Lakewood (Ohio)

History

One of Cleveland's original "streetcar suburbs," Lakewood was built and settled primarily in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Most of its existing housing stock was built in this timeframe, and is surprisingly well maintained. Lakewood has managed to retain many of the best features of a city, small town, and suburb, and scenes reminiscent of all three can easily be found within a few blocks of downtown Lakewood (Detroit Ave. between Cook and Bunts) as well as the Gold Coast neighborhood.

By car

From the airport, follow Ohio 237 north; from most parts of Cleveland proper, take I-90 or Ohio 2 west and follow the signs.

By bus

RTA bus #26 serves both Lakewood and Cleveland along Detroit Avenue, and the Red Line features two stops just inside the Lakewood/Cleveland border, West 117 and Triskett Road, from which one can easily walk to the southeastern neighborhoods of Lakewood.

The areas of Lakewood of most interest to a visitor, notably the downtown area, are very walkable and bike-friendly neighborhoods. If coming from Cleveland, the #26 bus runs relatively frequently down Detroit Avenue and takes about 45 minutes between downtown Lakewood and downtown Cleveland. Driving in and around Lakewood is fairly easy as well. The speed limits are in school zones and on most other streets, and are vigorously enforced. Parking is limited in and near the downtown area, though paid garages and metered parking are available almost everywhere.

• Beck Center for the Arts

  address: 17801 Detroit Ave
  Local theater often featuring Kevin Kelly.

• Nicholson House

  address: 13335 Detroit Ave
  Totally haunted.

• Lakewood Park

  address: 14532 Lake Ave
  Gorgeous park with amazing views of Lake Erie. Site of the yearly 4th of July fireworks.

• First Federal Lakewood Stadium

• Clifton Beach

• Malley's Chocolates

  address: 14822 Madison Ave
  Some of the best chocolate in the world. Store features an old timey soda fountain with a multitude of ice cream treat options. Widely known for their fresh hot fudge.

• Marc's Deep Discount Stores

  address: 14681 Detroit Ave
  It's always busy, with tiny aisles, and cheap wares.

• The Mission Boutique

  address: 14625 Madison St
  Sexy goth/punk clothing store

• Rozi's Wine House

  address: 14900 Detroit Ave
  Family-owned store with an incredibly wide selection of wine, beer, gourmet food, cheese, and gifts

• Aladdin's Eatery

  address: 14536 Detroit Ave
  Delicious Lebanese food and home of the chain's national headquarters.

• Borderline Cafe

  address: 18510 Detroit Ave
  Tiny tex-mex style breakfast nook. Almost always packed and closes at 2PM.

• Dianna's Deli & Restaurant

  address: 1332 W. 117th St
  24-hour, home-style diner, with a very colorful (sometimes not for the best) wait staff.

• Elmwood Home Bakery

  address: 15204 Madison Ave
  Delicious cakes, breaks, and baked goods. As featured in the movie American Splendor.

• Melt Bar and Grilled

  address: 14718 Detroit Ave
  Incredibly long waits only matched by the amazing food. Cheese!

• Pacers

  address: 14600 Detroit Ave
  Delicious ribs, wings, and Shirley Temples. Also a full bar. Tons of flat screens for sporting events

• Szechwan Garden

  address: 13800 Detroit Ave
  Yummy Chinese foods.

• Tina's Deli & Restaurant

  address: 13411 Detroit Ave
  The far better of Lakewood's two delis, Americana and Middle Eastern fare.

• Pier W

  phone: +1 216 228-2250
  address: 12700 Lake Ave. Winton Pl
  Described as a ˝landmark Cleveland restaurant˝ but it's within Lakewood city limits. Serves delicious food, with a mostly seafood menu, and offers a bar and valet parking. Nice atmosphere and great view of the lake. Sunday mornings are their buffets - a nice time to bring the whole family. A bit pricey

• Sauced Taproom

• 16 BitBarcade

• Days Inn Cleveland Lakewood

• Travelodge Cleveland Lakewood

• Lakewood Public Library

Most parts of Lakewood are very safe, particularly by comparison to Cleveland proper. At night, use caution in the neighborhoods adjacent to West 117th Street south of Detroit, and Madison Avenue east of Madison Park.

Lakewood is well known as an economically, culturally and ethnically diverse community. Prejudice in any form is not appreciated, but treat other people the way you wish to be treated, regardless of any differences, and you should be fine.

Explore Cleveland or the metro area.