🍔 The Most Provocative Burger in Cleveland

Good morning, Cleveland! This is The 216 Scoop: Prettier than Paris, but also the bed bug capital. Quite the week 🗼🪲

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John Petkovic & Jude Perez

Sexy. Irreverent. Uh… slutty?

Not the first things we associate with vegans, long typecast as a cult of earnest bores.

Here comes Slutty Vegan to shake its moneymaker.

Founded in 2018, the fast-growing chain has partnered with Akin Affrica’s Soul Republic Hospitality Group to open two locations in both Cleveland and Columbus.

“It has changed perceptions of veganism,” says Affrica, who was smitten when he hit the flagship Atlanta location and was greeted with: “Welcome in, slut.”

“Vegans want healthy food and are conscious of environment,” he adds. “But also something fun and sexy.”

Er, slutty -- the central motif of the place.

Offerings include burgers and sandwiches like ‘One Night Stand,’ ‘Fussy Hussy’ and ‘Hollywood Hooker’ served with ‘Slutty Fries.’

They’re served alongside pulsating hip-hop, a dancing staff and an electric vibe.

“Eighty percent of the customers aren’t even vegan,” says Affrica, a pescatarian of 20 years. “The food is animal-free, but it’s more of a ‘non-clean’ fast-food experience.”

Founder Pinky Cole Hayes hatched the idea after craving for late-night vegan junk food – and finding that there wasn’t any in Atlanta.

She’s gone on to become a cultural force, from best-selling author to appearing on The Real Housewives of Atlanta to advocating for vegan fashion and PETA.

Affrica will start with a Slutty Vegan food truck in the next four to six weeks, followed by a full-on restaurant this fall on the East Side followed by a downtown location.

Subscribe to 216 Insider for our upcoming special edition newsletter on the rise of vegetarianism and veganism in Cleveland and other deep-dive stories.

One minute, we’re prettier than Paris, cooler than cats, a magnet for Cali refugees.

The next, we’re a flea-bag town full of down-and-outers and stress heads.

We’re best and worst wrapped into one, if you believe a recent batch of reports.

Of course, reality is in between:

Cleveland is a real-deal city with substance over sparkle; where the cost of living makes it easier than most places and the ghosts of the past make it a struggle at times.

It’s also Top 10 when it comes to a sense of humor, but you’ll never see that in a poll.

Bed Bugs: We’re the 4^th worst U.S. when it comes to the pests, says Orkin – with five other Ohio cities in the Top 50.

Beautiful: This U.K. travel publication calls it the world’s 53rd most beautiful city, ahead of Paris. OK. But Florence, really?

Stressed: CLE is No. 3 in stress due to high poverty, foreclosure, crime, divorce rates, says WalletHub. No wonder we don’t sleep.

Refuge of Affordability: WalletHub finds Cali people chill. So, why are they’re escaping to Cleveland? It’s cheaper -- and Ex-Angelinos are the biggest arrivals.

Cheap & Easy: Affordable homes, cultural amenities… Cleveland is No. 5 on Finance Buzz Cost of Living Top 10.

You know it’s bad when rumors that the team could trade for an average hitter rouses fans.

After winning four in a row heading into the All-Star Break, the Guardians find themselves in a familiar position: On top of the AL Central, with lousy hitting:

So, what next?

The pitching ranks 8^th and has kept low-scoring affairs close. But operating with such narrow margins will exhaust the staff down the stretch. So, the hitting must get better.

Trades? They need a power bat, preferably at first base or in the outfield.

But the Guards are snake-bitten after trading Junior Caminero, whose stardom has made them apprehensive to trade prospects for a vet.

We’re heading deep into July – so don’t sleep on summer, or drinks 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.

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.

Collision Bend: Located in the 19th-century building that once housed the storied Watermark. Timeless views of the Flats.

Edison’s Pub: A picnic-table party that’s fun and hip with an “everybody’s welcome” attitude.

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

Merwin's Wharf: This sprawling patio along the Cuyahoga sits amid a unique mix of industry and nature, old bridges and wild greenery. Great views.

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

Prosperity Social Club: The patio at this Tremont mainstay feels like a backyard party, with retro décor and a vibe that is anything but exclusive.

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 hulk that huffed and puffed as it helped build America drew massive crowds when it chugged through Cleveland in June.

Today, the Big Boy No. 4014 -- the world's largest operating steam locomotive – will return through the area as part of Union Pacific's coast-to-coast tour celebrating America's 250th anniversary.

Built in 1941 and restored in 2019, it heads westward on its coast-to-coast-and-back tour to celebrated America’s 250^th anniversary.

It will make a stop in Rocky River at 19060 Depot Street, from 1-1:30 p.m. Info.

Captain Franks – 1954 to 1989 (and demolished five years later) – boasted one of the best addresses and lakefront views in the city. It was a destination for night owls, downtown partyers, families from all over town. Check out the airplane in this 1970s era photo.  Welcome to Cleveland.

Ooh and don’t forget! Tag @The216Scoop on Facebook & @scoopcle on Instagram to get your photos in the Scoop!

83 °F 🌡️ 72 °F | ☀️ (Sunny) | 5% | 💨 ↑ ≈ 9 mph N (≈ 8 knots)

90 °F 🌡️ 78 °F | ☀️ (Sunny) | 5% | 💨 ↑ ≈ 10 mph W (≈ 9 knots)

86 °F 🌡️ 72 °F | ☀️ (Mostly Sunny) | 4% | 💨 ↑ ≈ 11 mph NW (≈ 10 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. Heat, 8 PM July 13 (Monday) — NBA Summer League

Home vs. Pelicans, 5:30 PM July 15 (Wednesday) — NBA Summer League

Home vs. Pirates, 7:10 PM July 17 (Friday)

Home vs. Pirates, 4:10 PM July 18 (Saturday)

Home vs. Pirates, 1:40 PM July 19 (Sunday)

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