BIPOC & LGBTQIA+ Friendly Spaces in Cleveland

 

WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE OF THE WESTIN CLEVELAND DOWNTOWN

  • Leather Stallion
    • One of the oldest leather bars in the Midwest, this saloon now welcomes everyone – in or out of leather.

UNDER 10-MINUTE DRIVE FROM THE WESTIN CLEVELAND DOWNTOWN

  • Cocktails Cleveland
    • This quaint Detroit-Shoreway neighborhood spot offers is a great place for karaoke and has some killer drink specials.
  • The Hawk
    • This neighborhood bar is often referred to as the “Gay Cheers.”
  • Twist Social Club
    • Probably the most popular gay nightlife spot in the area, Twist is welcoming to all. Visit their always-happening front patio.
  • Nano Brew
    • Catch the perfectly named Brews and Babes show on weeknights where, weather-permitting, you might watch the performance on the outside patio.
  • The Crispy Chick
  • Johnny Mango World Cafe
  • Kafela
    • Kafela (pronounced Cafe L.A.) bring L.A. vibes right to the heart of St. Clair serving breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Ice-cream, Coffee, Tea, Pastries and so much more! Your favorite neighborhood hang out!
  • African American Cultural Garden
    • Located within the Cleveland Cultural Gardens, architect Daniel Bickerstaff designed this space to convey the past, present and future of the African American community, as well as promote the education and interest of its culture and heritage.  
  • Station Hope at St. John’s Episcopal Church
    • Get shook at the belltower at St. John’s Episcopal Church, where enslaved people hid before they crossed Lake Erie on their final leg of the Underground Railroad. Today, the church is a gathering place for an annual celebration named “Station Hope” after Cleveland’s nickname on the Underground Railroad. 
  • League Park & Baseball Heritage Museum
    • Long before Progressive Field, League Park was Cleveland’s resident field of dreams. See the spot where the Cleveland Buckeyes clinched the 1945 Negro League World Series, then explore the adjacent museum packed with sports stories and treasures from the lost Latin, Caribbean, Barnstormer, Negro and Women’s leagues.

10 TO 20-MINUTE DRIVE FROM THE WESTIN CLEVELAND DOWNTOWN

  • Grog Shop
    • Each month at GlamGore, alternative drag takes center stage. Horror and glamour unite as everyone from drag monsters to beauty queens perform at this all-ages show.
  • The 5 O'Clock Lounge
    • Combining burlesque, art and music, the punk rock showcase BLACK MASS takes over on the second saturday of every month. 
  • Brewella’s
    • Coffee, crepes and collectibles beckon along with friendly “Brewistas.” At Brewella’s, themed menu items and decor change with the seasons, but year-round menu staples include the French Toast crepe and Cafe Au Lait. Get ready to take a selfie with their “Oh, How Marvelous” neon sign and signature black-and-white wall.
  • Opal on Pearl
    • A fine dining lounge with familiar small plates and locally sourced cheese plates.
  • Poppy
    • Two-time James Beard Award nominee Jill Vedaa' new restaurant.
  • 31707 Urban Street Food
  • Angie’s Soul Cafe
  • Cleveland Breakfast Club
    • Brunch everyday, all day
  • CMB Soul Food - Cleveland
  • The Euro Wafel Bar
  • Ja'nelles Restaurant
  • Legacy 5
  • Muncheez
  • Pearl’s Kitchen
    • Casual eatery serving inspired comfort food! They are located inside of Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse open during Cavs games, and on the CWRU campus. They are open to the public 7 days a week!
  • Pipe ‘N Hot Grill
  • Stuff Yourself
  • UnBar Cafe
  • Vegan Club
    • Plant based goodness
  • Zanzibar Soul Fusion
  • Karamu House
    • What’s not to love about world-class theatre in our own backyard? Cleveland is an epicenter of arts and culture, boasting the nation’s oldest African American theatre. Founded in 1915, this cultural staple is listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. Enjoy professional theatre productions and arts education while honoring the Black experience. 
  • Cleveland History Center
    • Explore the past and spill the tea at the Cleveland History Center. Search online through the African American Archives or add your activist-related story. When at the museum, be sure to visit the "Carl & Louis Stokes Making History" exhibit, spotlighting two Black Clevelanders who made national history in the political arena. The Center's African American Heritage programs are supported by the George Gund Foundation.

MORE THAN A 20-MINUTE DRIVE FROM THE WESTIN CLEVELAND DOWNTOWN 

  • Sophie La Gourmande
    • If you’re in the mood for exquisite pastries and artisan coffee. Nestled in Cleveland Heights. Owner Bob Sferra not only knows how to make your taste buds dance, but he has also been a tremendous influence in the local LGBTQ+ community, raising over $350,000 for LGBTQ+ causes and even serving as the LGBT Community Center's longtime Board of Directors president before stepping down in 2019. His mini Basque cheesecake makes our mouths water just typing it.
  • Archie’s Hough Bakery
  • Sweet Corner Cakes
    • Daily cupcakes and treats and also specializes in custom cakes
  • The Sweet Fix Bakery
    • The Sweet Fix is a cozy bakery located on Lee Road in Cleveland Heights. The Sweet Fix offers a variety of cakes, cookies, cupcakes, pies, and other delicious treats.
  • Doc’s on Harvard
  • Zoma Ethiopian Restaurant