Cleveland’s ready for its queer close-up

This Midwestern gem of a city, often overlooked for larger destinations, has much to offer the LGBTQ+ traveler. The host of the 2014 Gay Games, Cleveland’s queer community continues to build bigger and better spaces for itself.

Nowhere is that more obvious than at the groundbreaking Studio West 117, part of an enormous plan to enhance community-driven spaces in Cleveland. The ground floor hosts drag shows, brunches, and more. Upstairs offers a gorgeous rooftop bar called Trellis, boasting an enchanting open-air space and plenty of heat lamps and fireplaces for cooler evenings. Connected to everything is a gymnasium, which hosts anything from queer youth sports leagues to drag yoga.

Pack your bags, we’re going on an adventure

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Additionally, this revitalization aims to support local businesses by reinventing the sprawling site of the former Phantasy Theater complex. The new space will contain five event venues and several retail storefronts. Across Detroit Road, over 100 units of dedicated LGBTQ+ workforce, senior housing, and an entire LGBTQ+ health facility will be established. The developers also envision an LGBTQ+ healthcare, research, and education hub where doctors and students worldwide can come together to learn the latest in gender-affirming care.

Stay trendy

In the city’s iconic May Company Building, ROOST Cleveland is an apartment complex/extended-stay hotel. Located in the city’s central Public Square, the two-bedroom apartments are incredibly spacious, modern, and clean. Huge windows face the city’s skyscrapers and make one feel a part of the urban fabric. You’ll have easy access to all the excitement only a short walk or drive from all the sites.  

Another fave of the queer community is the Kimpton Schofield Hotel, located on downtown’s bustling E. 9^th Street. This recently restored Victorian building boasts modern, comfortable rooms and a lovely dining option, which can be enjoyed al fresco.

Across the street is the popular The Metropolitan at the 9, a Marriott Autograph-branded property in a tall brutalist structure containing apartments, an upscale grocery store in the old bank lobby rotunda, a rooftop space, restaurants, and a basement lounge built around the old bank vault.

Hingetown rising

This portion of the Ohio City neighborhood is one of the city’s fastest-growing areas. It’s home to trendy restaurants, cute shops, and great bars like Saucy Brew Works and The Hangar. Wander around The City Goods, a collection of local shops housed in quirky rounded metal hangers. The area is also considered to be Cleveland’s first LGBTQ+ neighborhood and the home to many of its queer residents.

To support local LGBTQ+-owned businesses, visit the iconic Dean Rufus House of Fun. Offering all sorts of funky gifts, from greeting cards and clothing to sex toys, there’s something for everyone to take home with them. Longtime Cleveland-area chef Douglas Katz recently came out as gay; his latest restaurant, the Indian-inspired Amba, a sexy space with a dark ambiance and incredible dishes, is a great spot for a romantic date.

Another new restaurant to check out is JaJa. It has an Argentinian steakhouse vibe and small plates meant for sharing. While you wait for the elevator to the restaurant’s main dining space, take in the whimsical décor adorning the jungle-vibed anteroom.

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Continuing the leafy and floral motif, this eatery offers impeccable service and an intimate and elegant feel. Everything on the menu is a mouthwatering delight: smoked eggplant with Greek yogurt, scallops with corn and cauliflower gnocchi, and the gilded chocolate cake.

The East 4^th Street entertainment district is another great place to eat, with various enticing restaurants like Cordelia. Wander off the street into a chic, industrial space, where framed photos of famous NE Ohioans, from Paul Newman and Steve Harvey to Machine Gun Kelly, adorn one wall. Highlights include the grilled prawns, burger box, and fried chicken appetizer.

So much more to do!

Other favorite Cleveland-area attractions include:

A Christmas Story House — Tour the extensive campus that includes the home of Ralphie and family from the beloved Christmas film, shot partially in Cleveland. The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo — boasts standout exhibits on elephants, wolves, Australian wildlife, and much more. A visit to CLE wouldn’t be complete without a stop at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum! The Cleveland Museum of Natural History, in the city’s cultural hub, has impressive indoor displays and an extensive outdoor wildlife exhibit.

The West Side Market is a century-old food hall that features stunning architecture and resembles a grand train station with its soaring ceilings. Peruse the produce stalls that run along two sides of the building and then walk inside for vendors selling meats, bread, pierogies (a local favorite), cheeses, international foods, spices, and desserts.

Lastly, if you’re specifically looking for queer nightlife, in addition to the new SW117 offerings, check out the Leather Stallion Saloon for the gear crowd and bear lovers, Twist Social Club for a younger, dancing crowd, or The Hawk for more of a casual neighborhood bar vibe. East of downtown, the city’s bathhouse, FLEXSpas Cleveland, has spas, hotel rooms, a fitness facility, and more. Day passes are available.