by Josh Jones Forbes
Josh (he/him) is marketing director at Cleveland Neighborhood Progress, and he believes strong neighborhood pride gives residents the power to own their futures. Josh is founder of a fitness studio in the Detroit Shoreway neighborhood, and he is a proud graduate of Kent State University.
Once it gets cold, you gotta get cozy. Cleveland neighborhoods are full of small businesses by creatives who welcome you in with warmth.
Check out these recommendations by our team of locals! On top of being cozy, these 14 spots are actually in the city of Cleveland.
Cafe Indigo
📍 GREATER BUCKEYE
Cafe Indigo brought coffee and ice cream to a classic corner of Shaker Square – the historic shopping district full of charm. Mellissa, cafe owner, is a strong believer in the beauty of gathering visitors and neighbors alike. Enjoy some treats or healthy snacks with a view of the passing RTA trains.
Doc’s on Harvard Restaurant & Lounge
📍 LEE-HARVARD
The Doc’s story is beautiful. Dr. Walker was the neighborhood’s dentist for generations. Today, his family has transformed the beloved space for fine dining at an intimate scale. Chef Kolnita will wow you with her signature whitefish and Maui-inspired banana bread crumble.
Six Shooter Coffee
📍 OLD BROOKLYN
This bright outpost in Old Brooklyn will recharge you with joy. Their team takes nothing seriously except their excellent coffee, roasted in the city. Settle in, and they’ll happily grill you a breakfast burrito or panini, too.
The Mud Room Pottery Studio
📍 WEST PARK
Danielle opened this pottery playground because she enjoyed seeing how learners put their human characteristics into clay creations. You’ll love the small class sizes, and the team atmosphere is warm even before the kiln fires up.
ThirdSpace Reading Room
📍 GLENVILLE
ThirdSpace is a “radical imagination bookstore” and intentionally grown in the Glenville neighborhood – within a building named for Robert P. Madison, the first Black architect in Ohio, no less. This stunning space is chockfull of thought-provoking reads, and ThirdSpace hosts frequent discussion groups and festivities, too.
Bad Medicine
📍 WEST PARK
Moody, yes, but despite the bar’s name, it’s a good mood here. This sweet hideout has original cocktails, unexpectedly finessed plates, and perfect vinyl soundtracks. The combination will whisk all your worries away.
Number One Pho
📍 ASIATOWN
Here in the middle of “Pho Row” is comfort, perfected. Their big menu makes Vietnamese classics easy to peruse. But with so many piping hot bowls and fresh ingredients, it’s still hard to choose.
Dahlia Coffee Co.
📍 CUDELL
Natalia named her coffee for Mexico’s national flower, and Dahlia is a pop of brightness on its brick street. The latte specials, like Mazapan or Dulce de Leche, are delicious and can’t be found anywhere else. Get there early to grab your seat!
Yonder Brunch & Vibes
📍 ST. CLAIR SUPERIOR
This is breakfast extravagance that could make anyone jealous. Have your French toast coated with cereal or your potatoes loaded with bacon. There are soul food classics, too, so plan to leave this place absolutely stuffed.
The Judith Cafe
📍 DETROIT SHOREWAY
Named for co-owner Andrew’s mother, The Judith is a Parisian cafe with sun-filled windows facing Lorain Avenue. Pair your cup with thoughtfully-made snacks and relax from morning through evening. The homey feeling will last long after you leave.
Your Place & Mine
📍 BROADWAY-SLAVIC VILLAGE
This corner bar is a neighborhood mainstay, and for good reason. It has something for everyone and changes with the time of year. Reggae nights, taco Tuesdays, holiday buffets… Your Place & Mine is worth a return visit or even a birthday booking.
The Rowley Inn
📍 TREMONT
You might not expect this historic bar to have such new-fashioned foods. Even the pierogi and kielbasa can come in vegan options. With views of both “A Christmas Story” house and the steel mills, you’ll see that there’s no pretense here, only community.
The Coffee House
📍 UNIVERSITY CIRCLE
Precisely what it says on the tin, this century-old house has room after cozy room to enjoy your pastries, chili, or custom brews. The crowd is ever-changing with university students, museum goers, and locals, and the hubbub is a lovely mix of many languages.
Algebra Tea House
📍 LITTLE ITALY
Up the hill from all the Italian restaurants perches this art-forward tea house that’s full of Palestinian flair. Ayman curated his space to help people form new friendships over his hot beverages and vegetarian delights.