August 06, 2021
Image © Cody York
To the surprise of some and the delight of all, Clevelanders with disabilities love to eat, drink and be merry. If you have accessibility needs but are lost in all the good sauce Cleveland has to offer, we’ve got you! We found some of the best accessible spots in the area, where people with disabilities aren’t just welcomed, they’re included in the fun.
Eat and Drink
Tucked into the Cedar Lee District, Anatolia Café features an accessible patio and flexible seating throughout. Anatolia dishes out large portions of delicious Turkish food, with options for the carnivores and vegans in your life.
Skip dinner and go straight to dessert at the Mitchell’s Ice Cream flagship location in Ohio City. This local chain meets the needs of all ice cream lovers by offering dairy, nondairy, and allergen friendly treats. The printed menus are easy to read (no need to crane your neck) and the low counters let everyone check out the current flavors. There’s flexible seating throughout the restaurant, so if the main dining area is too loud, grab a table on the second floor.
It’s a well-known fact that Cleveland is flush with independent breweries, but Boss Dog Brewing Company in Cleveland Heights pulls ahead of the pack. An accessible (and dog-friendly) patio, affordable beers, and allergen-friendly menu help Boss Dog stand out as an inclusive and friendly alternative to Cleveland’s bar scene.
Located on Pearl Road near the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, Coffee Coffee Coffee excels in access access access. The covered entry, wide aisles, low counter, and flexible seating invite all people to comfortably enjoy delicious OLD BK blend coffee and sandwiches with local ingredients. The large, accessible bathroom is great for people who use wheelchairs and families with young kids.
Play
If you can find a Clevelander who is unfamiliar with Cain Park, you should win a prize. Located in the inner-ring suburb of Cleveland Heights, Cain Park features two outdoor theaters, an art gallery, a splash pad, skate park and offers up an annual arts festival. If all of that isn't enough to entice you, maybe the accessible seating options and courtesy vehicles that run from parking lots before and after shows will.
Edgewater Park is a standout among the Cleveland Metroparks. Wide, paved paths and clearly marked, curbed cuts provide a safe route around the park. Ramps lead to great views from the second floor of the Edgewater Beach House and great fishing at the pier. Nature lovers who use wheelchairs and strollers can sit with their families at accessible picnic tables. Wheelchair users can also ask a lifeguard for use of an all-terrain beach wheelchair, available at no charge.
Loganberry Books is often the first stop for locals visiting Larchmere, one of Cleveland’s coziest shopping and dining areas. Mirroring the neighborhood, Loganberry has a comfortable atmosphere, a friendly staff and is accessible by a threshold ramp brought to the entrance upon request. The wide aisles and many seating areas are perfect for resting and digesting after visiting any of the near-by restaurants on the boulevard.
Looking for some culture? Check out MoCa Cleveland, where admission is free and access is a priority. With no permanent collection, the exhibits at MoCa change frequently and are always worth a visit. Automatic doors and friendly staff seated at a lower-height information desk welcome visitors into the space. Wide travel paths, a large elevator, benches and clear signage make sure all guests can appreciate—and critique—the art.
Near West Theater is a family friendly must-see in the Gordon Square Arts District, just steps from some of the city’s best restaurants. Seeing (or participating in) affordable, professional-level productions is easy in the universally designed space that is wheelchair accessible both on and off-stage. Hearing assistance devices are available for every performance and special performances are offered for ASL users and the Autistic Community.
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