As October rolls in, a crisp breeze carries the scent of stadium peanuts and just a whiff of hope. Why, you ask? Because October baseball is back, baby — and the Cleveland Guardians are in the playoffs. Now’s the perfect time to crank up your Cleveland pride, and who better to dish out recommendations than the Guardians’ very own Hot Dog mascots?
Ketchup brings the drama with his bold personality, Mustard keeps things steady with his no-nonsense grind and Onion? Well, Onion’s the wild card — goofy yet somehow classy. This three-day mascot itinerary has something for everyone, so let’s be frank — there’s no better way to relish Cleveland than through the eyes of a Hot Dog.
Day 1 - Ketchup
Breakfast
Ketchup is known for his competitive streak and relentless drive to win, but his real key to victory? A protein-packed breakfast, of course. That’s why Yours Truly in Playhouse Square is the perfect start to the day. One of their classics, the Killit Skillit, serves up two hearty eggs, bacon, sausage, golden hash browns with onions and green peppers, all smothered in melted cheese and toasted ciabatta. Can you kill it?
Morning
Now that you're stuffed and ready to roll, it’s time to burn off some of that energy. Head to “The Garage” at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, where you can grab an instrument and live out your musical fantasies. Ketchup is all about nailing that dramatic guitar solo, but you’re free to strum, drum or hum.
Lunch
After rocking out, nothing hits the spot quite like a slice of pizza, and Citizen Pie in Collinwood allows you to embrace your inner rockstar with their Pesto Animal pizza. Feeling plant-based? No worries — they’ve got vegan options. Whether you're shredding guitar or shredding cheese, this stop will keep your taste buds in tune.
Afternoon
Blue Arrow Records, a two-minute walk from Citizen Pie and impossible to miss thanks to the actual blue arrow in front of the shop, has everything from vintage vinyl to posters. As a bonus — and heads up for those with allergies — multiple cats live in the store and love attention from customers. The floor is also covered entirely with vintage album covers, making a trip well worth it for music lovers and cat enthusiasts alike.
Dinner
After a day of indulgence, it’s time to lighten things up at the Juicy Vegan — where the smoothies and vegan polish boys are so delicious that you’ll forget they’re meat-free. And let’s be real: Ketchup has to hit the derby track whether he’s feeling great or battling a food coma, so he needs the boost from those greens.
Evening
To cap off the day, race over to the Beachland Ballroom — Cleveland’s most eclectic music venue. With nightly performances from both local and national acts, it’s the ideal spot to kick back with great company and even better tunes. Being the showboat he is, Ketchup loves to bounce around the crowd, making it the perfect finale for his action-packed day.
Day 2 - Mustard
Breakfast
Mustard is a no-nonsense, hard-working dog, so naturally, he starts his day like any self-respecting mascot — with a veggie-packed omelet at Urban Kitchen. This Egyptian American deli is known for fresh, healthy dishes that even a hotdog with a busy schedule can appreciate.
Morning
The Guardians are ranked number one in the American League Central Division, so why not head to the Baseball Heritage Museum in Hough to learn about baseball's diverse history, multicultural heritage and impact of the sport on Cleveland through displays of legendary memorabilia? Then, lace up those sneakers and try your hand at a hot dog derby around the bases in historic League Park — because surely you can handle a few laps without face-planting.
Lunch
The training isn’t over yet. Before you swing through your afternoon, refuel at Good Company — 2024’s Best Wings winner, crowned by both Cleveland Magazine and Cleveland Scene. While a wise cow (and probably an all-beef hot dog) once said, “eat more chicken,” you may still want to try their signature burger, The Good One.
Afternoon
Spend the afternoon preparing like a real hot dog by running (or leisurely walking) around Edgewater Park before kicking back on the beach. Even top dogs need some R&R. One tip: when lounging on the sand, stick to sunscreen, not mustard. Even if you’re a hot dog, staying burn-free is the goal.
Dinner
Mustard channels his inner superhero on derby days with a few slick moves, so head over to Ninja City Kitchen & Bar, where Asian meets American cuisine in an epic combo of great eats, drinks and comic book vibes. Located in Gordon Square, this spot serves up everything from spicy mac and cheese with pulled pork to pho — saving the day, one delicious dish at a time.
Evening
Everyone appreciates a good dinner and a movie. Once you’ve filled your belly, roll on over to the Capitol Theatre — a historic gem over 100 years old. This charming venue showcases everything from the latest blockbusters to indie films and timeless classics on three state-of-the-art digital screens.
Day 3 - Onion
Breakfast
Onion starts her morning like any proper lady — sipping a perfect cup of joe and savoring a flaky pastry. Swing by The Coffee House in University Circle for your caffeine fix. If you’re feeling fancy (or just really hungry), why not toss in some biscuits and gravy? Because let’s be real, there’s no such thing as too many carbs.
Morning
Onion’s the group's wildcard, but she’s not sweating the derby races. She’s just here for a good time. A day dedicated to her calls for something equally laid-back, like wandering through the Cleveland Museum of Art. Peruse over 66,500 artworks (don’t worry, we won’t make you count) and rotating exhibits like “Demons, Ghosts and Goblins in Chinese Art,” just in time for spooky season.
Lunch
If staring at paintings of food makes you as hungry as it does us, your stomach will definitely be growling by the time you finish wandering the museum. Mamma Santa’s in Little Italy has been a Cleveland staple since 1961. Grab a slice, then visit Corbo’s Bakery for a little sweet treat. We recommend the cassata cake.
Afternoon
One thing you need to know about Onion: her pink purse is iconic. Stylish, yes, but also surprisingly effective as a weapon (we’ve seen her in action). Still, a girl can never have too many purses, which makes an afternoon shopping spree at Crocker Park a must. With dozens of stores to browse, be sure to stop by FOUNT, a local leather boutique specializing in fine handmade totes, bags, wallets and other accessories.
Dinner
Yes, Onion’s goofy, but let’s not forget she’s still a Midwestern princess, which makes Cordelia an ideal spot for some post-shopping fuel. Known for its “Midwest Nice” hospitality and James Beard Award finalist Chef Vinnie Cimino’s farm-inspired dishes with a modern twist, it’s no wonder this spot has become a local favorite, with Guardians star Steven Kwan even citing it as his top pick.
Evening
What better way to end Onion’s day than a trip to Hilarities, one of the largest made-for-comedy venues in the country? With her goofy stunts during races and unpredictable antics, she’s the comic relief of the Hot Dog trio, so a night of stand-up from some of the best comedians in the nation is the perfect fit.