🍷 This Little Italy Bar Hasn’t Changed Since 1930

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John Petkovic & Jude Perez

In Cleveland, the melting pot was the frying pan.

The city’s cuisine is story of people coming from disparate places, borrowing recipes from home and mixing them with the new ideas, flavors and approaches to cooking they found here.

It’s a story of immigration, industrial grit, and creative adaptation.

We tell the Story of Cleveland Cuisine in our newest 216 Insider -- a special edition newsletter that takes deep dives into eclectic subjects that impact and animate Clevelanders.

We’ve identified foods that were born in Cleveland, inspired by Old World immigrants and African Americans that arrived in the Great Migration.

Virgil Whitmore mixed took European staples with Texas barbecue.

City Chicken was born in Cleveland out of hardship and ingenuity by immigrants; became one of the most popular foods during the Great Depression; and lives on in homes and eateries.

Cleveland-style cassata was inspired by children who wanted a lighter cake than the one in Sicily.

Of course, there’s also Pizza Bagels, Stadium Mustard and many other local creations.

A subscriber to 216 Insider mentioned the Romanburger – the Mr. Hero sandwich. Indeed, and it’s inspired variations in area eateries.

Read the whole story – one that reflects tells the city, its people and personality.

It sat empty for more than two decades. But this old gem of a bar hidden on a quiet residential street in Little Italy is going strong once again.

Welcome to Lou’s Tavern, a place where little has changed since the 1930s.

It’s like a time capsule, from the wooden bar to the décor to the brass cash register.

“It was closed for a long time, and my family would only open it once a year,” says Jack Sparent, 22. “Then I had the idea to open it up and keep everything original.”

Sparent – who runs the joint and serves drinks and cooks pizza, sausage and meatballs for patrons – kept the name intact.

“My great-grandfather opened this place,” he says, as he points to a photo of Lou hanging over the bar. “Every generation in our family has been born in the house.”

The house, located next to Lou’s, was built in1870. The bar came later – first as a store in 1922 and then converted into a bar a decade later.

Break out the margaritas and motorboats.

After an 18-month renovation, the iconic Shooters club will start rolling again on the river on March 18.

“A waterfront classic returns to the Flats after a full renovation and reimagining,” according to Shooters. “We brought Shooters back to celebrate Cleveland – the water, the grit and the moments that bring people together.”

Shooters opened with great fanfare in June 1987.

For decades, it was the anchor of the West Bank and a pillar of stability, amid countless openings and closings and waves of changes.

Its décor, layout and look became dated, however – and was in dire need of a makeover.

That “reimagining” includes structural work, a full-on restaurant, a chic lounge bar and a new patio and deck along the Cuyahoga River.

FRIDAY

 Adrienne Iapalucci: Her comfortably dark and tense hilarity has earned the comedian high praise from Neal Brennan, Patton Oswalt, Chris Rock and Louis C.K. She hits Hilarities at 7 and 9:30 p.m. and will do it again Saturday. Info.

Portersharks: The Celtic band brings its folk and traditional repertoire to Music Box as part of an early St. Pat’s party. 7:30 p.m. Info.

An Evening with Hayden Christensen: The Canadian actor beloved for his portrayal of Anakin Skywalker and Darth Vader hits Fan Expo Cleveland. 8:30 p.m. Info.

Saturday

Second Saturday Bird Walk: The weather is warm and the birdwatchers among us will be flapping with joy with this walk at Rocky River Nature Center. 9 a.m.-Noon. Info.

Shamrock Bar Crawl: The second annual St. Pat’s party-a-thon pulls up to Lakewood Truck Park. Noon-9 p.m. Info.

Matinee Soul Dance Club: Day drinking and day dancing? This party of for you… The matinee party rolls out DJs spinning the best in classic soul at the Beachland Ballroom. 1-4 p.m. Saturday. Info.

👉 View Listing on Zillow

Bravo, Cleveland Charge. The Cavs G-League team is 19-9. It also broke its attendance record this year, when 6,798 fans packed Public Auditorium on March 3.

Regardless of the score, Saturday’s game against the Santa Cruz Warriors will make you roll you roll over and shake a tail.

It’s Hoops and Hounds Night – when, yes, you can bring your pooch to Public Auditorium.

I went last year and watched the canines as much as the court.

Some growled at their four-legged fellow attendees. Others wagged their tongues and played with fans. I had a big pooch hop on me… Those Charge fans are an enthusiastic lot.

Each dog ticket will benefit Kind Paws Rescue. The first 1,500 (human) fans get a Charge beanie. Fun time. 7 p.m. Info.

Euclid Avenue, 1937. The street was home to bustling stores and The Mall Theaters.

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

54 °F 🌡️ 31 °F | 🌧️➡️🌨️ (High Winds / Rain & Snow Showers) | 70% | 💨 ↑ ≈ 29 mph (≈ 25 knots)

42 °F 🌡️ 35 °F | ⛅ (Partly Sunny / Cooler) | 20% | 💨 ↑ ≈ 8 mph (≈ 7 knots)

65 °F 🌡️ 40 °F | ☁️➡️🌧️ (Unseasonably Warm / PM Showers) | 50% | 💨 ↑ ≈ 18 mph (≈ 16 knots)

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

Away vs. Mavericks, 7:30 PM March 13 (Friday)

Home vs. Mavericks, 3:30 PM March 15 (Sunday)

Away vs. Angels, 4:10 PM March 13 (Friday)

Away vs. Padres, 4:10 PM March 14 (Saturday)

Home vs. Athletics, 4:05 PM March 15 (Sunday)

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