Let’s be clear about something up front: Cleveland is a city that loves to celebrate.
Whether it’s celebrating the return of summer with events and outdoor revelry for weeks on end, raising a glass to the latest Guardians win, cheering on a big birthday or just getting out on Friday night and toasting making it to the weekend, there are no shortage of options to go out with family and friends and make merry.
We’ve rounded up 10 places in The Land where you can celebrate that special occasion with the ones you love. That’s just for starters. Show us your celebrations all summer long by sharing on social media with #thisiscle.
Fun and Games
Add this chic industrial play space in the Flats (and its massive rooftop terrace) to your celebration bucket list. Take your pick of debauchery: bowling, karaoke, table games or the arcade in this two-story palace, complete with Instagrammable drinks and tasty American eats. Start with a 4-person punch like the rum-based Tiki Torch. You can even book a boozy brunch at this vibey fun haven. We’re here for the chicken and waffles.
The entire crew can get in on the action with tons of games (and beer, wine and cocktails to boot) at this newer giant Ohio City fun center (that’s kid-friendly until 8 p.m.). Enjoy the exciting vibes and take a shot at bocce, duckpin, classic pinball, foosball and arcade games. Be sure to reserve your lane for duckpin bowling. We dig the totally Instagrammable Hulk Hogan drink, garnished with a festive red, white and blue popsicle. Sign me up!
Instead of the usual, hit up a bowling alley and restaurant/bar combo that channels actual classy vibes. Head to Pinecrest for Pinstripes and rent a lane for bowling or bocce while enjoying pretty cocktails and house-made Italian-American eats like juicy Cowboy burgers or seasonal gelato on two floors of fun, patios and firepits. This spot slings the best pizzas and flatbreads from a wood-burning oven and has both indoor and outdoor seating. Pro tip: Don’t sleep on the tenderloin sliders.
Grab your pals and spend some time in one of the many high-tech climate-controlled hitting bays at this massive golf driving range venue with self-scoring golf balls and tons of cool space on three floors. They’re serving up your favorite bev, whether it’s wine, beer or a Top Golf original "Golf bag" cocktail for two, like the boozy cherry limeade served in a take-home golf bag shaped mug. Locals dig the Asian sesame wings and the “meatalian” flatbread. And save room for dessert, too. (Did someone say injectable donut holes?). Book in advance to reserve a bay during busy times.
Out and About
Fill your drinking vessel (and your iCloud storage) on board Cleveland’s iconic sightseeing ship. Choose your own adventure, whether it's a happy hour cruise, historical sightseeing voyage, or your own private charter, with tasty food options and live bands or DJs. Cruise alongside enviable views of the Flats, Cuyahoga River, Lake Erie and the downtown Cleveland skyline that will get all the “likes” from the largest quadruple-deck, 1,000 passenger luxury ship on the Great Lakes.
A giant summer yard party—all day, every day. This dog-friendly, kid-friendly kitschy truck-themed outdoor (and indoor) bar rocks everything you need to live patio season to the fullest. Invite a bud to share a themed drink like the 110-ounce “Willbilly Punch,” served in a red Solo cup, complete with floating duckies. All the best local food trucks stop by on rotation for your snacking and munching needs, and two permanent outposts, Geraci’s Slice Shop and the brand-new Cocky’s Bagels, are also ready for you.
Dining & Drinks for that Special Occasion
If there’s a hotspot in The Land that screams fancy af, it’s the bougie whimsical dreamscape known as Jaja. This newer Ohio City intimate room is known for inventive drinks and Latin and Mediterranean-inspired small plates and Argentinian steaks. It’s all in the tiny touches, like the pink velvet bar stools, playful animal wallpaper, floral cocktail glasses and giant retractable roof that opens to the skies above. Book your rez now!
If celebrating to you means a fancy steak dinner downtown (we like your style), then the iconic Marble Room and its immense opulent historic restored bank building (with a soaring ceiling, marble Corinthian columns and antique chandeliers) is where to see and be seen. Upscale seafood and sushi, and designer cocktails round out the menu. Any one of their fab steaks will blow you away. But the best part is they treat you like the king or queen you are. And if you’re a real baller, spring for a private room.
This chic East side gem, literally hidden inside a barber shop (Quintana's Barber & Dream Spa) in a century-old colonial, is 100% sure to impress any guy or gal you’re toasting to. Step behind a bookcase and press a secret button to enter the small cocktail den showcasing a wooden bar, cozy seats, velvet curtains and intimate vibes that scream “I’m fancy!” Choose from a daring menu of artisan cocktails ranging from classics to originals.
It’s your special day—so go ahead and melt your worries away with a rum and coconut laden Painkiller. Or grab your pals (and four straws) for the shareable giant Scorpion bowl fruit punch rum at Cleveland’s own tiki drink oasis. Porco’s indoor space transports thirsty guests to a retro Polynesian tiki land complete with all the kitschy artifacts. Or spend the night under the stars on the chill, lush patio with a lowkey waterfall and a couple plastic pink flamingos hidden in the landscaping. Choose your favorite libation from the unique menu including frozen drinks and perfectly balanced cocktails crafted with homemade syrups.