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.
The Market Garden Brewery| Ohio City
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 Great Lakes Brewing Company| Ohio City
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.
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You can learn more about my Ohio adventures by clicking here and here ... If NYC is more your thing, click here.