Long story short, I'm headed to Cleveland to go watch Derrick Thomas put into the Hall of Fame this weekend.....I need things to do.  I've been to Cleveland once before about a decade ago so I doubt I do the R&R HOF again....so not sure what we are going to do.  I will have a day to kill but unfortunately the Indians aren't in town so I can't check out Progressive Field.

 

Honestly my group pretty much travel to eat and drink at new spots so if you can guide your recommendations that way, that would be great...I will be downtown w/o a car.  Love pretty much every type of food, like to see the local favorites of  course....booze wise like a variety....wine bar, lounges, etc.

 

Some of you might remember my username...I used to bump around skyscraperpage.com for awhile....still have the passion for downtown/urban issues, just have lost the time to bump around that site.  Glad to see this site is still up and running strong.

 

Thanks for your recommendations....sites like this and ours in KC are great resources for getting the real deal on our cities.

If you'll be without a car, you'll need this:

http://www.riderta.com/pdf/maps/System_Map_Downtown.pdf

 

OK, here's a partial list of things to do in/near Downtown Cleveland on a Saturday:

 

Love architecture? Stay here (or at least visit it):

http://cleveland.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels/index.jsp

 

Across Euclid Avenue is this food and entertainment mecca:

http://www.east4thstreet.com/

 

OK, so you've done the Rock Hall. Check out some of the other attractions at North Coast Harbor:

http://www.goodtimeiii.com/

http://www.greatscience.com/

http://www.usscod.org/

http://wgmather.nhlink.net/

http://cleveland.diningchannel.com/id100263-hornblower-s-barge---grill.htm

 

West Side Market (a must for foodies!)

http://www.westsidemarket.org/

 

Across West 25th Street from the market in Ohio City is this place -- you'll love the beers and atmosphere here:

http://www.greatlakesbrewing.com/

 

Take the Rapid (sorry, I used local lingo) the Red Line train route to Little Italy. Get off at either University Circle or Euclid/East 120th stations -- unfortunately Little Italy is right between the two stations on the Red Line but well worth the walk, or take the HealthLine from Euclid Avenue at East 115th Street:

http://www.riderta.com/pdf/66.pdf

http://www.riderta.com/pdf/HealthLine.pdf

 

http://www.littleitalycleveland.com/

 

Just west of Little Italy along Euclid Avenue is University Circle. I think you might like visiting the newly renovated and stunning Cleveland Museum of Art (admission is free):

http://www.clemusart.com/

 

And, just to head off My Two Sense, I encourage a visit to Shaker Square, which is easily accessible from downtown on the Green or Blue Rapid transit lines (they run on a shared route between downtown/waterfront and Shaker Square)....

http://www.riderta.com/pdf/67-67A.pdf

http://www.shakersquare.net/

 

Enjoy! I'm sure you'll get many more suggestions from the fine folks here.

I second the recommendations for the other things to check out at North Coast Harbor as well as the rec. for the West Side Market (take the red line westbound from Tower City Center one stop to W 25th, it's across the street).

 

Great restaurants and bars are focused around 2 areas downtown, E. 4th street and W. 6th street, which is also known as the warehouse district.  Here's a brief overview of 4th that doesn't list all the restaurants (note that #3, Juniper Grill, just closed, but it wasn't on 4th anyway): http://www.urbanspoon.com/n/16/1515/Cleveland/Gateway-District-E-4th-St-restaurants. Here's another list, for Warehouse: http://www.warehousedistrict.org/district/entertain/eateries.asp

 

If you have foodies with you must visit the following neighborhoods close to Downtown Cleveland

 

You must visit AsiaTown (www.asiatowncleveland.com).  AsiaTown is easily accessible via several bus line.

 

Tremont (www.restoretremont.com)

 

As KJP mentioned Shaker Square and Larchmere is a must see.  If you decide to go to University Circle/Little Italy or Shaker Square first, you can take the 48/48a bus route to University Circle/Little Italy or Shaker Square as the bus connects the two areas.  The neighborhoods are next to one another. This is to let you know you don't have to go back downtown to get to the other.

 

Take the train (east) to one, then take the bus to the other, then take the train (west) back downtown.

I would also check the concert schedule for the downtown venues (House of Blues, Nautica, Tower City) probably something you'd like one of the days you're in town.  Also, if you like golf, the Bridgestone Invitational is going on at Firestone in Akron.  Most of the big names are there; Tiger, Mickelson..  I know you don't have a car, but you could probably catch a shuttle from somewhere, your hotel should know..

Thanks for all the links and suggestions so far.  We obviously will have a car to get to canton but its not arriving till saturday when we leave cleveland for the event so for everything else we will be carless (no reason to change how I live in kc :) )

 

Any good hispanic inspired restaurants....anything from good divey mexican place pouring good margaritas to spanish/tapas type places?

Thanks for all the links and suggestions so far.  We obviously will have a car to get to canton but its not arriving till saturday when we leave cleveland for the event so for everything else we will be carless (no reason to change how I live in kc :) )

 

Any good hispanic LATIN inspired restaurants....anything from good divey mexican place pouring good margaritas to spanish/tapas type places?

 

Sergios in Shaker Square and University Circle are Brazilian

The following places are PR.

El Tropical in in the Barrio (44 & Storer)

El Taino (clark & scranton)

 

I dont eat Mexican food (Paging Avogardo, Peabody, RockNRoller and HJG) but Mi Pueblo in University Circle, Luchita's on W 117 St and there is a place on Coventry but not sure if it's any good.

 

 

Nuevo Acapulco is great tex-mex but it's not "authentic" mexican. They're my fave in that genre but a car would be required.

 

Downtown, you might try Leolai bakery, they have a great Cuban sandwich and homemade flan. Be sure they don't give you the "american" cuban but the authentic one, it's great. www.lelolaibakery.com

 

Best margaritas in town are at Johnny Mango in Ohio City, they use fresh lime juice in them.  They are seriously great. Their sangria is also very good. www.jmango.com/ 

Lelolai is in Ohio City on West 25th, close to the West Side Market. And while it's more "Mexican fusion", I highly recommend Momocho, just around the corner from Johnny Mango http://www.momocho.com

Lelolai is in Ohio City on West 25th, close to the West Side Market. And while it's more "Mexican fusion", I highly recommend Momocho, just around the corner from Johnny Mango http://www.momocho.com

momocho...that's it.  I couldn't remember that to save my life.

I think everyone has covered almost anything I could think of but I would really appreciate your feedback on what you did and what you thought of it when you return from your trip.

No doubt.

 

So the #1 thing to see in cleveland (if your #1 is r&r hof, then go with your #2)?

West Side Market.

East 4th St. or Great Lakes Brewing (across the street from West Side Market).

Hornblowers has been closed for years. The barge is for sale and for the life of me cannot figure out why that place has not been utilized. It has a fantastic view. I used to do the aquarium maintenance service there years ago.

Oh hell I foegot to ask...great local beer?  Micro bewpubs work as well but I am more into what the local beer everybody drinks is. (ala boulevard here)

 

Ok I think no more questions :)

No doubt.

 

So the #1 thing to see in cleveland (if your #1 is r&r hof, then go with your #2)?

(No.1) Shaker Square and the (No. 2) Westside Market.  Because you need to use the rail system to get to both.

Don't forget Bier Markt across from the West Side Marlet.  Tons of Belgian beers and the place gets busy on friday nights/staurday days/nights.  If you hit the West Side Market, be aware that it's clsed on Sunday.

http://www.bier-markt.com/

Oh hell I foegot to ask...great local beer?  Micro bewpubs work as well but I am more into what the local beer everybody drinks is. (ala boulevard here)

 

Ok I think no more questions :)

 

I second the recommendation for the Great Lakes Brewing Company in Ohio City (off of W. 25, around the corner from both Bier Markt and the West Side Market.)

 

http://www.greatlakesbrewing.com/

 

As far as Mexican/Spanish food downtown, there's Zocalo on E. 4 and Mallorca (a bit pricier.)

 

http://www.zocalocleveland.com/

and

http://www.clevelandmallorca.com/

 

Can't really comment on the authenticity, but I've liked the food at both places.

KC - I don't know your schedule, when you're coming in, leaving, or even what parts of the HOF celebration you're going to attend.  Keeping that in mind, here's my Top 5 things to do, if you're looking for things unique to the city/area.  From reading your posts, my guess is that you're a "When in Rome, do as the Romans type person"..

 

1) East 4th, a high concentration of a variety excellent restaurants, along with entertainment options.  Pickwick & Frolic sometimes has some good comics, and the House of Blues is a fun place to see a concert.  I put this #1 because you're already downtown, within walking distance from any downtown hotel.

 

2) Warehouse District, more restaurants and some fun nightclubs to check out the "scenery" until 3AM, or so..  Again, no need to take a train/bus.

 

3) University Circle and Little Italy.  Some beautiful architecture, and most out-of-towners don't even know exists.  While you're there, I strongly recommend checking out the Art Museum.  It's free and it has an awesome Armor Collection, one of, if not the biggest Armor collection in North America.  Little Italy has some "real" Italian restaurants.  It's an easy commute down the Euclid Corridor (the long bus you'll see going up and down Euclid from Terminal Tower/Public Square area.

 

4) West Side market is unique, and the biggest of its kind in the U.S., and you'll think you're in a United Nations convention while you're there.  While you're there (West 25th, which you can take by light rail from Terminal Tower), Great Lakes Brewery is a must, follow it up with a visit to Bier Market.

 

Shaker Square and the Tremont area are also unique.  You could also check out the West Bank of the Flats, a couple places over there are "Shooters" (restaurant on the river), Rock Bottom Brewery, and Tiffany's Cabaret (not that I've ever been there, or anything)...

 

I think you'll find Cleveland a fun place to explore, but when you go to these places, make sure to check everything out, most restaurants/bars have basements, or additional rooms off to the side that most people aren't aware of..  It's not the easiest place to get around, due to the bridges, lake, and river, but it's not as bad as Boston.

 

It's too bad you probably won't have time to visit one of the beaches (Huntington or Headlands, Cedar Point (amusement park), or Put-in-Bay (party island in the middle of Lake Erie), all VERY fun this time of year.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tiffany's Cabaret (not that I've ever been there, or anything)...

 

It's been Christie's Cabaret for a few years (not that I've ever been there either)

Christie's is not worth checking out IMO, there are a lot nicer strip clubs elsewhere.  If you have to pick one, I'd at go to the Diamond club because they at least have a pole.

KC - I don't know your schedule, when you're coming in, leaving, or even what parts of the HOF celebration you're going to attend.  Keeping that in mind, here's my Top 5 things to do, if you're looking for things unique to the city/area.  From reading your posts, my guess is that you're a "When in Rome, do as the Romans type person"..

 

1) East 4th, a high concentration of a variety excellent restaurants, along with entertainment options.  Pickwick & Frolic sometimes has some good comics, and the House of Blues is a fun place to see a concert.  I put this #1 because you're already downtown, within walking distance from any downtown hotel.

 

2) Warehouse District, more restaurants and some fun nightclubs to check out the "scenery" until 3AM, or so..  Again, no need to take a train/bus.

 

3) University Circle and Little Italy.  Some beautiful architecture, and most out-of-towners don't even know exists.  While you're there, I strongly recommend checking out the Art Museum.  It's free and it has an awesome Armor Collection, one of, if not the biggest Armor collection in North America.  Little Italy has some "real" Italian restaurants.  It's an easy commute down the Euclid Corridor (the long bus you'll see going up and down Euclid from Terminal Tower/Public Square area.

 

4) West Side market is unique, and the biggest of its kind in the U.S., and you'll think you're in a United Nations convention while you're there.  While you're there (West 25th, which you can take by light heavy rail from Terminal Tower Tower City), Great Lakes Brewery is a must, follow it up with a visit to Bier Market.

 

Shaker Square and the Tremont area are also unique.  You could also check out the West Bank of the Flats, a couple places over there are "Shooters" (restaurant on the river), Rock Bottom Brewery, and Tiffany's Cabaret (not that I've ever been there, or anything)...

 

I think you'll find Cleveland a fun place to explore, but when you go to these places, make sure to check everything out, most restaurants/bars have basements, or additional rooms off to the side that most people aren't aware of..  It's not the easiest place to get around, due to the bridges, lake, and river, but it's not as bad as Boston.

 

It's too bad you probably won't have time to visit one of the beaches (Huntington or Headlands, Cedar Point (amusement park), or Put-in-Bay (party island in the middle of Lake Erie), all VERY fun this time of year.

 

I fixed that for you.

Put in bay?  That sounds FUN :)

Oh hell I foegot to ask...great local beer? Micro bewpubs work as well but I am more into what the local beer everybody drinks is. (ala boulevard here)

 

Ok I think no more questions :)

 

Not everyone drinks it, but I'm a big fan of the Indigo Imp products- a very new small batch brewery that sells retail in some local grocery stores and is served by some area bars (including Bier Markt by the West Side Market).

 

To second everyone else, I strongly recommend the West Side Market as a place to visit.

Not originally being from Northern Ohio, I consider Put-in-Bay Ohio's best kept secret.  If you enjoy drinking excessively (my only experience there) then you will have an absolute blast.  It is home to the world's longest bar and there is a very diverse crowd (20's - 60's) that are all there to have a great time.  Unfortunately it's about an hour drive just to get to a ferry to get out there and will probably not fit into your schedule.

Your #2?

 

WSM, Great Lakes Brewing Company, E. 4th, depending on what you want to do.  If you're looking for local beer and have never had Great Lakes, you MUST head over there (and you'll be right across the street from WSM).  If you have had Great Lakes and want to try something else, I second the recommendation for Indigo Imp.

If you've got the time, Put-in-Bay is a must.  You'll have to drive about a little over an hour to catch a boat (Jet Express) the boat ride takes a little under an hour.  Boat service was supposed to start this summer from Lorain, which would only be about a 45 minute drive from downtown, maybe another poster can confirm.

 

Lots and lots of bars with live bands, wineries, hotels, more restaurants, a 350 foot tall memorial that you can take to the top and see all of the other islands.  You'll need plenty of beads (wink-wink).  If you're interested, just google put-in-bay, a bunch of stuff will come up..

 

I said Christies because it's right next to Shooters, easier for an out-of-towner to get around.

Your #2?

 

WSM, Great Lakes Brewing Company, E. 4th, depending on what you want to do.  If you're looking for local beer and have never had Great Lakes, you MUST head over there (and you'll be right across the street from WSM).  If you have had Great Lakes and want to try something else, I second the recommendation for Indigo Imp.

 

Great Lakes Brewery started out as just a brew pub. It now brews and bottles its beers across the street in an old brick warehouse. They're doing well--three shifts are busy each day. Free tours of this completely organic and green brewery are provided on Friday evenings and Saturday afternoons/evenings.

 

John D. Rockefeller had his first office on the second floor of the current brew pub. Elliot Ness used to frequent the bar in this building back when he was the safety director of Cleveland.

 

Great Lakes Brewery is across the street from the West Side Market. Momocho is about three blocks away. The house where John Heisman was born is two blocks away from Great Lakes. An historical marker points out which house was his.

^www.jet-express.com

 

Lorain's Jet Express docks in Port Clinton

Published: Tuesday, August 4, 2009

 

By AMANDA DOLASINSKI

[email protected]

 

PORT CLINTON — The Jet Express IV completed its nearly 2,500 mile voyage from Tuckahoe, N.J., to Ohio Saturday afternoon when it docked at Port Clinton.

 

Richard Novak, executive director of the Lorain Port Authority, said it will be a few days before the United States Coast Guard will inspect the boat...

 

Post edited 9-4-09 to comply with terms of use

 

http://morningjournal.com/articles/2009/08/04/news/mj1425205.txt

Put in bay?  That sounds FUN :)

 

Now that people are listing things well outside the county, it might be helpful if you give us your arrival and departure dates and times.

 

There simply isn't enough time to see all the things listed outside of Downtown [East 4th, Historic Warehouse District, Tower City & North Coast Harbor], The near Westside [Ohio City/West Bank of the Flats, Tremont], AsiaTown [on the near eastside] and the Eastside areas of [university Circle, Shaker Square and Little Italy/Murray Hill.]

 

The Ohio City/West Bank and Tremont area is ½ day trip alone, and on top of that, he may want to see Detriot-Shoreway and Edgewater.

 

Going to the museums and gardens on the Eastside is a one day trip without seeing Shaker Square/Larchmere or Little Italy/Murray Hill. 

 

Granted, what KC wants to see is up to him, but, to be quite blunt, I really think we should stick to the above city 'nabes, and help him put together a realistic itinerary, so he and his guests get a good taste/perspective of the city.  This "taste" will make them want to return.

Sorry..should have put that.  Get there tomorrow late, leave sunday.  I assume saturday will mostly be taken up with canton but might do something in the AM.

 

I more meant 'put in bay' sounded fun because of the name...but is it busy fridays?  Could be worth a car rental.

 

If anybody has insight about canton on hof weekend that would be great too....I assumed we would leave cleveland after lunch to go see the hof stuff for a couple hours before the ceremony but honestly I have no idea what goes on for the event or how much time is needed to see stuff involved with the induction...their website is less than helpful.

KC - Your itinerary really doesn't leave you enough time to go to Put-in-Bay.  Friday's are busy, and it stays hoppin' all weekend, but you really need to be out there over night to make it worth your while.

 

If I were you were you, I'd hit East 4th Thursday night (time permitting of course).  Then hit West Side market in the Friday A.M. (because is it closes at 4 - 4:30, and is closed on Sunday), follow that up with a liquid sandwich or two at Great Lakes (maybe another at a couple other spots).  Take the train back to the Terminal Tower, then take the Euclid Corridor bus out to University Circle and/or Little Italy.  Have dinner in Little Italy, then take the same bus back to the Terminal Tower.  Head over to the Warehouse District, maybe another liquid sandwich or two..  Then MAYBE head over to Shooters on the West Bank of the Flats, check out the outdoor dance area on river pier (great views of Cleveland and some of the local talent there).  There are a few other things to do on the West Bank, just ask some locals if you go down there..  I would take a cab from the Warehouse District to Shooters, very confusing for someone out of town.

 

Again, it's what I would do with a day, and wanted to see the most while limiting travel time..

KC - Your itinerary really doesn't leave you enough time to go to Put-in-Bay.  Friday's are busy, and it stays hoppin' all weekend, but you really need to be out there over night to make it worth your while.

 

If I were you were you, I'd hit East 4th Thursday night (time permitting of course).  Then hit West Side market in the Friday A.M. (because is it closes at 4 - 4:30, and is closed on Sunday), follow that up with a liquid sandwich or two at Great Lakes (maybe another at a couple other spots).  Take the train back to the Terminal Tower, then transfer to the Blue/Green line trains to Shaker Square.  Have lunch on the Square, then the 48/48a bus to University Circle.  take the Euclid Corridor bus out to University Circle and/or Little Italy.  Have dinner in Little Italy, then take the same bus or Red Line Train back to the Terminal Tower City.  Head over to the Warehouse District, maybe another liquid sandwich or two..  Then MAYBE head over to Shooters on the West Bank of the Flats, check out the outdoor dance area on river pier (great views of Cleveland and some of the local talent there).  There are a few other things to do on the West Bank, just ask some locals if you go down there..  I would take a cab from the Warehouse District to Shooters, very confusing for someone out of town.

 

Again, it's what I would do with a day, and wanted to see the most while limiting travel time..

 

I fixed that for you.

Thanks again everybody....last suggestions...

 

- sushi place

- place that serves food late (past 11pm) tomorrow night (we are @ the Key Center Marriott)

- Italian place

- Martini bar

- wine bar

- best variety of beer bar

 

Thanks again....be welcome to return the favor anytime on kcrag.com

While visiting Cleveland I was happily surprised how many great restaurants served food very late. Three that I visited were: The Greehouse Tavern on E. 4th street, which is probably closest to where your staying, Bar Cento on W. 25th st and Luxe at 6605 Detroit Ave. All three served until 1:00 am or later and have awesome food. There are probably plenty of alternatives that other UO members can suggest.

If you want great beer and food go to Bar Cento (which I talked about above) because it's basically Italian food and right next door is the Bier Mart which has plenty of great beers (they are connected so you don't even have to go outside to visit both. Then right around the corner is Great Lake Brewing Company which is one of the best Brew Pubs in the country which also has great food. Right across the street from Great Lakes is another awesome restaurant called the Flying Fig and a really great wine bar. So on one street corner you can basically hit all your requirements above. There was a new Sushi place opening as well when I was there in July but not sure if that's actually opened yet. If you do go to this area you should also visit the West Side Market which is something unique to Cleveland and really special, it's open M,W, Fri and Sat until about 4 or 5:00 pm (it's right across the street from Bar Cento on W. 25th). This area is worth visiting and it's all part of a great historic neighborhood called Ohio City.

Also it may not be classified as a "martini bar" but in the same neighborhood is a great SpeakEasy called Velvet Tango Room on Columbus Street. They make the most amazing drinks you will have anywhere and are always ranked as one of the best SpeakEasy type bars in the States, along with that right below Bar Cento/Bier Mart is a new SpeakEasy which but it's only open on Friday and Saturday. Anyway good luck. You will not have any problem finding awesome places to eat and drink in Cleveland.

Sushi place

You have options - for great sushi in a spartan setting (lunchtime/weekdays only), there's Sushi 86 (you can always get it to go), located on Ontario just south of Public Square. For a nicer sit-down place, there's Ginza http://www.ginzasushi.com/ on Carnegie near East 9th (across from the Hilton Garden Inn). I'd advise against Sushi Rock in the Warehouse District - it's not as good as Ginza and service can be spotty.

 

Place that serves food late (past 11pm) tomorrow night (we are @ the Key Center Marriott)

Most places on East 4th - if you're craving pizza, there's Teresa's Pizza (with some beers on draft) http://www.teresaspizza.net/locations.html

 

Italian place

Osteria di Valerio http://www.pluggedincleveland.com/restaurants/1373+go.html

 

Martini bar

Kevin's Martini Bar located inside Pickwick and Frolic on East 4th:

http://www.pickwickandfrolic.com/KevinsMartiniBar/index.html

 

Wine bar

D'Vine on St. Clair in the Warehouse District - http://dvinewinebar.com/

 

Best variety of beer bar

Bier Markt on West 25th in Ohio City http://www.bier-markt.com/

 

Of these - the only place not downtown is Bier Markt. I'd recommend checking the websites of any place that interests you and plug the relevant phone numbers into your cellphone if you have one. That way, you can call ahead for reservations, directions, etc.

I had pretty decent food at Sushi Rock, but like you said the service can be spotty. I think the decor there is pretty interesting.

if you go down to the flats and enjoy the view at shooters, etc. then you absolutely must also hit up the harbor inn! besides being a beer bar with a mammoth and interesting bottle selection, it's also cleveland's most historic old waterfront bar.

 

momocho and johnny mangos are definately thee best spots if you are a serious margherita fan. note momocho has a happy hour, lots of guacamole variations and very good modern mex food to go along while you get your drink on.

 

For sushi, I would recommend Sapporo Sushi near E. 6th and Vincent (down the street from the 5/3 building. They have good sushi at decent prices and excellent service. If you are willing to leave downtown, Pacific East in Coventry is also really good. As for Italian, I would recommend Trattoria or Mama Santa's in Little Italy (a nice train or bus ride away). If you go to Trattoria, I recommend the gnocchi al burro.

 

 

I would skip the HOF induction and just go to Put in Bay for the weekend!

 

Glad to see DT get inducted...I still remember a game against the Browns where he seemingly made every tackle when they ran to his side.  RIP.

He was one heck of a ballplayer, a man among boys, who might have had the stats of Lawrence Taylor had he played 13 years as LT had. All because he didn't wear his seatbelt. Life is cruel.

 

Thomas (11 years):

126.5 sacks

41 forced fumbles

601 tackles

 

Taylor (13 years):

132.5 sacks (not incl. 9.5 sacks in 1981, before the sack became an official stat)

33 forced fumbles

1,088 tackles

 

Pretty compable. But I am getting off topic...

Great recommendations so far...east 4th was good last night...johnny mangos good today.  If you are really bored you can follow me on twitter @kc_c I am tweeting the hof experience back to kc tweeps.

i dont tweet.  and update here would be appreciated.  ;)

Agreed. No tweeting here either.

What's a tweet?  :-P  This?

 

 

I'm too old to tweet

www.twitter.com/kc_c

What's a tweet?  :-P  This?

 

 

I'm too old to tweet

 

You never too old to go out and buy a Tweety Bird item!

www.twitter.com/kc_c

 

PLEASE EXPLAIN THE FOLLOWING

Shaker square...nice neighborhood, not so much for visitors. Where is everybody in little italy?