Cleveland is a city that's full of flavor. From our restaurants and markets to our local brews and wines, there's much in the area that'll doubtlessly delight your taste buds. It seems breweries are popping up all over Greater Cleveland, even in the most unexpected of places. They each have their own personality and flair, and each one is worth exploring. Prepare to indulge, because we're about to embark on an adventure in search of the best brews in the state.
1. Noble Beast Brewing Co. (1470 Lakeside Ave. E., Cleveland)
Traditional brews and great food? Now that's a combination a true Clevelander could never turn down. During your visit, you simply must try a glass of the Chick’n Waffles Imperial Stout. It's a Russian Imperial with an ABV of 12.1% (holy cow!), and it's a delightful blend of hot sauce, maple, and cookie flavors.
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2. Nano Brew Cleveland (1859 West 25th St., Cleveland)
Whether you're inside this bar or relaxing at the Beer Garden Bar, you'll have your choice of 24 delicious beers, and their burger selection is just as unique. You'll doubtlessly want to indulge in a freshly brewed beverage from their one barrel brewhouse!
3. Masthead Brewing Co. (1261 Superior Ave., Cleveland)
Pizza and beer? A match made in heaven. This lively brewery is a blast both indoors and out, where diners enjoy relaxing on a dog-friendly patio. Masthead's Flat Earth is a hit when it's on tap, and the Jalapeño IPA offers the best way to warm up on cold days.
Thirsty Dog has gathered quite a bit of brand loyalty in the area, but likely has nothing to do with their dog-centric labeling. Their hand-crafted, small-batch brews are to die for, and beers like Old Leghumper and Labrador Lager are beloved by all.
Fat Head's Brewery & Saloon over in North Olmsted has quickly become a local landmark. While you sip on brews like the Super Juicy Hop JuJu, you can tap on the glass to greet the very masterminds that created your brew in the Brewpub. Indulge in classic American dishes while you sample the local brews with large-scale flavors.
6. Great Lakes Brewing Company (2516 Market Ave., Cleveland)
The bold and luminous Barrel-Aged Blackout Stout is a pub exclusive at the Great Lakes Brewing Company Ohio City Brewpub. Their bar once hosted the likes of Eliot Ness, though it now hosts the most modern crowd in Cleveland.
Strongsville has changed remarkably in recent years, growing to host aspiring businesses like The Brew Kettle. This smokehouse and brewery actually offers you the chance to brew your own beer, which many locals simply can't resist. El Lupulo Libre is one of their best year-round brews, but many wait all year long for seasonal specials like Summer Rays and Oktofest.
8. Market Garden Brewery (1947 W 25th St., Cleveland)
There's nothing like relaxing at Market Garden Brewery after a trek through the West Side Market. Their flatbreads are to die for, though every menu item is worth considering. You'll enjoy a vast selection of beers, many of which give a nod to local culture via names like Franklin Castle.
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9. The Tasting Room at Hoppin' Frog (1680 E Waterloo Rd., Akron)
We're heading back into Akron for a tasting room with a super cute mascot. The Tasting Room at Hoppin' Frog is the best place to try unique brews like D.O.R.I.S. The Destroyer, and you certainly won't be surprised to learn that this brewery is ranked consistently among the best brewers in the area.
10. The BottleHouse (2050 Lee Rd., Cleveland Heights)
This Cleveland Heights brewery is also a meadery, and it's one of the chicest places to hang out in all of Greater Cleveland. Brews like the Erie Coast IPA pay homage to local landscapes and flavors in one tasty blend.
11. Brick and Barrel Brewing (1844 Columbus Rd., Cleveland)
Last but not least, we're returning to Cleveland for one final delicious drink. The Brick and Barrel Brewing ambiance is appropriately beer-centric. Armed with a DIY, working man-type attitude that helped build the surrounding neighborhood, this brewery does a fantastic job at capturing the essence of Cleveland.
These 11 breweries have some of the best craft beers in the entire state, and they're amazingly close to home. Which is your favorite must-see destination?
Best Travel Gifts of 2024, Hand-picked by Our Travel Experts
If you're looking for gifting ideas for the travelers in your life this holiday season, check out our list of our favorite, tried and true travel gifts.
Welcome to Hand-Picked, a curated series highlighting the travel gear and goods our staff truly love. From practical essentials to playful extras, these are the items that make travel fun—and shopping even better! Each pick is independently selected by our editors, and if you make a purchase through our links, Only In Your State may earn a commission.
There is nothing that makes me happier than picking out the perfect gift. Friends often ask me for ideas of what to gift to their family, children, partners, friends... the challenge of finding that special item (or experience) is my favorite kind of adrenaline rush. And because of this, the holiday season is like my version of sky diving.
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Our team of travel experts here at Only In Your State joined me in selecting our favorite travel gifts of the season. We've hand-picked 24 gifts that we own and love and would joyfully wrap up with a shiny bow for other travel lovers in our lives. We've chosen a variety of options, from candles to books, to the perfect travel shoes and bags. There is also a wide range of prices for any gifting budget. Pick out a few to gift this season and maybe even send some of these ideas to those who are shopping for you. It may be the holiday season, but it is also always travel season in our minds.
Why We Love Them: How fun is this candle? I love picking out meaningful gifts and this one is perfect for the woman in your life who can't help but plan another trip. Or, maybe this is you and this candle needs to make its way into your own stocking! The LEADO store on Amazon actually has several unique gifts and it's worth checking out. Where to Buy Them: Shop this candle and more on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 Bonus: Manager of Editorial Megan Shute swears by these rechargeable USB lighters – add one to your favorite candle lover's stocking, and they will not be disappointed.
Why We Love It: We've tried some pretty spiffy eye masks, but have you ever experienced an eye massager? The Bob & Brad EyeOasis 2 is as relaxing as it gets. With adjustable pressure & heat settings, this is a must-have if you want to tune out the world and treat yourself. It's the first thing we reach for when we feel a migraine coming on! Where To Buy It: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $59.99 (normally $74.99)
Why We Love Them: It's safe to say I am in my sneaker era and I know I'm not alone. When I discovered Kizik shoes, especially their sneakers, I felt like I discovered gold at the end of the rainbow. I love that the brand is size inclusive (I have big feet) and you literally just slip these on and go. Hands-free shoes! This makes them perfect for travel and the fact that these go with everything means no over-packing necessary. Where to Buy Them: Check out the Milan sneaker and several other styles (boots, too!) on the Kizik website. Price (at time of publication): $149
Why We Love Them: I discovered Frankie Jean while in Austin with my daughter and once I saw the Y'ALL Baseball Cap, I knew it would make the perfect souvenir -- and travel hat! I always travel with a baseball hat; they're handy for post-plane hair and offer protection from the elements. Frankie Jean has an array of adorable caps for non-y'allers, too, with all 50 states represented in the web store. Where to Buy It: Visit Frankie Jean online for this hat and many others! Price (at time of publication): $32
Why We Love Them: The Yoto Mini is an excellent gadget for kids on the go. Physical cards allow children to expand their imagination through audiobooks, music, activities, and educational audio. Manager of Editorial Megan Shute purchased the mini-player for her daughter's 4th birthday earlier this year ahead of an overseas move and has been endlessly impressed: "Not only did it replace her standard sound machine with its white noise options, but it has given us another portable screen-free entertainment option for at home and while traveling. The Yoto is also perfect for anyone who asks what your child wants for the holidays — cards for their new Yoto collection, please!" Where to Buy Them: Yoto is available on their website and Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $69.99 for player
Why We Love Them: The Vuori Performance Joggers might just be the most comfortable piece of clothing we own. The buttery-soft, stretchy material is the perfect weight, and the slim yet relaxed fit is one of the most universally flattering styles we've tried. Engagement Editor Meg Archer has gifted these to many people over the last few years: "I have yet to hear anything but rave reviews (and a bit of friendly shaming for spawning new obsessions). Don't be surprised if these just so happen to, umm... multiply... in your closet. I couldn't stop at just one pair." Bonus: The matching Vuori Halo Performance Hoodie is one of our favorite lightweight layers for all types of travel! Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From Vuori Price (at time of publication): $94
Why We Love Them: If you have a friend or family member who loves to travel and loves bags (who doesn't?), then this Calpak tote bag is the ultimate gift. When I say ultimate, I mean it, because this is the ultimate bag. My own tote bag is pictured above, when used on an overnight trip. I've also used it as a carry-on bag on flights, to tote sports equipment around for my kids, and for a weekend getaway. It is much larger than it looks in this photo and keeps everything organized. It also wipes clean! Where to Buy Them: Calpak has countless travel bags, but you can find this particular one on their website. Price (at time of publication): $131.75
Why We Love Them: I've purchased two of these portable hammocks with lightweight frames throughout the years — one as a gift for my father and one for myself after realizing how fantastic the hammock was. While it's not a travel product, per se, it has made my everyday life feel more like a vacation, something we could all use a bit more of these days. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $69.99
Why We Love Them: All of the staff at Only In Your State loves to represent their roots and Wear Your Roots allows you to do that in a fashionable - and comfortable - way. We love the wears from this Montana-based company and we happen to believe that these hoodies, shirts, hats, and more make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: Shop now on the Wear Your Roots website Price (at time of publication): Varies by Product
Why We Love It: It's taken several trips for me to figure out my perfect "weekender bag that's TSA approved," but I've found my perfect carry on with the TOBIQ Colorado 30L. An Instagram ad caught my eye during a late-night scroll session and I was intrigued by the colorful compartments and versatility of the bag, which can be carried as a duffle or as a backpack (I prefer the backpack for even weight distribution and airport navigation.) Made of durable, weather-resistant recycled materials, I've stashed this bag under my seat and in the overhead compartment; it's easy to maneuver and the top zip pocket is perfect for easy phone/ID access. Bonus: I loved this carry on bag so much, I purchased TOBIQ's Toiletry Bag; it fits perfectly inside one of the Colorado's four compartments and has a smart, intuitive design with the brand's signature "plethora of zippered pouches and pockets."
Where to Buy Them: Visit tobiqtravel.com to purchase the Colorado 30L and/or Toiletry Bag. Price (at time of publication): $199 (Colorado 30L)/$69 (Toiletry Bag)
Why We Love Them: The Zestt Dreamsoft Travel Scarf doubles as a blanket, making it the perfect travel accessory for year-round adventures – especially on airplanes! Made from organic cotton and easy to wash and care for, we have even used this piece as a makeshift picnic blanket while traveling. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $50
Why I Love It: This raincoat is absolutely perfect: it's light (12.4 ounces!) and super packable, "self stuffing" into one of its pockets in a Houdini-like feat. The hood is generously sized to fit over a hat and has a cord-and-hook design that keeps rain out (seriously -- this photo was taken after a trip to Portland, Oregon, where its water resistance was put to the test!). I purchased my Torrentshellfive years ago and it still looks brand new, the fabric has never snagged or ripped despite being put through the ringer! Bonus: The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket comes in men's sizes, too! Where to Buy It: Buy it now on REI. Price (at time of publication): $179 (both men's and women's)
Why We Love Them: I love gifting books. Maybe it's the writer in me or the nostalgia I feel every time I sit down and open up an actual book. Coffee table books make for great gifts and I absolutely love this collection of photography of New York City. Whether you know someone who loves NYC or has a wanderlust for the Big Apple, this gorgeous book just needs a bow on top and it's ready to gift. Where to Buy Them: Buy this book and others in the collection on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $19.78
Why We Love Them: A well-stocked first aid kit is essential for any traveler, and we love these small Welly kits. They're the perfect option to keep in your car, diaper bag, or carry-on for accidents on the go. Another excellent stocking stuffer for anyone in your life. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Walmart Price (at time of publication): $9.70
Why We Love Them: The OluKai Pehuea Lī Sneaker is lightweight and breathable, but also extremely comfortable and surprisingly supportive. It's our go-to shoe when we know we're going to be on our feet all day! We love that they can be worn as either sneakers or slides, so they're easy to slip off when going through TSA checks. Plus, the style goes with just about everything. Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From OluKai Price (at time of publication): $110
Why I Love It: Fact: Airplanes are notoriously dry, dry, dry. No matter how much water I drink both before and during the flight, I always find myself in a hydration deficit for days. My skin feels so tight and parched during flights, and while I've been known to slap on a sheet mask at 12,000 feet, my 11 year old's mortification on a recent trip had me rethinking this strategy. My solution? BioRepublic's Lost Baggage biocellulose eye masks. These mini moisturizers contain an uber-hydrating cocktail of peptides, hyaluronic acid, squalene, rose water, and vitamin E that feel oh-so-refreshing on parched skin. Bonus: Each of these little masks has enough moisture that I'm able to massage the excess into the rest of my face after my brief, in-flight spa moment. Where to Buy It: I have a BioRepublic Lost Baggage Under Eye Emergency Repair Mask Subscribe & Save order through Amazon -- you'll get a slight discount if you set this up! Price (at time of publication): 3/$15.00
Why I Love It: I am a dedicated Stanley girl, but when I travel, I like to keep things as light and portable as possible. A recent trip to Washington D.C. had me singing the praises of my Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle, especially after paying $6 for a tiny bottle of water the afternoon we arrived and embarked sans water. I love the bottle's muted color options (I have the Hydaway in Twilight), sturdy handle, and fuss-free cleaning; fully extended it holds 17 ounces of water, making this smart little number perfect for filling up on the go. Where to Buy Them: The Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle is available at several online merchants; I purchased through REI. Available here on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $27.95.
Why We Love Them: This is one of those things that we don't know how we traveled without them. Packing cubes keep things organized, save space in a suitcase, and take the pain out of the packing process. If you know and love someone who travels, this set would make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: There are so many options for packing cubes on Amazon, but we particularly LOVE this set. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 for 8 cubes
Why We Love Them: I've been a fan of Beis for years now, starting with the Weekender (it’s my absolute favorite travel bag for short car trips or flying and is surprisingly roomy). I recently purchased another Beis item — the backpack. With a padded interior sleeve, two water bottle pockets, and plenty of organization built-in — we’re talking zippered interior pockets, pen slots, a key leash, and more — this is the best backpack I’ve ever owned. It also has a full-zip opening, so it’s easy to pack, and the trolley pass-through makes it the perfect carry-on companion. This olive beauty is officially my new favorite personal item while traveling, and I’ve already brought it on several trips. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Beis Price (at time of publication): $88
Why We Love Them: We bought this set of two accessory organizers for a recent trip and think they would make a fun stocking stuffer filled with all sorts of small and useful travel goodies — chapstick, hair ties, mini lotions, bandaids, etc. The gift recipient can then use the organizers for travel. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $17.66
Why We Love It: The sleek style of the Away Everywhere Zip Backpack looks at home in just about any environment, making it a great transition bag if you need to hop right from a flight into a work meeting (or want to start exploring as soon as you land). It's water-resistant, has a padded laptop sleeve to keep your devices safe, and the full wrap-around zipper makes it incredibly easy to grab what you need in a cramped airplane seat. I love it! Where To Buy It:Buy Now From Away Price (at time of publication): $195
Why We Love It: Engagement Editor Meg Archer recently travel-testedthis high-end aluminum travel case, and it can only be described as the Lamborghini of Luggage: "The Sterling Pacific 40L Travel Case is hands down the best I've ever owned or reviewed. It's stunning inside and out, timelessly stylish, and rolls like a dream. Honestly, I didn't know luggage could move like this." It's undeniably a splurge, but if you're looking for a piece of eye-catching yet understated luxury-tier luggage, this is it. Where To Buy It: Buy Now From Sterling Pacific Price (at time of publication): $2,150
Why We Love It: Throw out all your assumptions about generators. The Anker Power Bank Portable Generator is all-electric (so it's totally silent), super compact, and has a massive 60,000 mAh capacity that can power multiple devices dozens of times on a single charge. It also retains an impressive 85% charge after a whole year of non-use, making it absolutely vital during emergencies. This bad boy kept us in touch with family during a multi-day blackout, but we also love it for camping trips and off-grid adventures. Where To Buy It:Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $149.99
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If you need anymore ideas for the best travel gifts of the season, we have you covered. Check out more of our travel-themed gift guides...
Americans love a good sandwich, and that's likely why we're known internationally for our particularly appetizing burgers. But the truth is, each area in the nation has its own special sandwich flair. Everyone does it differently, but there's one local restaurant that quietly serves the best sandwich in Cleveland, Ohio. What's their secret, you ask? Quality, locally-sourced ingredients. Once you see these handhelds, you'll be planning a trip to check it out for yourself!
This delectable dining destination is Local West, a locally owned bistro that features some of the best craft beers and wine in the area. This is a spot where you can taste craft brews from not just Cleveland, but all over the nation. Beers from Michigan, New York, California, and Colorado add oomph to every meal.
The menu here is full of handhelds, but it's the ingredients that really make these sandwiches sing.
As the name implies, Local West is all about local ingredients. Most are sourced from local farms, with some items like cheeses and artisan breads coming from local makers. Sourcing these ingredients around the area allows the restaurant to craft sandwiches that are unbelievably fresh and delicious.
Some sandwiches are served on baguettes and other artisan breads, locking in the freshness between two delicious slices of local bread.
The sandwiches range from familiar (like the Italian, which features sliced roast beef) to unusual (like the Octopus, which... well, you guessed it). Whatever you're in the mood for, there's something here waiting to tempt your taste buds.
You just can't go wrong with a burger from Local West. Old Macdonald is the classic burger treatment with all your favorite accoutrements, but there's so much more to discover on this menu. The Murv, pictured above, is a breakfast burger. The Mac and Cheese is a unique take on a filling meal. The Slim Thick features a turkey burger and incredible peppered cranberry aioli. Truly, no matter what you're in the mood for, Local West has something that you'll love.
In addition to great food, the ambiance at Local West can't be beat.
As craft brews are one of the main focuses here, the atmosphere naturally feels a bit like a local pub. It's unfussy, warm, and intimate, the kind of place where you could easily stay for a spell with friends or simply pop in and out for a quick meal.
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On the other hand, carryout is always an option, too!
While the ambiance is great, sometimes a meal at home just does the trick. From personal pizzas to salads and sandwiches, all your favorites are just as delicious at home.
If you haven't yet visited Local West in Cleveland, you can find it on Detroit Avenue.
It's located between the Detroit-Shoreway and Edgewater neighborhoods, and it's truly a hidden local gem. They're open every day but Sunday, serving delicious food between 11 a.m. and 9 p.m.
Look for it at 7402 Detroit Ave, Cleveland, OH, 44102.
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The best sandwich in Cleveland is a mighty title to hold, but Local West on Detroit Avenue is rather humble about their reputation. Which of their handhelds is your favorite? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Detroit-Shoreway is a very old neighborhood in Cleveland. Learn about its history before you pay it a visit.
