Life hasn’t been easy for Cleveland football fans. A 3-14 season, the Factory of Sadness — we just named our starting quarterback after a four player toss up late in the game. If the last twenty years since we got the team back couldn’t dent our insane fandom, then nothing ever will.
Spend any amount of time here during the week and you'll see people decked out in their orange and brown finest, blue collar and white collar workers commiserating over blown calls and missed tackles and a feeling of total anticipation until the next Sunday (or Monday, or Thursday — sometimes even Saturday) comes when we can hit the tailgate or hangout at the local watering hole and celebrate with all of our CLE family.
The Land is always ready for game day, and if you find yourself in town for one, why not do it up all weekend with the Brownies?
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 Wake-Up Call Empanada.
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, but the Berea Brown is a game-day standby. While in Berea, scope out Cleveland Browns HQ on Lou Groza Boulevard. It’s not open to the public, but it still ranks as an essential drive-by for any fan.
Afternoon
You might be considering hitting up the team shop for an official jersey, and we fully endorse that, but there’s plenty of other ways to show out in brown and orange. No dog mask or giant bone prop required, either. Instead, if you’re looking for some Browns gear with a more modern spin, check out any of the great apparel options from local designers like CLE Clothing Co. and GV Art + Design for starters.
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. Browns Backers sure know how to party.
Game Time
As much fun as tailgating can be, the real gridiron action is at Huntington Bank Field. 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.
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.
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 Gillespie’s Map Room and Dive Bar.
Dinner
Unwind after a big weekend at Valley's Edge Steak & Seafood in MGM Northfield Park. Indulge in a selection of wood-fired steaks, savory seafood and a collection of wines and spirits because what better way to spend an American weekend than with steak and football?