🍔 New dining destinations in 2025 – are you hungry?

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The culinary scene started out on a rough note. Beloved Melt closed its doors and spending in restaurants saw an early decline. But Cleveland held tough with more than 25 openings in the first half of the year. Here are our favorites…

Birdietown: “Eatertainment” emporiums are often derided as woohoo parlors pretending to be restaurants. This Lakewood spot busts the stereotype by pairing playful with sophisticated. It rolls out two mini-golf courses, two bars and a 150-seat restaurant, with an inventive menu by Beard-nominated chef, Jill Vedaa. Fine & fun dining.

Los Abuelitos: Might not be trendy with foodies, but it’s a food adventurer’s dream. It boasts sunny décor, a homey vibe and an authentic take on Salvadoran cuisine served with generous portions. Stellar pupusas, imaginative uses of yuca.

Fidelity Hotel: Worth a visit even if they served Cheetos. The boutique hotel is a striking mix of Art Deco and Mid-century modern design and looks like a spot from the 1940s. It serves three meals and Happy Hour, featuring sophisticated takes on classics.

Good Pizza: The closing of Citizen Pie last year left a void on East Fourth… Where to get a slice on the street? Problem solved. It’s the first regular location by pop-up pie guy Charlie Anderson – who serves up personal takes on NY-style pies.

Sofia’s: The cross between “a corner bar and an American bistro” tag fits. The drink list features 10 cocktails, including a stellar take on the Negroni. Fun and fine desserts. And a menu that’s diverse and eclectic without losing its identity.

Masala Monsoon: MM opened in the Parma spot that once housed Antonio’s – and promised Indian Pizzas. Can’t wait to try one; they start serving them at the end of month. No problem. Their inventive takes on masalas, curries and soups, salmon and chili hit the spot.

City Slice: Want the biggest slice you’ll find, maybe anywhere? CS rolls out five types of ‘MEGA’ 30-inch, NY-style pies. Check out the NY Chopped Cheese Sub -- a pile of cheese, beef, onions peppers, mushrooms, lettuce and tomatoes that’s massive and indulgent.

Coyoacán: The Shaker Square taqueria and brewery is a fun, fast-casual Mexican drink-and-dining experience. The building will soon unveil a new, revived Luchita’s – the beloved West Side eatery that closed in 2022 after a 40-year run.

Fredibertos: The Slavic Village drive-thru offers authentic Mexican food with generous portions and low prices – with a menu that’s as wide-ranging as any sit-down spot and a breakfast that’s earned it a cult following.

More than a festival, it’s an institution that spans generations and transcends ethnicity.

It also transcends species. Check out the shaggy, spunky performers in the Dogs of Ireland exhibition – a perennial favorite at the Cleveland Irish Cultural Festival.

The 40^th anniversary bash — today through Sunday at the Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds — rolls out pipers, dancers, rugby, whiskey tastings and games – along with storytellers, musicians and performers in a Dublin-style beer garden, bar and museum. And, yes, there are those lovable hounds.

It’s a celebration of all-things Irish, and music is a big part of it – with the deepest roster of bands in the festival circuit. (Headlining is the Irish supergroup, The High Kings).

Of course, there are also dancers. Cleveland has been a magnet for waves of immigrants, going back to the 19^th century – and dance troupes have thrived since the 1940s. Info.

The Cuyahoga River caught fire 56 years ago, on June 22, 1969 -- a 20-minute blaze that made national headlines and marked a low point in Cleveland’s history.

But those flames marked a turning point. The infamous fire helped ignite the modern environmental movement, pushing forward the Clean Water Act and the creation of the EPA.

This weekend, the blaze and the revival of the river it sparked is a cause for cheer.

On Saturday, Blazing Paddles Paddlefest returns for its 7th year.

It celebrates the roles the river has played in the city and features recreational and competitive paddling, to go with a reggae concert at Music Box Supper Club, and a Pre-Paddle Expo aboard the Lady Caroline cruise ship on Friday. Info.

It’s the biggest street party of the year – when 15,000 summer partyers hit Detroit Avenue, between Marlowe and Artur avenues. Yup, it’s Lakewood Summer Meltdown, a buzzing mash of food, music, a 5K race and the one-mile walk/run. 4-10 p.m. Saturday. Info.

In 1927, Austrian candymaker Edward Haas developed a breath mint that provided an alternative to smoking. Well, the mint is just as addictive to those hitting PEZamania – through Saturday at Holiday Inn Independence. For 36 years, the convention has celebrated the candy, its iconic dispensers and the people that love them. Info.

Iconic eateries and ethnic treats. Bands and charming streets. You got it: Taste of Trement. The soiree showcases Tremont’s food scene. It also features live music and a chance to check out the neighborhood’s churches and vibes. Noon to 8 p.m. Sunday. Info.

Cleveland Shakespeare Festival takes MacBeth to various locations around town over the next two weeks. The Bard’s tragedy about power, ambition, violence and madness opens 7 tonight in Coventry Peace Park in Cleveland Heights. Other showings: 7 p.m. Saturday at Coe Lake, Berea; and 4 p.m. Sunday, in Grove Amphitheater, Mayfield Village. Info.

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Pete Gulyas never gave much thought to starting a record label. Blue Arrow was strictly a record store – one he started with his wife, Debbie, in 2009.

The Collinwood shop is adored by Clevelanders — not to mention touring musicians in bands like Black Crowes, Yo La Tengo and Mountain Goats. They’d stop by… friendships were born.

One was Jonathan Richman, the singer-songwriter and founder of the legendary band, Modern Lovers.

“We would go on tour with Jonathan to sell his merchandise,” says Pete Gulyas.
“So, one day he says, ‘Why don’t you guys start a record label and put my records out?’”

Ten years and 30 releases later, Gulyas is readying the release of Richman’s latest album, “Only Frozen Sky Anyway.”

“I’m working on the production; it’s being pressed at Gotta Groove,” says Gulyas, referring to the local record plant. “Jonathan wanted to work with us and would say, ‘Cleveland needs some attention.’”

“We really didn’t have a plan,” he adds. “We started doing this because we believe in music.”

The mug shots for Jane Fonda, 1970. The actor was arrested by U.S. Customs agents at Hopkins Airport for allegedly trying to smuggle a stash of diet pills, Valium and tranquilizers in her luggage. The charges were eventually dropped, but resulted in an iconic photo of the actor.

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76 🌡️ 67 | 🌤️ | ~10% | 💨 Light breeze

84 🌡️ 73 | ⛅ then ⚡ | ~40% | 💨 Moderate breezes

80 🌡️ 69 | 🌥️ AM ⚡ then ☀️ | ~30% | 💨 Breezy

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

Home vs. Athletics, 07:10pm Friday

Home vs. Athletics, 07:10pm Saturday

Home vs. Athletics, 01:40pm Sunday

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