15 Must-Go Places In Gordon Square

Once neglected and in decline, today Gordon Square is home to some of Cleveland’s best restaurants, shops and performing arts venues. The trendy neighborhood has emerged as a center for arts and culture anchored by its three major theaters: Cleveland Public Theatre, Near West Theatre and the Capitol Theatre. Residents appreciate the close-knit community and pedestrian-friendly streets. “New developments are going up all over the place,” says Adam Stalder, the former executive director of the Detroit Shoreway Community Development Organization. “People want to live close to the lake. They want to live in a vibrant urban area like Gordon Square.”

78th Street Studios

Cleveland’s largest arts complex is home to more than 60 creative businesses. During the popular Third Fridays, artists display their work as the public explores four levels of unique galleries, studios and performances. 1300 W. 78th St., 440-503-5506, 78thstreetstudios.com

Blue Habanero

Known for its flavorful street tacos and fresh fruit margaritas, Blue Habanero is also a feast for the eyes with its colorful Dia de los Muertos-inspired dining room. 6416 Detroit Ave., 216-465-1818, bluehabanerocleveland.com

Brewnuts

This unique bar is a creative blend of donuts, coffee and beer. Each delicious treat is made in small batches with 12 flavors available daily. Have a party or event coming up? Brewnuts can cater for your dessert needs. 6501 Detroit Ave., 216-471-8008, brewnutscleveland.com

Cleveland Public Theatre

Home to innovative and experimental performances, CPT prides itself on supporting new work by local artists. Audiences can enjoy the art of in-person perforamnce through various shows and special events throughout the calendar year. 6415 Detroit Ave., 216-631-2727, cptonline.org

Flight Cleveland

Sip and sample, then take home your favorite bottle of wine afterward. Flights with pun-perfect names like Netflix + Chile and Treat Yo' Self pair nicely with select cheese boards. 5712 Detroit Ave., 216-400-6867, flightcleveland.com

Lake Erie Scoops

Rediscover childhood treats at Lake Erie Scoops, a welcoming neighborhood grab-and-go spot. From handcrafted flavors to throwback candy and classic sodas, it’s a cheerful destination that brings nostalgic favorites back to life. 6604 Detroit Ave., Cleveland, 216-870-8169, lakeeriescoops.com

La Playa Mexican Food & Mariscos

Indulge in traditional Mexican cuisine and seafood at this tropical escape. Order a soft serve margarita ($14) in flavors like watermelon basil and passionfruit to complete your meal while enjoying live music. 6410 Detroit Ave., 216-331-2757, laplayafreshseafood.com

LGBT Community Center of Greater Cleveland

With a brick and glass exterior and vibrant, colorful pops of fuchsia and yellow-green inside, the welcoming, accessible facility brings together the community for resources, support, connections and programming year-round. 6705 Detroit Ave., 216-651-5428, lgbtcleveland.org

Luxe Kitchen & Lounge

Relax on this Mediterranean-Italian bistro’s patio or enjoy the hip, bohemian ambiance inside. Stop by for brunch where you can’t go wrong with eggs Benedict or baked French toast with candied pecans, blackberries and maple creme anglaise. 6605 Detroit Ave., 216-920-0600, luxecleveland.com

READ MORE: Dining Guide: Cleveland's 25 Best Brunches

My Cuzin Vintage

My Cuzin Vintage is a curated store offering vintage clothes, sneakers and streetwear for those looking to buy, sell or trade authentic pieces. 6507 Detroit Ave. Cleveland, 216-400-7399, mycuzinvintagecle.com

Near West Theatre

With a focus on youth productions and programming, Near West is one of Gordon Square Arts District’s founding partners. In May, it will host a pay-what-you-can streaming benefit performance and host Rise, a free summer youth theater arts program. 6702 Detroit Ave., 216-961-9750, nearwesttheatre.org

Oceanne Studio and Boutique

The perfect canvas for owner and designer Anne Harrill’s one-of-a-kind creations, this quaint modern boutique also plays host to workshops and private events. 6519 Detroit Ave., 216-862-7043, oceanne.net

Ready Set Coffee

Start your morning off right with a specialty drink from this cozy cafe. Try the Black Cat Mocha with oat milk ($6) or the Milk & Cookies Latte with cookie butter syrup and Biscoff cookie crumbles ($6). Pair your drink with a locally sourced pastry or a freshly baked sourdough bagel. 7306 Detroit Ave. Suite 101, 216-417-3331, readysetcoffee.com

Stone Mad Pub

Dine in style at this restaurant’s rustic outdoor patio with its eye-catching two-story fireplace to keep you warm on cool summer nights. The Irish-inspired pub menu features favorites like shepherd’s pie and four-cheese mac ‘n’ cheese. 1306 W. 65th St., 216-281-6500, stonemadpub.com

Superelectric Pinball Parlor

The owners restore and sell pinball machines from the 1970s to today, so visitors to this retro-inspired parlor will find a never-ending selection of new games to play. 6500 Detroit Ave., 440-506-4661, superelectric.tv

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