Cleveland is welcoming the Republican Convention back for the first time since 1936. From July 18–21, beat the Convention crowds and move faster than a speeding bullet — this is Superman’s birthplace after all — with Yelp’s guide to Cleveland!
Long days and a crowded itinerary leave little time for sussing out where to go for food, drinks, and fun in a new city. We’ve planned ahead and done the hard work for you with this handy pocket guide. Pull up these businesses on the Yelp app and go straight for the good stuff!
Food:
Feeling a bit famished after listening to speakers all day? We recommend that you head to Barrio to grab an oversized taco and sip a refreshing margarita on the cheap. If that doesn’t quite do it for you, Cleveland’s got plenty of other savory options. There’s the one-of-a-kind sandwiches at Herb ‘n Twine, boasting ingredients from the finest local farmers and housemade bread and sauces, or the eclectic, customizable hot dogs at Happy Dog in Gordon Square. The best thing about these joyful veg and non-veg dawgs? You can catch a rock band or a polka DJ as you chow down.
If you’re more in the mood for oodles of noodles, check out Saigon. This modern Vietnamese haunt delivers quick, tasty, and authentic dishes — try the stir-fry, pho, and grab a Vietnamese coffee on the way out. There’s also Tandul for those who crave a diverse and colorful array of Indian cuisine. It’s a short Uber drive away in Tremont and you can make a reservation on Yelp to beat the rush. Finally, if you’re craving something slightly more upscale, Graffiti: Social Kitchen is a hit. Hop in an Uber to Battery Park to check out their housemade sangria, inventive American fare, and — maybe best of all — their perfect patio.
Drink:
After filling up on food, it’s time to think about where to grab a drink. Luckily, Cleveland’s got a myriad of fantastic options, like Society Lounge. This speakeasy harkens back to a bygone era, complete with vintage cocktails and enchanting entertainment from some of Cleveland’s best jazz and blues musicians. Another option for cocktails is Porco Lounge & Tiki Room. The drinks skew more creative here with libations in coconuts, pineapples, and enormous tiki statues breathing live fog. You’ll be operating on island time before you know it. If you’re feeling like some serious playtime is needed, Tabletop is your best bet. Choose from their sprawling selection of over 1,000 board games as you sip on their signature wine smoothies or hard root beer floats.
Sometimes, however, simple is the way to go, and Harbor Inn is the perfect dive bar for a darn good drink. With its extensive beer selection, bar games, and nautical decor situated by Lake Erie in the Flats, it’s a sure thing. Another great option is Wilbert’s Food & Music, a hidden gem situated in the pulse of downtown. It’s the perfect spot to relax with a beer and watch the record-breaking Cleveland Indians. And the best part is that you can reserve a table right on Yelp! Oenophile? Find your mecca at Market Avenue Wine Bar. Jump in an Uber to this idyllic patio to sip the evening away as you watch the sunset.
Chill:
It shouldn’t be all work and no play, especially since Cleveland offers so many glorious activities. Escape from the bustle of downtown at Eastman Reading Garden. It’s an under-the-radar urban garden filled with public art, serene greenery, and plenty of spots to get lost in a book. If a visit to a swanky spa is more your thing, check out Marengo in the splendid refinery of The Arcade to detox with a massage, facial, or manicure.
Feel like grocery shopping and seeing beautiful early 20th century architecture simultaneously? You can at the Downtown Cleveland Heinen’s! Stop by the second floor self-serve wine bar and Instagram your heart out. You can also become a local expert in an hour on the Trolley Tours of Cleveland. It’s the quickest mobile crash course on Cleveland’s history and culture. Last, but certainly not least, is the Terminal Tower Observation Deck, one of Cleveland’s most breathtaking vantage points. A $5 ticket gets you a ride to the sky to watch the hustle and bustle of the city from way up high.
We hope you enjoy this guide to Cleveland. Remember: It’s not hard to live like a local with the Yelp mobile app and savvy Uber app in your pocket!
