CLEVELAND, Ohio – Cleveland is a lot of things – historic, nostalgic, food-focused and sports-minded, to name a few – but it’s also one of the most walkable cities you’ll find.
And when events are going on at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse and Progressive Field, the surrounding neighborhood – called the Gateway District – has a lot to offer. Especially if you’re hungry and thirsty.
If you’re in town for the Women’s Final Four this weekend, or the Guardians home opener or solar eclipse on Monday, here’s are a few things to know:
Geography: The lake is always to the north. Public Square is a centralized area with a lot of one-way streets. It’s also the divide for “E” or “W” streets.
Parking: Parking garages at assorted prices dot the area near the arena. Another option is to park behind West Side Market in Cleveland’s Ohio City neighborhood. It’s a 1.4-mile walk to the arena across the Lorain-Carnegie Bridge.
Don’t miss: Even if you are not eating or drinking, three places where you have to pop your head in to check out are Heinen’s, 900 Euclid Ave., and the Marble Room Steaks & Raw Bar, 623 Euclid Ave. – both are in restored old banks – and Bar 32 on the roof of the Hilton Cleveland Downtown, 100 Lakeside Ave., for the view.
Public selfie spots: The Soldiers and Sailors Monument in Public Square; the outdoor chandelier at Playhouse Square; the interior rooftop dome at Heinen’s (head to the second floor, have an ounce or two of wine from the wine station or a draft of beer, and gaze at the ceiling.) Also, the plaza between Progressive Field and the arena offers a pair of backdrops.
Here’s our compilation of 50-plus places in walking distance to the arena based on what you might be looking for, from casual to swanky, good beer to milkshakes, entertainment options and much more.
(Note: The city is crammed with great bars, cool finds and many other places from high profile to down home. For the purposes of this guide, we stuck to a one-mile radius maximum from the arena.)
Want a pregame / casual spot?
Barley House
Big ol’ spacious place, party central, dance club and big televisions.
Info: 1261 W. 6th St., barleyhousecleveland.com. Patio: Yes. Distance from the arena: 6/10 of a mile.
Beerhead
The name says it all. Taps galore and munchies as well in the Flats East Bank.
Info: 1156 W. 11th St., beerheadbar.com/cleveland-ohio. Patio: Yes. Distance from the arena: 8/10 of a mile.
Clevelander Bar and Grill
This is a casual hot spot before games. Ten televisions inside, and a usually packed patio with outdoor bar set up on game days.
Info: 834 Huron Road, clevelandbar.com. Patio: Yes. Distance from the arena: Two blocks.
Harry Buffalo
Bar food and a bit more with bowls and other options – along with a bunch of televisions.
Info: 2120 E 4th St., harrybuffalo.com/locations/east-4th/. Patio: No (but large open-air windows). Distance from the arena: One block.
Margaritaville
It’s a sure bet that every big and small event that comes to Cleveland will bring fans who also are Parrotheads. Your place is right on the water.
Info: 1150 Front Ave., margaritaville.com. Patio: Yes. Distance from arena: About one mile.
Parnell’s Pub
Classic Irish pub. No food. Sláinte!
Info: 1415 Euclid Ave., parnells.pub. Patio: Yes. Distance from the arena: 6/10 of a mile.
Tailgate Sports Bar and Grille
Very casual and affordable (everything is under $20) sports bar that has a huge menu, with many items named after Cleveland athletes – the Kenny Lofton pizza, (Mark) Price’s pickles and more. Bonus: The bar has a few games.
Info: 1938 Euclid Ave., tailgatesportsbarcle.com. Patio: Yes. Distance from the arena: 7/10 of a mile.
Thirsty Parrot
Nothing fancy, great location, huge patio. Note: The eatery-bar is open on event days, so check the website to make sure it’s open. Same owner as Blue Point Grille.
Info: 812 Huron Road, thirstyparrot.com. Patio: Yes, in the back, and it’s a big one. Distance from the arena: 2 blocks.
The Velvet Dog
Definite party atmosphere. Shots, cheers to the Browns and celebrate.
Info: 1280 W. 6th St., velvetdogcleveland.com. Patio: Yes. Distance from the arena: 6/10 of a mile.
Winking Lizard Tavern
One of the most approachable menus with a phenomenal beer list, the restaurant is a comfortable spot for families, game watchers, groups of friends or solos at the bar.
Info: 300 E. 9th St., winkinglizard.com. Patio: Yes. Distance from the arena: 6/10 of a mile.
Want locally made craft beer?
Collision Bend Brewing Co.
Great beer, and if you’re inclined to pick up some to go, the cans are beautifully done. Not a typical bar menu, definitely elevated, and great view of the Cuyahoga River and surrounding bridges. Luke Purcell and Ben Northeim are making great beer in the Flats East Bank.
Info: 1250 Old River Road. Patio: Yes. Distance from the arena: About 8/10 of a mile.
Hofbrauhaus
Huge spacious beer hall and brewery, with everything from Schweinsbraten to Sauerbraten and a lot more on an extensive European-focused menu. Plus you can wash down a meal with one of Josh Jones’ beers. Most are lagers, so don’t expect anything too crazy. He adheres to the Reinheitsgebot, the traditional German brewing-purity law of 1516. Jones wasn’t around then, but he knows how to make good beer.
Info: 1550 Chester Ave., hofbrauhauscleveland.com. Patio: Yes. Distance from the arena: 7/10 of a mile.
Masthead Brewing Co.
The award-winning brewery has an array of beers on tap and cans to go. Casual setting with pizza the menu’s star. Thin pies are cooked up in an Italian-made open oven. TVs hang above the bar.
Info: 1261 Superior Ave., mastheadbrewingco.com. Patio: Yes. Distance from the arena: 6/10 of a mile.
Noble Beast Brewing Co.
Cool tall-ceiling space with great beer from brewer-owner Shaun Yasaki. Sip and munch on a spent-grain Bavarian pretzel or dig into a wrap, sandwich or burger (trio of kids’ items are available as well).
Info: 1470 Lakeside Ave., noblebeastbeer.com. Patio: Yes. Distance from the arena: 1 mile.
Southern Tier Brewing Co.
The multi-level brewpub and brewery has a solid bar-food menu and great beers on tap. The brewery is based in Lakewood, New York, but the Cleveland outpost does brisk business.
Info: 811 Prospect Ave., stbc.com. Patio: No. Distance from the arena: 2/10 of a mile (about two blocks).
Want a quick bite?
Balance Pan-Asian Grille
Fast casual, made in front of you. Choose what you want in three main areas: Snacks, bowls and tacos. Build-your-own bowls include picking a protein and starch.
Info: 515 Euclid Ave., balancegrille.com. Patio: Yes. Distance from the arena: About three blocks.
Geraci’s Slice Shop
A fun throwback to an ‘80s-style slice shop with fantastic pizza. And while it doesn’t offer a full bar, it does have beer, wine and a couple of cocktails. (Here’s more on the restaurant – story and photos.)
Info: 603 Prospect Ave., geracissliceshop.com. Patio: Yes. Distance from the arena: About one block.
Heinen’s
It’s a grocery store, but it’s the coolest one you’ll ever shop in. Circular in an historic bank building with an atrium-style design. The ground floor has prepared foods to eat inside or out. Drinks are on the second floor.
Info: 900 Euclid Ave., heinens.com. Patio: Yes. Distance from the arena: About three blocks.
Shake Shack
Ten burgers (and a few sandwiches like BLT and chicken options) should hit the spot. Wash down a meal with a not-your-average shake (flavors like coffee and donuts, maple snickerdoodle and a few others are creative options).
Info: 1965 E. 6th St., shakeshack.com. Patio: No. Distance from the arena: About two blocks.
Sittoo’s Lebanese Grill Playhouse Square
Counter order whatever sounds good. The menu has some tasty offerings, like pitas, falafel, tabouli and many other treats, all of which are clearly described. It’s at Playhouse Square.
Info: 1625 Euclid Ave., mysittoos.com. Patio: No. Distance from the arena: 6/10 of a mile.
Tower City Center: This atrium-style mall has a variety of quick-serve places and a tunnel that connects to the arena. Eateries include Charleys Philly Steaks, Chick-fil-A, Cleveland Sandwich Co., Dunkin, Kelly’s Cajun Grill, Everybody Eatz, Media Luna Bakery, Milk + Honey, Mixed Greens, Mod Bites by Nuevo, Shake & Slide, Susy’s Soup & Deli, Tower Pizza, Yes It’s Fresh, Yihi Japan. Info: 230 W. Huron Road, towercitycenter.com/dining. Distance from the arena: Adjacent.
Wahlburgers
Burgers and fries, but a lot more. The eatery offers salads and apps like kale and brussels sprout slaw. And you can have a draft beer while you eat. Think of it as a fast-food-bar. And yes, Wahlburgers as in Wahlburg – the acting-singing brothers.
Info: 2105 Ontario St., wahlburgers.com. Patio: No. Distance from the arena: 1 block.
Want good food?
Acqua di Dea (Italian)
Cool downtown vibe with a solid menu from antipasto to zuppa. The oysters are amazing, with a fresh dollop of whipped cream that makes for an amazing tantalizing bite.
Info: 500 W. St. Clair Ave., acquadiluca.com. Patio: Yes. Distance from the arena: About three blocks. (Here’s more on the restaurant – story, photos)
Agave & Rye (tacos and more)
Energetic place with a bomb of colors coming at you. This is a place for tequila and nachos and mac and cheese beignets – yes, you read that right – and chips and dip and 18 types of tacos. Good for an energetic group.
Info: 1352 W. 6th St., agaveandrye.com. Patio: Yes. Distance from the arena: About three blocks.
Alley Cat Oyster Bar (seafood)
Strong seafood focus. Oysters and lobster rolls are fantastic, and there’s a poke section on the menu. In the Flats East Bank, right on the water.
Info: 1056 Old River Road, alleycatoysterbar.com. Patio: Yes. Distance from arena: About a mile.
Barrio (tacos)
Order a drink, build your own tacos, sit back and admire. Plus there’s bowls and a pool full of margarita options. (If you’re new to the city, Cleveland loves its tacos.)
Info: 503 Prospect Ave., barrio-tacos.com. Patio: Yes. Distance from the arena: About a block.
Betts (American)
The bar-restaurant in the Kimpton Schofield Hotel has great taps and a creative, across-the-board menu, with shareables like crispy brussels, as well as soups, salads, bowls and supper (entrees). Nice assortment of sides. Across from Heinen’s. A much better-than-average hotel bar-restaurant.
Info: 2000 E. 9th St., eatatbetts.com. Patio: Yes. Distance from the arena: Two blocks.
Blue Point Grille (seafood)
Fantastic seafood restaurant with a phenomenal nighttime view of Terminal Tower lit up. Same owner as Thirsty Parrot.
Info: 700 W. St. Clair Ave., bluepointgrille.com. Patio: No. Distance from the arena: 6/10 of a mile.
The Centro (Italian)
The restaurant is located within the Metropolitan at the Nine, on the first floor of the hotel that draws a lot of out of-town visitors for ballgames.
2017 E. 9th, thecentrocleveland.com. Patio: No. Distance from the arena: About three blocks.
Cordelia (American)
Easily the hottest restaurant opening of 2022, and the honeymoon hasn’t worn off. Chef Vinnie Cimino is doing great things, the space has an open-kitchen design, and the all-Cleveland décor on the wall can’t be beat. “Midwest Nice” is the restaurant’s theme, in both slogan and menu. Expect regional comfort with a spin.
Info: 2058 E. 4th St., cordeliacle.com. Patio: Yes. Distance from the arena: About two blocks.
Flannery’s (Irish pub)
The bartenders can make you a great Black and Tan as you can munch on wings, try some Irish stew or chomp into a pub burger.
Info: 323 Prospect Ave., flanneryscle.com. Patio: Yes. Distance from the arena: About one block.
Jade Asian and Sushi Bar (Asian)
Upscale, multi-level restaurant. The Asian and sushi bar puts creative spins on its dishes in the Flats East Bank, right on the Cuyahoga River.
Info: 1048 Old River Road, jadenewasiancle.com. Patio: Members-only rooftop. Distance from the arena: 1 mile.
Johnny’s Downtown (Italian)
The food is incredible, the ambiance is classic and clubby, elegant but not stuffy. And the bonus is Mike Petrone on the piano by the bar. Yes, you can get spaghetti, rigatoni or linguine, but you can also order filet of beef au poivre or panko-romano-crusted lamb chop.
Info: 1406 W. 6th St., johnnyscleveland.com. Patio: Yes. Distance from the arena: About 5/10 of a mile.
Lindey’s Lake House (American)
The menu covers the gamut with baked-from-scratch biscuits, crab and Parmesan dip, hummus, plus assorted fish entrees and more. Upscale beachhouse vibe in the Flats East Bank.
Info: 1146 Old River Road, lindeyslakehouse.com. Patio: Yes. Distance from the arena: 9/10 of a mile.
Lago East Bank (Italian)
Quiet, tasteful place with extensive pasta options and pizzas, plus classic, meat and seafood dishes.
Info: 1091 W. 11th St., lagoeastbank.com. Patio: Yes. Distance from the arena: 8/10 of a mile.
Mabel’s BBQ (barbecue)
Cleveland’s celeb chef Michael Symon opened this joint a few years ago, and it’s an unpretentious, delicious barbecue joint with fantastic drinks (great craft beers). Kind of a gritty, industrial space, with food served on metal trays with multiple barbecue-sauce options. Any of the sandwiches will satisfy.
Info: 2050 E. 4th St., mabelsbbq.com. Patio: Yes. Distance from the arena: About two blocks.
Mallorca (Spanish and Portuguese / seafood)
Laurie Torres runs a great restaurant, offering unique flavors. You can get traditional dishes like pasta, but the menu is brimming with traditional seafood favorites like camarones. There’s a reason this place has been around 25 years.
Info: 1390 W. 9th St., mallorcacle.com. Patio: Yes. Distance from the arena: About 6/10 of a mile.
Sora (Sushi and Asian fusion)
Tons of offerings, including 18 small plates, plus bowls and a plethora of sushi (extensive nigiri and sashimi options).
Info: 1121 W. 10th St., eatatsora.com. Patio: Yes, but it’s being revamped. Distance from the arena: 8/10 of a mile.
Yours Truly
The Playhouse Square location has an easy approachable and very extensive menu for families. Includes anytime breakfast, burgers, a ton of salads and full bar.
Info: 1228 Euclid Ave., ytr.com/playhouse-square. Patio: Yes. Distance from the arena: About five blocks.
Want off-the-beaten path-casual?
Becky’s
Bar and grill with bar-food menu. Not much in the surrounding area, but an unpretentious, solid burgers and beer joint.
Info: 1762 E. 18th St., beckysbar.com. Patio: No. Distance from the arena: 8/10 of a mile.
Moe’s Tavern
Solid bar, handful of nibbles with pizza the star. Not much in the surrounding area. And yes, there is a tie between the name of this place and one of television’s most famous families, “The Simpsons.” (Read more about the bar’s ties to a notorious part of Cleveland’s past and the TV show.)
Info: 1740 E. 17th St., moes-cle.com. Patio: Yes. Distance from the arena: 8/10 of a mile.
Want swanky?
Fahrenheit
Chef Rocco Whalen is passionate about his places and his home city. This was the hottest restaurant opening in 2023, with no detail spared in the decor. Exquisite small plates, shellfish bar, seafood tower and decadent steaks.
Info: 55 Public Square, chefroccowhalen.com/fahrenheit-cleveland. Patio: Yes. Distance from the arena: About 5/10 of a mile. (Here’s more on the restaurant – story and photos.)
Il Venetian
Amazing upscale Italian restaurant. The bar is tiny; this is a place for a sit-down dinner. Sit near a wall of wine and nibble on wagyu beef carpaccio before having incredible house-made pasta or one of secondi plates (chicken dishes, veal, pork or strips). Chef Alberto does not disappoint. The restaurant is on the first floor of the Key Tower. Same owners as Marble Room Steaks and Raw Bar.
Info: 100 St. Clair Ave., ilvenetian.com. Patio: No. Distance from the arena: 6/10 of a mile (about five blocks).
Marble Room Steaks & Raw Bar
One of the best entrances for any place downtown. The opulent expanse will take your breath away. What to eat? Check out the name again. Same owners as Il Venetian.
Info: 623 Euclid Ave., marbleroomcle.com. Patio: No. Distance from the arena: About three blocks.
Morton’s the Steakhouse
Think steaks, a la carte menu, white tablecloths and well-dressed waiters. Traditional, with classic steak-and-seafood menu items like oysters Rockefeller are served.
Info: 1600 W. 2nd St., mortonsthesteakhouse.com. Patio: No. Distance from the arena: About two blocks.
Want entertainment?
Corner Alley
The sports bar and bowling alley is a great spot for those who want to be a little active and roll a few frames or those who want to relax and watch a wall of TVs while quaffing a beer or drink.
Info: 402 Euclid Ave., thecorneralley.com. Patio: Yes. Distance from the arena: About three blocks.
Five Iron Golf
Hit a few balls via simulators, sip a drink and relax in this sports bar.
Info: 1101 Euclid Ave., fiveirongolf.com/cleveland-downtown. Patio: No. Distance from the arena: About four blocks. (Here’s more on Five Iron Golf – story, photos)
House of Blues
Full bar and restaurant, and the concert venue has a Slam Dunk Solar Party planned for Saturday, April 6, with Sparky B, Trailer Park Ninjas and Endrock.
Info: 308 Euclid Ave., houseofblues.com. Patio: Yes. Distance from the arena: About three blocks.
Jack Casino
Kind of an all-in-one-stop-shopping affair here. Belly up to a bar and watch a game while you sip a drink, strap on the ol’ feedbag and hit the Seven Chefs buffet, or try your hand at assorted table games from poker to roulette and more.
Info: 100 Public Square, jackentertainment.com/cleveland. Patio: No. Distance from the arena: About 2 blocks.
Pickwick & Frolic / Hilarities
A good menu that sets itself apart with some unique items. Start with the likes of lobster bisque, ceviche or walleye bites and move on from there. If comedy is your bag, hit Hilarities. “Daily Show” correspondent Michael Kosta is set to perform Friday and Saturday, April 5-6.
Info: 2035 E. 4th St., pickwickandfrolic.com. Patio: Yes. Distance from the arena: About two blocks.
Punch Bowl Social
Great beer list, great rooftop view. The Flats East Bank spot offers a ton of games – bowling, an arcade of games and a lot more.
Info: 1086 W. 11th St., punchbowlsocial.com/location/cleveland, Patio: Yes. Distance from arena: About 9/10 of a mile.
Wild Eagle Saloon
The bar features indoor pool, bocce, duckpin bowling, vintage arcade games, shuffleboard, pop-a-shot and more. It also offers an inebriation wall – self-serve beer taps.
Info: 921 Huron Road, wildeagle.com/downtown-cleveland. Patio: Yes. Distance from the arena: Two blocks.
Want a view?
Bar 32
This bar, named after the floor it’s on, offers what might be the best view of downtown Cleveland. It’s perched high in the Downtown Hilton.
Info: 100 Lakeside Ave., bar32cle. Patio: It has a deck. Tip: Bring a sweatshirt. Distance from the arena: 7/10 of a mile.
Want a late-night atmosphere?
Insomnia Cookies
Got a hankering for warm cookies delivered to your door? Or pickup? This spot offers cookies as well as a few other treats.
Info: 1224 W. 6th St., insomniacookies.com. Patio: No. Distance from the arena: 6/10 of a mile.
Parlay on Ninth
This is kind of three bars in one, and for those who like a stogie from time to time, a cigar bar is available. It’s got a clear club vibe. The wall of TVs in the outer bar isn’t a bad way to watch a game. For those who want to swirl a martini or clink an on-the-rocks drink as they watch.
Info: 840 Huron Road, parlaycleveland. Patio: No. Distance from the arena: About 2 blocks.
Rumor Bar & Lounge
Night club with cocktails and dancing in the Warehouse District.
Info: 1266 W. 6th St., facebook.com/rumorcleveland. Patio: Yes. Distance from the arena: 6/10 of a mile.
I cover restaurants, beer, wine and sports-related topics on our life and culture team. For my recent stories, here’s a cleveland.com directory. WTAM-1100′s Bill Wills and I talk food and drink around 8:20 a.m. Thursdays. Twitter and IG: @mbona30. My latest book, co-authored with Dan Murphy: “Joe Thomas: Not Your Average Joe” by Gray & Co.
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