Lakewood Ohio Neighborhood Guide
Welcome to my Lakewood Ohio Neighborhood Guide.
Just west of Downtown Cleveland is Lakewood Ohio, a suburb that has major downtown neighborhood vibes. There’s a little something for everyone with a huge restaurant scene, local shops and boutiques, entertainment, parks, and killer Lake Erie views. As a hugely residential area, you’ll find a majority of the restaurants, shops, and entertainment along two roads spanning across Lakewood from east to west called Madison Avenue and Detroit Avenue.
With Lake Erie spanning the entire northern border and the Rocky River Reservation and river spanning the entire west side, there is plenty of nature to get out and enjoy. Minutes away from other popular neighborhoods and Downtown, Cleveland, Lakewood is a great place to be if you want to feel like you’re still in a downtown neighborhood but with a more peaceful suburban residential home feel. My Lakewood, Ohio Neighborhood guide will share all the things I love about Lakewood to help you plan and enjoy your visit.
Lakewood Highlights
- The Solstice Steps along the shore of Lake Erie are perfect for a picnic while watching the sunset.
- Go bowling, grab a drink, meal, and a show at Mahall’s.
- Enjoy the Rocky River Reservation that cuts into the west edge of town.
- Get a massage and cocktail at Sacred Hour Wellness Spa & Tribú Bar & Lounge.
Things To Do | Lakewood Ohio Neighborhood Guide
Get Pampered at Sacred Hour Wellness Spa
Ever since this spa was recommended to me almost a decade ago, it’s been my absolute favorite place to go and unwind. Their design aesthetic is constantly evolving and adds to the total sense of relaxation you feel when visiting. There are two locations, but my favorite is in Lakewood. This location also has a new(ish) addition called Tribú, a beautiful bar that serves cocktails and light bites just outside of the spa. I can’t recommend this place enough.
Visit | 17917 Detroit Avenue
Watch The Sunset At The Solstice Steps in Lakewood Park
Along the shore of Lake Erie within Lakewood Park is the popular Solstice Steps. This is an incredible place to watch the sunset, especially seeing it reach its northernmost point on the horizon each year during the summer solstice. I love to grab a bite at a local restaurant (keep scrolling for my faves) and enjoy a picnic on the stairs while the sunsets.
Visit | 14532 Lake Avenue
Catch A Show & Bowl at Mahall’s 20 Lanes
A Lakewood institution, Mahall’s 20 Lanes has been a lot of things since it was founded in 1924. Today, it’s a bowling alley, a concert venue, a bar and restaurant, and a place for locals to have fun and let loose.
Visit | 13200 Madison Avenue
Hike Rocky River Reservation
Cleveland, Ohio in general is home to an incredible Metropark parks system, and bordering Lakewood is one of my favorite parks the Rocky River Reservation. A long and narrow park spanning multiple cities and almost covering Lakewoods entire western border is the perfect place to go explore nature and enjoy the seasons. If you want to increase your heart rate, take on the Fort Hill stairs, 155 stairs that go up 90 feet to the top of Fort Hill. Not only a great workout but you’ll be rewarded with killer views of the park, too.
Visit | Stairs are located near the Rocky River Nature Center
Edgewater Neighborhood
Edgewater is a small neighborhood that borders Lakewood on its east side. I’ve often considered a lot of shops in this neighborhood part of Lakewood even though they aren’t. I’m not making a guide for Edgewater but wanted to include a few of the shops I love here.
Urban Planting Cleveland, Chelsea’s Costumes & Vintage Clothing, Flower Child, El Jalepeño’s, Green Opal Salon
Shopping | Lakewood Ohio Neighborhood Guide
Lakewood has a lot of shopping, especially from smaller local businesses. Below are some of my favorite shops to find a gift or to treat myself.
Cuyahoga Collective
A curated collection of local-themed and locally made goods for the home and to wear.
Visit | 15701 Madison Avenue
Revival Body Care
Locally made on-site skin, lip, and hair care that is all-natural using organic, fair trade, and 100% vegan ingredients. The shop also has plants, stones, and some other home goods, too.
Visit | 13337 Madison Avenue
Lakewood Plant Company
All things plants from unique to common favorites. They also sell plant accessories and host workshops and events.
Visit | 15612 Detroit Avenue
Apple Jax Toys
Vintage toys and collectables in this shop will give you all the nostalgic feels.
Visit | 13002 Madison Avenue
More Shopping in Lakewood Ohio
Salty Not Sweet
The weird, the unexpected, the unique. Shirts, jewelry, home goods, stationery, and more.
Visit | 13339 Madison Avenue
Mishi
Lifestyle
Beautifully curated, moody, eclectic home goods, jewelry, and more.
Visit | 15602 Detroit Avenue
The New
Moon
Find what you need for your metaphysical practices. They also provide services like tarot reading and more.
Visit | 15729 Madison Avenue
Fears Confections
Unique and geeky-themed chocolates and favorites like Buckeyes and truffles.
Visit | 15208 Madison avenue
While I try to share places I have firsthand experience with, here are a few shops I am looking forward to visiting in the near future: Bear Soul Studio & Rock Shop, STEM Handmade Soaps, Bookshop, Lakewood Art Supply, The Salvaged Boutique, Cleveland Curiosities, My Minds Eye Records, Little Lakewood Pasta Company,
Places To Eat | Lakewood Ohio Neighborhood Guide
Even though we live in a huge foodie neighborhood, we find ourselves making our way to Lakewood to eat at one of the many restaurants quite often. Below is a collection of some of our favorites for their delicious food (priority) and being majorly photogenic (a bonus). Enjoy!
Barroco Arepa Bar
If I had to choose one item off their menu as the only thing I could eat for the rest of my life, it would be the Cheesy Corn Dip with Chicken. Crisp arepa strips and chips are served aside from this heavenly cheesy dip that is an absolute must in my opinion. The arepas and tacos are also quite tasty, too.
Visit | 12906 Madison Avenue
Bar Italia
Feel like you’re dining in an NYC Italian restaurant while tasting delicious, house-made sauce and fresh pasta. Their Grilled Country Bread (baked by the local bakery On The Rise) might be some of the best bread you ever ate with your pasta.
Visit | 5625 Detroit Avenue
Thai Thai
A Thai food destination serving up Bangkok street food and is popular for its fun and unique bubble teas. My favorite dish is the Pad See Eiw, or if I’m feeling a little spicy I go for the Pad Kee Mao, yum!
Visit | 13415 Madison Ave
Harlow’s
A tasty wood-fired pizza shop in a very unique-looking building with a limited menu that is not limited to flavor.
Visit | 14319 Madison Ave
Hola Tacos
From the owners of another favorite spot, Barroco comes a small but mighty taco joint known for its Birria tacos and unique dishes like Mexican Ramen and Birria Pizza. You already know how I feel about the cheesy dip, it’s a must.
Visit | 12102 Madison Ave
Eugene Kitchen
A small, in-bar kitchen from the former Tinman Burger chef serving up delicious burgers and more inside Bottlehouse Brewery.
Visit | 13368 Madison Ave inside BottleHouse Brewery
La Plaza Taqueria
Authentic and flavorful Mexican food is served in a small, sit-down taqueria inside a popular neighborhood Mexican Grocery store.
Visit | 13609 Lakewood Heights Blvd.
Dinerbar On Clifton
Tasty comfort food is served up in a stylish and modern take on a retro diner.
Visit | 11801 Clifton Blvd.
More Places To Eat In Lakewood Ohio
I could fill this entire guide up with enticing food photos, but for space-saving purposes here are some other spots you should definitely not miss out on.
Angelo’s Pizza, Dewey’s Pizza, El Carnicero, Molto Bene, Barrio, Ohio City Burrito, Immigrant Son Brewery, Blackbird Baking Company, Breadsmith, Salt, Rood Food + Pie, Brewella’s, Summer House.
I hope you’ve enjoyed my Lakewood Ohio Neighborhood Guide! Are you a business in the neighborhood and want to collaborate, or did you have an update on something I shared here? Contact me. Be sure to check out my other Cleveland Ohio Neighborhood Guides below!
