Just in time for the big holiday homecoming, Forest City Shuffleboard (4506 Lorain Ave.) in Ohio City will reopen its doors after a nearly year-long hiatus. Founder Jim Miketo closed the popular entertainment venue last December with an eye on transferring the business to new, local operators. He found the ideal stewards in Tim and Erin Frazee, who also own Birdietown in Lakewood.
Since taking over last spring, the new operators have been busy bringing the space back to its former glory. After nearly a decade in operation, Forest City Shuffleboard was due for a little refreshing.
“We’re bringing back the soul of the space,” says operating partner Adam Balding.
While the bones of the 7,500-square-foot venue are firmly intact, every playing surface, piece of kitchen equipment and seating area has been repaired, improved and/or enhanced. A new semi-private dining area has been installed just off the shuffleboard courts for small groups. Some soft-seating areas have been added, new artwork has been hung and more TVs hang from the barroom walls.
“It’s a sports bar without being a sports bar, so we might as well play it up by throwing out the love for Cleveland in all aspects,” adds Balding.
In the main playing area there are five 52-foot shuffleboard courts that visitors rent by the hour, ideally by booking ahead online. A pair of alfresco courts out front are first come, first served. Not unlike the mini golf that attracts guests to Birdietown, shuffleboard is an enjoyable game that everybody can play. The entire property is full-service, meaning players never have to put down the cue to order a beverage.
“It’s like that perfect combination between bowling and cornhole; you have to have a beer in your hand for balance,” jokes Balding.
Chef-partner Andrew Gorski has put together an approachable pub-style menu that will hit the spot prior to playing, after the match or while watching live sports on the screens.
“I think people will be pleasantly surprised,” Balding says. “It’s a more relaxed environment where you can have some beers, watch the game and wait to get on the courts. Eventually you’ll get hungry and have some food and, maybe, get back out on the courts.”
Food options include wings, pierogies, mini corndogs, loaded tots, smashburgers, Italian subs, gyros, cheesesteaks and more.
The bar’s two 22-foot table shuffleboard games have been refinished, buffed to a high gloss and now await the restart of weekly league play. Visitors will also find an all-new beverage program that includes signature and classic cocktails, 20 draft beers and ciders, and enough glass pours to please wine lovers.
When it opens later this month, Forest City Shuffleboard will be open evenings only on weekdays and 11 a.m. to close on weekends.
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