Greater Buckeye's Neighborhoods Bring Culture to Cleveland

Greater Buckeye is a kaleidoscope. Twist your lens to each community that makes up the neighborhood — Shaker Square and Woodland Hills, Buckeye, and Larchmere — and it’s apparent each is amazingly distinctive and unique. You’ll find fierce pride and independence among residents as well as an ingrained creative spirit that brings cultural richness to the area. The business communities also have impressive histories unique to Cleveland, but with a firm commitment to what lies ahead. 

Greater Buckeye is as colorful as the individual pieces in that kaleidoscope. Bright national flags of countries that residents and entrepreneurs left to find a new life in the United States fly from homes and ethnic restaurants. Gorgeous fabrics and headdresses are worn to outdoor community events — a nod to one’s heritage — no matter how long a family has had roots in America. 

Shaker Square, now an almost 170,000 square-foot mixed use area, began its life in 1927 at the intersection of Shaker and Moreland boulevards. The shopping center was one of the first in the country to incorporate automobiles in its layout and the plan has complemented the unique available public transit. 

Throughout the years, local, independent small businesses were the hallmark of Shaker Square. The economic hardships caused by Covid-19 was almost disastrous to the Square. But a joint purchase of the center in 2022 with Cleveland Neighborhood Progress and Burten Bell Carr, a community development organization, breathed new life into the Square.

Today, in addition to the intriguing shops and eateries, Shaker Square is a hub for community activity. Several festivals, fairs and musical series delight Greater Buckeye residents and those of other nearby Cleveland neighborhoods. The Cleveland Garlic Festival is August 29 and 30. The Shaker Square North Union Farmers Market, a popular showcase of local growers and farmers, providing fresh food, is held Saturdays, April through December.

Larchmere, beginning at East 120th Street and extending east to North Moreland Blvd., and one block north of Shaker Square, is one of a kind. The corridor is part art gallery row, vintage and antique shop haven. It’s also a great spot for a lunch (go for seating outdoors where you can people watch).

The free Larchmere PorchFest returns Saturday, June 13. Bring a chair or blanket and check out as many “porches” and musical acts as you can fit into your day. 

Buckeye Road’s history reads like a ledger of historically significant Black-owned businesses. Small businesses here have served their neighbors with purpose for decades. New development in the area continues that legacy. 

Neighborhood Spotlights

It’s seafood first at Sazani Oceana, an upscale new restaurant that opened in Shaker Square this February. You’ll find lobster wellington, grilled octopus, tuna crunch roll, steamed mussels, potato crusted halibut, seafood bouillabaisse and fresh oysters. (A limited number of beef, chicken and vegan dishes are also available.) 

The dining experience is the collaboration of restaurateur Akin Affrica of Soul Republic Hospitality Group and former Cleveland Browns wide receiver Josh Cribbs, who loves seafood. The 4,600-square-foot space, formerly occupied by another restaurant, has been completely renovated into a contemporary, soothing environment. 

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Those looking for an adventurous meal out may want to try Sunday Brunch at Batuqui, The Flavor of Brasil, 12624 Larchmere Blvd. Owners Carla Batista and Gustavo Nogueiro moved their authentic Brazilian cuisine restaurant to its current location this past September. The couple now call the former St. Paul’s Evangelical Church their home. The space, with its stained-glass windows and wooden architectural details, seats more than 100 guests, with additional seating in the lower level for private events. 

You can also try Happy Hour or dinner. Entres include Moqueca Baiana (traditional Brazilian stew with tomatoes, onions, coconut mile, cilantro served over Brazilian rice) and Picanha Acebolada (traditional grilled Brazilian steakhouse cut served with onions, rice, pinto beans, farola and tomato relish.) Or grab some friends and order Feijoada, the traditional party dish of Brazil. 

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You won’t have a hard time finding something fun to do with family and friends at Shaker Square this summer. There really is something for everyone at the historical Shaker Square. Think: Dads and Strollers, Summer Music Series, Circus on the Square and the very popular North Union Farmers Market, Saturdays from now through December 19, 8 a.m. to noon.

“More than 2,000 participants have engaged in recent Shaker Square events, with momentum building at each gathering. There is a renewed sense of place that continues to grow stronger every day,” says Tania Menesse, president and CEO of Cleveland Neighborhood Progress. “Events invite the community to experience ongoing improvements and renewed energy at the Square firsthand.”

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Woodhill Station East opened this past May and the four-story building with 64 units is comprised of 1-, 2- and 3-bedroom apartments. The mixed-income housing is across the street from the Woodhill Station Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (GCRTA) stop and next to Shaker Blvd. 

“Amenities include a fitness room, lounge, bike storage, package room, business office, outdoor patio space and more,” says George Tabit, senior vice president of real estate development for The Community Builders.