DawgTalkers.net Forums DawgTalk Everything Else... Restaurants and things to do in Cleveland?

I'm heading up to Cleveland for the Cavs game on Thursday and the Miranda Lambert concert on Saturday. The concert was an xmas gift for my GF, I'm not a big fan of Miranda Lambert, but figured I dragged her to 3 Browns games this year so it's the least I could do.

Anyhow, Chez Francios is closed until mid-march which is where I was planning on having dinner Friday. What are some other places in-line with it? It'll be hard to beat Chez Francois as it is one of my favorite restaurants I've ever eaten at in any city in the coutnry and was really disappointed it was closed.

Also, any other recommendations of things to do? We are hitting the R&R hall of fame Friday as she's never been there and will hit the West Side Market at some point too as I love that place. Perogies! We pretty much have all day Saturday until the concert to be out and about.

Thanks!

Pier W (I think in Lakewood - barely).



Great view of downtown Cleveland.

The restaurant actually hangs out over Lake Erie.

Did somebody say perogies?

If you want French - I heard L'albatross is really good (close to University Circle). I like Lola on Fourth St, a lot of classic dishes brought into modern times by celebrity chef Michael Symon.

I assume since you're going to the Market, you're aware of Ohio City's restaurants, unfortunately there is really nothing there to blow you away but a lot of good spots. If you're in the mood for a cocktail - check out Velvet Tango in Ohio City... some of the best handcrafted drinks anywhere around. Decor and ambiance like a 20's era Speakeasy, live jazz, just a really cool place.

You dragged her to three games this season? You owe her winning lottery numbers after that pal.

I second the Lola suggestion.

west side market is a must ... winking lizard is a good place for a pregame meal

Pick me up some beef jerky at the West Side Market lol. That stuff is utterly delicious.

As Dawgs said, I'm a big Winking Lizard fan. Nice selection of various beers and good food.

Fate ; tell me about the Jazz ? Have you heard thee trio ?

I second others suggestion of Lola if you have not been.

Personally, I highly recommend Luca . Great views of the city overlooking the east bank of The Flats. Highly recommend the Lobster Ravioli. Great place for a date.

Someone else mentioned L'Albatros which is very good as well.

On the more casual side, but still excellent food, is Momocho in Ohio City.

For drinks, I can't recommend the Velvet Tango Room enough.

Also, Bar 32 atop the new Hilton on Lakeside Ave is a good time. Good place to go after a Cavs game or for great views of the city. We have been there when Cavs players have showed up after the game, including LeBron, Tristan and Khloe Kardashian.




The Cleveland Museum of Art is always worth the visit. Lakeview Cemetery is very cool, but may be closed until Spring.

The cemetery is closed?

Specifically, the Garfield Monument and Wade Chapel in Lakeview Cemetery are closed until April 1st.

I have, a couple times. I'm not a die-hard jazz fan by any means, I do remember the bassist being pretty amazing. They play in a nice sitting room off the bar.

To be honest, it kind of blends in with the whole ambiance... It's truly something that sweeps you out of the "here and now" and off into another world. The drinks are handcrafted to the extreme. They even have different freezers for different ice cubes so that all ice is the exact shape and temperature they desire, depending on the drink. Orange peel is flamed to release the essential oils if a drink needs a hint of orange. It's a joy to watch the bartenders at work.

The Velvet Tango is a can't miss imo.

I was going to suggest the cemetery. Didn't know the Garfield Monument and Chapel were closed. Another must see in Cleveland. You'll scratch your head and wonder why til you actually go check it out for yourself.

Agree with you 100% on Velvet Tango Room. The black and white movies being shown on the tv is a nice touch.

Have you had an opportunity to get into the "back room"? It's pretty cool.

Thanks everyone! I've got reservations at L'Albatros on Friday. Probably hit Bar 32 after the Cavs game on Thursday if we're feeling up to it.

We like the 20's style bars and jazz so a drink at Velvet Tango Room sounds cool!

Thanks for the art museum suggestion - my GF loves art (as do I) and I've never been to the Cleveland Museum so we'll probably try to hit that on Saturday.

Thanks Dawg ; Jazz die -hard here .. Be up to visit Family this summer , have to make a point of being there !

Dante - every bit as good as Chez, in my opinion better. And you don’t have to wear a sports coat.

Thanks everyone, had a great time in The Land. Ended up at Red, The Steakhouse instead of L’Albatros and it was great. The truffle mashed potatoes, wow. Ordered some truffles today to try and replicate at home. The steaks were amazing as well.

The velvet tango room is a cool place. Hit it about 11:30 Saturday night. Got some great cocktails and a goat cheese and prosciutto plate. Good stuff.

Nice! Glad you had a great get-away.

Glad you liked Red...hard to go wrong there.

J/C

I only get up to the area about 2-3 times a year now unfortunately. But I always hit up my old and new favorite spots.

George's kithen is a must.

Woodstock in lake is a must, as is Melt.

Proper Pig was pretty good, I went there last time I was in town.

My go to place is in Bath .. Laning's , been in the same family since 1974 .. Love to have diner in the Lounge area ..My taste buds tell me it's the best steak in Ohio.

ill have to check that out next time im in the area.

I am trying to get up there for the Indians opener, I just have to find a dog sitter.

always hit up proper pig as well

I have to say, Woodstock in Lakewood is much better.

Place has an old " Rat Pack " kind of feel to it . Great place for a slow relaxed meal and night.. Just tell them thats how you want it .. I always get the big Filet , and save room for the Desert Tray !!!!!!

My favorite restaurant in the Cleveland area is Campus Latin Grille in Berea. Its Puerto Rican food which is the food of my youth.

Sokolowskis in Tremont is probably my second favorite

Red the Steakhouse was a good choice as well.

Glad you had a chance to go to The Velvet Tango Room for some cocktails. Definitely a cool place.