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614 Frankfort Ave., Cleveland, OH
Sometimes you just want to duck into a great dive bar for a cold beer and a two-fisted burger. This back-alley oasis has been a downtown fixture since 1984, attracting a faithful circle of regulars which includes food-service pros, doctors, lawyers, and the folks those lawyers represent. This is the spot to watch the Browns, Cavs, and Guardians over baskets of onion rings, chicken wings, and club sandwiches. On busy nights, expect to squeeze onto a bar stool, make some new friends, and enjoy a round or two courtesy of your neighbors.
3441 Tuttle Rd, Shaker Heights, OH
Since its inception, Shaker Heights was the classic bedroom community, a short light rail trip from “the big city.” As such, the leafy inner-ring city never really had much of a Main Street, much less a bustling urban core. That changed a few years ago when city leaders and local stakeholders moved heaven, earth, and more than a few major roads to create the Van Aken District. This indoor-outdoor collection of local shops, cafes, and businesses is the anti-lifestyle-center worthy of a visit. When you go, head inside the Market Hall. There, be sure to visit Lox, Stock and Brisket, a mini-Jewish deli with matzo ball soup, amazing brisket sandwiches, and one of the best chicken schnitzel sammies in town. While you’re at it, hit up Banter for real Montreal-style poutine in various iterations; Beet jar for vegan wraps and smoothies; and Boom’s Pizza for killer slices.
West Side Market
1979 W 25th St, Cleveland, OH
In 2012, the West Side Market celebrated its 100th birthday, and since then, major improvements have been implemented to ensure a rich and relevant future. What has historically served as “the city’s grocery store,” a gorgeous, cavernous hall filled with numerous meat, poultry, dairy, bakery, and produce vendors, has been tweaked to make it more appealing to today’s shoppers and visitors. Currently in the midst of a whopping $53 million transformation project, the destination has updated both shopper- and vendor-facing systems, including the unveiling of a climate-controlled produce wing. Still to come are more grab-and-go foods, indoor and outdoor public seating, and gathering spaces for chef demos and beyond. But there is no reason to put off a visit as the Market is stocked with culinary gems that range from fresh seafood, Amish poultry, cheese and dairy, artisan breads, imported herbs and spices, desserts, pierogies, and more. Don’t miss Mediterranean Imported Foods, a store in a corner of the market that manages to carry every great food product under the sun; Frank’s Bratwurst for a classic bratwurst and sauerkraut sandwich; and Crepe’s de Luxe for made-to-order Parisian-style sweet or savory crêpes. Grab your food, take the stairs at the far end of the hall to a balcony, and enjoy one of the most iconic views in the city: the market from above.
