Where is the Best Chill Scene in Cleveland, Ohio?
What makes a good bar? Most people would have to agree that it’s the atmosphere and the crowd since you can pretty much get the same drinks at any bar. And this is why The Spider is one of my favorite bars anywhere…but I am very biased since I went to Case and lived in the nearby northside dorms in the early 80’s when the Spider was called the Olive Tree…at least I think it was called the Olive Tree. It was some kind of “tree” since we always called it just The Tree. We drank a lot in college as it was nearly impossible not to stop in during our afternoon walk home from classes on the Quad. The Spider is housed in a converted old carriage house well off the street down a long driveway. It’s kind of a secret hidden little bar in the woods which adds to its amazing charm and character. In the winter, the Spider is incredibly cozy with the fire going but it really shines in the summer either in the late afternoon or at night with live music. Hang out on the picnic tables under the can
We have been living in Cleveland for a few months after spending a lot of time in Europe and tried D’Vine for the first time. We were pleasantly surprised by the extensive wine menu. The flights we ordered were very well thought out. I had a flight of Cabs and my guest had a flight of sparkling whites. Each of the flights gave a wide range of what each wine type had to offer. The flight of cabs had a mixture of berry, prune, tannic, etc. My guest is not a fan of reds and even she marveled at the fact that her unititiated nose could discern the difference. On the down side, two of the “sparkling wines” were brought to the table flat. The waiter quickly corrected it explaining that the sparklings sometimes are flat. (I did wonder, since he returned so quickly, if the fizz was regenerated by a bit of sugar or if they actually opened two new bottles).We also had a pizza (hand formed and backed to perfection) and “tapas.” (I am including quotes because these dishes bear little resemblance
If you can penetrate Cleveland’s Euclid Avenue construction obstacles and eventually find a parking spot SOMEWHERE along the side streets, which is in itself an adventure, you’ll find a totally smoke-filled average bar. I found the martinis to be extraordinarily expensive and their taste mediocre compared to the surrounding bars. There’s a martini bar next door that I would highly suggest, especially since the crowd next door is usually more diverse. I also found Hamilton’s to be so smoke-filled, it’s almost difficult to see from one end of the bar to the other because of the thick haze. The bar is very small, so you’re shoulder to shoulder with people even there are only four people in the place!Pros + Decor was well doneCons – Parking, thick cigarette smoke
