From this week's Scene, an article that had me tickled...

 

 

Dear Cleveland: You're so uncool. Just ask the local media.

By Ron Rajecki

Article Published Mar 1, 2006

 

 

Ah, Cleveland. So terminally uncool. Why do you even try? Don't you know you're not New York or Chicago? Don't you know you're just embarrassing yourself?

 

Well, you should. While the local press laments our lethal lack of self-esteem, urging us to Believe in Cleveland, it spends far more ink incessantly reminding us just how uncool we are.

 

Take The Plain Dealer's John S. Long. While comparing Beachwood's Red the Steakhouse with other steak joints, he provides us with this insight: "Its red walls with their lacquered look give it more of a New York feel than the other Cleveland spots."

 

Oooohhh. The all-important New York feel. A treasured discovery, when you're living in a city not cool enough to have its own feel.

 

Just ask the young woman who was quoted in Crain's Cleveland Business after she purchased a Warehouse District condominium. "The Warehouse District has a New York feel to it," she said. Or ask a co-owner of Battuto, who told the Free Times that the restaurant's new facade will -- you guessed it -- "give it more of a New York feel." Maybe we're on to something. Little tiny pieces of Cleveland could pretend to be hip -- or at least give the impression of not being embarrassingly worthless -- if we make them feel like New York.

 

View, a new downtown club, has the right idea. The Free Times' Douglas Trattner informs us that View is "modeled after chi-chi clubs like New York's Lotus and Ghost Bar in Las Vegas." He quotes the owner as saying that climbing the club's staircase will feel "kind of like coming out of a subway in New York."

 

Because when you're paying five bucks for a Bud Light, it's imperative that the place feel like a New York subway.

 

In The Plain Dealer Sunday Magazine, Regina McEnery refers to Moxie as "a spacious Beachwood restaurant whose chic, almost industrial decor seems straight out of New York City's Tribeca."

 

Meanwhile, Tim Piai, writing in The Plain Dealer Friday Magazine, tells us that Flo Café "feels like a cool Airstream trailer that's been retrofitted for New York City." I don't even know what that's supposed to mean.

 

Piai was at it again in an article about posh Cleveland nightspots. He recounts this exchange with "Ben" from Northfield: "After I tell [ben] the East Side might be the closest thing to New York here in Cleveland, he politely disagrees. 'I'm not so sure,' he says. 'I think the East Side's attitude is more like Manhattan, but the best places downtown and in Tremont have the atmosphere.'"

 

As a knuckle-dragging Clevelander, I'm left puzzled by this conversation. But even with a walnut-sized brain, I'm pretty sure the point is to look at ourselves in the mirror and hope to see New York.

 

Even this rag's not immune. Scene's Elaine Cicora tells us that a new sports bar in Wickliffe "will channel a Big Apple vibe, complete with N.Y.C. memorabilia." Wow, a Big Apple vibe! I'm all a-twitter! God forbid that I should drink in a sports bar that channels a Cleveland vibe.

 

Crain's Cleveland Business quotes the owner of a planned lounge on West Sixth Street (that's in the Warehouse District, which, as you may recall, has a "New York feel") as saying he wants to create a "New York-style place."

 

So . . . If we create in Cleveland a New York-style place in an area with a New York feel, are we cool yet?

 

An ad for the Lost City Bistro Bar promises a "NY style nite club atmosphere," while the Rock Bottom Brewery entices us with this cryptic ad: "Happy Hour -- NY Style."

 

Having been to bars in New York City during happy hour, I can give you this insight: People stand around, drink, and try to get laid. Sure, that might sound like a happy hour in Cleveland, but it's obviously much cooler in New York. That's hard to believe, since our happy hours offer the added bonus of secondhand smoke.

 

New York isn't the only city we fall short of. Leave it to Trattner once again to assure us that Tremont's Parallax is too cool to have sprung from Cleveland's overweight loins: "It appeared as if someone had swiped Kosta's and replaced it with a swanky Chicago hotspot."

 

Laura Taxel of Northern Ohio Live concurs that Parallax is too cool for us. "There's even a Saturday night waiting list," she says. "That's more New York City than Cleveland." Absolutely, since we Clevelanders pass out early on Saturdays, after long days of drinking Busch and watching bowling on ESPN2.

 

Still not sure we suck? Amy Starnes will convince you.

 

The Free Times writer says downtown's Constantino's Market "looks like it was air-lifted out of some trendier city and set down here."

 

Did you hear that sneer on here? Ouch.

 

And while we're down, how about somebody kicking us in the balls? This gem, which appeared in The Plain Dealer Friday Magazine, was referring to Cloud 9: "This club is straight outta Los Angeles or New York with its beautiful people, thumping beats, and beautiful mod decor."

 

Beautiful people? In Cleveland? No way. They must be imported. In fact, I am often amazed that Clevelanders even procreate, given our appalling looks.

 

And, finally, who else but the über-cool Trattner, this time writing in The Plain Dealer Friday Magazine, to stick the knife in our ribs? After describing the classy interior of downtown's V Lounge, he calls it "a look befitting a much larger -- and hipper -- metropolitan area."

 

Did you hear that? It's so cool that it doesn't even belong here.

 

Oh, Cleveland. You can keep trying to be cool and hip. You can keep embarrassing yourself. For my part, I'm going home to sulk in the basement. My balls hurt.

I absolutely agree with the article. 

that was a funny litany of quotes. i think (or at least i'd hope) the author was slying poking more fun at the other writer's & owners lack of imaginations in describing their new joints than the ny comparison quotes themselves.

 

funnier thing is: did you know the reverse is also true on occasion? for example, although it moved down the block recently, a fav pub of mine, JEREMYS ALE HOUSE, in the seaport in downtown manhattan, was usually described in the media as cleveland style, ie., large garage like space and blue/white collar clientele.

 

i've heard "cleveland style" out here on a few other occasions too, but not in awhile -- since the flats declined.

 

 

Well I think the article simply asks the question, how many places "befitting New York" or "lifted out of Chicago" have to come here before people can accept the idea that "it happens.. This is something that happens" in Cleveland.  I don't think it's necessarily bad to be or even describe something as "New York" style - maybe it's kind of lazy writing but it gets the point across and saves words.  But the implication that such places don't belong here since they are hip and Cleveland is not, and the overuse of the phrase sends a horrible subliminal message. 

  It's not hard to figure out that Cleveland isn't NYC or even Chicago...but what is!?!?!  I am sick and tired of playing the "bitch" role to other cities.  Cleveland was once a joke, but we are coming back in a strong way.  I look at a few other cities (one being Detroit) that looks at Cleveland and gives us our props for doing good things here...why the F_CK can't WE do the same thing for ourselves?  Instead of having a Chicago or NYC style place...why can't it be a unique, cool, hip, place that is Clevelandesque?  Until the media, bar/club/restaurant owners, and residents themselves quit falling in love with other places...and start loving Cleveland...this crap will never end.

Well, somewhat similar to what MrNYC was saying, I lived in New York for nearly 4 years and I rarely set foot in what would be described, by Cleveland journalists, as a "New York" bar or club.  I went to dive bars, neighborhood bars, warehouse bars.  Some were classy in their own way, but there was much more attention paid to kitch and authentic feel.  No one wants to go to Brooklyn to find a bar that "feels like Manhattan."  And then you have Manhattan, with its Upper East and West (which have their own distinct differences), its Lower East, its East Village and West Village and subsets within each of those as well.  St. Marks vs. Avenue B.  Let's face it, there's no such thing as a "New York feel."  It is lazy writing, as Matches said.  And Cleveland bars have just as much diversity as New York bars.  Most discerning bar-goers know that, so it's funny that these journalists dwell on such phrases and comparisons anyway.  Then again, there was probalby a lot more to each review than just that one line...  I'll be paying more attention in the future, though, I can tell you that much!

matches and jdd

 

yr both right on -- well said!  :clap:  :whip:  :clap:  :whip:  :clap:

 

i wish the local media would pay more attention to places like pickwick and frolic for example. that place is not like ny or anywhere but cleveland. of course there are many other examples too. focus on them being homegrown and unique & avoid the cliche remarks.

 

writers with the baggage of the three stooges i mentioned above and we all know so well would never be able to do that, but maybe there is hope for the ron rajecki's.

 

Cleveland was once a joke, but we are coming back in a strong way.  I look at a few other cities (one being Detroit) that looks at Cleveland and gives us our props for doing good things here...why the F_CK can't WE do the same thing for ourselves? 

 

^detroiters will never give props to clevelanders.

A well done article. He did some good research to get all those quotes. And I always like a media guy who's willing to rag on his own rag.

Actually, to me, it sounds like a media guy who is starving to write something.  Who cares if people say aspects of Cleveland have a New York feal to it etc.  Ussually some entity, being, city etc sets a standard for something.  Just like all the meats that people say, "tastes like chicken".  I don't think the frog leg producers are mad about that.  Simply, NYC, Chicago and certain other cities set the standard for urban living and experiences.  They are the tops in that catagory (I guess that could be a matter of opinion).  This article could have been written with the same title, however a different basis for the reasoning.  Yes, the local media does portray Cleveland in a negatve way, however the comments made in this article are not what I would call an identity crisis.  People know they are in Cleveland and are not trying to pretend they are living somewhere else.  I am sure if they built apartments and condo's along the Cuyahoga River, people would say that it has a Venice feal to it.  Who cares. Sorry, but this article is really stretching it.  It's just strange that a guy is complaining about Cleveland negativity by writing a neagative article. 

  Pope...I have to disagree, I have a few friends that are from Detroit, and they LOVE coming to Cleveland.  They said they wish there was as much to do in downtown Detroit and the nearby neighborhoods as there is to do here.  The nice thing is, everytime they come back, they seem to bring new people with them.  It's those people from Pittsburgh that never give Cleveland props!  LOL

  MGD, I have to agree with you as well.  Maybe because I am at the decrepit age of 36, but I don't find the big fun of spending the big bucks and large crowds of people in the bars in the "city" when I am in NY.  I spend a pretty good amount of time over there, but when I am there, I prefer to spend most of my time in Queens(Woodside).  There are a lot of little local places that aren't nearly as crowded and just as fun.  Funny thing is, the $3 dollar beer in Queens tastes just as good as the $6 beer in the city....strange!  :)

  Pope...I have to disagree, I have a few friends that are from Detroit, and they LOVE coming to Cleveland.  They said they wish there was as much to do in downtown Detroit and the nearby neighborhoods as there is to do here.  The nice thing is, everytime they come back, they seem to bring new people with them.  It's those people from Pittsburgh that never give Cleveland props!  LOL

 

JDD: i'm from detroit, it was a joke

I just think it was hilarious, not negative.

Personally, I think that it is a good article that points out how we need to be Cleveland and not try to be anything else.  Embrace and go with your strengths.

  It's not hard to figure out that Cleveland isn't NYC or even Chicago...but what is!?!?!   I am sick and tired of playing the "bitch" role to other cities.  Cleveland was once a joke, but we are coming back in a strong way.  I look at a few other cities (one being Detroit) that looks at Cleveland and gives us our props for doing good things here...why the F_CK can't WE do the same thing for ourselves?  Instead of having a Chicago or NYC style place...why can't it be a unique, cool, hip, place that is Clevelandesque?  Until the media, bar/club/restaurant owners, and residents themselves quit falling in love with other places...and start loving Cleveland...this crap will never end.

 

AMEN!!

 

When I brought our exective staff to cleveland to discuss a project I'm working on.  They were amazed at how "great" Cleveland is.  My boss even said to me, "Who knew??" 

 

That's the problem right there in a nutshell!

 

Some Observations

Our HQ and Major businesses don't associated themselves with being located in CLEVELAND, whether it be Cleveland proper or a 'burb.  IE..think CNN or Home Depot everyone knows they are in ATL.  How many people know Key Bank, Sherwin-Williams or IMG are HQ's in Clevleand?  and fog goodness sakes, American Greetings -a greeting card company - should have cleveland stamped all over it!!  Businesses should say "CLEVELAND" regardless of their physical location (ie, mayfield hts or North Olmsted).

 

Our Neighborhoods, dont advertise or market themselves locally, nationally or internationally.  How can you know Buckhead in Atlanta, but not Ohio City?  Why do people know Georgetown or Coconut Grove (miami) and not Shaker Square/Larchmere.  Why not come and partake in Cleveland's Little Italy to instead of going to the Italian Market in Philly?  Playhouse Square to anyones theatre district sans NY.  Everyone knows that the gay neighborhood in LA is West LA or Dupont in DC,  does anyone know that Edgewater is the largest gayborhood in Cleveland?  Where is our (cleveland's) historical Black neighborhood?  You know where the Eastern Market (DC) or the French Market (NoLa), do you what makes (Cleveland's) Westside Market so great??  What does the gaslamp or ybor district's/neighborhood's have that make them so unique, that the Flat's doesn't?

 

Our media outlets and leadership is not diverse enough or have not been exposed to the working in other "BIG LEAGUE" cities to know how to make it work here in (metro) Cleveland.  For instance the PD should be collaborating with the City Schools "newspapers" (if the have one or the PD could help start a paper in schools that don't have one) to find out for the area's youth what's hot/hip  AND get a real representation off life in their neighborhoods as well as having enough reporters to truely cover all of clevelands neighborhoods, which raises the interest in the PD, give back to the neighborhoods by raising said neighborhoods profile.

 

We need to support and use "Smart" marketing to change thought patterns about our current infrastructure systems.  We should be advertising the history of the "rapid" (its uniquely Cleveland).  The Red line trains should be ALL RED with cool marketing gimmick's to raise it's "image".  Say a "target" marketing partnership, since they will be entering the Cleveland market soon.  Tshirts, historical maps, the (red line) stations should be tied into the neighborhoods that they service, Red Bus Pass holders,  etc..    Market the CPD...the CFD...  Unify each CDC/Neighborhoods websites so they each have their own unique feel, but are navigated with the same amount of clicks.  Rebrand a slogan for the city - I favor the, "the greatest location in the nation" slogan.  

 

I've said a million times.  We need regional, national and international multilevel MULTI ETHNIC communications, Public Affairs & Marketing campaign. to remind Clevelanders that Cleveland is cool and comfortable in its own skin and not try to emulate another cities "coolness".  Cleveland to me is cool like "pop" not common like "soda"!

 

hah yes exactly!!  i been to bars, shady pizza joints, and on the subway in manhattan, they look much like cleveland.  i dont understand quite what its meant by "new york style" (maybe to cater to suburbanites who have never been to the n-y-c?)

My2cents,

 

Good thoughts! 

I wish everyone in Greater Cleveland would be compelled to read it.  So now every time you read one of those descriptions of places that seem to sneer at Cleveland we can give a collective :roll:

Or at least all Cleveland reporters should read it. They might actually be shamed into avoiding this cliche from here on out. :type:

love this. hope these people realize how silly they sound. what are the "so Cleveland" spots?... Hoopples, Hotz Cafe , WS market, to name a very view.  Call me crazy but much cooler and different than most of Manhattan (which I do love too!!)

As a Detroiter there are alot of things in that article that I can relate to. Their are some distircts in Downtown Detroit that make me feel sometimes like I am in a "big city" and not in Detroit. For example the financial district down Griswold Street reminds of walking in a city like chicago. Or when im walking through Harmonie Park ( which is my favorite Detroit neighborhood) I feel like im not in Detroit and in a unique "big city" neighborhood. Now that is not to say I dont know that Detroit is a large city but I look at it in terms of a NYC or Chicago feeling. Maybe it is because I am so used to Detroit and what it feels like.

 

Now that is not to say I dont embrace my Detroit side. I LOVE the hardcore urban grit that Detroit is. That hardcore kick ass attitude that can not be duplicated. Midtown, Corktown, and Mexicantown are those style neighborhoods that resemble that Detroit attitude. And I also feel that we are branding that Detroit attitude in our developments. I mean where else can you have a shirt that is popular and it say "Detroit Soul" and "Detroit Rock City" Maybe that is where our two cities differ I think we have found a way to brand a part of Detroit and use it. Though we are behind in terms of development.

These places are "so Cleveland" with "Cleveland" meaning unpretentious but a little funky... and often old as dirt:

 

The Parkview Nite Club, on W. 58th (perhaps the ultimate Cleveland joint)

Happy Dog, on Detroit

Siam Cafe, on St. Clair (a converted fast food joint with some of the best Chinese food in town!)

The dearly departed Ruthie & Moe's

Hot Sauce Williams

Heck's Cafe

Snickers

Nate's Deli

any place in Tremont

 

I could go on...! :type:

It seems (from an outside perspective in another major Ohio city) that Clevelanders will probably internally "beef" with their city (like every Midwest city, including Chicago) but when people "talk shit" about it outside of it, they will be the FIRST to "step up" and represent Cleveland.  I find Clevelanders in Columbus are very proud of their city and talk it up (almost to an exaggeration, but most cities do that as well).  So I don't see an outside of issue's "self-esteem" in general.

 

Though I must say, on this forum (hell, even other urban forums), I've never seen a city with so many "Positive" "Believe" "Identity" and such words tossed around for a city as much as Cleveland.  So I'm pretty sure there is enough positive vibe coming from the citizens of that area.  Hell, the title "Northeast Ohio" alone tells me how proud they are of their city-region.

the feeling you're in Cleveland, eateries/reastaurant's/bars that define Cleveland in its own ways:

 

Tremont: Prosperity's + Lava Lounge

Ohio City: Johnny Mango's

Detroit Shoreway/OC: Parkview (i second what blinker12 said)

Lakefront: Hornblower's

Downtown: Teahouse Noodles (this is Nu-Asian defined and nothing compares!), Rascal House Pizza ('Cleveland greasy pizza' house that plays 60's oldies...)

It seems (from an outside perspective in another major Ohio city) that Clevelanders will probably internally "beef" with their city (like every Midwest city, including Chicago) but when people "talk shit" about it outside of it, they will be the FIRST to "step up" and represent Cleveland.

 

Bingo. At the office, one of my co-workers is a Cleveland-hater (he's a native who says he's still here only because his wife likes the area). We were bitching about a few things about Cleveland when our new photographer (from Michigan) chimed in and started Cleveland bashing. I (and the Cleveland-hater) immediately began defending the city and explaining why we do certain things.

 

I turned that on the Cleveland-hater. I told him "you talk about Cleveland like it's the little brother you love to pick on. But when someone else picks on him, it's time to throw down."

Not a bad article, but I'm not inclined to let Scene off the hook for it's "we're too hip for this town" attitude anytime soon.  It's still a rag.  Read it for the entertainment reviews, not the news/op-eds.

The Cleveland spot I never miss when I come into town, Steve's Lunch.

 

(usually at 3am)

Let's not forget Great Lakes, Big Fun (Cleveland Heights counts to me in this conversation), Presti's, My Friend's, Chelsea's Vintage, Eddie Sand's Blue LIne (Shaker too) the West Side Market, and all the little delis around town that you can still walk into, sit at the counter, and order a grilled cheese sandwich with fries and a pickle for something like $3.  I could go on, but I'll give some other folks a chance!

Speaking of "NY style", I'm guessing you Clevelanders have had to put up with some of those "NY style" lofts/condos too. That trend seems to have faded here, but I won't be surprised to see some more of that kind of advertising.

all of these places are awesome should go in an insiders guide to Cleveland. My little secret is Nicks on 41st Block or Lorain...2.75 breakfast special (3 eggs, 3 meat, hashbrowns, toast) awesome service and coffee. Regarding Steve Lunch-Love it! One time I went there after a theme party . My husband I where dressed as AL and peg bundy (the items needed to create this look were from Unique thrift, another "so Cleveland" institution). me in leopard shirt over negligee and stretch capri pants, plastic jewelry, with high heels and a big red wig , Al in cheap 80's highwater slacks, short sleeved button down shirt and big red tie, hand in pants. We walked into Steve's for dogs at 1 am and for the first time no one took a double take at us.  Fabulous! Steve's and all the great cleveland people there are the best.

Us Clevelander's have our own way to shop - everyone knows we got it good at MARC'S !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Marc's makes the discount/variety shopping in other big cities look like a squandering joke, as nothing compares to Marc's, and I mean NOTHING! I remember whenever I'm in Chicago/NYC trying to find random things in the large variety storees that are spread all over the city that none ever have nearly as good of a selection as Marc's. And pricing.. Marc's sells their stuff for cheaper than the street vendors in Chinatown probably pay to get their stuff in the first place, let alone re-sell it. It's like, "Come to Cleveland if you want a real discount store..."

 

That's an example of something that Cleveland has that other cities don't, and probably never will.

Is the 49er in Slavic Village still around?  That place was a favorite for cheap, authentic diner grub after the swing dances I used to go to at the Bohemian Hall.  A great place for excellent, super cheap Vietnamese food is Minh Ahn (sp?) on Detroit somewhere around the Detroit Shoreway area.

  Absolutely the 49'er is still around!  It is right next door to Fire Station 13 on the corner of Broadway and Pershing.  The ultimate of greasy spoons in the Slavic Village area....all the grease and smoke yu would ever want!.....but damn that is good hang over food!

Though I must say, on this forum (hell, even other urban forums), I've never seen a city with so many "Positive" "Believe" "Identity" and such words tossed around for a city as much as Cleveland.  So I'm pretty sure there is enough positive vibe coming from the citizens of that area.  Hell, the title "Northeast Ohio" alone tells me how proud they are of their city-region.

 

ColDayMan's words got me thinking.  Do Clevelanders have more of an emotional relationship with our city than most people?  Not to say that we love our city more than other people in other cities, but we can really get ourselves worked up about it. 

Besides love or hate, we have disappointment, excitement, apprehension, fear, pride.  OK I am an enginerd, not a poet so I aint got a lot of flowery words, but doesn't it seem that we have a more complex relationship with our region than most people?

For better or for worse.

 

 

^I think your assessment is correct.  When I lived in Memphis and Nashville, most people had this "this is the best damn city in the world.  You yankees, who could ever want to live anywhere but here?"  It doesn't matter what part of the south that they are from, small town or big town, their town is the best and don't you even try to say otherwise. 

CLEVELAND,  TU ME MANQUES!!!!

 

Bonjour from Paris everyone!  I know this is like the 2nd time I've posted something but I'm the guy who goes to IIT in Chicago, but grew up in Cleveland, and now studying abroad until end of July in Paris.  This thread is awesome! Esp. the "you talk about Cleveland like it's the little brother you love to pick on. But when someone else picks on him, it's time to throw down." quote!  So true!!!  My family lives in Brunswick, but this past winter break (I was only home for 2 weeks b4 I went to Paris) I found this great cafe in Tremont that I drove to a couple of times.  Also, Big Fun in Cle Hts makes cool unique Cleve tshirts!  tHE "CLEVELAND, You've got to be tough" shirt is awesome!

 

Ahh, anyways, I read this and had to say hi! 

 

I love reading this thread except i dont have a lot of time to sit down all of the time.  My email is [email protected] if anyone wants to chat.  I should load some Europe pics too.

 

A bientot!  J'aime Cleveland and je deteste les chaussettes blanches!

what did white socks ever do to you?

I think perhaps one of the more unusual shops in Cleveland is that "Communist" bookstore off of Conventry in Cleveland Heights.  I have never actually been there, but they always have a table or booth at the CommFest in Columbus.

 

Specialty bookstores are fairly rare outside major cities, and speciality bookstores specializing in Marxism/Leninism/Anarchism are even more unusual.

 

 

 

 

   Absolutely the 49'er is still around!  It is right next door to Fire Station 13 on the corner of Broadway and Pershing.  The ultimate of greasy spoons in the Slavic Village area....all the grease and smoke yu would ever want!.....but damn that is good hang over food!

Glad to hear it!  :clap:  I think I remember they had really good milkshakes too...

I think perhaps one of the more unusual shops in Cleveland is that "Communist" bookstore off of Conventry in Cleveland Heights.  I have never actually been there, but they always have a table or booth at the CommFest in Columbus.

 

Specialty bookstores are fairly rare outside major cities, and speciality bookstores specializing in Marxism/Leninism/Anarchism are even more unusual.

 

i've been in there a handful of times. They have a good collection of original communist propoganda in a variety of languages

by "chaussettes blanches" I was refering to the White Sox...

 

I think the Scene article that began the "Identity Crisis" thread speaks to the cumulative effect of the media on public perception. People get their information from more than one source, and if, over time, a person sees the we're-not-as-good-as-New-York message in several media, then they'll come to believe it, or at least to believe that the media believe it. Taken one at a time, these messages aren't bad, but together, they do add up to a big lack of self esteem. Not that the media should all get together and decide what to publish together, but maybe this article will make reporters think before they write something next time. If a writer means that a place has an URBAN feel, then he/she should say THAT, not that it has a NEW YORK feel. Etc. Cleveland can have cool urban places. The message of the Scene article is that Clevelanders should just embrace the city and love it for what it is. Let others try to be like Cleveland! It takes all kinds of places to make the world what it is. Wouldn't it be boring if every city were alike??

I think perhaps one of the more unusual shops in Cleveland is that "Communist" bookstore off of Conventry in Cleveland Heights.  I have never actually been there, but they always have a table or booth at the CommFest in Columbus.

 

Specialty bookstores are fairly rare outside major cities, and speciality bookstores specializing in Marxism/Leninism/Anarchism are even more unusual.

 

jeff it is an interesting if small place, i had no idea it was still open as so many independents have bitten the dust lately. makes sense tho as the original commie labor party hq for the usa was built in cleveland in 1919. that building is still there too on the westside. 

 

wordess wow, welcome with a bang -- i believe you just solved the problem of how to describe the feel or look of stuff properly for the local professional media. the simple word "urban" is a great term and gets the point across perfectly, i wish they would all use that word instead of the lazy "new york feel" references. secondarily, referencing how uniquely cleveland something is in whatever way is also a good tact for them to take.

 

 

 

 

 

I wonder if the term "urban" is avoided because so often the word has been used in ways that give it negative associations, as in "urban crime" "urban blight" "failing urban schools" "crumbling urban core" and so on.  When most of us hear "urban" we probably think of someplace interesting, diverse, lively and cool.  But I'll bet a lot of non-city dwellers hear the word "urban" and think of someplace dirty, crime-infested and scary.