📰 Go small or go home

Good morning, Cleveland! This is The 216 Scoop: The Guardians went shopping and actually bought the good stuff for once. Power bats, an All-Star arm, and the prospects are still here. Someone check on the front office 💪⚾🔥

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John Petkovic & Jude Perez

It’s been a wild ride in the food scene.

Breweries and big-box spots have had a tough go in 2026. And the go-small trend continues with the opening of intimate eateries, bars and clubs.

Here are 10:

Proof Public House: A punk-rock bar, but Matt Fish’s eclectic culinary sensibilities are unique and interesting. Lots of meat, but also veg/ve/gf options.

Sazani Oceana: The Shaker Square collaboration between Akin Affrica and Browns great Josh Cribbs is sleek and sophisticated, with innovative takes on seafood.

Pastimes: The popular food truck has taken over the former El Tango Latin Grill spot in Lakewood to serve breakfast burritos, pancakes and bagel sandwiches. Sunny vibes.

Rosy: Cordelia chef Vinnie Cimino’s 50-seater applies an open-fire approach to ancestral dishes popular in Italy, Slovenia and Croatia.

Safar: Located in the old Tick Tock Tavern, the Indian restaurant-bar boasts a sleek décor and vibe and eclectic menu.

Nightjar: The intimate cocktail and jazz bar in Eton Chagrin mixes classic drinks with European café vibes, New Orleans flair, small plates and desserts.

Fast Eddie’s: The new location for the former Shoppes at Parma spot rolls out a similar menu and signature cocktails.

Millie’s Cocktail Bar: The Collinwood 34-seater serves up ‘grandma chic’ vibes, classic and original cocktails and Old World cuisine.

EVOO: A modern takes on Greek-Mediterranean cuisine, it fills a void in the scene with bold flavors and healthy and vegan options.

Paradise Indian Cuisine: Authentic takes on Indian staples, it fills a void in late-night downtown dining.

The do-something crowd is rejoicing, despite the Guardians’ loss to the Mets last night.

Shocker #1: The Guardians took a big swing – and connected on hitters and an all-star pitcher after a flurry of deals at the MLB trade deadline.

And they’re getting high grades – As and Bs from analysts, with ESPN calling the Guards’ moves one of the best in baseball.

The team made four moves -- and a fifth if you count the May trade for gold-glove catcher Patrick Bailey – to remake the roster for the post-season push.

Shocker #2: They have up nine players but none of their top 17 prospects.

They needed two bats and pitching depth, exceeded expectations and gave up little.

Shocker #3: Patient no more, they’re going for it.

Roll out the tie-dye… Hippie power is back.

Hessler Street Fair – one of the most colorful festivals and a mind warp of a time warp – is returning after a seven-year absence.

“We are bringing it back again to support Hessler tenants through a celebration of our community traditions, the landmark buildings, and those who live here,” organizers said in a statement.

Started in 1969, the street party filled Hessler Road with music, arts, crafts, poetry and vaudeville shows.

More than that, it’s rolled out an easy-come-easy-go vibe and a celebration of counter-cultural living.

That is, until it stopped in 2019 after its 50^th anniversary, due to a lack of volunteers.

Hessler transcended nostalgia – or an attempt to go back to a time you never lived through the first time. It will again on October 3.

The bash will bring music, fine art, food, lemonade, vendors – and generations of Clevelanders -- to the narrow brick street in University Circle. Info.

August is here and we’re deep into summer – which is fine for a drink at some of Cleveland’s finest bar patios. Raise a glass to these 10:

All Saints Public House: This leafy patio feels like a park in the city with a vibe that's laid-back yet lively.

The Aviator: Located across from Hopkins, the sprawling patio of this modern American eatery is perfect for martinis and small plates while watching the planes come and go.

Don's Pomeroy House: The grove of thick trees and luscious plants amid this mid-19th century mansion feels like a breezy day in some old southern novel. One lemonade, sir.

Forest City Brewery: It feels like picnic time in an enchanted forest.

Guarino's: Dean Martin loved this spot. After all, the patio of this 1918 institution is a deal you can't refuse… an immaculate garden with lights, greenery, flowers and statues.

Old 86: Low-frill rock ‘n’ roll bar in Detroit-Shoreway with a long, narrow patio and a garage bar.

Poppy: The eatery boasts a homey vibe and sophisticated menu – and a charming carriage house bar on the patio.

Sarita: The immaculate greenery, flowers, vines and overhead trellis at this secluded getaway do a good job of telling the world: Leave me alone

Stone Mad: The pub feels like Ireland and the patio is maddening — constructed out of stone tables, meticulous masonry and that fireplace.

Treehouse: The big toucan mural says, “Lovely day for a Guinness.” True, especially on this leafy and lively patio.

👉 View Listing on Zillow

The sand sculpture featuring the words ‘HEAR THE CALL’ on Edgewater Beach was an obvious hint.

Yes, the Cleveland’s WNBA expansion team will wear SIRENS on their jerseys when they hit the court at Rocket Arena for their 2028 inaugural season.

The idea behind the name is to provide an identity not tied to the Cavaliers and create a tie-in to Lake Erie.

The five strands of hair in the logo represent five players on the court and the five Great Lakes.

The siren song is catching on: The team has already sold 9,000 season tickets for 2028.

Playhouse Square in the 1970s. The1920's-era theaters had fallen into disrepair amid downtown’s decline. Solution? Tear them down to create… parking lots. Our 216 Insider looks at how civic activists saved the theatrical district. Subscribe to our special edition newsletter to read our deep-dive into in Cleveland’s greatest preservation story and others that impact the city.

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82 °F 🌡️ 72 °F | ⛅ (Partly Cloudy) | 20% | 💨 ↑ ≈ 7 mph NW (≈ 6 knots)

82 °F 🌡️ 72 °F | ⛅ (Partly Cloudy) | 50% | 💨 ↑ ≈ 9 mph WSW (≈ 8 knots)

82 °F 🌡️ 72 °F | ⛈️ (Thunderstorms) | 70% | 💨 ↑ ≈ 9 mph SW (≈ 8 knots)

_{Please note that weather conditions can change rapidly. For the most up-to-date information, consider checking a reliable local weather service.}

Home vs. Mets, 6:40 PM August 5 (Wednesday)

Home vs. Mets, 1:10 PM August 6 (Thursday)

Away vs. White Sox, 7:40 PM August 7 (Friday)

Away vs. White Sox, 7:15 PM August 8 (Saturday)

Away vs. White Sox, 2:10 PM August 9 (Sunday)

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