Day 1: Explore Downtown & Cheer on Your Team
Pre-Game Dinner
Before the arena lights come on, head to East 4th Street for dinner at Mabel’s BBQ. This is Cleveland-style barbecue from Iron Chef Michael Symon, bold and unapologetic. Order the Polish Girl or split a platter so you can sample a little bit of everything. It’s hearty, flavorful and the perfect pre-game fuel.
Before you walk over to Rocket Arena, grab a photo under the East 4th string lights. Whether you’re still loyal to Detroit or leaning into the Cavs VIP experience, this is your “we were here” moment.
Game Time
It’s time for your VIP Cavs experience at Rocket Arena. Behind-the-scenes access, premium seats and the full game-night atmosphere make it easy to get swept up in the energy. Even Pistons fans can appreciate a packed house and a city that show up for their team.
Post-Game
When the final buzzer sounds, downtown doesn’t go quiet. For a chill, elevated vibe, head to Society Lounge. The speakeasy-style setting and expertly crafted cocktails feel polished but never pretentious. It’s the perfect place to replay the highlights over something smooth.
If you’d rather keep the competitive spirit alive, walk back to East 4th and step into Flannery’s Pub. Grab a pint, shoot a round of pool and soak in the pre–St. Patrick’s Day energy that lives here year-round. Either way, your hotel is just steps away.
Day 2: See More of The Land Before You Go
Breakfast
Before heading home, cross the Hope Memorial Bridge into the Ohio City neighborhood for breakfast at Heck’s Café. The vibe is relaxed and local, with strong coffee and brunch favorites that hit the spot. It’s the kind of place where regulars linger and no one’s in a rush.
After breakfast, walk over to Edda Coffee on West 25th for a latte or cold brew to-go. Bright, modern and neighborhood-rooted, it’s an easy stop before exploring a little more.
Morning
From here, choose your Cleveland sendoff.
If you want fresh air and a skyline view, head to Edgewater Park for a walk along Lake Erie. The water stretches wide (often mistaken for an ocean), the downtown skyline rises in the distance and it’s a refreshing reset before the drive back to Detroit.
If something iconic is more your speed, stop at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Wander through legendary memorabilia, then walk down to Voinovich Bicentennial Park for a full city view and a photo by the Cleveland script sign. Lake, skyline and proof you did Cleveland right.
Lunch
Keep it easy in Ohio City at Market Garden Brewery. Elevated pub favorites pair perfectly with house-brewed beers. Be sure to try the Cleveland Light Lager, the collab beer that delivers a true taste of The Land in every sip. It’s a laid-back, satisfying way to wrap up the trip.
One Last Stop
Before you hit the highway, pop into the historic West Side Market on West 25th. Browse local vendors, grab baked goods or snacks for the drive and take a piece of Cleveland home with you. It’s rooted, real and unmistakably local. If you have room for something sweet, Mitchell’s Ice Cream is just down the street and always worth it.
One VIP game. One night downtown. One neighborhood morning. Detroit might be home, but Cleveland just gave you a road trip worth talking about. Be sure to go home and let ‘em know how great your trip to The Land was when you get back to The D.