Anyone live in Cleveland, OH?

[Descartes]

I'm leaving for Cleveland in a few weeks to fulfill a long-term contract, and although I've been there a few times I know little about the city itself. I can read tour books, etc. to find places I should visit, so I'm more curious about the following:

- What are the good/bad parts of town? I am tentatively moving into a loft downtown, and while I loved the place and the area, I don't know Cleveland.

- Any really notable restaurants, namely Italian? I'll mostly be by myself, and while I don't have an aversion to dining alone, I would like to be able to take the food back home; some of the nicer restaurants don't allow this, and usually with good reason.

Anything else you might find worthy of note to a Cleveland neophyte would be great. Much appreciated.

 

I used to live in Solon, about 20 miles outside of the city. The Flats are the main entertainment district downtown; the area's really been transformed in the last 30 years or so. As for Italian restaurants, I don't know any except those in Solon...but if you feel like some nice Jewish deli food, try Corky and Lenny's in Beachwood. It'll be, without a doubt, the BEST corned beef you've ever had. Their pickles are also amazing.

The Cleveland Public Library is a sight to see...they just built a new facility in '95 or so and when I was there I was very impressed.

The 'east side' of Cleveland (meaning eastern burgs and burbs) is generally regarded as the 'good' side. The 'west side' of Cleveland is the older, more white-flighty type neighborhoods.

It's a great city, you'll love it!

 

[CaptnKirk]

First thing you want to do is find yourself a nice Cleveland Steamer.

 

[PrelateBishop]

Originally posted by: jumpr
I used to live in Solon, about 20 miles outside of the city. The Flats are the main entertainment district downtown...

Actually, The Warehouse District (TWD) is the new place to be. The Flats are where all of the teeny-boppers go to play whereas TWD is for a more mature crowd. Lots of eateries and bars if you like to meet new people.

If you are into music, The Rock N Roll Hall of Fame might interest you. Architectually it is pretty interesting and there are quite a few exhibits.

The Cleveland Museam of Natural History is cool as they often have some truly fascinating people come and talk about neat-o things they have done around the world. Definitely something to go see.

The Great Lakes Science Center is worthy of a visit as well. Trust me, take the time to do this and perhaps catch an IMAX flick as well.

Tower City Center is a nice/upscale mall right in the heart of downtown. It's easy to kill several hours there just watching people and there is a pretty neat fountain that "dances" to music.

Cleveland is a fantastic sports town. The Browns always suck, the the hometown loves them. The Cavaliers have one of the best players in the NBA, so naturally there is quite a bit of excitement about that. The Indians have had their ups-and-downs, but they have a wonderful ballpark and if you live downtown you can walk to the stadium.

The West Side Market is a great place to kill a Saturday morning. You can buy fresh groceries there and there are lots of places to snack as well.

The weather sux major booty. Be prepared for months of grey weather and lots of wet days. Few people know that Cleveland averages as much yearly precipitation as Seattle. Oh, and obviously sunny days are at a premium...about 60 a year is all.

Hope this helps...enjoy!!

 

[mitchafi]

Originally posted by: jumpr
I used to live in Solon, about 20 miles outside of the city. The Flats are the main entertainment district downtown; the area's really been transformed in the last 30 years or so. As for Italian restaurants, I don't know any except those in Solon...but if you feel like some nice Jewish deli food, try Corky and Lenny's in Beachwood. It'll be, without a doubt, the BEST corned beef you've ever had. Their pickles are also amazing.

The Cleveland Public Library is a sight to see...they just built a new facility in '95 or so and when I was there I was very impressed.

The 'east side' of Cleveland (meaning eastern burgs and burbs) is generally regarded as the 'good' side. The 'west side' of Cleveland is the older, more white-flighty type neighborhoods.

It's a great city, you'll love it!

Most of my family lives in Cleveland (some in Solon, some in Beachwood). I can attest to the goodness of Corky and Lenny's. My cousin who goes to Case showed me around the area recently. Pretty nice..

 

[Descartes]

Thanks for the feedback all!!

For anyone that cares, I'm looking at the following apartments: 425 Lakeside, Chesterfield, and a handful of others that are similar in style, price, etc. Hardwood floors + big windows + high ceiling + open space + a view = exactly what I want.

 

[MikeMike]

i live like 15 minutes east of solon smaller, area. But, the flats are about dead.

Cleveland now has a House of Blues that seems pretty popular.

Legacy Village is a nicer outdoor mall in the beachwood area.

MIKE