DawgTalkers.net Forums DawgTalk Tailgate Forum What Say You, Locals?

I'll admit, my fandom for the Browns and Cavs is almost random and self-driven. How I ever got to this site, I'll never remember. Having only been to Cleveland twice- for a Browns (2008 open vs. Dallas) and Cavs game- and never stuck around for anything afterwards. I've been working like a dog and finally get to paint the town red with my old lady this time around for three nights. We're visiting her family in Euclid for one night Thursday (staying in Willoughby) and downtown Cleveland for Friday and Saturday night (Holiday Inn Express downtown)- culminating in my surprise gift of tickets to the Cavs/Clippers on the whatevereth of December.

This is where I need the input of folks who've been around the block. Our itinerary really just includes, to this point at least; eating her Mama Emmy's authentic Mexican grub, the R&R Hall of Fame, the Pro Football Hall, and the Cavs game on Saturday before returning home Sunday morning/afternoon. I'm all about any recommendations for the following:

- Game-saving, hangover-killing food. You know. The place where you just mow down on a greasy burger and fries to kill your residual morning buzz. Something that's a few notches above Wendy's without being "Che Cattle Delicasse".

- A semi-fancy, finer dining establishment. A place where I can get a simple steak, or they do something crafty with steak, chicken or salmon. I have grown up taste buds now, so I'm not afraid of venturing out on that front.

- Another tourist attraction or spot to hit up in the downtown area.

- Cool bars, clubs, things to see? What about places to avoid in terms of safety or overall disappointment?


I appreciate any input offered. How sad is my life that when I go to Cleveland I'm an enthusiastic tourist?

i'll probably get hammered for this...........but for a good bar food kind of place, wife and I like Hairy Buffalo's. I think it might be a chain? Small chain place? We like it, selection is good. It's better than your average "bar food" type place.

From the Holiday Inn Express at 9th and Euclid, walk out the door, turn right. Walk to the first alley (by the bowling alley place), turn left. Walk a block and a half, and there it is.

I'm sure locals will give you better insight......but it works for us the 1-3 times a year we go down for a Browns game.

Kill your hangover with a Wake'n'Bacon from Melt.

Have your fine dining at Greenhouse Tavern on E. 4th. It's casual and within walking distance of your hotel.

If you like museums, University Circle is a short drive east of downtown and the art museum is free.

There are enough decent bars that are a stone's throw from your hotel. I don't think I've been to Hairy Buffalo (arch's suggestion) but I do like the Winking Lizard.

We've been to the Winking LIzard. Okay.

Also, after the ravens game, by the time we got to the Holiday Inn and walked to Hairy buff's, they weren't serving food. (I was surprised how long it took to get from the stadium to the hotel.....heck, had we been going home, we'd have been on the turnpike in less time than it took to drive down 9th st.) Anyway, wen ended up eating that night at a place called "The City Tavern".....I think that was the name. The City something.

Hangover spot with amazing sandwiches--gotta go with Melt. It's a must. Melt

Great, semi-fancy spot with excellent food, I would recommend the Greenhouse Tavern on E. 4th. Top notch food. Jonathan Sawyer is an acclaimed chef. Very cool atmosphere too.
Greenhouse Tavern

Good tourist spot---go to the West Side Market. Not many places like it. Something to be seen.

Great bar(s)--If you like craft cocktails checkout The Velvet Tango Room (every cocktail made from scratch). If you like craft beers and an extensive list to match with solid food offerings check out the Tremont Tap House. Places to avoid--chains. Cleveland has a great local dining scene. Chains are a dime a dozen.

Velvet Tango Room
Tremont Tap House

Enjoy your time in Cleveland.

I got a chuckle out of it.

The answer: they are totally unrelated. My football is her Project Runway. We avoid the other's interest like the plague and just say "Uh-huh" when the other rants and raves about a highlight or seamed vest.

So your advice on the local front is to be a smartass? Is that what I read in between the lines?

Best hangover/drunk food for me: Panini's. We used to go to the one on West 6th all the time.