From theaters to restaurants, we’ve listed the oldest Cleveland staples across the city. Some of these institutions have been around since Cleveland’s founding, and some have been around long before. Together, these are the relics that created the city we bustle about every day. Sit back with your mousepad and reminisce as we celebrate Cleveland’s Best of the Oldies.
From theaters to restaurants, we’ve listed the oldest Cleveland staples across the city. Some of these institutions have been around since Cleveland’s founding, and some have been around long before. Together, these are the relics that created the city we bustle about every day. Sit back with your mousepad and reminisce as we celebrate Cleveland’s Best of the Oldies.
Be sure to let us know in the comments what your favorite old-timers are, and keep us posted on what you’ve found to be the oldest establishments around town.
By Brittany Rees
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)Oldest Pizzeria: Geraci’s- 63 years
Still owned by the Geraci’s family, Geraci’s restaurant has now been operating for 60-plus years. Tucked away inside University Heights, this traditional pizzeria has recently passed the reins to founders Fran and Michael Geraci’s children who now run the place. (photo courtesy of Instagram user @amanda_foodock)Oldest Bar: Harbor Inn- 124 years
Though records are muddled before the 1960s, Harbor Inn is confirmed to have been founded around 1895, making it the oldest bar in the area. Switching several hands over the years, the legendary King of the Flats picked up a new owner just this month and has a booming future ahead. (photo courtesy of Instagram user @jency312)Oldest Sports Team: Cleveland Indians- 119 years
Cleveland’s tried and true sports team happens to also be its oldest. The Cleveland Indians are older than every other minor and major league team in the area, eclipsing the Browns and Cavs in age. In fact, both the Browns and the Cavs are barely over the hill with the Browns at 71 years old and the Cavaliers at an infantile 47. (photo courtesy of the Cleveland Memory Project and the Cleveland Press)Oldest Festival: Feast of Assumption- 121 years
Started in 1898, this Catholic street festival has been shepherding Clevelanders into Little Italy each summer since it began. In celebration of the Assumption of Mary, as well as of Cleveland’s Italian culture, the Feast kicks off each year around August 15, bringing thousands and thousands of Ohioans out into the streets for an all-out block party. (photo courtesy of the Cleveland Memory Project)Oldest Brewery: Great Lakes Brewing Company -31 years
A millennial, Great Lakes Brewing Company is younger than plenty of Clevelanders. However, it still makes the list as the longest-standing brewery in the area. In addition to being the oldest brewery, it is also the first microbrewery and first brewpub in Ohio. Before Great Lakes, Cleveland had a rich history of brewing and distilling alcohol. Starting in 1831, dozens of distilleries popped up around the Flats, giving Whiskey Island its name. However, prohibition wiped them out in the 1920s. The 1970s also beckoned plenty of brewers to the city. However, they all fizzled during the 1980s.
(photo courtesy of the Cleveland Memory Project)Oldest Piece of Art: Vinca Idols- 6,000 years
One of two sister sculptures found together in Serbia marks a triumph in human technology. Made from fired clay and red paint, these sculptures act as worshipping idols during a time when humans were just learning about agriculture and farming. Thousands of years old, the CMA’s two Vinca idols are considered to be one of the best preserved art pieces from the Neolithic time period. (photo courtesy of Instagram user @joanrubenking)Oldest Person Who Lived: Rebecca Lanier- 120 Years
Older than many others on this list, Rebecca Lanier passed away in 2012 at the golden age of 120. Though many believe she was one of the oldest people who ever lived, Guinness World Records refused to recognize the Cleveland local as she didn’t have a birth certificate. When she died she was survived by seven grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, 18 great-great grandchildren and four great-great-great grandchildren. (photo screenshot of Jabari Osaze’s Youtube video)Oldest Place of Worship: Old Stone Church- 164 years
Opening just five years after Cleveland’s oldest building, the aptly named Old Stone Church started accepting worshippers in 1855. Still very much alive, the landmark is host to weekly services, spiritual programs and weddings. (photo courtesy of the Cleveland Memory Project)Oldest Hotel: Renaissance Cleveland Hotel- 101 years
First opened as Hotel Cleveland, this luxury mainstay has been around longer than most. With prime Tower City real estate, the Renaissance proves popular with locals and tourists alike. Aligned with Public Square, the Renaissance has solidified itself both a modern getaway and a Cleveland landmark. (photo courtesy of Instagram user @216navigator)Oldest Movie Theater: Capitol Theatre- 97 years
Now adopted into Cleveland Cinemas, the Capitol Theatre originally opened its doors in 1922. A popular spot for indie and major film releases alike, the Capitol Theatre has been a staple for nearly a century and is sure to continue thriving. (photo courtesy of the Cleveland Memory Project)Oldest Park: Rocky River Reservation- 96 years
Cleveland Metroparks claims its first installation to be the oldest park in the area’s history. Rocky River Reservation was first acquired by Metroparks in 1919 and was its first ever purchase. Pre-dating all other local parks, Rocky River Reservation is still alive and kicking, though often under construction. (photo courtesy of Instagram user @tbrenneison)Oldest Restaurant: Guarino’s- 97 years
First built as a prohibition speakeasy, the Little Italy institution has been around for nearly 100 years. The traditional Italian restaurant has come far since its days of serving liquor in coffee mugs along the roadside though it’s stayed in the Guarino family. (photo courtesy of the Guarino’s Restaurant Facebook page)Oldest Neighborhood: Ohio City- 165 years
Though it originally stood as an independent municipality decades before adopted by Cleveland, Ohio City became the city’s original residential neighborhood in 1854. Today, nearly 10,000 people call Ohio City home. (photo courtesy of the Cleveland Memory Project and Cleveland Press)Oldest Market: West Side Market- 107 years
Known by all, beloved by many, Cleveland’s West Side Market has been kicking for over a century. Though even before its long life, Pearl’s Street Market stood in its place during the mid-1800s, making the spot one of the oldest marketplaces in U.S. history and certainly the oldest in Cleveland. (photo courtesy of the Cleveland Memory Project and Cleveland Press)Oldest School: Beaumont School for Girls- 169 years
Tracing its origins back to 1850, Beaumont School for Girls has stood in Cleveland Heights since 1942, making it the oldest operational school in Cleveland. The private all-girls secondary school is also the oldest school in the Cleveland Diocese. (photo courtesy of the Beaumont School Facebook page)Oldest Theater: Karamu House- 104 years
Karamu House and Playhouse Square were both founded in 1915. However, Karamu was first to lay roots by opening an actual theater in 1917, while Playhouse didn’t open any doors until 1921. Throughout its lifetime, the likes of Langston Hughes and Zora Neale Hurston wrote and debuted productions for Karamu. Today, it still stands as a testament to cultural celebration and inclusion. (photo courtesy of the Cleveland Memory Project and Cleveland Press)
