Another Bite of the Cleveland Apple
Carving up the Cleveland hospitality scene in anticipation of the 2016 GOP nominating convention has turned into quite the task. So much so, in fact, that we’re back with a second round of dining/drinking/carousing picks for those destined to head due west ahead of the next presidential election cycle.
During our initial foray into can’t miss eateries, Cleveland Magazine managing editor Kim Schneider shared insights into coveted seats, suburban retreats and dedicated suds slingers.
But man cannot live on steak and beer alone. (Can we?) Adventure Time : There’s all kinds of fun to be had around town as long as one knows where to look, counseled Schneider. She suggested visitors seek out the unique pleasures of Toast (wine bar), momocho (modern Mexican), Fahrenheit (Schneider stands behind the Kobe short ribs), Sokolowski’s University Inn (traditional Polish), Sterle’s Country House (Eastern European) and Happy Dog (neighborhood bar specializing in well-dressed wieners).
Let the Music Hit Ya : You may have heard something about Cleveland rocking. Assuming that appeals to you, Schneider recommends scouting shows at Beachland Ballroom & Tavern (rock/country/bluegrass), the Grog Shop (alt-rock/local bands), House of Blues (rock/blues/gospel), Music Box Supper Club (rock/punk/r&b), Nighttown (jazz) or Brother’s Lounge (folk/rock/acoustic).
Come and Get It : Breakfast, as we all know, is the most important meal of the day. Schneider votes for fueling up at Lucky’s Café (Guy Fieri’s been), Fire (gourmet brunch), Pier W (seafood haven), Jack Flaps (proud purveyors of food porn) or Jack Frost Donuts (‘nuff said).
Smoke Shows : Cleveland loves its barbecue. And Schneider believes you will too — if you’re lucky enough to pull up a chair at Bubba Q’s (specializing in boneless ribs), The Rib Cage (classic smokehouse), Oak & Embers Tavern (meat-and-two purists) or Hot Sauce Williams (Anthony Bourdain’s been).
A Life of Pie : D.C.’s a pizza-crazed town. No reason to leave that all behind just because we’re called away for work, right? Schneider prefers the pies dished out by Mama Santa’s (old school), Angelo’s (innovative), Crust (artisan), Bar Cento (eclectic) and Vero (Neapolitan).
Need something warm and comforting? Schneider recommends poking your head into the Souper Market .
Prefer to chill out? Roving HOH editor Jason Dick maintains no trip to Cleveland is complete without a visit to Churned Ice Cream Shop .
Meanwhile, one Twitter critic suggested adding restaurateur Michael Symon’s gourmet burger joint, B-Spot , to any serious dining agenda.
Because you can never have enough red meat at a political convention.
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