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March
2
2
14 Incredible Cleveland-Based Businesses Worth Supporting
Here in Cleveland, we have a strong sense of pride. We are grounded in life's most important treasures — family, good food and sports (go Cavs!) — and we know that our little slice of heaven on Lake Erie is something truly special. Our town is filled with makers and innovators that are putting us on the map as one of the best craft beer cities in the country, as well as a mecca for artists, foodies and adventurers.
We like to support these entrepreneurs whenever we get the chance, so we rounded up our favorite local businesses in Cleveland. On this list, you'll find everything from charming boutiques to organic pet stores, and creative jewelers to expert pizza slingers. Their products are 100% Ohio, and 100% worth supporting.
Geiger's
Outdoor equipment and apparel Facebook | InstagramSince 1932, Clevelanders have been coming to Geiger's for all of their outdoor apparel needs. Geiger's sells men's and women's clothing as well as footwear, gear for snow sports, cycling, hiking and more, and each store has a unique selection! The brand has now expanded to three locations in the Cleveland area, but continues to stick to its original business mantra — high quality, exceptional service and highly functional apparel. Perhaps that's why the company serves several generations of loyal customers!
Room Service
Housewares, apparel, gifts and artwork Facebook | Instagram Room Service, a charming independent boutique located in Ohio City, has everything that you could possibly need and more. You'll find exceptional gifts, homewares, trendy apparel, artwork, jewelry and more in an environment that truly stands apart from the rest! The shop is owned by artist and designer, Jennie Doran, who uses the space as an outlet for her creativity, and runs it alongside her husband, Andrew Worm.Lake Erie Pet Food Co.
Pet supplies Facebook You do your best to eat healthy and take care of yourself, so why wouldn't you do the same for your pet? Lake Erie Pet Food Co. specializes in high-quality, locally made pet food that is delivered straight to your door. There is no corn, wheat, gluten or soy, no animal by-products, no GMOs, and no artificial flavors, colors or preservatives. It's the freshest, healthiest and highest quality dry food you can get — and it's all made right here in Northeast Ohio!Cleveland Street Glass
Jewelry Facebook | Instagram
Photo courtesy of Cleveland Street Glass
Who knew that something beautiful could come from a car break in? This local jeweler creates gorgeous pieces from auto glass swept right off the streets. Each piece is completely unique, and showcases the natural breaks and flaws in the glass. Automotive glass is a beautiful color all on its own, but when accented by gorgeous silver and gold settings, it takes on a completely new look. See our interview with owner, Deanna Dionne, here.LOCLE Box
Locally made gifts Facebook | Instagram Clevelanders have a lot of pride for our hometown, and we love sharing that enthusiasm whenever we get the chance! LOCLE Box makes it easy to spread the local love with people all over the country (and even the world). The gift boxes are filled with Ohio-made, artisan products, including treats, apparel, candles and more. Contact the owner (Deby) to customize your box to your preferences, and then send it off to a faraway family member as a reminder of home.Cuyahoga Collective
Home goods and creative services Facebook | Instagram
Photo courtesy of Cuyahoga Collective
To create the best living space, you need to surround yourself with things you love. Cuyahoga Collective embraces this mantra, offering home goods, apparel and artwork inspired by the Lake Erie coast. Many of the products sold in the store are created right here in Ohio, and the company also collaborates with local brands, offering copywriting, interior design, strategic services and more.Old City Soda
Soda Facebook | InstagramSoda doesn't have to be packed with artificial flavors and preservatives, but unfortunately, that's what you'll typically find at the grocery store. At Old City Soda, however, they're doing things differently. These handcrafted sodas feature fresh-from-market produce and all-natural ingredients that are pressed by hand, carefully mixed, carbonated and bottled in small batches. Enjoy straight from the bottle, or incorporate into your favorite cocktail.
Old Brooklyn Cheese Company
Cheese Facebook | Instagram From mild cheese to stinky cheese, and soft buttery cheese to hard aged cheeses, cheese aficionados will find everything they need at the Old Brooklyn Cheese Company. The cheeses are made by Cleveland's own Michael Januska, who has gained inspiration and vast knowledge of the cheesemaking industry from his travels across Europe and his experience as a head chef in London. Stop by for an in-house tasting, settle down at a table to enjoy an artisanal cheese-focused sandwich, or pick up a charcuterie platter to go for your next party!Cleveland Whiskey
Whiskey Facebook | Instagram
Photo courtesy of Cleveland Whiskey
Named "Whiskey Distillery Innovator of the Year," Cleveland Whiskey has won a total of 38 medals at competitions around the world. The distillery uses modern technology and transformative woods like sugar maple, apple, black cherry, hickory and more to completely alter the taste of it's barrel-aged bourbons. "No sugar, no syrup, no artificial flavor or color," said CEO Tom Lix. "All of the flavor comes from the wood."Brewnuts
Donuts and craft beer Facebook | Instagram
Photo courtesy of Brewnuts
Brewnuts is a collaboration between two Cleveland locals, Shelley and John Pippin, who gave up their full-time jobs to pursue their passion for beer, donuts and their hometown. The shop is a combination of a charming corner bakery and your favorite happy hour spot, offering local craft brews alongside craft-beer-based, small batch donuts. The beer creates a rich flavor and texture in the donut — flavors that are then augmented by fun additions like fruity pebbles, coffee, bacon and more.Malley's Chocolates
Chocolate Facebook | Instagram Malley's Chocolates is a family-owned and operated business now celebrating its third generation. The sweet shop is based right here in Cleveland, but has served customers both local and international for more than 80 years! Here you can find everything from chocolate covered marshmallows to hot fudge, and ice cream concoctions to brittle. All of the products are Ohio-made, and though there are now 23 storefronts across the region, Clevelanders have the opportunity to visit the charming spot on Madison Avenue where it all began.CLE Urban Winery
Wine Facebook | Instagram CLE Urban Winery is an inviting, boutique winery located in the heart of Cleveland Heights, Ohio. The shop celebrates its Cleveland roots by producing, selling and serving wines that honor our city in flavor and in brand — all made in house from high quality grapes. Settle down in the chic, cozy shop to sample a few of the whites and reds on hand, and perhaps take a bottle home with you!Great Lakes Brewing Company
Craft beer Facebook | Instagram
Photo courtesy of Great Lakes Brewing Company
Great Lakes Brewing Company beer is now sold in stores and restaurants from coast to coast, but the renowned craft beer brand got its start right here in Cleveland! Irish brothers Patrick and Daniel Conway opened their operation in the historic Ohio City neighborhood in 1986 under tricky circumstances. Cleveland had just shuttered its last production brewery in the early 80s, the neighborhood was still up-and-coming, and the brothers themselves had limited brewing experience, but they turned to experts and passionate people to help make their dream a reality. Now more than two decades later, the Ohio brewery has an impressive stack of awards under its belt, a large fan base, and incredibly flavorful brews worth savoring. Come see what all the fuss is about!Dante's Pizza
Pizza Facebook | Instagram Established in 1963, Dante's is a long-standing neighborhood favorite. Though the restaurant has switched ownership several times over the years, the pizza recipe has remained exactly the same, because, why fix something that isn't broken? Grab one of the specialty pizzas for a quick dinner or to share with friends! We are particularly fond of the White Garlic, smothered with a buttery garlic sauce, and the Pepperoni Feast, which features (you guessed it) layers and layers of pepperoni.#SupportLocal!
For more awesome local business recommendations and community spotlights, make sure to follow us on Twitter!
March
2
2
The Story Behind Cleveland Street Glass, a Local Clevelander Turning Car Break Ins into Jewelry
A car break in is one of the most disheartening experiences someone can go through, but unfortunately, it's also one of the most common forms of burglary. In fact, hundreds of break ins are reported across the country every single day.
Although this is not something that any of us like to go through, one Cleveland resident is working to create a silver lining out of the experience. Deanna Dionne, owner of Cleveland Street Glass, creates gorgeous, statement jewelry pieces from the leftover auto glass swept off of the streets, allowing the victim of a break in to reclaim their stolen property in the form of something pretty and wearable. We spoke to Deanna to get the full story.
How Cleveland Street Glass Got Its Start
February
23
23
The 10 Best Burger Joints in Cleveland, Mapped
It's no secret that Cleveland is home to an incredible dining scene. It has long been a topic of conversation among publications like the Los Angeles Times and Thrillist, and while local haunts like Sokolowski's University Inn and new hot spots like Lola typically garner all of the attention, we'd like to give some love to the burgers.
In this city, there is no shortage of burger options. You can go simple at an old-school drive-in, or step it up a notch at a locavore eatery with a rooftop view. Either way, the beef is likely sourced from right here in Ohio, and the flavors mix together just right.
Next time you're smacked with a burger craving, check out these 10 incredible joints around town!
Heck's Cafe
2927 Bridge Avenue, Cleveland OR 35514 Detroit Road, Avon Heck's Cafe has two Cleveland locations — one in Ohio City and one in Avon. The Ohio City spot is tucked into a historic, 120-year-old townhouse with indoor garden seating, and the Avon restaurant features a new warehouse setting with an industrial feel. And although the atmosphere is second to none, locals flock here for the gourmet burgers and locally sourced fare. Keep it simple with the Heckburger, or take it up a notch with the Market Burger, which features braised short ribs, bearnaise sauce and arugula.Johnny's Little Bar
614 Frankfort Avenue, Cleveland Johnny's Little Bar is a secret spot tucked just around the corner from the more upscale Johnny's Downtown, and features a no-frills atmosphere, neon lights, a jukebox, and burgers worth bragging about. The restaurant veers away from bells and whistles, offering just the essentials on a half-pound burger with cheese alongside house-made chips.Burgers 2 Beer
1938 Euclid Avenue, #100, Cleveland and several other locations
Photo courtesy of Burgers 2 Beer
Burgers 2 Beer brings burgers to life with creative ingredients, adventurous recipes and delicious grass-fed beef. There are 26 different burger options on the menu, and each is more clever than the last. For instance, the Luther, one of the restaurant's most popular burgers, is served on a glazed donut and topped with bacon and cheese, and the Like Butta Baby is drizzled with truffle butter and topped with bacon, Cajun brie, crispy fried onion straws and caramelized balsamic onion jam. Are you hungry yet?B Spot
28699 Chagrin Boulevard, Woodmere and two other Cleveland Locations B Spot is owned by The Chew host and Iron Chef star Michael Symon, so you would naturally expect the burgers here to be at the top of their class — and you would be right. There is a lot of hype surrounding B Spot, which features bologna, brats, beer, bourbon and (of course) burgers! The award-winning Fat Doug features coleslaw, pastrami, swiss cheese and Cleveland's favorite Stadium Mustard. If that doesn't strike your fancy, there are 12 more to choose from, as well as a build-your-own option.Hot Dog Diner
5494 Pearl Road, Parma Don't let the name fool you — there's more than just dogs at the Hot Dog Diner! In fact, the pierogi burger is the reason we come back to this spot again and again. The perfectly seasoned burger comes topped with grilled onions, cheese and a full pierogi — all of which is stacked on a fluffy and lightly toasted bun. It truly is a little bite of heaven, and it rings in at an easy $4.99.Swensons
14510 Cedar Road, University Heights and seven other locations
Photo courtesy of Swensons
Swensons is actually known as basketball star LeBron James' favorite burger joint in town, and we're not surprised in the least. The old-school drive-in eatery serves a simple menu of burgers, fried dishes, sides and shakes, and although the venue doesn't take itself too seriously, the food is nothing to scoff at! Grab the Galley Boy, which is an award-winning double cheeseburger topped with two special sauces.Stevenson's Bar & Grill
800 E 200th Street, Cleveland This laid back, no-frills sports bar has long established itself as a neighborhood hangout. Locals might come for the cocktails, draft beer and multiple tvs screening current sporting events (go Cavs!), but we suspect the popularity comes from the burgers. The patties come single or stacked, and are topped with grilled onions, melted american cheese, tomatoes, pickles and lettuce — the usual suspects.The Greenhouse Tavern
2034 East 4th Street, Cleveland
Photo courtesy of the Greenhouse Tavern
The Greenhouse Tavern is conveniently located downtown right on the pedestrian strip, and is a fantastic place for an easy dinner or lunch at any time of day. The upscale spot boasts a gorgeous rooftop patio and inventive new American fare. We like to start our meal off with the foie gras and clam appetizer before moving onto the lamb burger, which features a luxe cheese fondue, champagne shallot mignonette and tangy yogurt sauce. Yum.Bar Cento
1948 West 25th Street, Cleveland Nestled in the heart of historic Ohio City, Bar Cento features a European-inspired menu focused on local, seasonal and sustainable ingredients. The Ohio Beef Burger features — you guessed it — local grass-fed beef! The patty is beautifully sandwiched in a warm griddled bun, and topped with caramelized onions, port salut cheese, lettuce and tomato. There isn't much to it, but with flavors this good, it's best to keep it simple.The Rail
400 Great Northern Mall, North Olmsted and four other locations
Photo courtesy of The Rail
This local chain is all about supporting local. Everything from the beer to the burgers is sourced from right here in the state, and the staff celebrates the local community by hosting "beer school" classes in collaboration with local breweries at the restaurant. We're fans of the Local Yokel burger, which features Swiss cheese, local thick-cut bacon, and a fried local egg atop a 100% local beef burger and toasted bun. All menu items can be substituted with a veggie burger or chicken burger for no additional cost!
February
23
23
How to Spend a Weekend in Ohio's Amish Country
In the heart of Ohio, you'll find a little slice of heaven. Ohio's Amish Country is tucked between Cleveland and Columbus, and features gently rolling hills, captivating morning mist, colorful sunsets, charming farms and magnificent homes. The area itself is certainly idyllic, and the residents here appreciate their natural surroundings by living the old-fashioned way — celebrating their heritage by spending their time crafting artisanal products, gardening, and farming.
But while the Amish enjoy a more simple way of life, it is far from boring. There are so many things to see, do and eat in Amish Country, and it is certainly worthy of a weekend getaway. Come dine in the cozy farm-to-table restaurants, get lost on the back roads, take a tour of a cheese factory, and stay overnight in one of the warm, hospitable inns. We guarantee you will gain a new appreciation for this beautiful country — an appreciation that...
February
23
23
10 Cincinnati Garden Shops and Greenhouses that Will Make You Wish You Had a Green Thumb
The snow is melting, the flowers are blooming, and warm-weather days are becoming more common. Spring is finally here, which means it's finally time to get those gardens started and ready for the sunshine! Nothing melts away the winter blues quite like a trip to your local greenhouse, so we rounded up our 10 favorites in Cincinnati.
All of these garden centers offer a large selection of bedding plants, succulents, vegetable plants and more. And even if you weren't graced with a green thumb, most of these spots are family owned, and the staff is happy to help guide you to success! Happy planting!
A.J. Rahn Greenhouses
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