Everybody knows about the Rock Hall and the West Side Market (and they should!), but what about that hole-in-the-wall bar that all the locals visit on the west side or the old school book store on the east side? Here are our picks for the best under the radar destinations to take your out of town guests this season.
Everybody knows about the Rock Hall and the West Side Market (and they should!), but what about that hole-in-the-wall bar that all the locals visit on the west side or the old school book store on the east side? Here are our picks for the best under the radar destinations to take your out of town guests this season.
Visit League Park
League Park, Cleveland’s original ballpark (6601 Lexington Ave.), boasted a lengthy resume of baseball accomplishments— it’s where the Indians won the 1920 World Series, where Babe Ruth hit his 500th home run in 1929, and where Cy Young threw the park’s first pitch back in 1891. Some little bits of history still remain, including the original ticket office built in 1909. The site is now home to the Baseball Heritage Museum and outdoor recreational baseball facility.
(Photo via Scene archives)Ride the Cleveland Brew Bus
This is a city tour bus you’ll actually want to sign up for because — beer. Aboard, booze cruisers can sample four different types of beer, learn the history behind the city’s breweries and even learn how the sweet amber nectar gets brewed. Tours are offered Friday through Sunday, and you can book one here. (Photo via lisa_claus, Instagram)Laugh your ass off at one of Cleveland’s comedy clubs
Cleveland is gaining a reputation as a hub for comedy in the Midwest. Take your pick between Improv Comedy Club, Hilarities, or a whole slew of comedy night performances at places like Cebars and Brothers Lounge. Be sure to check out our 2016Visit Third Fridays at 78th Street Studios
Hosted under the roof of a former American Greetings factory, ten galleries and a handful more artists’ studios open their doors to the curious, and welcome them with unbelievable paintings and works in every media. Search around the galleries for the lowest suggested donation for wine, or tuck into a handheld meal from Touch Supper Club’s food truck. 1300 W 78th St.
(Photo via kid_indie13, Instagram)Catch a play at Karamu House
Karamu House is a historic theatre in the Fairfax neighborhood on the east side of Cleveland. It’s the oldest African-American theater in the United States and literary giants like Langston Hughes’s developed and premiered plays there. 8111 Quincy Ave.
(Photo via beyondthefocus, Instagram)Get the lay of the land at the Terminal Tower Viewing Deck
Only a helicopter or airplane can give you as breathtaking a view of our fair city as the Terminal Tower Observation Deck. It’s found on the 42nd floor of Cleveland’s most iconic building. 50 Public Square
(Photo via andrewcalori, Instagram)Take a used book tour at Cleveland’s finest East Side used book stores
The east side is home to some of the best bookstores in Cleveland, period. Loganberry has an endless collection and cozy interior, also check out Mac’s Backs-Books.
(Photo via librarian.knits, Instagram)Take a stand up paddle boarding class at Nalu SUP & Surf in Rocky River
Nalu SUP & Surf resides in Rocky River. Its specialty? Making our lake and rivers even cooler than one might imagine (especially during the summer). Yes, you can surf on Lake Erie. 1328 Linda St., Rocky River (Description by Eric Sandy, photo via nalu_sup, Instagram)Shop at Haven
Haven Style House has become an epicenter for fashion and style throughout Northeast Ohio. A community experience more than a store, women flock in for the chic, classic inventory, but return time and time again for the style advice and warm, social atmosphere. 13 W Orange St., Chagrin Falls (Description by Alaina Nutile, photo via shophavencle, Instagram)Enjoy Fried Chicken and Milkshakes at Mahall’s 20 Lanes
Mahall’s has it all: food, cocktails, music, bowling, and beer. The former poolroom has been turned into a music room, with both local and touring indie bands of all stripes. And the two-level ’60s-style lanes with hand pinsetting are still intact. 13200 Madison Ave.
(Photo via Scene Archives)Go to 16-Bit Bar and Arcade
16-Bit is the best place for a #ThrowbackThursday and Instagram-worthy drink. There are over 40 classic games on the floor from Donkey Kong to Mario Bros. 15012 Detroit Ave., Lakewood (Photo by Emanuel Wallace)Talk a walk through Lakeview Cemetery
A walk through a cemetery may sound a bit odd. Lakeview Cemetery, however, is a fascinating jaunt with more than 100,000 people buried on the grounds. Among those thousands include President James A. Garfield and John D. Rockefeller. 2316 Euclid Ave.
(Photo by Xan Schwartz)Drink coffee and spin records at The Loop
Not only is the espresso spot on, but The Loop provides built-in entertainment for customers. It doubles as a hip café and record store, with vinyls, C.D.s, and local art to peruse. 2180 W 11th St.
(Photo via The Loop Facebook)Watch a rare film at The Cinematheque
Cinematheque director John Ewing has brought hilarious, curious, and bizarre films to Cleveland for almost two decades, and he’s won national recognition for his ability to track down rare films and put together series that educate as much as they entertain. 11610 Euclid Ave.
(Photo via ekadish, Instagram)Go for a cocktail at Ontario Street Café
Tucked into a small space just south of Public Square, this classic Cleveland bar has been around for longer than most regulars can recall. Bartenders wear white shirts and neckties, and the fresh-sliced deli sandwiches are out of this world. Drinks are dirt cheap but you should bring cash to enjoy them. 2053 Ontario St.
(Photo via tthhunndderr, Instagram)Take a trip to Geneva
Check out all the beauty and booze that Northeast Ohio wine country has to offer. Be sure to visit Red Eagle Distillery or M Cellars to sample libations of your choice.
(Photo via Scene Archives)Visit Nighttown Jazz for some jazz
For the past 10 years, Downbeat magazine has voted this Cleveland Heights restaurant and club one of the best jazz clubs in the country, and it certainly lives up to the rep on a regular basis. The club regularly brings major jazz and world beat acts to town. 12387 Cedar Rd.
(Photo via Nighttown, Facebook)Mix things up with Mix at the Museum
The Cleveland Museum of Art’s first Friday MIX Happy Hours take place on the first Friday of the month. Socialize with fellow art and alcohol enthusiasts. There is a cash bar and food available for purchase in the museum’s restaurant and café. 11150 East Blvd.
(Photo by Emanuel Wallace)Put your favorite record on at Jukebox Bar
The Hingetown tavern is the perfect place to knock back a few while reveling in the city’s rock ‘n’ roll traditions. This place is a throwback to everything we love about bars — and authentic North Shore bars, in particular. When it’s warm out you can sit outside on the patio and even bring your dog to brunch! 1404 West 29th St.
(Photo via Scene Archives)Drink in Cleveland History at Harbor Inn
Harbor Inn is the oldest continuously operating bar in Cleveland, serving Cleveland’s thirsty locals since 1895. Beer is cheap and cold, shots are poured generously, and the patrons are a healthy reflection of Cleveland – old, young, blue-collar and yuppies. 1219 Main Ave.
(Photo via jency312, Instagram)
