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Jan 17, 2025 | 
clevelandmagazine.com | Allison Jack
Fall down the rabbit hole on Front Street in Cuyahoga Falls, where cozy speakeasies are having a moment. VacancyA beckoning neon red “Vacancy” sign against a brick building is the signature calling card for this concept bar, unveiled in July by Mitch Pachta, owner of nearby Cashmere Cricket. An extra-large drink menu is marked by its espresso martini lineup, including the s’mores ($16), tiramisu ($15) and Mexican hot chocolate ($15) varieties.
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Sep 10, 2024 | 
clevelandmagazine.com | Allison Jack
Buccia Winery Why we love it: Just minutes from the shores of Lake Erie, this winery is home to an elegant boutique B&B with four guest suites, each with a private jacuzzi and a private patio with views of the 13-acre property. Try this: Across a selection of cool-climate wines, the Rogers 15 variety semi-sweet Agawam ($6) is exclusive to Buccia. Bred in Massachusetts in 1856, it’s naturally orange in color, crisp and light-bodied.
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Jul 23, 2024 | 
clevelandmagazine.com | Allison Jack
Avon Brewing Co.Why we love it: This brewpub is owned by general manager Ken Weaver, executive chef Brian Weaver and brewmaster Mathias Hauck, — a father, son and son-in-law team. Enjoy locally-sourced American fare on a relaxing waterside patio in the French Creek district, and sip on one of 22 craft beers or seven beer- and winetails — cocktails that incorporate brews and wines.
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Jul 11, 2024 | 
clevelandmagazine.com | Allison Jack
AFRIKA Taste and LoungeWhy we love it: Owner Martins Nwangwu never thought he’d be opening a restaurant, but in 2021, he did — with his own touch. “I thought of incorporating something new, which is the Afrobeat music,” he says. During the day, AFRIKA is a booming African dining hot spot, “until the 10 p.m. transition to lounge club,” Nwangwu says.
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Jun 28, 2024 | 
clevelandmagazine.com | Allison Jack
Coit Road Farmers MarketStarted in 1932, the area’s oldest farmers market lives on inside a red barn in East Cleveland. The event, which is open on Saturdays year-round from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., mixes in some flea market vibes with arts and crafts, secondhand items and more. But the nonprofit’s offerings of fresh produce serves as an anchor to a neighborhood starved of healthy food options. “We got a farm on the property.
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Jun 6, 2024 | 
clevelandmagazine.com | Allison Jack
LakewoodLakewood is a town for foodies and cocktail lovers. But first, shopping. Some partners might go for Cleveland Curiosities, an oddities store with preserved animal skulls and taxidermied remains, while others might dig vintage game and toy shop Apple Jax Toys. When it’s time for supper, stroll over to Harlow’s, where you’ll find a romantic patio with string lights, Southwest decor, wood-fired artisan Neapolitan pizzas ($16+) and a boozy agua fresca ($10).
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May 28, 2024 | 
clevelandmagazine.com | Allison Jack
Akshaya PatraWhy we love it: This Indian favorite might be housed in a strip mall, but the traditional specialties come out fresh and flavorful. Stop by the popular lunch buffet on select weekends and fill your plate with South Indian specials, vegetarian plates, Indian breads and rice dishes. Try this: The butter chicken ($15.44), prepared to your level of spice, is a creamy traditional curry coupled with tomato, butter and spices.
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May 2, 2024 | 
clevelandmagazine.com | Allison Jack
1942 Tacos & Tequila Why we love it: This Downtown spot boasts a colorful ambiance with floral chandeliers, sea blue walls and colorful margaritas in vessels embossed with the signature skull. Choose from a large menu of Mexican bites and unique twists on cocktails. Try this: The tacos de quesabirria ($15.39) are juicy and full of flavor, on grilled corn tortillas stuffed with slow-cooked braised beef with cheese, fresh onions and cilantro, served with a side of beef broth for dipping.
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May 2, 2024 | 
clevelandmagazine.com | Allison Jack
1942 Tacos & Tequila Why we love it: This Downtown spot boasts a colorful ambiance with floral chandeliers, sea blue walls and colorful margaritas in vessels embossed with the signature skull. Choose from a large menu of Mexican bites and unique twists on cocktails. Try this: The tacos de quesabirria ($15.39) are juicy and full of flavor, on grilled corn tortillas stuffed with slow-cooked braised beef with cheese, fresh onions and cilantro, served with a side of beef broth for dipping.
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Apr 24, 2024 | 
clevelandmagazine.com | Allison Jack
Since 2018, Cleveland native Brian Ruthsatz has dished out a few exciting concepts on Lakewood’s Madison Avenue. He started with shareable, gourmet sliders and creative twists on pies. Today, however, Rood has shifted from sliders to hearty Midwest eats with seasonal ingredients. 17001 Madison Ave., Lakewood, rfpie.comSUGGESTED: Read our full list of the 25 Best Restaurants of 2024. Far from ordinary.With a camper serving station and an art deco reader board, the decor is Miami-inspired.
