⚾ Kwan’s Back & So Are the Guardians

Good morning, Cleveland! This is The 216 Scoop: August is making its final pitch, and we’re not ready to go inside. We found eight patios worthy of summer’s last few golden evenings ☀️🍹

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John Petkovic & Jude Perez

They were the worst. Now, the Guardians are the hottest team in baseball.

The pitching, defense and hitting have been solid – and the team has been clutch and found different ways to win.

Enter Steven Kwan, who’s led the team with the most dramatic turnaround we’ve seen from a Cleveland athlete in years.

Remarkable turnaround.

After winning seven in a row and eight out of nine, the Guards have a two-game lead for the last wild card spot.

At 7:10 tonight, they open a crucial weekend series against the Royals at Progressive Field.

It’s a three-mile long testament to the area's rich ethnic diversity and one of Cleveland’s most unique attractions. And yet, most Clevelanders drive past the flowers, flags and memorials without stopping.

They’ll have a reason come Sunday when the 80^th One World Day hits Cleveland Cultural Gardens. The parade and festival celebrates waves of immigrants that built the city with music, performances and food.

It’s also a fine time to check out the 38 gardens along MLK Drive in Rockefeller Park.

Founded in 1916 and built on 250 acres donated by John D. Rockefeller, the gardens are landscaped outdoor museums with striking architecture, leafy greenery and flair. Take photos. Info.

Also:

Cleveland Garlic Festival: Beware, vampires. The Shaker Square bash features music, vendors, Miss Garlic 2026 and garlic-based shrimp, wings and, yes, Mitchell’s ice cream. Saturday-Sunday. Info.

Heights Music Hop: Whoa, 86 acts in 46 venues. Cleveland Heights will be overrun with music in businesses and on outdoor stages throughout the city’s districts – from Cedar Fairmount to Noble, Cedar Lee and Coventry Village. Starts 5 tonight, runs through Sunday. Info.

Last weekend of August and the weather’s nice...  Raise a glass to the last days of summer on a patio.

These eight hit the spot:

17 River Grille: It’s like walking into a postcard -- a patio deck that overlooks the picturesque Chagrin Falls. Priceless view. 

The Aviator: Located across from Hopkins, it’s perfect for martinis and small plates while watching the planes come and go.

Guarino's: Dean Martin loved this spot. This 1918 institution is a deal you can't refuse… an immaculate garden where dinner is served.

Vosh/Georgetown: You’ll think you’re lounging around in a lush, leafy park with all the tall trees and brick walls blocking out the noise of Detroit Avenue and the world.

Olesia’s Taverne of Richfield: The patio of this circa-1886 building boasts a superb Continental menu and the vibes of a 19^th-century novel.

Bar 32: The views stir the drink on the 32nd floor of the downtown Hilton. Stellar shots of the skyline, Lake Erie and the Cuyahoga River.

Forest City Brewery: Feels like a picnic area in an enchanted forest and a walk into another time.

Merwin's Wharf: Sits along the Cuyahoga amid a unique mix of industry and nature,  bridges and greenery. Great views and vibes.

FRIDAY

Xanny Stars: Cleveland’s stellar power-pop and punk trio celebrates the release of their new EP ‘Takes Shape’ at the Little Rose Tavern. Check ‘em out. 9 p.m. Info.

WWE Raw & SmackDown: The wrestling extravaganza brings circuit stars CM Punk, Roman Reigns, Jade Cargill and Tiffany Stratton to Rocket Arena. 7:30 p.m. Info.

SATURDAY

3rd Annual Little Italy History Shuffle: The walking tour of five iconic spots includes sips and bites along the way and includes a party at Alta House. 12:30 p.m. Info.

Masters of Funk: The show tells the story of funk with music – featuring Larry Dodson, the SOS Band, the Original Lakeside, Midnight Star, Con Funk Shun and Alisa Peoples. 6 p.m. Jacobs Pavilion. Info.

SUNDAY

Jokes on You: The crowd-work show features local and visiting comedians thinking on their feet by ditching their routines and interacting with the audience. Anything goes. 8 p.m. at Hilarities. Info.

Magnolia and Johnson Electric Co: The surviving members of Magnolia Electric Co. band together with Will Johnson for a tribute to their late friend Jason Molina. 8 p.m. Beachland Ballroom. Info.

👉 View Listing on Zillow

Wait, $23.50 for a burger?

That was the price of a ‘La Royale’ – the menu headliner at Le Burger

The price topped Cleveland’s burger chain, above offerings from upscale eateries Pier W, L’Albatros and Cordelia.

It led to a social-media Le Outrage! – you mean, it doesn’t even come with fries?

Well, Le Burger, which opened with great fanfare in December, and has closed.

Joining it in the past tense is Edda Coffee & Café – also located in the Intro building across from West Side Market.

Cool and trendy, it also inhabited a space bigger than most coffee shops.

“The space is evolving, but there will still be a place for your morning coffee, pastries, and getting some work done,” read a statement by Edda.

Eateries that target Gen Z and Millennials have seen expanding foot traffic.

But expenses are 36% higher than pre-pandemic levels and 42% of operators failed to achieve profitability last year.

RIP, Tim Curry. The death of the Rocky Horror Picture Show star was mourned around the world and especially Cleveland. The 1975 sci-fi camp classic is forever connected to the city – and not just because The Plain Dealer is featured it. Cleveland embraced the film when It opened its initial 11-year run in 1977, at the old Heights Art Theater. Curry even came to a showing. It still runs at the Cedar-Lee, which has hosted campy shebangs on the first Saturday of the month since 1988.

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76 °F 🌡️ 59 °F | ☀️ (Mostly Sunny) | 17% | 💨 ↑ ≈ 11 mph NNE (≈ 10 knots)

79 °F 🌡️ 66 °F | ⛅ (Partly Cloudy) | 10% | 💨 ↑ ≈ 7 mph SSW (≈ 6 knots)

85 °F 🌡️ 72 °F | ⛅ (Partly Cloudy) | 4% | 💨 ↑ ≈ 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. Royals, 7:10 PM August 28 (Friday)

Home vs. Royals, 4:10 PM August 29 (Saturday)

Home vs. Royals, 1:40 PM August 30 (Sunday)

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