Planning a trip to the heart of Northeast Ohio? Whether you’re heading to the area to celebrate a wedding or simply explore everything this vibrant city has to offer, An Insider’s Guide to Visiting Cleveland, Ohio is here to help you make the most of your stay. From the best spots to grab a post-rehearsal dinner cocktail to cozy boutique hotels perfect for wedding guests, this guide highlights all of my favorite local gems. As a Cleveland wedding photographer who has spent countless weekends exploring the city’s neighborhoods, I’ve rounded up my go-to restaurants, bars, and activities that showcase the very best of The 216 — no matter what brings you here.
Visiting Cleveland, Ohio
Where to Eat in Northeast Ohio | The Best Cleveland Restaurants to Try
From locally loved brunch cafés to romantic dinner spots with skyline views, Cleveland’s food scene is a hidden gem. Whether you’re looking for a cozy place to grab coffee before a wedding day or an upscale restaurant to celebrate with friends and family, this list has you covered. Expect a mix of classic Cleveland comfort food and creative culinary finds.
Il’ Rione
Anytime (and anywhere) I travel, finding good pizza is on the top of my list. If you’re like me, odds are: you’re on the hunt for a good pizza place to add to your itinerary. Located in Gordon Square, Il’ Rione serves delicious NYC-style pizza in an adorable pub space. While my personal favorite is the Diavolo Pie (gimme alllllll the spice), there are 5 other signature mouth-watering pies to choose from — or you can choose your own toppings. Il’ Rione doesn’t take reservations, but it is worth the wait.
Address: 1303 W 65th St, Cleveland, OH 44102
Barrio
Hear me out, because I know that Barrio is a Midwest and East Coast chain, but this place makes my list for a good reason. There are 3 locations in Cleveland, so you have no excuse not to get their queso blanco or a spicy blood orange margarita (my go-to). Each location has different late-night hours to fix your late-night taco cravings, so be sure to double-check each location before moseying on over.
Locations: Barrio Tacos Gateway, Barrio Tacos Cleveland Heights, Barrio Tacos Tremont
Fat Cats
It feels so good supporting a business with a good cause and mission. With 3 locations in Cleveland, Fat Cats was founded in 1997 by Ricardo Sandoval. With his Filipino and Irish American background, this chef knows good food and how to get creative. Fat Cats is prioritizes fresh ingredients, sustainability, and supporting local artists. My personal favorite eats at Fat Cats are the tofu curry and the kimchi fried rich. 10/10!
Locations:
Fat Cats at 2061 West 10th Street Cleveland, OH 44113
Lava Lounge at 1307 Auburn Avenue Cleveland, OH 44113
Tremont Public Works 2661 West 14th Street Cleveland, OH 44113
Artis Lakewood
Located at the west end of Lakewood, Artis Lakewood is a unique steakhouse featuring small plates and family-style bites. I love restaurants where you can order a bunch of different sides to share. Artis Lakewood also has seasonal house cocktails, mocktails, and even a 3 course tasting menu if you’re in the mood for a special treat. Be sure to check the website (linked in the heading above) for special events and classes to make your visit to Cleveland that much more special.
Address: 17900 Detroit Avenue Lakewood, OH 44107
Sarita a Restaurant
Searching for a contemporary, eclectic vibe in the Lakewood area? Sarita a Restaurant is the place. They are focused on “healthy, new American cuisine”, paying homage to the backgrounds and roots of the chefs. They offer lighter options with no lack of flavor. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, with a sweet patio to check out if weather permits.
Address: 14523 Madison Ave, Lakewood, OH 44107
the Root Café
If you’ve never visited Cleveland, you’ve probably perused the Internet enough to see that the city is renowned for its art scene. But what you might not realize is just how many delicious, unique restaurants there are to discover! One of my personal favorites is the Root Café in the Lakewood neighborhood. Founded in the winter of 2009, the doors opened with a mission built on diversity. The restaurant was inspired by sharing culture, music, art, drinks, and energy. The Root Café is a vegan and vegetarian kitchen, an organic bakery, and a community clubhouse with local art and events. Many local artisans poured their creativity into the cafe to create a warm, organic atmosphere.
If you’re curious, one of my favorite things to order from the Root is their “On the Road” sandwich with beets, local goat cheese, rosemary and spinach, and caramelized onions on rye bread. It is simply decadent. Their breakfast menu is also so yummy, and absolutely must include a coffee or tea.
Address: 15118 Detroit Ave. Lakewood, OH, 44107
Lakewood Food Truck Park
Can’t commit to just one of these Cleveland hot-spots? You are in some SERIOUS luck – why not get a little bit of everything at the Lakewood Truck Park!? The lineup is always changing, but you can always count on a drink from the full bar and playing games on the patio. To keep track of what vendors will be making an appearance and what hours the area keeps, be sure to check out the Lakewood Truck Park website. They frequently have different events as well, and their Instagram is a great place to be in the know!
Address: 16900 Detroit Ave. Lakewood, OH 44107
Nightlife and Bars in Cleveland, Ohio | Nightlife in Northeast Ohio
Cleveland’s nightlife has something for everyone — from craft cocktail lounges and lively breweries to rooftop bars overlooking the city lights. Whether you’re winding down after a long wedding weekend or celebrating love on the dance floor, these are my favorite spots to raise a glass in Cleveland.
BottleHouse Brewery & Meadery
With two locations to choose from (Cleveland Heights and Lakewood), you definitely can’t miss this Cleveland staple. The BottleHouse Brewery and Meadery isn’t just like any brewery or bar. They made it a goal to foster community by swapping out TVs and private tables for community seating and board games. If you love to sample local brews, meads, ciders, and sours, be sure to check out one of the locations.
Locations:
BottleHouse Brewery & Meadery – 2050 Lee Rd. Cleveland Heights, OH 44118
BottleHouse Brewery & Mead Hall – 13368 Madison Ave. Lakewood, OH 44107
Saucy Brew Works
Located in Cleveland’s Hingetown neighborhood, this brewpub is dedicated to high-tech brewing that is efficient, exact, and eliminates waste. If you happen to be a self-proclaimed “beer snob”, you will absolutely notice a difference in the quality. Brewed in Cleveland, you can sample the delicious brews in 3 other locations if you find yourself elsewhere in Ohio! 2 locations also offer small-batch, artisan coffee (Saucy Coffee). Don’t forget to grab a bite while you’re sipping on your beer or coffee.
Locations:
Cleveland Saucy Brew Works– 2885 Detroid Ave. Cleveland, OH 44113
Columbus Saucy Brew Works– 443 W Third Ave. Columbus, OH 43201
Pinecrest Saucy Brew Works– 400 Park Ave. Suite 170 Orange, OH 44122
Put-In-Bay Saucy Brew Works– 328 Toledo Ave. Put-In-Bay, OH 43456
Porco’s Tiki
Located between the historic neighborhoods of Tremont and Ohio City, the Porco Lounge and Tiki Room feel like a hidden gem. Speaking from experience, just one drink from the Tiki room can do you in, so tread carefully or forever hold your peace. The atmosphere is also such a fun place to immerse yourself in. Open Wednesday through Saturday, it’s a must-visit in Cleveland.
Address: 2527 W 25th Street Cleveland, OH 44113
Velvet Tango Room
If speakeasies are up your alley, the Velvet Tango Room needs to be on your list. There’s just something so fun about visiting an establishment that is in a unique environment — it makes everything taste that much better. Each cocktail is skillfully crafted to ensure a consistent blend of flavors that will keep you coming back for more. Plus, all ingredients are natural and fresh. They also have an entire “designated driver” section on their cocktail menu to ensure good fun for everyone! Their Blood Orange Spritz on the mocktail menu is delicious, but if I’m in the mood for something more, you can never go wrong with mojito or Mai Tai. My mouth is watering just thinking about visiting the Velvet Tango Room!
Address: 2095 Columbus Road Cleveland, OH 44113
Best Things to Do in Cleveland | Spending a Weekend in Northeast Ohio
If you have some downtime before or after the wedding, Cleveland offers plenty to explore! Wander through art museums, stroll along the lakefront, or catch live music downtown. This section is packed with activities that showcase the city’s charm — perfect for couples, families, or solo adventurers looking to experience a bit of everything.
For Free
- Cleveland Museum of Art
- FREE admission
- Renowned for holdings of Asian and Egyptian art
- One of the WORLD’S most visited art museums
- Frequently changing exhibits, events, classes, workshops, and performances
- Address: 11150 East Blvd. Cleveland, OH 44106
- Take the Cleveland Mural Tour
- Perfect way to see different parts of Cleveland
- Check out The Cleveland Bucket List’s mural roundup here to plan your route
- Stroll the Valley Parkway Trail along the Rocky River
- With 13.5 miles of paved trail to explore, the Valley Parkway Trail is a great option to keep busy and see the beauty that Cleveland has to offer.
- Trail winds through the Rocky River Reservation, offers trailside spots to relax, and ample shade
- Visit Trail Link to find out more information!
Costs a Little
- Bowling at Mahall’s
- Bowling, dancing, music, food, cocktails, and comedy under one roof!
- Frequent events added to their calendar – check their site for more info + updates
- Address: 13200 Madison Ave. Lakewood, OH 44107
- Shuffleboard at Forest City Shuffleboard Arena + Bar
- Fun indoor and outdoor atmosphere
- Yummy bites, sammies, and family-style food
- Address: 4506 Lorain Ave. Cleveland, OH 44102
- Enjoy Ice Cream at Mitchell’s Ice Cream or Mason’s Creamery
- Mitchell’s Ice Cream
- Try my personal fave — black raspberry chocolate chunk
- Seasonal offerings
- Cakes and Pies available by order
- Multiple locations
- Cleveland locations
- 11444 Uptown Ave. Cleveland, OH 44106
- 1867 West 25th St. Cleveland, OH 44113
- Cleveland locations
- Mason’s Creamery
- Seasonal offerings
- Shamrock Shake “dupe” in March
- Apple Cider Sorbet in the Fall
- Small batch ice cream (AND RAMEN!)
- Address: 4401 Bridge Ave. Cleveland, Ohio 44113
- Seasonal offerings
- Mitchell’s Ice Cream
- Visit West Side Market
- Indoor produce and food market open daily
- Home to 70 family-owned businesses
- Eat, drink, and play games at the West Side Market Café
- Embrace the Polish roots in Cleveland with pierogis at Pierogi Palace
- Snag some fresh pasta from Ohio City Pasta to take home for a date night
- Address: 1979 West 25th St. Cleveland, OH 44113
For a Bit More
- See a comedy show at Hilarities 4th Street Theatre
- Tiered 350-seat theater with local & national comedy acts
- Cocktails and light bites
- Address: 2035 East 4th St. Cleveland, OH 44115
- Catch a play or show at Playhouse Square
- Largest performing arts center in the country outside of NYC
- Constructed in the early 1920s
- Multiple theaters and resident companies
- Address: 1501 Euclid Ave. #200 Cleveland, OH 44115
Where to Stay in Cleveland, Ohio | Cleveland Accommodations
From modern hotels downtown to charming Airbnbs in the surrounding neighborhoods, Cleveland has accommodations for every kind of traveler. Whether you’re a wedding guest looking for convenience or a couple wanting a romantic getaway, these are my top recommendations for a comfortable and memorable stay.
Cleveland, OH Hotels
- Hilton Cleveland Downtown
- Multiple in-house restaurants
- Bar 32 (located 32 floors up) has sweeping lake and city views
- Live music on the weekends
- Mr. Kringle Suite — Christmas-themed retreat during holiday season
- Christmas movies, room decorations, king-size bed, milk and cookies
- Address: 100 Lakeside Avenue E. Cleveland, OH 44114
- Multiple in-house restaurants
- Glidden House
- 1910 historic boutique hotel in University Circle
- Located close to Cleveland Art Museum
- Address: 1901 Ford Dr. Cleveland, OH 44106
- Aloft Cleveland Downtown
- Modern hotel located near the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Jack Casino, and Playhouse Square Theater
- Address: 111 West 10th St. Cleveland, OH 44113
- Fidelity Hotel
- Historic former mortgage building
- 97 rooms and suites stretched across 11 stories
- Club Room (lounge, bar, full-service restaurant)
- Address: 1940 East 6th St. Cleveland, OH 44114
Cleveland, OH Airbnbs
- The Old Postal Cottage
- Perfect escape from the city (Parkman, OH)
- Built in the 1840s, operated as the Parkman post office until mid-2018
- 45 minutes from downtown Cleveland, OH
- Modern Downtown Loft
- Nestled in the Cleveland Warehouse District, the chic brick, hardwood floors, and tin ceiling give way to skyline views of the city
- Walk to stadiums, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, The Flats, etc.
- Luxe Lakewood Lake House
- Located 10 minutes from downtown
- Private waterfront escape directly on Lake Erie
- Floor to ceiling windows, wrap around deck, vaulted ceilings
- Sleeps 6 guests
Tips for Visiting Cleveland, Ohio
No matter what brings you to Northeast Ohio — whether you’re here to celebrate a wedding, visit a new place, or simply explore — Cleveland has a way of making every visit memorable. From incredible food and welcoming local spots to endless things to see and do, this city is full of character and charm at every turn. I hope An Insider’s Guide to Visiting Cleveland, Ohio helps you plan the perfect trip and experience the best of what The Land has to offer — because once you’ve spent a little time here, you’ll understand why it’s so easy to fall in love with this city.
Cleveland Wedding Photographer | Sam Wilder Photography
Searching for a photographer to document your vacation while you’re in the area? Heya, I’m Sam – a Cleveland-based inclusive wedding and couple’s photographer. I am a Midwest-native, who recently returned to this neck-of-the-woods from living in the Pacific Northwest. No matter where my business takes me, there are so many beautiful love stories just waiting to be documented — including yours. I’d love to connect about what your vision is and let you in on even more of my Cleveland, OH faves.
