Best Places To Eat Dinner Before Or After A Show In Cleveland
For many patrons of the arts in the Cleveland area, going to the theater is an event that happens just a few times a year. Thus they want to get the best experience out of the evening that they can. Many audience members take the time to dine prior to the show, and afterwards as well. So where does one go to eat near the theater? Here are some recommendations to make your evening complete.
The Beck Center (Photo By Mark Horning)
Theater: Beck Center for the Arts
17801 Detroit Ave.
Lakewood, OH 44107
(216) 521-2540
www.beckcenter.org
Pre-Show Choice: El Carnicero
16918 Detroit Ave.
Lakewood, OH 44107
(216) 226-3415
www.elcarnicerolakewood.com
El Carnicero offers over 50 varieties of bocaditas, tamales, taquitos and antojitos, as well as gluten-free versions, and is located within walking distance of the Beck Center. Dining is casual with walk-ins welcomed (call ahead for larger groups). This is authentic, south of the border food.
Post-Show Choice: The Sweet Spot
17804-06 Detroit Ave.
Lakewood, OH 44107
(216) 221-8870
www.thesweetspotcleveland.com
Located across the street from the Center, The Sweet Spot specializes in "American Gelato." Twenty three flavors (they are open to suggestions for new flavor ideas) make this a repeat experience. One standout option is the dark chocolate with sea salt and a cinnamon caramel swirl.
PlayhouseSquare (Photo By Mark Horning)
Theater Complex: PlayhouseSquare
1501 Euclid Ave.
Cleveland, OH 44115
(216) 771-4444
www.playhousesquare.org
Pre-Show Choice: Hofbräuhaus
1550 Chester Ave.
Cleveland, OH 44114
(216) 621-2337
www.hofbrauhauscleveland.com
True German-style beer brewed on the premise, authentic German food (the chef was trained in Germany) and live music may make you want to skip the show on PlayhouseSquare and stay there until closing. This is the closest you can get to an authentic Oktoberfest without leaving the city. Hofbräuhaus is located on Chester Avenue behind the theater complex.
Post-Show Choice: Bin 216
1515 Euclid Ave.
Cleveland, OH 44115
(216) 860-0530
www.bin216cleveland.com
Reds, whites and bites pretty much says it all for this intimate eatery smack dab in the middle of PlayhouseSquare. This is the perfect place to gather for a post-show discussion.
Theater: Convergence-Continuum
The Liminus
2438 Scranton Road
Cleveland, OH 44113
(216) 687-0074
www.convergence-continuum.org
Pre-Show Choice: Grumpy's
2621 W. 14th St.
Cleveland, OH 44113
(216) 241-5025
www.grumpys-cafe.com
This historic landmark in the Tremont area has been serving up great food in its newly renovated two dining rooms that seat 80. The art on the walls is constantly changing but the quality of the food remains the same.
Post-Show Choice: Tremont Tap House
2572 Scranton Road
Cleveland, OH 44113
(216) 298-4451
www.tremonttaphouse.com
Over one hundred hand-crafted American and European beers (48 of which are available as draft), fresh, local procured ingredients on the extensive menu, eight high-def TVs and indoor and outdoor seating makes this an intimate and friendly stop on the way home.
Theater: Ensemble Theatre
2843 Washington Blvd.
Cleveland Heights, OH 44118
(216) 321-2930
www.ensembletheatrecle.org
Pre-Show Choice: Bodega
1854 Coventry Road
Cleveland Heights, OH 44118
(216) 932-3060
www.bodegacoventry.com
Thirty different martinis, an extensive wine list, tapas, small plates and entrées makes this intimate spot a good option before going to the theater. The intimate ambiance makes for a great date night spot.
Post-Show Choice: The BottleHouse
2050 Lee Road
Cleveland Heights, OH 44118
(216) 214-2120
www.thebottlehousebrewingcompany.com
Got a hankering for some mead? How about some ale? BottleHouse specializes in small batch brews. Its tasting room has five pinball machines, a live stage, signature cocktails, nine rotating house beers on tap and six meads as well as a great menu.
Related: Best Sandwiches In Cleveland
Mark Horning is a freelance writer covering all things Cleveland. His work can be found on Examiner.com.
