Bar Crawl
Here are the keys to exploring downtown Cleveland's newest hot spot, The 9.
With its glowing red Metropolitan insignia, seductive ads on a nearby digital billboard and swanky sports cars lined up at the curbside valet, The 9 is beckoning downtown revelers to break from East Fourth and West Sixth streets to wine and dine at one of its luxurious venues. From cascading chandeliers to claw-foot couches, each place inside the hotel and residential complex exudes urban glamour. Next summer, the 8,000-square-foot Azure Sun Lounge, a lounge by day and a club by night, also opens. Until then, we give you a tour of three high-class hot spots that elevate your night out.
Adega
What You'll Find ଠA glass wine vault holds more than 175 varietals. If that doesn't catch your eye, Adega's twist on modern Mediterranean cuisine will. "We're heavy on Spanish, Italian and Greek flavors," says executive chef Eddie Tancredi. Best Time to Go ଠFor $8, craft your own crepes on weekends from 6:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. by choosing from 15 toppings including strawberries or serrano ham. Drink This ଠSip on the Nine ($12) made with Three Olives Pomegranate Vodka, Ketel One Citroen, pomegranate juice and Champagne.
Ledger Bar
What You'll Find ଠAdjacent to the Alex Theater, this second-floor lounge overlooks the lobby with leather couches, marble countertops and an intimate bar. "It's a nice little liaison between the restaurant and the Vault," says beverage manager Michael Lucas. Best Time to Go ଠSlink by between 7 and 9 p.m. to pregame before descending into the Vault Social Lounge. Drink This ଠTab Jameson ($8) mixes hot coffee with Baileys Irish Cream, Frangelico and Kahlua.
The Vault Social Lounge
What You'll Find ଠThis vintage-style, underground club tucked inside the former Cleveland Trust Co. steel vaults includes a speakeasy space that plays '20s and '30s films. "It has this pre-Prohibition vibe going on," says Keith Halfmann, chief operating officer of Geis Hospitality Group. Best Time to Go ଠIf you're looking to let loose, go Saturday from 10 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. when disc jockeys crank up the volume. Drink This ଠAssets and Liabilities ($11) shakes up lemonade by adding blueberry-infused vodka, basil and a house-made blueberry puree.
