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Cleveland's coffee shops, bars and eateries at a glance

As a Melburnian, I’ll be first to admit that when it comes to quality coffee, food variety and entertainment we’re a city that’s outright spoiled for choice. So, one of the things this clueless koala did not anticipate when relocating to Ohio, is the sheer volume of hipster cafes, cool bars and avant-garde eateries I’d encounter in Cleveland.

I am totally loving Cleveland's experimental food culture, creative menus and chic venues, especially in the Downtown precinct and inner-city neighbourhoods. With word-of-mouth as my lead, the locals have definitely not led me astray. The following is by no means comprehensive, just a mere glimpse at the city's impressive coffee houses and dining districts …

LESS TALKIE, MORE COFFEE:

  • The Erie Island Coffee Company| East 4th Street – I love the signature house blend. It’s a dark roast with a tangy aftertaste which hints of chocolate and berries.

  • Provenance Café, Museum of Art| University Circle – Before wandering into the galleries, it's nice to just sit in the Atrium (below) with a cup of coffee and soak up the atmosphere.

  • Pour Cleveland| 5th Street Arcades (pictured above) – I like the modern interior, minimalist decor, exposed brick walls and wooden furnishings. This coffee shop also hosts cupping classes on Saturdays.

  • Phoenix Coffee| East 9th Street – Eclectic/retro decor. Relaxed vibe. Cinnamon lattes and friendly baristas.

EATING OUT:

The Flying Fig| Ohio City

Cuisine: Contemporary American

Located across the road from Cleveland’s famous West Side Market (covered here), this fabled Ohio City eatery is highly regarded for its commitment to serving fresh, locally-sourced products.

Love: The adjoining in-house boutique market, which sells speciality fresh foods, pickles, jams (among other assorted condiments), gourmet sandwiches and catering goods.

Recommend: The Artisanal Cheese Board – Ours came with green olives, chutney, seeded mustard, crostini, almonds, macadamias + honey.

Lola| East 4th Street, Downtown

Cuisine: Contemporary American with a European twist

This cosy bistro in the heart of Cleveland's Downtown restaurant district has a solid reputation as one of finest eateries in town. Its fame is attributed to the success of award-winning celebrity chef and owner Michael Symon, who runs several other local food spots including the fabulous Lolita in the suburb of Tremont.

Love: Warm setting which is perfect on a cold and frosty Ohio evening. Delicious American plates. Great service. Recommend: Maine lobster starter + Tiramisu for dessert.

Ristorante Chinato| Prospect Avenue + East 4th Street

Cuisine: Traditional Italian

This Downtown gem prides itself on serving hearty Italian dishes with a rustic, creative edge.

Love: Well lit yet ambient. Vino lovers will appreciate the extensive selection of imported wines from provincial Italy.

Recommend: Veal with asparagus, roast potatoes and truffled fonduta + the chocolate hazelnut mousse cake.

Fahrenheit | Tremont

Cuisine: Modern American plates with Asian flair

Love: The background music. For me, background music is one thing that can make or break a dining experience. Kudos to the awesome staff member who chose to stream Adele Radio (Pandora).

Recommend: Chorizo stuffed sweet dates + 18-hour pork shank.

NOTEWORTHY:

Red, The Steakhouse | Downtown * Mia Bella| Little Italy * Ken Stewart's| Flats East Bank

The Flying Fig| Ohio City

Lolita| Tremont

East 4th Street| The Gateway District

Hodges| Downtown – The aforementioned notoriously-addictive, skillet cookie.

Little Italy| Uptown – And yes, those are icicles hanging from the roof at Presti's Bakery.

BAR HOPPING & SUNDAY FUN-DAY

Butcher and the Brewer| East 4th Street * Market Garden Brewery & Distillery| Ohio City * The South Side| Tremont * Hodges| Downtown * TownHall| Ohio City * The Great Lakes Brewing Company| Ohio City * The Greenhouse Tavern| East 4th Street * The House of Blues| Euclid Avenue

The South Side| Tremont

Tremont| The Spotted Owl pub

The Butcher and the Brewer | East 4th Street

I am sure there's probably a lot I have yet to see. One thing's for certain though, Google can only take you so far when you're travelling. To find the best bars, cafes and restaurants you have to get out there and speak to the locals. They've certainly guided this foreigner in the right direction.

...

You can learn more about my Ohio adventures by clicking here and here ... If NYC is more your thing, click here.

ABOUT ME

Freelance writer and photojournalist based in Melbourne, Australia. 

When we travel, we put ourselves out there, we meet new people and, whether we like it or not ... We grow. 

 

Perhaps it's the thrill of adventure, learning new languages, navigating unknown streets. Or, maybe it's the exhilaration which comes by going off the grid. Being in a different time zone. Not knowing what day it is. Getting lost. Finding freedom.

Once thing's for sure, each time I travel, I return home to Australia with renewed perspective. Life goes on, normality ensues, but I am forever changed.

 

This blog is a collection of afterthoughts, photos and tips which provide insight into the places I've been and the cities I've seen. Thanks for checking in.

- Stacey

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