oWOW Radio to Launch Its Annual Summer Happy Hour Concert Series at the Music Box on June 5
Last summer, the Music Box Supper Club teamed up with locally based oWOW Radio for a summer-long Happy Hour Concert series that took place every Wednesday. The series featured up-and-coming national and local acts, and oWOW Radio aired the concerts live. The Music Box and oWOW have just announced that they’ll launch a third season of…
6 Concerts to Catch in Cleveland This Weekend
FRIDAY, MAY 3 Red Wanting Blue/The Trews Through the years, the true-to-Ohio indie rock act Red Wanting Blue has attached itself to scenes in Athens, Cleveland and Columbus. In 2016, they celebrated with a 20th anniversary retrospective album/concert film entitled RWB20 Live at Lincoln Theater, which captured the band at a sold-out hometown show in…
Upcoming Cleveland International Concert at the Beachland Ballroom To Serve as the Label’s Relaunch Celebration
Steve Popovich was always a “great hang,” as James Gang drummer Jimmy Fox recalls. He and Popovich had first connected not through the record business but during the time that they were both musicians in the ’60s, playing the “same circuit of miserable bars together.” “He was really one of my favorite people,” Fox says.…
‘A Bronx Tale’ is a Softened Gangland Experience at Playhouse Square
When you picture 1960s New York City gang life, the image that pops into your head may be that of gambling, fighting and, of course, fedora-wearing, baseball bat-wielding thugs. Now imagine those same thugs singing showtunes. Such is the case in the Broadway touring A Bronx Tale at Playhouse Square, a well-performed, entertaining production that…
Blue Water Chamber Orchestra Channels Classic Stories and the Rest of the Classical Music to Catch This week
Tchaikovsky dedicated his popular Violin Concerto to Leopold Auer, who originally declined to play the work, though he performed a revised version later in his career. In an interesting link to history, Auer’s very own 1690 Stradivarius will make an appearance at Severance Hall this weekend in the hands of Israeli violinist Vadim Gluzman, who…
Cleveland’s Proposed $12 Million “Investment” in nuCLEus Looks Like a Plain Old Corporate Handout
Cleveland City Council last night got the ball rolling on what should be the swift and frictionless process of giving $12 million in public funds to Stark Enterprises for the Gateway nuCLEus project. The city’s contribution, alongside $6 million from Cuyahoga County, $6 million from the state of Ohio and more than $200 million in…
Angels & Airwaves to Play House of Blues in September
Earlier today, Angels & Airwaves, the alternative rock band that features Blink-182 founder Tom DeLonge, announced the dates of its first tour in seven years. The band will perform at House of Blues on Sept. 18. The group has just released “Rebel Girl,” the lead track from an upcoming Angels & Airwaves album and feature…
Prosecutor Mike O’Malley Says Sheriff, Other Top Administrators, Should Be Returned to Elected Positions in Cuyahoga County
County Prosecutor Michael O’Malley is among the growing crowd that thinks that the Cuyahoga County Sheriff should be an elected position and no longer an appointment by the County Executive. And that would be at the very least, he says, in terms of reforms he believes are needed for the reformed county government, which is…
33 Cleveland 5k Races to do This Summer
Spring is here and road race season is upon us. It’s time to pound the pavement and there are a seemingly endless number of options that cover just about every geographic, philanthropic, goofy or serious race around Northeast Ohio through September. Check them out while you try to remember where you put your running sneakers.…
In Advance of Next Week’s Show at the Agora, Frank Turner Talks About His Politically Charged New Album
On his previous U.S. tour, singer-songwriter Frank Turner says he had what he refers to as a “teachable moment.” He had teamed up punk rockers Flogging Molly, and presidential campaigns were in full swing. He thought that expressing his disdain for then-Republican candidate Donald Trump would be met with enthusiasm. It wasn’t. “I am a…
Researchers: Medicaid Block Grants Would Hurt Ohio Kids
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Researchers say national talk of turning Medicaid into a block grant program could threaten health-care coverage for vulnerable kids in Ohio. States currently share the cost of Medicaid with the federal government. With a block grant, states would get a set amount of money and would need to cover any differences if…
Older Ohioans Object to “Vague” Clean-Energy Bill
COLUMBUS, Ohio – The debate over an Ohio bill deemed a “nuclear bailout” by opponents is intensifying, with some advocates saying it would hurt the pocketbooks of older adults. Lawmakers with the Ohio House Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee are expected to discuss the future of H.B. 6 this week. The bill would create credits…
Better Land, Better Nutrition: A Blueprint for Ohio’s Future
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Feeding the world begins with feeding our neighbors is a message at the heart of a new call to action to create a better food system for Ohio. Ernie Shea, president and CEO of the group Solutions from the Land, says farmers are facing increasingly complex markets, low commodity prices and volatile…
Supreme Court Considers Census Citizenship Question
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Will the 2020 census include a question about citizenship? Final arguments have been made, and now it’s up to the U.S. Supreme Court to decide. The justices heard challenges on Tuesday to a Department of Justice request to include a question asking respondents if they are citizens of the United States. Angela…
8 Parties and Events to Hit Up This Cinco de Mayo Weekend
Cinco de Mayo has taken on a new meaning in the US, (mostly) celebrating Mexican culture state-side. Local venues are set to celebrate with margaritas, Mexican fare and live music. Rooftop Party 1086 West 11th St., 216-239-1508 To celebrate Cinco de Mayo, Punch Bowl Social will throw its first rooftop patio party of the season…
TOTO to Play MGM Northfield Park Center Stage in October
Forty years after the release of its self-titled 1978 debut album, TOTO is still going strong thanks, in part, to “Africa,” a song that keeps on delivering dividends (Weezer recently had a hit with its cover of the tune). TOTO’s greatest hits package, 40 Trips Around the Sun, debuted at the top of the charts…
SEIU Local 1 Janitors Win Major Wage Hike in New Downtown Master Contract
Janitors with Service Employees International Union Local 1 (SEIU) won a “historic victory” this weekend when members unanimously ratified a new downtown master contract that will pave the way for a $15 hourly wage. The five-year agreement covers many of Cleveland’s most notable downtown properties — Tower City, 200 Public Square, the Ernst and Young…
Over the Rhine Coming to the Kent Stage in June
This year signifies 30 years since the alternative rock act Over the Rhine first formed in Cincinnati. To celebrate, the band will hit the road this summer, and it just announced that its current tour will bring it to the Kent Stage on June 21. The tour supports the band’s latest effort, Love & Revelation.…
Hopkins Hack was ‘Ransomware,’ But City Still Weirdly Insists that no Ransom Demands Were Made
Valarie McCall is these days identifying herself as the city of Cleveland’s Chief of Communications, though she is still officially Mayor Frank Jackson’s Chief of Government and International Affairs. Monday morning, it was McCall who quarterbacked a press conference in Jackson’s absence to update the media on the recent cyberattack at Hopkins Airport. McCall deflected…
Bahama Breeze Reaches Settlement with Black Sorority Members Who Were Racially Profiled at Cleveland Area Restaurant
Members of an African-American sorority who filed suit against Bahama Breeze last year after being racially profiled at the Orange location have reached a settlement with the restaurant. Terms were not disclosed but the settlement includes not only financial payouts but moves by the chain to “enhance Bahama Breeze’s existing diversity training curriculum,” according to…
Lewis Black to Perform at MGM Northfield Park Center Stage in October
Comedian Lewis Black regularly talks about current events, social media, politics and anything else that “exposes the hypocrisy and madness in the world,” as he likes to put it. Given the election of Donald Trump as president, Black’s analysis of the “hypocrisy and madness in the world” seems all the more relevant. Earlier today, he…
Internationally Renowned Cellist Amit Peled to Make His Cleveland Debut on May 15
From Wednesday, May 15, through Sunday, May 19, Israeli-American cellist Amit Peled will perform a series of concerts with CityMusic Cleveland that’ll mark Peled’s Cleveland debut. The concerts will include Saint-Saëns’ Cello Concerto no. 1 in A Minor, Op. 33 in a program titled Hidden Gems. Led by guest conductor Mélisse Brunet, who’ll also make…
Thyme Table Opens Tonight in Bay Village
Last fall, Michael Smith moved on from his position at Marigold Catering, where he had worked for nearly a decade. Since then he’s launched his own catering company, taken the wheel of the popular Krav food truck and is now preparing to open the doors to his first restaurant, Thyme Table (583 Dover Ctr., 440-781-3025)…
Cleveland’s Own Semi-Pro Quidditch Team Hosts Tryouts Tomorrow
Get your broomsticks ready: Cleveland’s own semi-pro quidditch team is hosting tryouts tomorrow — Sirius-ly. The Cleveland Riff quidditch team, which started up in 2015 after Major League Quidditch (MLQ) was established in the U.S. that same year, plays a somewhat modified version of the wizard sport Harry Potter fans first learned to love in J.K. Rowling’s…
REVIVE: Electronic Music + Art + Awareness to Take Place at Hart Crane Memorial Park on May 11
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the revitalization of the Cuyahoga River, locally based Sphere Presents and Canalway Partners have teamed up to present REVIVE: Electronic Music + Art + Awareness, a festival that will educate attendees on the importance of sustainability. The all-ages event takes place from 11 a.m. to midnight on May 11…
Cleveland Magazine Names Managing Editor Kim Schneider Editor in Chief
Cleveland Magazine publisher Lute Harmon Jr. announced Thursday that longtime managing editor Kim Schneider has been named editor of the monthly publication. “[Kim] has worked tirelessly behind the scenes creating a nationally acclaimed city magazine while at the same time making a name for herself in the restaurant community with her passion and dedication to…
Cleveland’s Air Quality is Pretty ‘Sooty,’ New Study Finds
If you ever have trouble breathing in Cleveland, it’s not just you. A new report released by the American Lung Association ranks Cuyahoga County as the 9th most polluted area in the country in terms of high levels of particle pollution. The annual “State of the Air” report researchers based their findings on levels of ozone…
Plain White T’s to Headline Crocker Park’s Liberty Rocks Event in June
Crocker Park has just announced that the pop-punk band Plain White T’s [pictured] will headline Liberty Rocks, its annual Independence Day music fest. The event takes place from 3 to 9 p.m. on Sunday, June 30. Liberty Rocks will feature activities, a beer garden and food trucks. Acts such Funk Worthy, Front Porch Lights and…
California Employees of Votem, Cleveland Blockchain Company that Closed Abruptly in February, File Class-action Suit
The California-based employees of the erstwhile Cleveland blockchain company Votem, which abruptly closed its doors in February, have filed a class-action lawsuit seeking unpaid wages. In a complaint filed earlier this month in San Diego, four plaintiffs alleged that Votem’s CEO, Pete Martin, was aware of the company’s “dire” financial situation, but repeatedly misled employees…
Rock Hall’s New Woodstock Exhibit To Open May 1
The Rock Hall has just announced that its new Woodstock 50 exhibit will open on Wednesday, May 1, and remain on view through fall of 2019. The night of May 1, the Rock Hall will host a special Woodstock-themed Rock Hall Nights with Inductees and Woodstock performers Freddie Stone of Sly & the Family Stone and Michael Carabello…
Cleveland Flea is Coming Back in May, But Will No Longer Run Monthly
Seven seasons in, Cleveland Flea is changing things up. In the past, the Cleveland Flea has kicked off in April and ran as a monthly event through October, while also throwing a holiday-themed indoor market in the winter. But this year, the beloved community event is starting up May 4-5 and so far has only…
Todd Rundgren Discusses His Career in Advance of the Concert/Book Tour That Brings Him to the Ohio Theatre on May 5 and 6
Earlier this year, singer-guitarist Todd Rundgren embarked on a 2019 concert/book tour that will bring him to the Ohio Theatre on Sunday, May 5, and Monday, May 6. The tour supports Rundgren’s autobiography, The Individualist: digressions, dreams and dissertations, and the show’s setlist will feature songs from the inception of his musical career through 1996.…
The Cleveland Orchestra is Back From its Asian Tour and the Rest of the Classical Music To Catch This Week
The Cleveland Orchestra is back on its home turf after an Asian tour, shaking off jet lag just in time for three performances this weekend led by French conductor Stéphane Denève. He’s chosen a program that explores the thin line between religious and erotic ecstasy: Jennifer Higdon’s blue cathedral, James MacMillan’s Piano Concerto No. 3…
Cleveland History Center to Host a Euclid Beach Park Grand Carousel Birthday Bash on May 19
May 19, 1910 was the day that opened the season for Euclid Beach Park, and that day also marked the first time attendees would ride the Euclid Beach Park Grand Carousel. Installed by Philadelphia Toboggan Company (PTC), the carousel had four rows of horses, three inside rows of “jumpers” and an outside row of nearly life…
Local Rapper YFL Kelvin to Release His Latest Def Jam Album Tomorrow
An up-and-coming 21-year-old rapper from Cleveland, YFL Kelvin caught the attention of Def Jam and inked a deal with the iconic record label last summer. Some of his most popular singles have been “NASDAQ,” “Wanna Flex,” “Blessing” and “Bands on Bands on Bands.” Tomorrow, Kelvin will release Neva Lookin’ Back, his first full-length album for the label, and…
Picket Line Off, Kamala Harris On, at Cuyahoga County Democratic Party Annual Dinner
Democratic presidential hopeful Kamala Harris had been scheduled to keynote the Cuyahoga County Democratic Party’s annual dinner and fundraiser Sunday evening at the Hilton Cleveland Downtown Hotel. But when a local union representing nurses and medical staff at the county jail vowed to picket the event to protest losing their jobs, Harris issued a statement…
5 Concerts to Catch in Cleveland This Weekend
FRIDAY, APRIL 26 Elle King/Barns Courtney The daughter of Saturday Night Live alum Rob Schneider and model London King, singer-songwriter Elle King spent her early years in Los Angeles before her parents’ divorce sent her and her mother to southern Ohio. The small Southern town of Wellston figures prominently in her story; after years of…
Brian Regan to Play the Masonic Auditorium in December
Brian Regan originally set out to become an accountant. But when that didn’t work out, he shifted into comedy. Years later, comedians around the country hail his impeccable delivery and ability to inflect just enough physicality into his routines. Regan, who refrains from using profanity, relies on observational humor to entertain patrons. His bit on…
Gordon Square Arts District’s Musician-in-Residence Doc ‘Dee Jay Doc’ Harrill To Conduct a Hip-Hop Songwriting Project
Founder of the locally based Refresh Collective, Doc “Dee Jay Doc” Harrill [pictured] will be the Gordon Square Arts District’s musician-in-residence for the second quarter of 2019. During his residency, Harrill will work with community members of all ages to create Stories of Struggle and Success, a multi-generational, multi-skill level hip-hop project that’ll open a…
Live Nation is Bringing Back Its $20 Summer Concert Ticket Deal
Live Nation is back for the fifth year in a row with its All-In Ticket, a deal sure to make even the most grizzled of concertgoer tear up just a bit. In celebration of National Concert Week, the company is offering $20 tickets for more than 2,800 shows across the country, including Cleveland stops. Some…
Trump’s Likely Nominee for the Federal Reserve Board Once Called Cincinnati and Cleveland ‘Armpits’
President Donald Trump is expected to tap Stephen Moore as a nominee to the Federal Reserve Board, which sets financial policy for the federal government. It’s a good thing for Moore that Ohioans (well, other than our two senators) don’t get to vote on that, because recordings have emerged of Moore dumping all over two…
Hitting the Grog Shop Soon, Evan Dando and Tommy Stinson Talk Touring Together for the First Time
The Lemonheads and the Replacements both came out of the 1980s alternative rock scenes and left lasting impressions for the way they mixed punk with pop and rock. The Replacements, who hailed from Minneapolis, and the Lemonheads, who hailed from Boston, would sign major label record contracts, and both would receive wider exposure via MTV.…
City of Cleveland Reaches $50,000 Settlement With Ohio Man Arrested During American Flag Burning Protest at 2016 RNC
[image-1] The City of Cleveland has agreed to pay a $50,000 settlement to Steven Fridley, an Ohio man who was one of 18 arrested during protest activities at the 2016 RNC when Gregory “Joey” Johnson burned an American flag at the end of East Fourth Street while the group formed a safety circle around him.…
‘Avengers: Endgame’ is the Finale Fans Crave
Clocking in at just over three hours, Avengers: Endgame, the second installment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Avengers finale, leaves ample room for fans to bid their superheroes farewell. And thanks to the strategic ensemble culling at the end of Infinity War — which I’ll presume everyone has seen — the script and its intricately…
Kathleen Madigan Returning to Playhouse Square in September
Comedian Kathleen Madigan has just announced that she’ll bring her Hot Dog & Angels tour to Playhouse Square’s Ohio Theatre in September. “I love the road,” says Madigan in a press release announcing the tour. “I don’t know what would happen if I stayed in one place for more than a week, and at this point I’m not…
Best Local Startup
Readers’ Choice Winner: Rust Belt Riders 2nd: Inca Tea 3rd: Nooma 4th: Collective Casting
BEST BOWLING ALLEY
Readers’ Choice Winner: Mahall’s 2nd: Corner Alley 3rd: Wickliffe Lanes 4th: Pinstripes 5th: Roll House
BEST DIVE BAR
Readers’ Choice Winner: Harbor Inn 2nd: ABC Tavern 3rd: Merry Arts 4th: Becky’s 5th: Dive Bar
BEST BAR TRIVIA NIGHT
Readers’ Choice Winner: Side Quest 2nd: Jukebox 3rd: Bottlehouse 4th: Twist Social Club 5th: Becky’s
Best Neighborhood
Readers’ Choice Winner: Lakewood 2nd: Ohio City 3rd: Cleveland Heights 4th: Tremont 5th: Detroit Shoreway/Gordon Square
BEST ACTOR
Readers’ Choice Winner: Cody Kilpatrick Steele 2nd: Chris Richards 3rd: Davis Aguila 4th: Bryant Carroll 5th: Joey Gentile
BEST DIRECTOR
Readers’ Choice Winner: Mark Hamer 2nd: Michael Rogaliner 3rd: Jon Nix 4th: Jeremy Andrew Davis
BEST PHONE/COMPUTER REPAIR SHOP
Readers’ Choice Winner: Broke Ass Phone 2nd: Computer Repair Doctor 3rd: Mentor iPhone Repair
BEST SUSHI
Readers’ Choice Winner: Ginko 2nd: Pacific East 3rd: Voodoo Tuna 4th: Mizu 5th: Sushi 86
BEST FEMALE VOCALIST
Readers’ Choice Winner: Sarah Radcliff 2nd: Madeline Finn 3rd: Kaydence Jayne 4th: Angela Cole 5th: Ashley Armanni
BEST ADULT STORE
Readers’ Choice Winner: Adultmart 2nd: Ambiance 3rd: The Dean Rufus House Of Fun
The Worst of Cleveland: Parking and Entering Blossom Music Center
Blossom itself, it should go without saying, is a gem of a venue. A slice of bucolic heaven where the music is made better by the surrounding nature and vice versa. Getting into and out of the facility is a whole ‘nother thing. Complaints about traffic in Cleveland should always be taken with a Cargill-sized…
BEST DELI
Readers’ Choice Winner: Larder 2nd: Corky & Lenny’s 3rd: Jack’s Deli 4th: Joe’s Deli 5th: Davis Bakery
BEST CAKES
Readers’ Choice Winner: Kelsey Elizabeth Cakes 2nd: Luna Bakery & Cafe 3rd: White Flour 4th: KB Confections 5th: Pink Bandana Bakery
BEST FOOD TRUCK
Readers’ Choice Winner: Wild Spork 2nd: Cleveland Cookie Dough 3rd: Hatfield’s Goode Grub 4th: Smokin Rock n’ Roll 5th: Cocky’s Bagels
Best Seasonal Festival/Event
Readers’ Choice Winner: The Feast of the Assumption 2nd: Dyngus Day 3rd: Ingenuity Fest 4th: Brite Winter Fest 5th: Cleveland Animals Bar Crawl
Best Local Charity or Nonprofit
Readers’ Choice Winner: Cleveland Animal Protective League 2nd: Greater Cleveland Food Bank 3rd: Friends of the Cleveland Kennel 4th: Building Hope in the City 5th: Minds Matter Cleveland
BEST PLACE TO HIKE
Readers’ Choice Winner: Cuyahoga Valley National Park 2nd: Rocky River Reservation 3rd: North Chagrin Reservation 4th: Brecksville Reservation 5th: South Chagrin Reservation
BEST PLACE FOR ARCADE GAMES
Readers’ Choice Winner: 16-Bit Bar + Arcade 2nd: Superelectric Pinball Parlor
Best Free Outing
Readers’ Choice Winner: Cleveland Museum of Art 2nd: Cleveland Metroparks 3rd: West Side Market 4th: Edgewater Park 5th: Wade Oval Wednesday
BEST WOMEN’S CLOTHING STORE
Readers’ Choice Winner: Banyan Tree 2nd: Bleu Chic Boutique 3rd: Madelyn Rose Boutique 4th: Homage 5th: Intro Boutique
BEST PHOTOGRAPHER
Readers’ Choice Winner: Arastasia Photography 2nd: Mike Beach 3rd: Rustic Light Photography 4th: Lizzie Schlafer 5th: Argonian Photography
BEST LOCAL ALBUM
Readers’ Choice Winner: Paradox–Diana Chittester 2nd: Blue Skies and Summer Nights–Country Redford 3rd: Holding All the Aces–Billy Morris and the Sunset Strip 4th: Bee on a Rose–Ma Holos
BEST JAPANESE RESTAURANT
Readers’ Choice Winner: Ushabu 2nd: Shinto 3rd: Pacific East 4th: Ginko 5th: Shuhei
BEST PET-RELATED BUSINESS
Readers’ Choice Winner: Three Dog Bakery 2nd: Pet’s General Store 3rd: Dog Life in CLE 4th: Sits ’n Wiggles Pet Sitting 5th: The Natural Pet Enrichment Center
BEST LOCAL AUTHOR OR WRITER
Readers’ Choice Winner: Nikki Delamotte 2nd: Connie Schultz 3rd: Susan Petrone 4th: Mark Hamer 5th: Brandon Stanwyck
Worst of Cleveland: Talkative Concertgoers
The guy was singing his heart out and no one gave a shit. At least that’s what Caamp frontman Taylor Meier accused his Beachland Ballroom audience of last month. The Ohio folk-rock three-piece has such a strong local following that they sold out back-to-back shows. But when Meier started in on a beautiful new acoustic…
BEST BAR FOOD
Readers’ Choice Winner: Happy Dog 2nd: TownHall 3rd: ABC Tavern 4th: Gunselman’s Tavern 5th: LBM
BEST VEGAN RESTAURANT
Readers’ Choice Winner: Cleveland Vegan 2nd: Tommy’s 3rd: TownHall 4th: The Root Cafe 5th: Wild Spork 6th: Earth Bistro
BEST PATIO DINING
Readers’ Choice Winner: Collision Bend Brewing Company 2nd: TownHall 3rd: Luxe Kitchen & Lounge 4th: Georgetown 5th: Jekyll’s Kitchen
Best Outdoor Wedding Venue
Readers’ Choice Winner: Cleveland Botanical Garden 2nd: Squire’s Castle 3rd: Mapleside Farms 4th: The Shoreby Club 5th: Lago East Bank
Best Place for a First Date
Readers’ Choice Winner: Humble Wine Bar 2nd: Barrio 3rd: Cleveland Museum of Art 4th: Astoria Cafe & Market 5th: Lago East Bank
BEST GOLF COURSE
Readers’ Choice Winner: Big Met 2nd: Manakiki 3rd: Fowler’s Mill 4th: The Country Club 5th: Mallard Creek
BEST NEIGHBORHOOD BAR
Readers’ Choice Winner: The Fairmount 2nd: Merry Arts 3rd: Flying Monkey 4th: Gunselman’s Tavern 5th: Rowley Inn
BEST LOCAL BEER
Readers’ Choice Winner: Great Lakes Brewing Co. 2nd: Platform Beer Co. 3rd: Masthead Brewing Co. 4th: Sibling Revelry Brewing 5th: Market Garden Brewery
Best Apartment Complex
Readers’ Choice Winner: The 9 2nd: One University Circle 3rd: The Bingham 4th: The Quarter 5th: The Edison
BEST PET SHOP
Readers’ Choice Winner: Pet People 2nd: 3 Dogs Bakery 3rd: Pet’s General Store 4th: Milo & Me 5th: Pawsitively Pure
BEST EYEWEAR
Readers’ Choice Winner: Eye Candy Optical 2nd: Signature Optical 3rd: Eyes on Chagrin 4th: Broad View Eye Center 5th: Jerold Optical
BEST VOCAL GROUP
Readers’ Choice Winner: North Coast Men’s Chorus 2nd: Greater Cleveland Chorus 3rd: Cleveland Chamber Choir 4th: Men of Independence 5th: Country Redford
BEST CHINESE RESTAURANT
Readers’ Choice Winner: Li Wah 2nd: Szechuan Gourmet 3rd: LJ Shanghai 4th: King Wah 5th: Wonton Gourme
BEST THRIFT STORE
Readers’ Choice Winner: Flower Child 2nd: Common Threads Thrift 3rd: Value World 4th: Savers 5th: Avalon Exchange
BEST BARBER SHOP
Readers’ Choice Winner: Quintana’s Barber & Dream Spa 2nd: Eddy’s Barber Shop 3rd: Black Cat Barbershop 4th: Refinery Barbershop 5th: Top of the Line Barbershop
The Worst of Cleveland: The Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse, nee Quicken Loans Arena
You have probably already — and will undoubtedly in the future — enter into a conversation with someone who compliments the extensive renovations of Quicken Loans Arena. Check out that glass! It reflects the city skyline! Glass! Skyline! It will, to them and possibly you, represent banner cooperation between that local demigod Dan Gilbert, the…
BEST JUICE BAR
Readers’ Choice Winner: Restore 2nd: Pulp 3rd: Beet Jar 4th: Daily Press 5th: Anna in the Raw
Savage Love: The Liked Boys
My best friend’s father is an avid user of social media. He’s retired and spends most of his day posting memes on Facebook and Instagram. Recently, I realized he might not know how Instagram works. I noticed over the past week or so that he has been following, liking, and commenting on a lot of…
The Worst of Cleveland: I-480
Let us collectively rise as a unified region, setting aside petty squabbles and differences, to bestow upon I-480 — that gaudy asphalt hellscape born of, and then turned enabler of, sprawl — the double birds it so richly deserves. The 41-mile stretch of aggravation, which delivers both physical and psychic injury on a daily basis,…
Best Indoor Wedding Venue
Readers’ Choice Winner: Cleveland Museum of Art 2nd: The Arcade 3rd: Windows on the River 4th: 78th Street Studios 5th: The Ballroom at Park Lane
Best Place for a Kid’s Birthday Party
Readers’ Choice Winner: Children’s Museum Cleveland 2nd: Play: CLE 3rd: Sky Zone 4th: Get Air 5th: Play.Love.Learn
BEST PLACE TO SKI
Readers’ Choice Winner: Boston Mills and Brandywine 2nd: Chapin Forest
BEST SPOT FOR DAY DRINKING
Readers’ Choice Winner: TownHall 2nd: Market Garden Brewery 3rd: Terrestrial Brewing Company 4th: Sauced Taproom + Kitchen 5th: Rowley Inn 6th: FWD Day + Night Club
Best Bed and Breakfast
Readers’ Choice Winner: The Inn at Brandywine Falls 2nd: Washington Place Inn 3rd: Glidden House 4th: J. Palen House
BEST ACTRESS
Readers’ Choice Winner: Nicole Sumlin 2nd: Adrienne Krol 3rd: Angela Cole 4th: Tasha Brandt 5th: Faye Hargate
BEST PAINTER
Readers’ Choice Winner: Frank Oriti 2nd: Eileen Dorsey 3rd: Samantha Bias 4th: Justin Roberts 5th: Leigh Bongiorno
BEST RESTAURANT
Readers’ Choice Winner: L’Albatros 2nd: Salt + 3rd: Barroco 4th: TownHall 5th: Marble Room Steaks & Raw Bar 6th: Astoria Cafe & Market
BEST THAI RESTAURANT
Readers’ Choice Winner: Thai Thai 2nd: Thai Kitchen 3rd: Peppermint Thai 4th: Ty Fun 5th: Banana Blossom
BEST MALE VOCALIST
Readers’ Choice Winner: Scott Redford 2nd: Matt Goodrich 3rd: Shawn Roland 4th: Anthony Covatta 5th: Guy Snowdon
BEST PLACE TO CATCH A PLAY
Readers’ Choice Winner: Playhouse Square 2nd: Cleveland Public Theatre 3rd: Beck Center for the Arts 4th: Dobama Theatre 5th: Blank Canvas Theatre
BEST CHICKEN WINGS
Readers’ Choice Winner: Winking Lizard 2nd: Greenhouse Tavern 3rd: Around the Corner 4th: Rush Inn 5th: Boss ChickNBeer 6th: Scalpers Bar & Grille
BEST TEA CAFE
Readers’ Choice Winner: Inca Tea Cafe 2nd: Cleveland Tea Revival 3rd: The Tea Lab 4th: Algebra Teahouse
BEST LATE-NIGHT EATS
Readers’ Choice Winner: Barrio 2nd: Happy Dog 3rd: Edison’s 4th: The Fairmount 5th: TownHall
BEST SPANISH RESTAURANT
Readers’ Choice Winner: Mallorca 2nd: Sangria y Tapas
Best Radio Station
Readers’ Choice Winner: 90.3 WCPN Ideastream 2nd: Q104 3rd: 100.7 WMMS 4th: 92.3 The Fan 5th: 98.5 WNCX
Best Place for a Grown Up’s Birthday Party
Readers’ Choice Winner: Punch Bowl Social 2nd: Mahall’s 3rd: Forest City Shuffleboard 4th: TownHall 5th: Astoria Cafe & Market
BEST PUBLIC POOL
Readers’ Choice Winner: Lakewood Park 2nd: Beachwood 3rd: Bay Village 4th: Cumberland 5th: Purvis Park
BEST SPOT FOR KARAOKE
Readers’ Choice Winner: Corky’s 2nd: Tina’s 3rd: Twist Social Club 4th: Eastland Inn 5th: Galaxy
BEST CLUB OR BAR TO DANCE
Readers’ Choice Winner: Twist Social Club 2nd: Barley House 3rd: FWD Day + Night Club 4th: Dive Bar 5th: Speakeasy 6th: Magnolia
BEST FLORIST
Readers’ Choice Winner: Urban Orchid 2nd: Lush and Lovely 3rd: Blossom Cleveland 4th: Flowerville 5th: Carol Anna’s Flowers
BEST PLACE TO BUY A WEDDING DRESS
Readers’ Choice Winner: Radiant Bride 2nd: Miranda’s Vintage Bridal 3rd: The Dress 4th: Something White 5th: A Bride’s Design
BEST ARTIST
Readers’ Choice Winner: Derek Hess 2nd: Eileen Dorsey 3rd: Cat Swartz 4th: Kris Petrenko 5th: Samantha Bias
BEST FILMMAKER
Readers’ Choice Winner: Robbie Barnes & Kinsley Funari (The Holiday Girls) 2nd: Mike Wendt 3rd: Mark Hamer 4th: Robert Banks 5th: Eric Swinderman
BEST VIETNAMESE RESTAURANT
Readers’ Choice Winner: Superior Pho 2nd: Minh Anh 3rd: Pho Thang 4th: Saigon 5th: Nam Wah
BEST RECORD STORE
Readers’ Choice Winner: The Exchange 2nd: Record Revolution 3rd: My Mind’s Eye 4th: Loop 5th: Blue Arrow Records 6th: Black Market Records
BEST BARBER
Readers’ Choice Winner: Theo Challouf (Quintana’s Barber & Dream Spa) 2nd: Ryan Hardwick (Black Cat Barbershop) 3rd: Jessica Branco (Quintana’s Barber & Dream Spa) 4th: Chuck Falk (Eddy’s Barber Shop) 5th: Ramon Claudio (Top of the Line Barbershop)
The Worst of Cleveland: Criminal Activity Nuisance Ordinances
In February of 2018, the city of Bedford declared a property a nuisance and fined the owner $250. The issue? The tenant had sought help months earlier over concerns that her boyfriend was going to kill himself. Later, she called police again, believing him to be suicidal. After the nuisance declaration from Bedford, the landlord…
BEST ROMANTIC RESTAURANT
Readers’ Choice Winner: Pier W 2nd: L’Albatros 3rd: Marble Room Steak & Raw Bar 4th: Chez Francois 5th: Astoria Cafe & Market
BEST BURGER
Readers’ Choice Winner: Heck’s Cafe 2nd: Buckeye Beer Engine 3rd: Johnny’s Little Bar 4th: Gunselman’s Tavern 5th: Harry Buffalo
The Worst of Cleveland: ‘Summits’
Everyone knows that summits are worthless publicity stunts favored by folks who call themselves thought leaders. The dictionary is noncommittal on the etymology, but the word itself — “summit” def. #2 — was probably hatched at Aspen or some vacation ski-resort, where rich people have been known to convene over beers after invigorating afternoons on…
Best College Radio Station
Readers’ Choice Winner: 88.7 WJCU, John Carroll 2nd: 91.1 WRUW, Case Western 3rd: 89.3 WCSB, Cleveland State 4th: Black Squirrel Radio, Kent State University Online 5th: 88.3 WBWC, Baldwin Wallace
Best Place to Buy a House
Readers’ Choice Winner: Lakewood 2nd: Cleveland Heights 3rd: Rocky River 4th: Bay Village 5th: West Park 6th: Old Brooklyn
BEST GYM
Readers’ Choice Winner: Tremont Athletic Club 2nd: Method Sports & Fitness 3rd: Planet Fitness 4th: Barre3 5th: Results Fitness
BEST COCKTAIL BAR
Readers’ Choice Winner: Porco Tiki Lounge 2nd: Velvet Tango Room 3rd: Spotted Owl 4th: LBM 5th: Society Lounge
BEST BAR ON THE WATER
Readers’ Choice Winner: Collision Bend Brewing Company 2nd: Shooters 3rd: Music Box Supper Club 4th: Coastal Taco/Lindey’s Lake House 5th: FWD Day + Night Club
BEST STORE TO FIND A PLACE OF CLEVELAND
Readers’ Choice Winner: Cleveland Clothing Company 2nd: GV Art + Design 3rd: In The 216 4th: Salty Not Sweet 5th: Wood Thingamajigs
BEST CONSIGNMENT SHOP
Readers’ Choice Winner: Avalon Exchange 2nd: Curvy Consignments 3rd: Seconds City 4th: It’s So You 5th: Style Loop
BEST ART GALLERY
Readers’ Choice Winner: 78th Street Studios 2nd: Spaces 3rd: Waterloo Arts 4th: 2020 West Schaaf Gallery 5th: E11even2
BEST NEW RESTAURANT
Readers’ Choice Winner: Larder 2nd: Landmark 3rd: Boss ChickNBeer 4th: Ohio City Galley 5th: Rood Food & Pie 6th: Bull & Bird Steakhouse
BEST PHO
Readers’ Choice Winner: Superior Pho 2nd: #1 Pho 3rd: Minh Ahn 4th: Bowl of Pho 5th: Pho Thang 6th: Ninja City
BEST SALON
Readers’ Choice Winner: Stella and Shay Beauty Bar 2nd: Blushing Beauty Salon 3rd: Dino Palmieri Salon and Spa 4th: Rule of 3 Salon 5th: Lock Loft
BEST STYLIST
Readers’ Choice Winner: Stephanie Zwolenik (Mia Salon Studios) 2nd: Marco Alexzander (Salon Lofts #26) 3rd: Carrie Marginian (Carrie Marginian Hair) 4th: Ken Novak (Kreate Studio) 5th: Rachel Hallahan (Manifest)
BEST ITALIAN RESTAURANT
Readers’ Choice Winner: Mia Bella 2nd: Luca 3rd: Bruno’s 4th: Pepper’s 5th: Lago East Bank
BEST SUB SHOP
Readers’ Choice Winner: Dave’s Cosmic Subs nd: Herb’n Twine 3rd: Grum’s 4th: Papa Joe’s 5th: Sharpy’s
BEST LATIN RESTAURANT
Readers’ Choice Winner: Barroco 2nd: La Plaza 3rd: Paladar 4th: El Carnicero 5th: Campus Grille 6th: Rincon Criollo
BEST AFRICAN RESTAURANT
Readers’ Choice Winner: Zoma Ethiopian Restaurant 2nd: Empress Taytu 3rd: Lucy Restaurant & Bar 4th: Kifaya’s Kitchen
Best Radio Show
Readers’ Choice Winner: Jen & Tim Show (Star 102.1) 2nd: Alan Cox Show (WMMS 100.7) 3rd: Rover’s Morning Glory (WMMS 100.7) 4th: The Bull & Fox (92.3 The Fan) 5th: The Jeremiah Show (Q104.1)
Best Activist
Readers’ Choice Winner: Amanda King (Shooting Without Bullets) 2nd: Erin Huber (Drink Local Drink Tap) 3rd: Chrissy Stonebraker-Martinez (InterReligious Task Force on Central America) 4th: Amanda Houdeschell 5th: Anhedonia Delight
BEST YOGA STUDIO
Readers’ Choice Winner: Inner Bliss 2nd: The Studio Cleveland 3rd: Hope Yoga 4th: Elements Fitness Studio 5th: Be Fitness
BEST HAPPY HOUR
Readers’ Choice Winner: Barrio 2nd: Pier W 3rd: The Fairmount 4th: LBM 5th: Barley House
BEST LOCAL FASHION DESIGNER
Readers’ Choice Winner: Emily Roggenburk 2nd: Valerie Mayan 3rd: Jevon Terrance 4th: William Frederick Clothing
BEST VAPE SHOP
Readers’ Choice Winner: Cleveland Vape 2nd: Euphoria Vapor 3rd: Planet of the Vapes 4th: Cloud Chamber 5th: AVAIL Vapor
BEST GROCERY STORE
Readers’ Choice Winner: Heinen’s 2nd: Lucky’s Market 3rd: Dave’s Market 4th: Zagara’s Marketplace 5th: The Grocery
BEST ART FAIR
Readers’ Choice Winner: Lakewood Arts Festival 2nd: Cain Park Arts Festival 3rd: Parade the Circle 4th: Waterloo Arts Fest 5th: Hessler Street Fair
BEST SEAFOOD RESTAURANT
Readers’ Choice Winner: Pier W 2nd: Blue Point Grille 3rd: Alley Cat 4th: Salmon Dave’s 5th: Astoria Cafe & Market
BEST SINGER/SONGWRITER
Readers’ Choice Winner: Marina Strah 2nd: Diana Chittester 3rd: Scott Redford 4th: Shawn Roland 5th: Anthony Covatta
BEST BOOKSTORE
Readers’ Choice Winner: Loganberry Books 2nd: The Bookshop in Lakewood 3rd: Mac’s Backs 4th: Visible Voice 5th: Appletree Books
BEST INDIAN RESTAURANT
Readers’ Choice Winner: India Garden 2nd: Cafe Tandoor 3rd: Saffron Patch 4th: Tandul 5th: Jaipur Junction
BEST TACOS
Readers’ Choice Winner: Barrio 2nd: La Plaza 3rd: Taco Tontos 4th: Bomba 5th: Bakersfield Tacos
BEST BUTCHER SHOP
Readers’ Choice Winner: Ohio City Provisions 2nd: K&K Portage 3rd: Saucisson 4th: Edwins Butcher Shop 5th: Sebastian’s Meats
Best Online Radio Station
Readers’ Choice Winner: Black Squirrel Radio 2nd: oWOW Radio
Best Local Podcast
Readers’ Choice Winner: The ThomaHawk Show 2nd: Cedar Lee Radio 3rd: A to Z Podcast 4th: Drinks With Larry 5th: BZ Listening
BEST SPECIALITY EXERCISE CLASSES
Readers’ Choice Winner: Harness Cycle 2nd: Cleveland Exotic Dance 3rd: Be Fitness 4th: Elements Studio 5th: ReFORM PT & Pilates
BEST NEW BAR
Readers’ Choice Winner: Ohio City Galley 2nd: Flight 3rd: Sauced Taproom & Kitchen 4th: Distill Table 5th: Stella’s Music Club
BEST BOTTLE SELECTION
Readers’ Choice Winner: Banter 2nd: Winking Lizard 3rd: Harbor Inn 4th: LBM 5th: FWD Day + Night Club
BEST LOCAL JEWELRY MAKER
Readers’ Choice Winner: Oceanne 2nd: Wanderlust Jewelers 3rd: Wildfoot Studio 4th: Bunny Paige 5th: David Wilkinson Design
BEST ANTIQUE SHOP
Readers’ Choice Winner: Flower Child 2nd: Sweet Lorain 3rd: Second Thyme Around 4th: Attenson’s Antiques 5th: Helm Collective
BEST ARTS EVENT
Readers’ Choice Winner: Third Friday at 78th Street Studios 2nd: The Delusional Divas of Drag 3rd: Bricolage at Maelstrom Collaborative Arts
BEST CHEF
Readers’ Choice Winner: Jill Vedaa 2nd: Zack Bruell 3rd: Michael Symon 4th: Jonathan Sawyer 5th: Doug Katz
BEST DESSERTS (RESTAURANT)
Readers’ Choice Winner: Chocolate Bar 2nd: Salt + 3rd: Clifton Diner 4th: Rood Food & Pie 5th: Astoria Cafe & Market
BEST BICYCLE SHOP
Readers’ Choice Winner: Century Cycle 2nd: Blazing Saddle Cycle 3rd: Spin Bike Shop 4th: Joy Machines 5th: Beat Cycles
BEST VINTAGE STORE
Readers’ Choice Winner: Flower Child 2nd: Sweet Lorain 3rd: Vintage Fashion CLE 4th: Apple Jax Toys 5th: Helm Collective
BEST DONUTS
Readers’ Choice Winner: Brewnuts 2nd: Jack Frost 3rd: Becker’s 4th: Biagio’s 5th: Goldie’s
BEST TAPAS
Readers’ Choice Winner: Salt+ 2nd: The Fairmount 3rd: Astoria Cafe & Market 4th: Sangria y Tapas 5th: The Pompadour
Band of the Week: The Paul Pope Band
MEET THE BAND: Paul Pope (guitar, vocals), Billy Sullivan (guitar, vocals), Bill March (bass, vocals), Don Krueger (drums, vocals) IT STARTED WITH AN UNTITLED SONG: Pope says that when he was growing up, he thought Elvis Presley was “it.” “When I saw him perform, I knew that’s what I wanted to do,” he says. “Every…
Best Sports Talk Radio Show
Readers’ Choice Winner: The Bull and Fox (92.3 The Fan) 2nd: Ken Carman Show with Anthony Lima (92.3 The Fan) 3rd: The Really Big Show (850 WKNR)
Best Drag Queen
Readers’ Choice Winner: Samantha Echo 2nd: Lady J Martinez 3rd: Malibuu Peruu 4th: Anhedonia Delight 5th: Calypso Riley
BEST JAZZ CLUB
Readers’ Choice Winner: Nighttown 2nd: Brothers Lounge 3rd: Velvet Tango Room 4th: Bop Stop 5th: House of Swing
BEST GENTLEMAN’S CLUB
Readers’ Choice Winner: Christie’s Cabaret 2nd: Lido’s Lounge 3rd: Larry Flynt’s Hustler Club 4th: Diamond Men’s Club
BEST JEWELRY STORE
Readers’ Choice Winner: Oceanne 2nd: Wicked Sugar Fashion 3rd: Bunny Paige 4th: The W Gallery 5th: Your Wave Length
BEST HOME/GARDEN SHOP
Readers’ Choice Winner: Petitti’s Garden Centers 2nd: Gale’s Garden Center 3rd: Lakewood Plant Company 4th: Bremec Garden Centers 5th: Lakewood Garden Center
BEST COMEDY VENUE
Readers’ Choice Winner: Hilarities 2nd: The Improv 3rd: Winchester Music Tavern
BEST FRENCH FRIES
Readers’ Choice Winner: Tommy’s 2nd: Bar Cento 3rd: Banter 4th: B Spot 5th: TownHall
BEST PASTRY CHEF
Readers’ Choice Winner: Ange Lupica, Salt + 2nd: Amanda Montague, Lilly Handmade Chocolates 3rd: Britt-Marie Culey, the former Coquette Patisserie 4th: Annabella Andricks – DinerBar on Clifton 5th: Ann LoParo – Annie’s Signature Sweets Events
BEST COVER BAND
Readers’ Choice Winner: Old Skool 2nd: Billy Likes Soda 3rd: Tilted 4th: Jester’s Revenge 5th: Loudmouth
The Worst of Cleveland: Armond Budish
County Executive Armond Budish is such a consummate farce that it’s a wonder he hasn’t resigned and hightailed it to Florida, where at the very least he could be made comfortable. He emerged from self-exile last Thursday to deliver a State of the County address so out of touch with the county and its…
BEST BREAKFAST
Readers’ Choice Winner: Grumpy’s Cafe 2nd: Lucky’s Cafe 3rd: Inn on Coventry 4th: Jack Flaps 5th: Landmark
BEST SNACK
Readers’ Choice Winner: Campbell’s Popcorn 2nd: Peterson’s Nut Company 3rd: The Cleveland Caramel Corn Co. 4th: Randy’s Pickles 5th: Sidekicks Salsa
BEST BARBECUE
Readers’ Choice Winner: Mabel’s 2nd: Proper Pig 3rd: Woodstock BBQ 4th: Ohio City BBQ 5th: Landmark
Best Sports Talker
Readers’ Choice Winner: Ken Carman (92.3 The Fan) 2nd: Dustin Fox (92.3 The Fan) 3rd: Anthony Lima (92.3 The Fan) 4th: Jim Donovan (WKYC Channel 3) 5th: Tony Rizzo (850 WKNR)
Best Public High School
Readers’ Choice Winner: Lakewood High School 2nd: Rocky River High School 3rd: Solon High School 4th: Cleveland Heights High School 5th: Shaker Heights High School
BEST ROCK CLUB
Readers’ Choice Winner: Beachland Ballroom 2nd: Grog Shop 3rd: Agora 4th: Winchester Music Tavern 5th: Stella’s Music Club
BEST BREWERY
Readers’ Choice Winner: Great Lakes Brewing Co. 2nd: Platform Beer Co. 3rd: Market Garden Brewery 4th: Noble Beast Brewing Co. 5th: Terrestrial Brewing Co.
BEST DRAFT SELECTION
Readers’ Choice Winner: Tremont Taphouse 2nd: Winking Lizard 3rd: City Tap 4th: Sauced Taproom and Kitchen 5th: Beerhead
BEST FURNITURE MAKER
Readers’ Choice Winner: Sawhorse Woodworks 2nd: Hans Noble Design 3rd: Rickey Tanno Design 4th: Domenic Fiorello Studio 5th: Freddy Hill Designs
BEST GIFT SHOP
Readers’ Choice Winner: In The 216 2nd: Lovely Paperie and Gifts 3rd: Salty Not Sweet 4th: Room Service 5th: Royalton Gifts
BEST PLACE TO BUY SNEAKERS
Readers’ Choice Winner: Xhibition 2nd: West Side Skate 3rd: The Restock 4th: Second Sole 5th: Krush
BEST GERMAN RESTAURANT
Readers’ Choice Winner: Das Schnitzel Haus 2nd: Der Braumeister 3rd: Hansa Brewery 4th: Balaton
BEST BAKERY/PASTRIES
Readers’ Choice Winner: Luna Bakery & Cafe 2nd: Kelsey Elizabeth Cakes 3rd: On the Rise 4th: KB Confections 5th: Pink Bandana Bakery
BEST WINE STORE
Readers’ Choice Winner: Rozi’s 2nd: The Wine Spot 3rd: CLE Urban Winery 4th: Little Birdie Wine Nest 5th: Flight
The Worst of Cleveland: The ‘Superlative Imperative’
The Superlative Imperative is a term we coined in 2018 to describe the defective philosophy of our region’s leaders, one that, for decades, has undermined Cleveland’s progress. It refers specifically to the idea that leaders, instead of tackling the material issues that affect the majority of citizens, promote the construction of big buildings and fanciful…
BEST DINER
Readers’ Choice Winner: George’s Kitchen 2nd: DinerBar on Clifton 3rd: The Inn on Coventry 4th: The Place to Be 5th: Landmark
BEST RAMEN
Readers’ Choice Winner: Xinji 2nd: Otani Noodle 3rd: Noodle Cat 4th: Mason’s Creamery 5th: Ninja City
BEST POLISH RESTAURANT
Readers’ Choice Winner: Sokolowski’s 2nd: Little Polish Diner 3rd: Seven Roses
Best Local Newscast
Readers’ Choice Winner: FOX 8 WJW 2nd: WKYC Channel 3 3rd: WEWS Channel 5 4th: WOIO Channel 19
Best Private High School
Readers’ Choice Winner: Saint Ignatius 2nd: Saint Edward 3rd: Hawken School 4th: Gilmour Academy 5th: University School
BEST BAR OR CLUB FOR LOCAL MUSIC
Readers’ Choice Winner: Happy Dog 2nd: Beachland Tavern 3rd: Grog Shop 4th: Mahall’s 5th: Winchester Music Tavern
BEST BAR WITH GAMES
Readers’ Choice Winner: Side Quest 2nd: Tabletop Board Game Cafe 3rd: 16-Bit Bar + Arcade 4th: Hi and Dry 5th: Wild Eagle Saloon
BEST SPORTS BAR
Readers’ Choice Winner: Winking Lizard 2nd: The Clevelander 3rd: Merry Arts 4th: Harry Buffalo 5th: Rivals
BEST PLACE TO FURNISH YOUR HOME
Readers’ Choice Winner: VNTG Home 2nd: Helm Collective 3rd: Northeast Factory Direct 4th: Arhaus 5th: West Elm
BEST PLACE FOR A MANI/PEDI
Readers’ Choice Winner: Quintana’s Barber & Dream Spa 2nd: Shirley Vu (Salon Lofts #27) 3rd: Pink Boutique 4th: Manifest 5th: Rule of 3 Salon
BEST LOCAL COMEDIAN (FEMALE)
Readers’ Choice Winner: Mary Santora 2nd: Liz Blanc 3rd: Marla Demarchi
BEST STREET FAIR
Readers’ Choice Winner: Taste of Tremont 2nd: Hessler Street Fair 3rd: Night Market 4th: Ohio City Street Festival 5th: Waterloo Arts Fest
BEST IRISH RESTAURANT
Readers’ Choice Winner: The Harp 2nd: Stone Mad Pub 3rd: PJ McIntyre’s 4th: Flannery’s 5th: Craggy Bogland’s
BEST DANCE PARTY
Readers’ Choice Winner: Velvet Dog 2nd: Emo Night CLE 3rd: Magnolia 4th: I Got 5 On It 5th: In Training
The Worst of Cleveland: Blanket 15-Year Tax Abatements
Anyone who lives in Tremont, Ohio City or Detroit-Shoreway can tell you that the city of Cleveland’s blanket 15-year tax abatement policy — the worst, obvs — is no longer doing what it’s ostensibly designed to do. That is: spur investment in areas that wouldn’t otherwise get it by offering an incentive to developers. This…
BEST BREAD MAKER
Readers’ Choice Winner: On the Rise 2nd: Blackbird 3rd: Breadsmith 4th: Stone Oven 5th: Fluffy Duck
Get Out: Everything You Should Be Doing in Cleveland This Week (April 24-30)
WED 04/24 A Bronx Tale Oscar winner Robert De Niro and Tony winner Jerry Zaks teamed up to direct A Bronx Tale, a musical based on the film of the same name. The story centers on a boy who aspires to be a mob boss, and it features tunes from Alan Menken (Beauty and the…
BEST BAGELS
Readers’ Choice Winner: The Cleveland Bagel Company 2nd: Bialy’s Bagels 3rd: Fiona’s Coffee Bar & Bakery 4th: Cocky’s Bagels 5th: D&R Bagels
Best Anchor
Readers’ Choice Winner: Betsy Kling (WKYC Channel 3) 2nd: Wayne Dawson (WJW Fox 8) 3rd: Kenny Crumpton (WJW Fox 8) 4th: Russ Mitchell (WKYC Channel 3) 5th: Todd Meany (WJW Fox 8)
Best Company to Work For
Readers’ Choice Winner: Cleveland Clinic 2nd: Hyland Software 3rd: Progressive Insurance 4th: University Hospitals 5th: Company Car and Limousine
BEST BAR OR UNDERGROUND CLUB FOR LOCAL MUSIC
Readers’ Choice Winner: Grog Shop 2nd: Mahall’s 3rd: Now That’s Class 4th: Beachland Ballroom 5th: Happy Dog
BEST BAR FOR SINGLES
Readers’ Choice Winner: TownHall 2nd: Barley House 3rd: LBM 4th: 16-Bit Bar + Arcade 5th: Magnolia
BEST CLEVELAND FLEA VENDOR
Readers’ Choice Winner: Fount 2nd: Fat T’s Cookie 3rd: Urban Planting Cleveland 4th: Shore Society 5th: Betty’s Retro
BEST BEER SELECTION (SHOP)
Readers’ Choice Winner: Simone’s 2nd: Red, Wine & Brew 3rd: Great Lakes Brewing Company 4th: Wine Spot
BEST PLACE TO BUY A MUSICAL INSTRUMENT
Readers’ Choice Winner: Royalton Music Center 2nd: Motter’s Music 3rd: Arrowhead Music 4th: Guitar Riot
BEST PERFORMANCE ARTIST
Readers’ Choice Winner: Pick Up Stix Stilt Walking 2nd: Marcia Custer 3rd: North Coast Men’s Chorus 4th: Cleveland Chamber Choir
BEST PIZZA
Readers’ Choice Winner: Angelo’s 2nd: Geraci’s 3rd: Il Rione 4th: Citizen Pie 5th: Athens
BEST T-SHIRT COMPANY
Readers’ Choice Winner: Cleveland Clothing Company 2nd: GV Art + Design 3rd: Homage 4th: Emily Roggenburk 5th: Fresh Brewed Tees
The Worst of Cleveland: Tower City
After Dan Gilbert finalized his purchase of the Avenue at Tower City from Forest City in 2016, the billionaire and public subsidy welfare recipient said he didn’t buy the thing for it to just sit there. He wanted to “create a one-of-a-kind urban shopping, dining and entertainment destination that will make all Clevelanders proud.” Bedrock…
BEST GREEK RESTAURANT
Readers’ Choice Winner: Astoria Cafe & Market 2nd: Greek Village 3rd: Taki’s Greek Kitchen 4th: Simply Greek
Addy’s is Back, and That’s a Good Thing For Everyone
We walked into Addy’s Diner on a recent Saturday morning and grabbed a couple stools at the counter. Over our shoulder we spied a large party of a dozen people, which is murder on any kitchen but particularly problematic for one that measures its footprint in square inches. After asking if we wanted coffee, our…
BEST VEGETARIAN RESTAURANT
Readers’ Choice Winner: Tommy’s 2nd: TownHall 3rd: The Root Cafe 4th: Cleveland Vegan 5th: Zoma Ethiopian Restaurant
Best Sports Reporter
Readers’ Choice Winner: Jim Donovan 2nd: Terry Pluto 3rd: Andre Knott 4th: John Telich 5th: Zack Meisel
BEST BEACH
Readers’ Choice Winner: Edgewater Beach 2nd: Huntington Beach 3rd: Mentor Headlands 4th: Fairport Harbor
BEST HIP-HOP CLUB
Readers’ Choice Winner: Touch Supper Club 2nd: Barley House 3rd: Grog Shop 4th: Rumor 5th: The Park Social Lounge
BEST BARTENDER
Readers’ Choice Winner: Matt Campy 2nd: Kevin Patrick 3rd: Bryan Freeman 4th: Chris Kiser 5th: Joey Gentil
BEST SPA
Readers’ Choice Winner: Sacred Hour 2nd: Stella and Shay Beauty Bar 3rd: Quintana’s Barber & Dream Spa 4th: Charles Scott Salon & Spa 5th: Beauty & Zen Day Spa
BEST MASSAGE SALON
Readers’ Choice Winner: Sacred Hour 2nd: The Studio Cleveland 3rd: Ladies & Gentlemen 4th: Dino Palmieri Salon & Spa 5th: Womb Wellness Center
BEST LOCAL COMEDIAN (MALE)
Readers’ Choice Winner: Mike Polk Jr. 2nd: Bill Squire 3rd: Joey Gentile 4th: David Morales 5th: David Horning
BEST MEXICAN RESTAURANT
Readers’ Choice Winner: Momocho 2nd: Barrio 3rd: La Plaza 4th: Luchita’s 5th: El Carnicero
BEST BRUNCH
Readers’ Choice Winner: Lucky’s 2nd: Pier W 3rd: TownHall 4th: Astoria Cafe & Market 5th: Landmark 6th: Crop Bistro
BEST ARTS/FILM/MUSIC FESTIVAL
Readers’ Choice Winner: Cleveland International Film Fest 2nd: Ingenuity Fest 3rd: Parade The Circle 4th: Brite Winter Fest 5th: LaureLive
The Worst of Cleveland: Defenders of The Land
There are two truths that should not be debatable but nonetheless remain controversial here. First, that Cleveland is not a great city. Second, that it is not only acceptable, or even tolerable, but healthy and necessary to point out the reasons that the first truth is, well, true. Among the many variations of civic-pride garments…
BEST SOUL FOOD
Readers’ Choice Winner: Zanzibar 2nd: Angie’s Soul Cafe 3rd: Urban Soul
The Whole is Not Greater in Generic New Taylor Schilling Vehicle ‘Family’
Taylor Schilling, star of the Netflix comedy Orange is the New Black, delivers a sharp performance in the new comedy Family, out Friday at the Cedar Lee. But the film is so predictable and generic in its broad strokes that the viewing itself feels like going through the motions. Schilling is Kate Stone, a New…
The Worst of Cleveland: Cleveland City Council
A serious question in Cleveland, Ohio, is whether the city’s legislative body (city council) has any value at all. Other than fielding calls from disgruntled constituents, hosting pancake breakfasts for seniors and holding interminable committee hearings full of inane and/or self-serving questions, it’s hard to come up with a single recent accomplishment that’s not more…
Best Sports Radio Station
Readers’ Choice Winner: 92.3 The Fan 2nd: 850 WKNR
BEST DOG PARK
Readers’ Choice Winner: Lakewood Dog Park 2nd: Edgewater 3rd: Bow Wow Beach 4th: Canine Meadows
BEST BLUES CLUB
Readers’ Choice Winner: Brothers Lounge 2nd: Nighttown 3rd: Smedley’s 4th: Winchester Music Tavern
The Best of Cleveland 2019
It’s that time again, folks, that most glorious and positive time of the year when we take a step back and recognize the absolute best of Cleveland. The nominations came flooding in this year, and tens of thousands of votes later, we have the definitive list of winners, and what a healthy list it is.…
Best Hotel
Readers’ Choice Winner: Metropolitan at the 9 2nd: Hilton Downtown 3rd: Westin Cleveland Downtown 4th: Aloft (Flats) 5th: Kimpton Schofield
BEST LOCAL PLAYWRIGHT
Readers’ Choice Winner: Lisa Langford 2nd: Logan Smith 3rd: Eric Coble 4th: David Hansen 5th: George Brant
BEST AUTO REPAIR
Readers’ Choice Winner: Bruce’s Automotive & Fleet Services 2nd: Ray’s Auto & Truck Service 3rd: Detroit Auto Clinic 4th: Alternative Car Care 5th: Wayne’s Auto Service
BEST DANCE TROUPE
Readers’ Choice Winner: Cleveland Burlesque 2nd: Cleveland Dance Project 3rd: GroundWorks 4th: Shrimp’s Oh Strip Show 5th: Nerdy Dancers of CLE
BEST JAMAICAN RESTAURANT
Readers’ Choice Winner: Taste of Jamaica 2nd: Irie Jamaican Kitchen
BEST CONCERT VENUE
Readers’ Choice Winner: Blossom Music Center 2nd: Beachland Ballroom 3rd: Jacobs Pavilion 4th: The Agora 5th: Music Box Supper Club
BEST CIGAR SHOP
Readers’ Choice Winner: Cigar Cigars 2nd: Cousin’s Cigars 3rd: Mayfield Smoke Shop 4th: Robusto & Briar 5th: JoVann’s Tobacco Shop
The Worst of Cleveland: The Health Line
The HealthLine is the bus rapid transit service linking Public Square to University Circle and East Cleveland via Euclid Avenue. It was touted, when it launched in 2008, as an efficient transit option that combined the dedicated route (and presumed speed) of a train line with the affordability of city buses. Now, it flat-out sucks.…
BEST FRIED CHICKEN
Readers’ Choice Winner: SoHo Chicken + Whiskey 2nd: Boss ChickNBeer 3rd: Landmark 4th: Larder 5th: Mr. Chicken
‘Wild Nights with Emily’ is a Humorous Look at the Life of Poet Emily Dickinson
Told in a series of flashbacks, Wild Nights with Emily, a new, ridiculously irreverent and inventive biopic about the “spinster recluse” Emily Dickinson, traces how the poet toiled in obscurity and carried on a romance with her brother’s wife while experimenting with the literary form in genuinely novel ways. Much like Drunk History, the Comedy…
BEST STEAKHOUSE
Readers’ Choice Winner: Red the Steakhouse 2nd: Marble Room Steaks & Raw Bar 3rd: Strip Steakhouse 4th: Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse 5th: Urban Farmer Steakhouse
Best College Or University
Readers’ Choice Winner: Case Western Reserve University 2nd: Cleveland State University 3rd: John Carroll University 4th: Cuyahoga Community College 5th: Baldwin Wallace University
BEST BILLIARDS
Readers’ Choice Winner: ABC Tavern 2nd: Iggy’s 3rd: Game On
BEST LGBTQ BAR OR CLUB
Readers’ Choice Winner: Twist Social Club 2nd: The Hawk 3rd: Vibe 4th: Cocktails Cleveland 5th: Distill Table
BEST WINE BAR
Readers’ Choice Winner: Rocky River Wine Bar 2nd: Humble Wine Bar 3rd: CLE Urban Winery 4th: Toast 5th: Flight Cleveland
Best Place to Take a Visitor
Readers’ Choice Winner: West Side Market 2nd: Cleveland Museum of Art 3rd: Metroparks 4th: Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 5th: Edgewater Beach
BEST BOUTIQUE
Readers’ Choice Winner: Banyan Tree 2nd: Haven 3rd: Wicked Sugar Fashion 4th: Silk Body Boutique 5th: Apricot Lane
BEST HIP-HOP ARTIST OR GROUP
Readers’ Choice Winner: Fresh Produce 2nd: Toby 3rd: Old Skool 4th: Malik X 5th: Prhymal Rage
BEST TATTOO ARTIST
Readers’ Choice Winner: Lauren Vandevier (Lakewood Electric Tattoo) 2nd: Eric Kaplan (Two Sons Tattoo) 3rd: Stephanie Streeter (Tattoo Faction) 4th: Al Garcia (Stay True Tattoo) 5th: Kevin Cly (Stay True Tattoo)
BEST FRENCH RESTAURANT
Readers’ Choice Winner: L’Albatros 2nd: Le Petit Triangle 3rd: Edwin’s 4th: Tartine Bistro 5th: Le Bistro Du Beaujolais
BEST BAND
Readers’ Choice Winner: Tropidelic 2nd: Country Redford 3rd: Post Road 4th: Billy Likes Soda 5th: Billy Morris and the Sunset Strip 6th: Tilted
BEST MOVIE THEATER
Readers’ Choice Winner: Cedar Lee Theater 2nd: Cinemark At Valley View 3rd: Capitol Theatre 4th: Cinematheque at Cleveland Institute of Art 5th: Silver Spot Cinema
The Worst of Cleveland: The Corner (Kinda)
Okay, this is a bit of a bait and switch. So before you chalk this up as yet another instance of Scene just hating on something popular for the sake of hating on something popular, or accusing us of wanting all of you off our lawn, just hear us out. The Corner has become exactly…
BEST PASTA
Readers’ Choice Winner: Ohio City Pasta 2nd: Luca 3rd: Lago East Bank 4th: Scorpacciata Pasta Co. 5th: Pasta Co-op
The Worst of Cleveland 2019
Once again this year we have honored the Best of Cleveland, which remains one of the most rewarding moments in the calendar. And there was plenty to celebrate, as always. Congrats to all the winners! But as a complement to that illustrious list we have, for the first time, compiled a corresponding Worst of Cleveland.…
BEST MIDDLE EASTERN RESTAURANT
Readers’ Choice Winner: Aladdin’s 2nd: Nate’s Deli 3rd: Taza 4th: Anatolia Cafe 5th: Sittoo’s
Best Instagram Follow
Readers’ Choice Winner: @CLEFoodies 2nd: @InThe216 3rd: @TheCLEBucketList 4th: @EatLocalOhio 5th: @CraveCLE
BEST SPORTING GOODS STORE
Readers’ Choice Winner: Geiger’s 2nd: Second Sole
BEST BAR OR CLUB FOR EDM
Readers’ Choice Winner: FWD Day + Night Club 2nd: Magnolia 3rd: Barley House 4th: Winchester Music Tavern 5th: Touch Supper Club
BEST BAR PATIO
Readers’ Choice Winner: Collision Bend Brewing Company 2nd: Treehouse 3rd: The Fairmount 4th: Nano Brew 5th: Market Garden 6th: Merry Arts
Best Family Outing
Readers’ Choice Winner: Cleveland Metroparks Zoo 2nd: Indians’ Game 3rd: Cleveland Metroparks 4th: Cedar Point 5th: Edgewater Park
BEST MEN’S CLOTHING STORE
Readers’ Choice Winner: Homage 2nd: The Whatknot Bow Tie Company 3rd: J3 4th: Krush 5th: K’s For Men
BEST COMIC/COLLECTIBLES SHOP
Readers’ Choice Winner: Carol & John’s Comic Book Shop 2nd: Weird Realms 3rd: Apple Jax Toys 4th: Ground Zero Comics 5th: Kidforce Collectibles
BEST ILLUSTRATOR
Readers’ Choice Winner: Derek Hess 2nd: Derf Backderf 3rd: Gary Dumm 4th: John G 5th: Chris Morris
BEST KOREAN RESTAURANT
Readers’ Choice Winner: Seoul Garden 2nd: Korea House 3rd: Rising Grill 4th: Ha Ahn 5th: Miega
BEST DJ
Readers’ Choice Winner: Mattitude 2nd: Mimo 3rd: DJ Nu Era 4th: DJ Red I 5th: DJ Moist
BEST TATTOO SHOP
Readers’ Choice Winner: Voodoo Monkey Tattoo 2nd: Lakewood Electric Tattoo 3rd: Forest City Tattoo & Gallery 4th: Tattoo Faction 5th: Kollective Studio
The Worst of Cleveland: Cleveland City Hall’s Office of Communications (Specifically, Dan Williams and Latoya Hunter)
There is your garden-variety city government obfuscation and delay, and then there’s the zenlike artform of informational stiff-arming and dissembling practiced by the staff of Cleveland City Hall’s Office of Communications. That would be media relations director Dan Williams and assistant media relations director Latoya Hunter. We’ll throw Frank Jackson’s chief of government and international…
BEST ICE CREAM
Readers’ Choice Winner: Mitchell’s 2nd: Honey Hut 3rd: Mason’s Creamery 4th: East Coast Custard 5th: Sweet Moses
BEST COFFEE HOUSE
Readers’ Choice Winner: Rising Star Coffee Roasters 2nd: Phoenix Coffee Co. 3rd: Coffee Coffee Coffee 4th: Fiona’s Coffee Bar & Bakery 5th: Six Shooter Coffee
BEST SANDWICH
Readers’ Choice Winner: Slyman’s 2nd: Melt Bar & Grilled 3rd: Herb’n Twine 4th: Dave’s Cosmic Subs 5th: Cocky’s Bagels
