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My girlfriend planned a trip to Cleveland for my birthday. We're planning to arrive Friday morning and stay until Sunday afternoon. I spent some time perusing this subforum and found a lot of good info, but I have a few specific questions.
Little Italy
Friday afternoon we're planning to have lunch at an Italian restaurant in the Little Italy/University Circle area. I'm looking for a decent handmade pasta (ravioli, gnocchi, cavatelli, etc.) and some good wine. It doesn't really have to be anything fancy, as long as the food is fresh and well prepared. (I'm typically a little biased towards "dives" anyway. . . ) We're considering Trattoria.
Cabs
I'm staying at the Hampton on 9th street and going to a concert at Wolstein Center. During the day, I can drive around the City, but I'd like to not drive to the concert. Afterwards, we'll definitely be going to some bars on East 6th street. We're planning to walk, but if the weather is lousy I'd like to take a cab to the concert. Will it be difficult to catch a cab from the Hampton to Wolstein and then from Wolstein to East 6th on a Friday night?
Subway
After arriving on Friday morning, I'd like to park near the Hotel on 9th and take the subway over to the University Circle Area. It looks to be just a short walk from the hotel to the station on Prospect. Is this a reasonable plan? If so, are there any unique "best practices" that I'll need to follow? (I generally know how to use and behave while riding a subway).
Great Lakes Brewery / West Side Market
On Saturday we're thinking about taking a tour of the Great Lakes brewery and spending some time at the West Side Market. Has anyone done the Brewery tours? Are they a good way to spend a Saturday afternoon in the area, or should we scrap that idea in lieu of something else? Are there any particular "must try" things at the market?
Residential Areas
I'd like to spend some time walking around one of Cleveland's more urban residential neighborhoods. I'm interested in anything from neat architecture to neighborhood bars/cafes. What are some areas that I should consider checking out? Are there any that are easily accessible from the Hampton on 9th via the bus or subway?
Thanks in advance for the advice. Please feel free to make any suggestions, as I'm pretty much always willing to yield to the advice of a someone that actually knows the City. We're excited to visit!
Friday afternoon we're planning to have lunch at an Italian restaurant in the Little Italy/University Circle area. I'm looking for a decent handmade pasta (ravioli, gnocchi, cavatelli, etc.) and some good wine. It doesn't really have to be anything fancy, as long as the food is fresh and well prepared. (I'm typically a little biased towards "dives" anyway. . . ) We're considering Trattoria.
That'll work. Or, consider Gusto, Etna, or La Dolce Vita. Mama Santa's is almost a must also. It's inexpensive and very popular (though I don't think it's the best). If you want to go high-end, Michelangelo's is a great choice.
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Cabs
Cabs shouldn't be a problem, though you may have to call one. Walking is also an option. It's a little bit of a hike, but it's not too bad.
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Subway
Walk up E. 9th to Euclid Ave. and take the Healthline. It's a dedicated bus line that runs along Euclid from Public Square.
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Great Lakes Brewery / West Side Market
I've never done the tour, but I can tell you that the beer is damn tasty. The WSM has many things to offer. I would say to try Crepes de Luxe and/or Steve's Gyros depending on how hungry you are. Also, enjoy the general neighborhood and area. It's a rapidly redeveloping area that has literally exploded over the past decade. I also suggest checking out Crop (a restaurant) which is caddy-corner to the WSM. It's in a totally amazing, refurbished bank building.
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Residential Areas
Try Ohio City, Tremont, Coventry, Cedar Hill, Little Italy, Cleveland Heights, Shaker Heights/Shaker Square.
Ironically, my girlfriend and I recently visited Pittsburgh and stayed downtown. We greatly enjoyed the Andy Warhol museum and Southside neighborhood.
I live in the University Circle neighborhood, so if you have any specific questions about it, please let me know.
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Originally Posted by ML North
Little Italy
Friday afternoon we're planning to have lunch at an Italian restaurant in the Little Italy/University Circle area. I'm looking for a decent handmade pasta (ravioli, gnocchi, cavatelli, etc.) and some good wine. It doesn't really have to be anything fancy, as long as the food is fresh and well prepared. (I'm typically a little biased towards "dives" anyway. . . ) We're considering Trattoria.
IMO the best restaurant in Little Italy (plus it's a complete dive!) is Etna Etna
It's slightly more pricey than a few other places (pasta $12-20), but a must if it's your only time in Little Italy -- well worth it. The owner chef, Pepe, is a character (very heavy accent) and generally comes out from the kitchen to talk to the customers if it he's not too busy. He does 100% of the cooking.
They have this Seafood Pasta that is the best I ever had...wish I could think of the name. As Pepe is from Sicily, he makes the best Seafood in the neighborhood as well FYI
Trattoria is best known for bigger portions.
Desert: I'd recommend Presti's Bakery or Corbo's Bakery (both on the main drag)
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Originally Posted by ML North
Cabs
I'm staying at the Hampton on 9th street and going to a concert at Wolstein Center. During the day, I can drive around the City, but I'd like to not drive to the concert. Afterwards, we'll definitely be going to some bars on East 6th street. We're planning to walk, but if the weather is lousy I'd like to take a cab to the concert. Will it be difficult to catch a cab from the Hampton to Wolstein and then from Wolstein to East 6th on a Friday night?
I'd go through your hotel front desk and ask for a cab. Normally I'd recommend the E-Line (FREE, but that runs only M-F) or the Healthline (would require two all day passes), but getting a cab seems like a the easiest option.
W.6th is clubs, E. 4th is bars and restaurants BTW
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Originally Posted by ML North
Subway
After arriving on Friday morning, I'd like to park near the Hotel on 9th and take the subway over to the University Circle Area. It looks to be just a short walk from the hotel to the station on Prospect. Is this a reasonable plan? If so, are there any unique "best practices" that I'll need to follow? (I generally know how to use and behave while riding a subway).
Two Options:
RedLine -- Get on at Tower City and get off at E.120-Euclid Healthline -- Get on at E.9th street and get off at any of the UC stops
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Originally Posted by ML North
Great Lakes Brewery / West Side Market
On Saturday we're thinking about taking a tour of the Great Lakes brewery and spending some time at the West Side Market. Has anyone done the Brewery tours? Are they a good way to spend a Saturday afternoon in the area, or should we scrap that idea in lieu of something else? Are there any particular "must try" things at the market?
Yes to both! Saturday morning is the best time to go to the market. Parking is very difficult so you know, so it may be a good idea to take the RedLine from Tower City to W.25th (buying all day passes could allow you to catch the Healthline to the Wolstein Center later that day as well)
The neighborhood is Ohio City and a cool place to spend a Saturday morning/afternoon.
I've been on the FREE brewery tours and highly recommend them.
Regarding the Westside Market, there is a great breakfast diner attached that could be good for breakfast/brunch. Also, this is an indoor balcony that is a must (good place to early treats) overlooking the masses. People seem to forget it is there. Being up top will give this view: Westside Market, CLE, OH | Flickr - Photo Sharing! (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mshiffphotography/6311233813/ - broken link)
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Originally Posted by ML North
Residential Areas
I'd like to spend some time walking around one of Cleveland's more urban residential neighborhoods. I'm interested in anything from neat architecture to neighborhood bars/cafes. What are some areas that I should consider checking out? Are there any that are easily accessible from the Hampton on 9th via the bus or subway?
Ohio City, University Circle, and Shaker Square are all accessible by train.
For gorgeous architecture, take a trip down Fairmount Blvd in Cleveland Hts. Lakewood is a very cool inner ring suburb as well.
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Originally Posted by ML North
Thanks in advance for the advice. Please feel free to make any suggestions, as I'm pretty much always willing to yield to the advice of a someone that actually knows the City. We're excited to visit!
I would like to stress though I'd do the Healthline BRT instead of the Red Line if you're plan is to take public transit to UC. It is a decent hike from the rail stations to most of the museums and attractions in UC. The Healthline is more direct - more of a short walk instead of a hike. Its a bus but it works exactly like hopping on the train with dedicated stations, etc.
Only other thing I'd add is that you'll probably have to call for a cab. Finding a random cab in Cleveland is usually pretty difficult.
First, this is a great post. Thanks for all the info.
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Originally Posted by costello_musicman
First of all, welcome!
Ironically, my girlfriend and I recently visited Pittsburgh and stayed downtown. We greatly enjoyed the Andy Warhol museum and Southside neighborhood.
Nice. Glad you enjoyed your visit. I actually live relatively close to the Warhol.
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Originally Posted by costello_musicman
IMO the best restaurant in Little Italy (plus it's a complete dive!) is Etna Etna
It's slightly more pricey than a few other places (pasta $12-20), but a must if it's your only time in Little Italy -- well worth it. The owner chef, Pepe, is a character (very heavy accent) and generally comes out from the kitchen to talk to the customers if it he's not too busy. He does 100% of the cooking.
They have this Seafood Pasta that is the best I ever had...wish I could think of the name. As Pepe is from Sicily, he makes the best Seafood in the neighborhood as well FYI
Hmm. We're going to have to check this out. The menu looks great, and my family is actually from the same province as the owner. The Filetto al Nero D'Avol sounds incredible.
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Originally Posted by costello_musicman
Yes to both! Saturday morning is the best time to go to the market. Parking is very difficult so you know, so it may be a good idea to take the RedLine from Tower City to W.25th (buying all day passes could allow you to catch the Healthline to the Wolstein Center later that day as well)
The neighborhood is Ohio City and a cool place to spend a Saturday morning/afternoon.
I've been on the FREE brewery tours and highly recommend them.
Regarding the Westside Market, there is a great breakfast diner attached that could be good for breakfast/brunch. Also, this is an indoor balcony that is a must (good place to early treats) overlooking the masses. People seem to forget it is there. Being up top will give this view: Westside Market, CLE, OH | Flickr - Photo Sharing! (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mshiffphotography/6311233813/ - broken link)
This seems like it will all fit together quite nicely. I'm thinking that we will catch the red line over to WSM, have breakfast and spend some time there and then head on over to Great Lakes. I like the idea of having beer for breakfast's dessert.
Ohio City, University Circle, and Shaker Square are all accessible by train.
For gorgeous architecture, take a trip down Fairmount Blvd in Cleveland Hts. Lakewood is a very cool inner ring suburb as well.
I've been exploring these a little with Google Maps. Ohio City looks awesome and kind of reminds me of some of the neighborhoods I've visited in Chicago. We should be able to check out that particular 'hood on Saturday after visiting Great Lakes.
I would like to stress though I'd do the Healthline BRT instead of the Red Line if you're plan is to take public transit to UC. It is a decent hike from the rail stations to most of the museums and attractions in UC. The Healthline is more direct - more of a short walk instead of a hike. Its a bus but it works exactly like hopping on the train with dedicated stations, etc.
We're going to probably do that. I didn't know about the Healthline, actually, but BRT is awesome.
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Originally Posted by Marty711
Only other thing I'd add is that you'll probably have to call for a cab. Finding a random cab in Cleveland is usually pretty difficult.
Yeah, I was thinking this would be the case. I'll have the front desk call one for me -- hopefully they have some "sweet hookups."
We actually already booked, but thanks for the thought. My girlfriend booked on Hotwire for about $80/night, I think.
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