Trip Planner: Football in The Land

Life hasn’t been easy for Cleveland football fans. An 0-16 season, the Factory of Sadness…our quarterback even got stuck under the American flag once during pregame warmups. If the last twenty years couldn’t dent our insane fandom, then nothing ever will.

Finally — FINALLY! — things are looking up. We’ve got a franchise quarterback under center, young talent all over the roster and a certain new receiver known for eye-popping one-handed catches. These are your new Kings in the (AFC) North. No doubt The Land will be hopping on game days, so why not do it up all weekend when the Brownies are in town?

Day One

Brunch

Football players fuel up before big games and fans should do the same. Kick off the day with brunch at Prosperity Social Club in Tremont. Go full Cleveland with the Polish Breakfast (featuring potato pierogies and smoked kielbasa) or opt for a sweeter treat like their Apple Pie Pancakes.

Morning

Every fan’s bucket list includes a trip to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. But what about the new Paul E. Brown Museum & Archive in the nearby Massillon Museum? After all, he built the Browns franchise from the ground — and name — up. Stop by MassMu to learn more about the best football coach of all time. At least in our humble opinion.

Lunch

Heading back north, grab a bite — and a drink — at Berea’s Cornerstone Brewing Company. The Grindstone Gold lager and Erie Blu wheat ale are both standouts. While in Berea, scope out Cleveland Browns HQ on Lou Groza Boulevard. It’s not open to the public, but still ranks as an essential drive-by for any fan.

Afternoon

You might be waiting for the big Browns uniform refresh in 2020 before shelling out for a Baker or OBJ jersey, but there’s plenty of other ways to show out in brown and orange. No dog mask or giant bone prop required, either. Instead, pick up the new “Dawg Check” tee from Homage at Crocker Park.

Dinner

Catch up on the day’s college football action at The Clevelander. Whether it’s Ohio State, a MAC grudge match or just cheering on the old alma mater, Saturdays are for the college game. Chow down on either The Bernie Bernie (topped with grilled pastrami and a fried egg) or The Muni-Lot burger.

Nightcap

The night’s not complete without a trip to Vault at The 9. Where else can you sip a handcrafted cocktail in century-old bank vaults? Seriously, the lounge theme is just immaculate.

Day Two

Early Morning

Diehard Browns fans tailgate in the Muni Lot starting at the crack of dawn. Set your alarm (and maybe a few backups) and get down to the Lot in time to toss the pigskin around, grab some food off the grill and throw back a few brews. Early wakeup calls aren’t supposed to be this much fun.

Late Morning

So many tailgates, so little time. And no one should miss the ultimate tailgate party at Barley House on W. 6th Street. There’s live 92.3 The Fan radio broadcasts, corn hole and Barley House’s extensive craft beer list. Those Pumpkin Patch Browns Backers sure know how to party.

Game Time

As much fun as tailgating can be, the real gridiron action is at FirstEnergy Stadium. There’s not a bad seat in the house, but we’re partial to the frenzied environs of the Dawg Pound. It gets crazy loud, so join right in and bark up a storm.

Afternoon

We’re an optimistic sort, so plan for a postgame victory celebration in the Warehouse District. Relive the game’s biggest plays with hundreds of new friends while bopping around at Bar Louie, Gillespie’s Map Room, Velvet Dog and Dive Bar.

Dinner

Unwind after a big weekend at Kosar’s Wood-Fired Grill in Northfield. Yes, as in Bernie Kosar. With the walls decked out in Bernie memorabilia, savor your steak or seafood in the presence of Browns history. Need a rec? Try “The 19” boneless NY strip in honor of our all-time favorite QB1.

Couldn’t snag tickets to the game? No worries, we've got the 411 on all the spots with the best game day experiences in CLE.