Things To Do
JUKEBOX
Okay this is Spies' old hangout spot and neighborhood bar. Located in the Ohio City neighborhood of Hingetown, Jukebox is the best. Amazing owner, bartenders, and atmosphere, I used to go here every week for Music Trivia and to decompress after spin class. The food is incredible and there are vegan, vegetarian, and gluten free options, as well as the total opposite of those dietary restrictions with what might be the best pierogis in the city. They have brunch, lunch, and dinner and the Happy Hour goes until 7:00p on weekdays. If you're going to order ANYTHING, be sure to get a Tonyrita. Described as "magical," "delicious," and "the best drink in Cleveland," 10/10 people I know would recommend this nectar of the gods.
Saucy Brew Works
The place we celebrated our engagement, this place has a special place in my heart. Located directly across the street from Jukebox in Hingetown (there is A LOT of Hingetown on this list), it's also down the street from Rising Star and is less than a mile away from Astoria. Saucy has amazing pizza, drinks, appetizers, and vibes. Great for watching a game, celebrating an engagement, or getting a big group together to hang, we love going here for just a casual, laid back afternoon or evening.
Forest City Shuffleboard Arena and Bar
One of the most fun spots in Cleveland, Forest City Shuffleboard also has what my brother has deemed, "the best chicken sandwich he's ever had." It's an awesome space to get a group together to drink, eat, and play a little shuffleboard. With indoor, outdoor, and tabletop courts, even if you aren't competitive it is a fantastic way to spend an afternoon. Just around the corner from Mason's Creamery, it's located in Ohio City and is two miles from the hotel. We love to do an activity on a gorgeous summer day and we highly recommend stopping by this unique spot.
Il Rione
Located in the Gordon Square neighborhood of Cleveland, this pizza joint would blow Guy Fieri right out of Flavortown. One of this city's gems, we recommend going as close to when it opens (4:00p) as possible because they don't take reservations. But, even if there is a short (but worth it) wait, just walk across the street to Stonemad Pub- which has one of the cutest patios in Cleveland- while you wait for that glorious text saying, "Your table is ready!" Whenever we have an out of town guest, we always take them here. Their motto, which coincidentally is also mine, is "PIZZA. DRINKS. MUSIC." We love all the pizzas but if we had to recommend *just one* get the white pizza- you won't regret it.
Astoria Cafe & Market
Another restaurant that's located just between Ohio City and Gordon Square and is a must-try for both local and out of town guests is Astoria. It's a Mediterranean restaurant and shop that sells high-quality imported and domestic food and drink and has some of the best food in the city. Award winning chefs whip up incredible meals from brunch to dinner and the menu has something for everyone, including our pescatarian, vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free friends. Happy Hour is a must and is from 3-5p Tuesday-Saturday. The wine is bomb and I, as a millennial basic b, will never not order a cheeseboard, although their Moroccan Style Duck is also *chef's kiss*. Absolutely delicious and less than two miles from downtown, we highly recommend you make a reservation and experience this incredible restaurant.
Cordelia
Kevin and I went here for a date before a Blink-182 concert and I don't know which slapped harder; the food at Cordelia or Travis Barker on the drums. Award-winning and located on historic E. 4th Street in downtown Cleveland, this is one of the best new restaurants for brunch, lunch, or dinner in our city. I would go for the interior alone, which is an eclectic array of knick knacks, art, and vintage items that all have a story. They call their menu "modern grandma," which I love, and the food is classics reimagined. Their menu constantly evolves based on the season's finest and freshest ingredients from their farmer’s bounty, so while there are a few mainstays, they make sure to locally source as much as possible. Make a reservation and sit down to enjoy a meal full of comfort food with a twist. We recommend the jojos, oysters, burger box, and fried chicken. Just a ten minute walk from the hotel, you'll get to see some of the coolest sights in Cleveland on your warm June stroll.
Mabel's BBQ
Where my carnivores at?! This Michael Symon, yes THE Iron Chef Michael Symon, restaurant is located ten minutes from the hotel on E. 4th Street right by Cordelia and has what Symon & Co. call "Cleveland Barbecue." A super cool spot that has an absolutely delicious menu, this place is pure Cleveland. It's a laid back atmosphere that almost begs you to kick back, relax, grab a beer, and stay a while. Not only that, Mabel's has one of the best and most diverse whiskey collections to choose from in the city. They use local ingredients and serve up some of the best brisket I have ever had, second only to a brisket Kevin made in 2021 that he has been chasing to recreate like a damn white whale to this day. There are also delicious Cleveland pickles and our famous Kraut to complement the feast so put on some drawstring pants and park it, because this place is a can't miss if you enjoy BBQ.
The Garden of Eden
If you're looking for rooftop views, a good cocktail, and place to watch the sunset over our gorgeous downtown skyline, one of the best places to do this is at the Garden of Eden at The 9. An inviting atmosphere with lush greenery and plenty of places to lounge, they have everything from brunch and bites, a fresh and bright dinner menu, amazing mocktails and cocktails, and even a cigar menu. It's just a 15 minute walk from the hotel and down the street from the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, so make sure not to miss one of the coolest spots with the best views in the city.
Alley Cat Oyster Bar
If you love seafood, this is your place. Located in the East Bank of the Flats right on the water, this spot has one of the best lobster rolls I have ever tasted. It's hip, fresh, and feels like a perfect blend of SoCal and New England right here on Lake Erie. They have brunch, dinner, and a happy hour from 3-6 with oysters calling your name, beckoning you to the patio like a siren to Odysseus. This is one of the many restaurants we have in the Flats, and you can see our venue just across the river. Close to other restaurants like Rum Runners, Lindey's Lake House, Good Night Jon Boy, and so many others, Alley Cat is a quick 15 minute walk from the hotel and is the perfect place if you're looking to sit on a patio and enjoy delicious food overlooking our beautiful waterfront.
Ginko Restaurant
I mean come on, of course we're going to include where we had our first date. I was *so* impressed that Kevin picked this place that the choice of restaurant alone earned him a second one. Ginko is one of those cool places that not everyone knows about but once you do, you can't stay away. This place is an oasis of star-worthy sushi in a city where fish usually means walleye and perch. Look, this place is even New York Times acclaimed, but that's not the only thing that keeps us & so many others coming back. It's the fresh fish, the mix of modern and traditional, the cool underground atmosphere, and the opportunity to see the chefs and makers at work, right in front of you. While a lot of other suggestions on this list have American comfort food, this is one of those places we will never get sick of and is at the top of our list for every date night. Ginko is located in the super cool Tremont neighborhood of Cleveland, only two miles from the hotel, and they take reservations!
LBM
If you're looking for the greatest cocktail in the area, LBM is where you need to go. I even just recently enjoyed the best Hot Toddy I've ever had, but alas, I do not think those are on the menu in June. This hidden gem is one of those places that's just cool. The people that go there, the bartenders, the food and drinks- I used to feel out of place because I am not that cool, but gimme one cocktail and an order of fried pickles and consider me Miles Davis. They describe themselves as being a place with dope food, weird cocktails, and loud music and we can attest, all of that is accurate. I cannot recommend this place enough and we know that if you enjoy drinking creative and magnificently made cocktails and spirits, this is an absolute must visit.
sarita a restaurant
I'm not saying you need to go to Sarita while you're here because it is the furthest away from the hotel, but this is our spot. It's our watering hole, our space, our go-to, our most frequented restaurant bar none. Around the corner from our house in Lakewood, we go here multiple times a month because it's just so good. They have a happy hour that'll have you parked in a seat from open to close, bartenders so friendly and creative that each drink feels like a hand-crafted dream, and a menu that has some mainstays but is known for their specials. I don't think we've never not ordered a special- whether it's a pomodoro bruschetta, swordfish, or our personal favorite- ostrich. I have literally called Sarita just to see if they have ostrich. This place just all around is so special to us and to quote the illustrious but nowhere near as amazing Olive Garden, "when we're here, we're family." Make a reservation and take the 15 minute trip to enjoy one of our favorite places in the city.
Rising Star Coffee Roasters
While we put in the Ohio City location address for Rising Star, this local coffee joint has SEVEN locations in the area. I used to come to this particular one, which is a converted old fire station, every weekend to get one of two orders: in the summer, iced coffee with chocolate milk, and in the winter, a cardamom bomb. They also have INCREDIBLE matcha that I would often double fist after finishing a sweaty spin class (because we all deserve a little treat). There are also locations near other places on our list, including one down the street from Sarita in Lakewood (13368 Madison Ave. Lakewood, OH 44107) and one downtown in the famous Arcade Building (412 Superior Ave Cleveland, OH 44114), that's just a six minute walk from the hotel.
Phoenix Coffee
Similar to Rising Star, this coffee shop has multiple locations in the area. The three I recommend are the downtown location (seven minute walk from the hotel) listed above, the Ohio City location (3000 Bridge Ave. Cleveland, OH), close to wear we'll be celebrating Friday night's Welcome Party festivities, and Lakewood (12501 Madison Ave, Lakewood, OH 44107) close to LBM, another spot on this list. I love this place so much and they have the one drink that I would drink if I could only drink one thing the rest of my life- the Coconut Water Latte. I don't know how to describe it other than it is some sort of magical elixir? Truly, as soon as summer hits, I will go out of my way get that beverage because unfortunately, despite my vocal disdain for this particular choice, it is *only* a seasonal drink. But lucky you! You'll be here in June at the peak of summer so you get to try this delectable beverage.
The Cleveland Bagel Company
Once upon a time, LeBron James created a Shark Tank-like TV show called "Cleveland Hustles," which linked local businesses with investors to help them blossom into successful anchors in our community. One of those winners was The Cleveland Bagel Company & when I tell you that these are the best bagels in CLE trust that this is the TRUTH. The bagels alone are beyond but if you're a schmear gal like me then you're in luck because they will rock your world. One of their GOATS is the cheddar chive which I would genuinely eat with a spoon if it wasn't 1000% socially unacceptable. Their Brie Honey Walnut pairs so perfectly with a sesame bagel it almost hurts knowing I cannot eat this every day or else I'll gain 35 lbs. Seasonally, we've got Cherry Goat Cheese, Fig Pecan Gorgonzola, & even REUBEN. Not only that, they make a killer breakfast sammie. From lox to veggie, to the classic bacon, egg, & cheese, this place is THE place. Less than 2 miles from the hotel, don't skip out on this gem.
Brewnuts
OH baby. If you love donuts, then check out this Gordon Square gem. Famous for its donuts and craft beer, this bright and delicious spot is owned by two of the greatest humans I have ever met, Shelly and John Pippin. Featured on GMA and on the new Cleveland Monopoly Board, these two passionate people have created one of the coolest concepts in the city; and they LOVE this city. At Brewnuts they've combined the hospitality of the corner donut shop with the comfort of your favorite watering hole. Here, you’re encouraged to pull up to the bar and stay awhile. While there are rotating types of dones, you can guarantee this place will have flavors you could not have imagined even in your of wildest dreams. They make themed ones for everything from the Cleveland Browns to Vanderpump Rules. Be still our Bravo hearts. My personal non-theme favorite? The Fruity Pebbles donut. They also have vegan options which are absolutely delicious.
Mason's Creamery
One of two ice cream places we have on our list, Mason's was recently featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives so if it's good enough for Guy, it's good enough for me. We love the variety of flavors and unique combinations, including (but definitely not limited to) graham cracker, butterscotch potato chip, saffron pistachio, Fig Newton, vegan mango with sticky rice, cinnamon, matcha, and so, so many more. They have this egg waffle cone thing, which is basically a fluffy pillow that is the perfect resting spot for your ice cream, ramen, Korean corn dogs, soft serve, and both vegan and gluten free options. It's a great spot in a super cute Ohio City neighborhood (right by our favorite sandwich shop Herb 'n Twine!) and is worth the seven minute drive.
Mitchell's Ice Cream (Ohio City Kitchen & Shop)
Not only is this one of my favorite ice cream places of all time (I've been going after soccer games and on summer nights since I was a kid!), Mitchell's Ice Cream will also be offered at our reception! This particular location is their flagship kitchen and shop on West 25th in Ohio City and it's just down the street from the West Side Market and Great Lakes, two of the other locations featured on our "must visit" list. Local and family owned and operated, we love how involved and supportive Mitchell's is of the community. Some of our favorite flavors are the mango sorbet, mint chocolate chunk, wildberry crumble, lemon black raspberry yogurt, and vegan buckeye. 10/10, highly recommend, especially on a hot June day.
Great Lakes Brewing Company
Perhaps you've heard of the World Famous Great Lakes Brewing Company? They are probably best known for their impeccably crafted Christmas Ale which I have had to ship to friends throughout the U.S. because they were itching to get their hands on this seasonal favorite. Go on a brewery tour and learn how the beers are crafted, stop in for some food and experience the ambiance of one of the cornerstones of Cleveland, or just pop in for a drink and see the spot where someone shot at Eliot Ness, the bullet still embedded behind the bar as a reminder, and an inspiration, to this award winning brewery that valuing history is just as important as creating for the future. Located in Ohio City across from the West Side Market and Market Garden, it's a quick five minute drive from the hotel.
West Side Market
One of the best days of the year when I taught middle school was when we got to take a field trip to the West Side Market, Cleveland’s oldest public market. Was it chaos? Without a doubt. Was it fun, educational, and a core memory? Absolutely. With 100s of vendors offering meats, seafood, fruits, vegetables, baked goods, dairy, flowers, spices and ready-to-eat foods, there are cuisines of all types and it's one of our city's most famous spots. Right next to Market Garden and a five minute drive from the hotel, it's a great place to shop, walk around, and eat. It's also a special place for the Spies family; every Christmas we go here to get all of the food for our big Christmas Eve dinner and have breakfast at the West Side Market Café, the delicious little restaurant inside the Market. Even if you're just planning to walk around and grab a macaron, it's worth stopping by this magnificent historical landmark just to see the place that has drawn thousands of tourists all over the world.
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
I mean, how can we not include in our "must visit" list the Mecca of Rock? The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is truly one of the coolest parts of our city. Overlooking the lake and nestled next to The Great Lakes Science Center (also COOL) and Cleveland Browns Stadium, this one of those bucket list items only found in Cleveland. It's also less than a mile away from the hotel so if it's a gorgeous day, take the short walk and stop by Phoenix Coffee's downtown location on the way. There's something for everyone, with artifacts and objects from John Lennon, Beyoncé, Britney Spears, Otis Redding's airplane, Kurt Cobain, 2Pac, Prince, Carole King, and so many more. If you have the time while you're here, allow yourself the opportunity to learn about and enjoy music, musicians, and the impact they've had on the world. It really does *rock*. (Sorry, had to!)
The Arcade
The Arcade Cleveland is a stunning, building that was actually the most gorgeous backdrop for one of my best friend's (shoutout Sarah G!) weddings that has some of the coolest architecture in the city. It was America's first inaugural indoor shopping center and it opened in 1890. An Instagram worthy stop, whether or not you plan on shopping or eating, we both agree that this place is a must-see while in Cleveland. And since it's just a quick ten minute walk from the hotel *and* on the way to E. 4th Street, there are no excuses not to check it out.
West Bank Golf Club
This bar/indoor golf simulator space is located directly next to our venue in Downtown Cleveland. Packed with dart boards, lounge spaces, and pool tables, pop in and practice your swing or take a swig of one of their delicious drink options that feature all of the breweries out city has to offer.