Cleveland is one of our favorite places (and not only because this girl grew up just south of there).
It’s always been a culturally-rich city, but C-Town has been experiencing a boom in recent years with new restaurants, watering holes and great places to shop popping up all the time. So to round up the best of the best, we enlisted our friends over at the recently-opened XHIBITION to help curate our Cleveland Guide. Check out our picks on where to stay, eat, party and see, and we guarantee you’ll have a damn good time if you find yourself in the city.
Shop
XHIBITION – Of course our go-to. Phillip Lim, Alexander Wang, Comme Des Garçons, Off White, Fear of God, A.P.C. and many exclusive collaborations with like-minded brands such as Don C, The Hundreds, Mark McNairy and John Elliott. We’re also creating and manufacturing our own line at XHBITION right here in Cleveland under our creative director Mr. Michael Hurley with design layout and execution of garments by our in-house designer Danielle Pusateri.
NEXT – Sneaker-based retailer with a good mix of fashion that carries both women’s and men’s clothing at some of the locations. With brands like MCM, Versace, Nudie, Nike, Timberland, Hood By Air and Alexander Wang, it’s another standout spot. NEXT also releases the top sneakers in the state.
Juicy Lucy – Take a drive about 20 minutes to Chagrin Falls to find brands like Comme Des Garçons, Isabel Marant and Y-3.
Big Fun – This toy store will make you feel like a kid again, especially when you see their collection of old school action figures, video games, and other “nerdabilia.” Ben and Bobby from The Hundreds are crazy about this place.
Play
Cleveland Museum of Art – Seriously an amazing museum, it’s one of the best in the world. And the new atrium is beautiful.
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame – The Rock Hall is a must visit place when coming to Cleveland. We’re not called The Rock and Roll Capitol of the World for nothing.
MOCA – The new Museum of Contemporary Art is gorgeous. The architect for the MOCA is Farshid Moussavi of London, formerly with Foreign Office Architects (FOA) and now principal of Farshid Moussavi Architecture (FMA). This is her first U.S. commission and her first museum.
Westside Market – A culinary destination for more than 100 years, this market is just a few steps from the store and a great place for local produce, meats and the best people watching.
The Cleveland Orchesta – Considered one of the best and most sought-after music ensembles in the world, it’s also one of the five American orchestras informally known as the “Big Five.” Try to catch their summer series at nearby outdoor concert venue Blossom Music Center. |
Northeast Ohio is a sports town, so you have to catch a game if you’re visiting Cleveland. The Cleveland Cavaliers are on fire and Indians and Browns games are also a must when in season.
Dance
Rumor – This spot on West 6th St. in Downtown Cleveland is great on Thursday nights and where we frequently host event after parties. DJ Steph Floss, who has been close with the store and our brands for years, spins here often.
The Bank – This a newer club off Euclid with an LIV-like vibe and the place to be on a Friday.
Barley House – A newly-renovated spot that’s going to be a different experience depending on when you go. They have a businesses crowd for networking early evening, but it turns into a dance club with great VIP service and a back room later at night. We love spending Saturday nights here.
Grog Shop – Located in Cleveland’s charming Coventry neighborhood, this is our favorite place to catch a show.
Eat & drink
Jack Flaps – Our go-to breakfast spot in Ohio City. It has a delicious and creative menu.
TownHall – Also in Ohio City right down the street from the store, they are 100% non-gmo and the vibe inside the restaurant is always high energy. It’s a great place for a healthy and energizing meal, especially at lunchtime.
Crop – This restaurant is right around the corner from the store and our favorite dinner spot. It used to be a very widely know bank, so it’s designed with stunning vaulted ceilings. – they also have a great value downstairs with a separate entrance.
Tommy’s – This mainstay has been around since 1972, serving up delicious breakfast, lunch and dinner to Cleveland’s Coventry neighborhood. They have something on the menu for everyone, from traditional burgers and shakes to some of the best vegetarian and vegan dishes we’ve had, period.
Swenson’s Drive-In – If you take a drive 20 minutes or so from the city, Swenson’s is always an anytime favorite.
Foundation Room – A private bar in Downtown Cleveland right above the House of Blues. We’ve hosted post in-store events and private parties here, and the vibe is always killer.
The Velvet Tango Room – VTR has been named one of the best bars in America, and it’s a great low key spot with hand-crafted cocktails. A very discreet sign outside gives it a speakeasy vibe, and they also open up a back room that requires a password for an exclusive atmosphere.
Rising Star Coffee – This is a great coffee shop in Ohio City. Their coffee is literally a science – you walk in and crazy glass beakers and huge roasters await.
Stay
Metropolitan at The 9 – A new spot right downtown with several different experiences. They have a restaurant, three bars and a private theater that is the perfect place to catch a game on the big screen.
The Westin Cleveland Downtown – Amazing architecture. The detail that went into this place is to be noted.
Ritz-Carlton – Iconic hotel in Cleveland and great location for walking to the games.
Renaissance Cleveland Hotel – Not only is this place stunning on the inside, it’s connected to the Horseshoe Casino so you can get your Blackjack fix without ever leaving the building.
Cleveland Museum of Art Photo Credit: Kayla Barnes
