him frowning, Gordon Square also has Sweet Moses, a classic ice-cream parlor sweet enough to make Moses smile. And finally, Gypsy Bean is a great place for coffee and pastry.

Cleveland's Native Cuisine

Clevelanders often debate what best typifies our local cuisine, which is already a good sign because it means there are multiple possibilities.

Two deserve special mention. First, the "HOT" Corned Beef. A sandwich so amazing it requires extraneous punctuation.  In fact, Cleveland really spoils you on corned beef. Any place else just doesn't measure up. Some favorites here include My Friends, a 24 hour diner on the West Side, and the legendary Slyman's Deli.

But the qunitessential Cleveland staple is the Polish Boy. "Cleveland on a Plate". Trek out to the East Side and go to Hot Sauce Williams.

Slyman's

Few things are as truly Cleveland as the "HOT" Corned Beef sandwich. And Slyman's is the go to place. You will wait in line, probably out the door and down the block. You will stand in line and watch the corned beef shaved slice by slice. You will experience hunger pangs watching.

But so very, very worth it. 3106 St Clair Ave

Lizardville

A new addition by the local Winking Lizard chain of pubs. Lizardville focuses entirely on craft beer and whiskey. It's an extensive beer store offering over 600 bottles, plus craft beers on tap. And an incredibly accessible whiskey bar.

Angelo's

Angelo's Pizza in Lakewood is considered by many to be the finest example of true Cleveland-Style pizza - recognized by its characteristics of not quit the paving-brick thickness of Chicago pies, sweeter sauce than NY style, and more provolone in the cheese mix. More importantly, it's just pretty damn good. In Lakewood on the West Side at 13715 Madison Ave.

Lattitude 41°n

Lattitude is a quirky little restaurant in Gordon Square with great breakfast. They make a pancake... thing... hard to describe. Somehow it involves multiple candy bars, but on Sundays it is calorie-free.

Happy Dog

Happy Dog in Gordon Square is another favorite place. Comfortable bar, good music venue, lots of pinball. When the current owners took over this old neighborhood bar, they consulted with some of Cleveland's culinary luminaries and came to the conclusion to get rid of everything on the menu except the hot dogs and tater tots. So you go and get a hot dog. And tots (or fries). They make 50+ toppings in house, every day. You get a list and a pencil: a hot dog is $5, and you can add anything you want so long as it will still fit in a basket.

The results are pretty epic. They have a great trivia night. Once a month members of the Cleveland Orchestra of faculty from the Cleveland Institute of Music come and play a free show of "Classical Revolution." And the place comes alive on the third friday of each month when local musical hero DJ Kishka comes and plays his Polka Happy Hour.

Happy Dog is at 5801 Detroit Ave in Gordon Square.

Lilly Handmade Chocolates

Ok. We love Lilly. Go there. The truffles are amazing, the owners are amazing, pretty much everything is amazing. The chocolate is amazing. The pairings are amazing. The drinking chocolate is like ingesting the warm happiness of liquid autumn with a crisp breeze and the scent of pies cooling. Somehow, descriptions like this make sense when you're there. In Tremont at 761 Starkweather Ave

Aperture: A Photography and Variety Store

Aperture is just a really cool place. A destination for all things “analog” photography. Film. Real film. Real cameras. Specializing in analog instant: yes, Polaroid is back. Neat things, vintage cameras, and a cooler full of film. Across the intersection from Tremont Tap House at 2541 Scranton Rd.

Visible Voice Books

Somehow, visiting the huge mega-box-bookstores in suburbia has become dull. After a few minutes of seeing the books they want me to read, boredom sets in. On the other hand, we have spent hours in Visible Voice Books at 1023 Kenilworth Ave in Tremont. Unique selection of new and used books, also a small wine bar. Includes local interest and local publishers, random magazines, and plenty of surprises. Regular events and readings, and, like everything wonderful in Cleveland, a fabulous patio to sit back and enjoy.

Civilization

Civilization looks out over Tremont's Lincoln Park at at 2366 W. 11th St. Great neighborhood coffeehouse in a 19th century drug store. When the weather is nice, patrons spill out on the sidewalk and chat for hours. Cash only.

Tremont Tap House

Tremont Tap House Gastropub featuring an extensive beer list, great draft list, spacious patio (if you detect a patten there, that's Cleveland...) In Tremont at 2572 Scranton Rd.

Prosperity Social Club

Prosperity Social Club in Tremont at 1109 Starkweather Ave

As comfortable as it is odd. An old social hall that's been a bar since the 30's, with a patio suspended in time and a game room where Jennifer has never been beaten at coin-operated mechanical bowling. “Old World Wednesdays” from 6-9pm featuring everything Slovenian and Polish. Good beer offerings, great food. Board games and a rather eclectic music selection.

The Flying Monkey

Flying Monkey at 819 Jefferson Ave in Tremont. Because sometimes we get tired of Edison's. Frequently one of the finer Cleveland food trucks will be parked outside. Double win.

Velvet Tango Room

“Once, there was a time when people understood the art of cocktails.” So begins the VTR Manifesto. We're not kidding. Flawlessly crafted drinks. Real drinks made by real bartenders who know what they're doing. A place where a martini is gin and dry vermouth. Period. One of the greatest cocktail lounges in the country. Velvet Tango Room is at 2095 Columbus Rd in Tremont.

Barrio Tremont

Barrio is to tacos what Happy Dog is to hot dogs. And yummy. Fill out a scantron-like sheet with your selections and wait for delicious to happen. 800 Literary Rd in Tremont.

Churned

Churned. Artisan ice cream. Yes. Cash only! In Tremont, 1112 Kenilworth Ave




.

Crust

Crust takes two days, from start to finish, to make pizza from scratch. Luckily most of that is already done before you walk in. Seriously good pizza. In Tremont at 1020 Kenilworth Ave, across from Visible Voice Books.

ABC Tavern

ABC Tavern
When hipsters roam free in Ohio City, they flock here because they believe this is a “dive bar”. And the kitchen specialty is shark. Good neighborhood bar, extensive selection of local and national beers, a mezzanine with dart boards, and mechanical bowling. at 1872 West 25th St.

Bar Cento / Bier Markt

Bar Cento: Extensive wine list, impressive menu of rustic Italian dishes. Bier Markt: Belgian beer bar, over 100 Belgian and belgian-style beers. And the shared basement is a speakeasy. 1948 W. 25th St, right across from the West Side Market.

Market Garden Brewery & Distillery

Market Garden is a beer garden right next to the West Side Market. Debate and deliberation continues over their relative contribution to the local craft beer scene, but the patio is pretty awesome.

The Old Angle Tavern.

Old Angle at 1848 W 25th St.

The Old Angle is a reminder of the neighborhood's heritage, when Ohio City was a shady place populated by Irish immigrants with their suspicious imports of Catholic churches and whiskey, the area was known as “the Angle” for its location on a bend in the Cuyahoga river.  (Nearby Whiskey Island was named for the stills built there by the same Irish, and the fact that it is not an island remains a testimony to the potency of their product).

Ohio City Ice Cream

Ohio City Ice Cream is a local favorite at Bridge Ave & 44th. Who knew you could make baklava ice cream? Or that it's so amazing?

Le Petit Triangle

Le Petit Triangle is a charming and delightful french bistro. Located at 1881 Fulton Rd in Ohio City.

Momocho Mod Mex

Momocho at 1835 Fulton Rd. Mod mex. Innovative cuisine in the Bridge & Fulton neighborhood in Ohio City.

BonBon

BonBon at 2549 Lorain Ave

Pastry and cafe, breakfast and brunch served, with a special “Breakfast Happy Hour” serving brunch entreés for $5, Tues-Sat 3pm-8pm

Glass Bubble Project

Glass Bubble Project is close to the Market, right behind Nano Brew at 2421 Bridge Ave.

Glass art and glass blowing studio, “Clevetion Glass” that's diametrically opposed to the fragile Venetian glass: Industrail and clunky, tough and durable, just like Cleveland.

Phnom Pehn

Phnom Pehn at 1929 W 25th St just north of the Market. Highly regarded Cambodian / Vietnamese food.

Heck's Cafe

Heck's - 2927 Bridge Ave Quiet neighborhood cafe, fabulous omelets and burgers. Also quite possibly the smallest bar on the West Side.

The West Side Market

With its origins dating back to 1840 the West Side Market is Cleveland's oldest publicly owned market. This is a staple for locals and a destination for visitors to CLE. Not only will you wander through produce vendors featuring local fare and butchers with the finest cuts, but you can stop at any number of food vendors for a bite to eat before you people watch from the balcony. In the market you can visit

• Steves Gyros | One of the best you'll ever eat. Featured on the Food Network and the Travel Channel
• Noodle Cat | A market version of the down town noodle house. They make cup-o-soup legit.
• Franks Sausage Sandwiches | Sausage on a bun, nuff said.
• Maha's Falafil | They're tucked away, but don't hesitate to venture into this alcove for amazing eats.
• Crepes De Luxe | Crepes...Need I say more?
• All the baked goods....

You can also stop into the Market Cafe for a lazy morning after breakfast or not so morning lunch. Easily overlooked in the crowded culinary scene of Ohio City, this fixture has increasingly joined the farm-to-table and local food movement and improved greatly over the years.

The West Side Market is located at W. 25th and Lorain.

Melt

Grilled sandwiches the size of your face....you may have seen it on Man. Vs. Food. Get a grilled cheese tattoo while you're in town and get 25% off your bill for life!

Melt Bar and Grilled is in Lakewood on the West Side, Cedar & Lee on the Eastside.

Rising Star

Located in a 19th century firehouse across the street from the Transformer Station Art Gallery Rising Star Coffee is a mecca for Cleveland coffee enthusiasts. This shop offers a handful of artfully roasted varieties that can be drip brewed, french pressed, poured over, or (my recommendation) Aeropressed. This isn't a grab and go cup of joe. Venture here with the intention of sitting down and chatting while you enjoy your mug of nirvana.


This is a place with seriously mad brewing skillz. Seriously worth it. Everybody agrees about this.

1455 W 29th St in Ohio City.

Great Lakes Brewing Company

On Market Ave in Ohio City.

Great Lakes Brewing is grandfather of Cleveland's extensive local beer scene and an institution in Ohio City. Plenty of outdoor seating, because Cleveland loves out patios. We usually take people here for a taste of Cleveland: brats, local cheese, Lake Erie walleye and perch, pierogies, and plenty of Stadium Mustard. Locally-sourced foods, which means down the block from one of the largest urban farms in the country.

The bar at the head of the brewpub has been there nearly a century, and once was the favorite watering hole of Eliot Ness, Cleveland's Director of Security, where he undoubtedly raised a few to toast the 21st amendment.

Also unparalleled local beer. Beware of Bessie. Or embrace her, your choice. (The eyes are kind of hypnotic.)

Promised feature in the brewpub: “Truth, Justice, and the American Ale.” Celebrating the well known fact that Superman is, was, and always will be, a Clevelander.

If you're still in town on Friday, join us there before the Indian's game!

Sokolowski's University Inn

1201 University Rd in Tremont.

Sokolowski's is THE destination for all things polish and homestyle. (not to be confused with Stearle's, which is the destination for all things Slovenian and homestyle.) Bus loads of old Polish women, literally, show up here for lunch. Also, hosts the occasional “Pierogi Dance Party.”And, in the odd synchronicity that is all things CLE, this polish mecca is having a tequila tasting in the evening following our wedding.

South Side

South Side
2207 W 11th St  in Tremont.

Gastropub with a great kitchen. The chicken and waffles have been known to bring slow jams on the jukebox.

La Bodega

La Bodega  is “All that and a bag of chips”. Fabulous sandwiches. In fact, over 60 different sandwiches, subs, and salads.

Corner of Tremont and Jefferson in Tremont

Grumpy's Cafe

Grumpy's at 2621 West 14th St in Tremont.

Cajun-influenced diner. Great for breakfast and brunch.

Lolita

Lolita is the original location of Iron Chef Michael Symon's flagship “Lola”.  Duck lard french fries. Seriously, not to be missed. But Cleveland is a place where you should never be afraid of approaching our haute cuisine, nor where good food is reserved for the super rich. Just go straight to the bar for the $5 happy hour menu (5:00pm-6:30pm, 9:30-close on weekdays, 5-6:30 & 10:30-close Fri&Sat).

900 Literary Road in Tremont.

LOOP Tremont

Art + Music + Coffee.

LOOP Tremont is Glenn’s go-to place to get work done. More outlets than chairs. Really good coffee. It’s also a full record store with plenty of new music to discover and used vinyl to paw through. A great place to hear something new. Oh, and art. And a great side patio.

2180 W 11th Street in Tremont.

Cleveland is why we love beer.

Cleveland is a town that knows and loves eating and drinking. Combine central european roots with a growing local food and urban agriculture culture and a up and coming culinary scene, you get great beer. Here's some local breweries to look out for:

• Great Lakes Brewing Company | Yes, have some. GLBC is a destination for beer enthusiasts across the country. They've been celebrated not only for their multi-award winning brews, but also their groundbreaking green initiatives. Check out their brewpub exclusive brews that you can't find in stores. 
• BottleHouse | On the East side, this newest entry into Cleveland's beer scene gives away their spent hops to the growing population of chickens in Cleveland Heights. A great space, with knitting nights on Wednesdays, and a very good selection of bourbons. Also a gallery of pinball machines.
• Market Garden / Nano | Perhaps more a destination than a brewer, though Nano deserves another kudo for showcasing most of the other regional brewers in their extensive tap list.
• Fatheads | “Headhunter” is rightfully recognized as one of the country's best IPAs. 
• Buckeye | We like Buckeye. We like their Lakewood brewpub, the Buckeye Beer Engine. We like their “wildly improbably burger of the month.” Dig into the mac and cheese sticks and order from one of their two dozen tap offerings. 
• Indigo Imp | Small batch brewer prioritizing open fermentation “real ales” 
• Thirsty Dog | Akron based, canine themed.
• Willoughby Brewing | Where Jennifer learned to identify everything that can go wrong in the brewing process. Intentionally, in a beer judging class, no reflection on their product.
• Rocky River | Cozy brewpub on the far west side. 
• Brew Kettle | Figured significantly in our personal history. Apparently driving home from a brewery in Strongsville is not the right time to suggest getting married. White Rajah is fabulous.
• Cellar Rats | Bringing back the classic “Pride of Cleveland” pilsner. 

Flying Fig

http://www.theflyingfig.com/

This tiny but influential restaurant has been a powerful force in the farm-to-table movement in Northeast Ohio and draws on local farms, urban agriculture, and local culinary artisans to present acclaimed and changing menus. In Market Square across from Great Lakes Brewing at 2523 Market Ave.

Town Hall

Brand new, combination of quick service counter/cafe and sit down dining. Focused on providing local, sustainable, organic foods and reinvesting in the neighborhood. Places like this are why Ohio City fights tooth and nail against McDonald's, but that's another story. Promises an extensive magazine rack to encourage lounging.

We haven't been here yet, but it looks promising. Lots of open air from front to back and a patio looking out over downtown.

http://www.townhallohiocity.com
West 25th near Bridge.

The Black Pig

Seasonal, french-inspired menu. But more importantly, a really impressive patio with great views of the flats and downtown. On West 25th near Bridge. \

http://theblackpigcleveland.com/

Bogtrotter's Doorstep

Bogtrotter's Doorstep is right behind and beside the Old Angle Tavern, amazing sandwiches. And you want to order them “wet.” Trust us. The "Chicago Combo" is awe inspiring. Open late.

1848 West 25th Street in Ohio City.

Tremont

Tremont is just a cool neighborhood. Great restaurants, coffee shops, random and unexpected surprises. The neighborhood comes alive for its weekly farmer's markets in the summer, its monthly art walks on Friday nights, and a whole series of summer festivals. The mix of old hard-scrabble neighborhoods built by Eastern European immigrants who worked in the steel mills just down the hill, onion domes and steeples of a dozen Polish, Ukranian, Russian Churches, and a growing younger population of artists and entrepreneurers make this a place full of history and surprises.

Transformer Station

The Transformer Station is a new art space and venue on the West Side and a new expansion of the Cleveland Museum of Art. In Ohio City at 1460 W 29th St.

Nick's Diner

Nick's Diner at is a local breakfast hot spot. Classic diner foods in a hip local package. Super affordable and incredibly tasty. Cleveland thinks Gyro Meat is a breakfast side...Do it.

In Ohio City at 4116 Lorain Ave on the corner of Lorain and Randall.

Ohio City

 Ohio City is the "near west side" neighborhood of Cleveland, and Jennifer's current home. Originally built by Irish settlers, Ohio City is anchored by the West Side Market and at the center of Cleveland's culinary and craft beer scene.

Since we live in Ohio City, and it's close to where many of our guests are staying, most of the suggestions here will be in or near the neighborhood.