Edgewater - Cleveland, OH Area Guide

The Edgewater district of Cleveland was settled as industry grew in the city. Wealthy residents looking for more land moved west to acquire scenic lakefront property. Cultural diversity became a key element in the neighborhood, where a mix of personal styles and ethnicities mingle to provide a progressive environment.

Early settlers to Edgewater were of European, predominately German, descent. In 1911, local German immigrants donated a statue of composer Richard Wagner to Edgewater Lakefront State Park in support of the arts. Presently, the neighborhood is culturally and ethnically diverse.

Every June, over 100 artists display their creations at The Clifton Arts and Musicfest. For over 21 years, the festival has provided treasures for Cleveland homes over live music. Another event of note, the NEOCycle Night Ride cycles riders through the district to Edgewater Park.

The Edgewater district's diverse dining options allow hungry residents to select from American, Thai, Mexican, and Italian restaurants. Many of these eateries make their homes along Clifton Boulevard and Detroit Road.

Steak and seafood lovers go to Don's Lighthouse loyally. The Plain Dealer marks Don's Lighthouse Grille as an A-List Restaurant and a Top 10 Dining Destination in Cleveland. The crab cakes, duck breast and steak Oscar remain menu leaders.

Residents enjoy casual meals at such establishments as the Tick Tock Tavern, the Diner on Clifton, and Papa Nick's. Papa Nick's Pizza & Pasta serves consistent classic Italian dishes at affordable prices. Locals call the wedding soup, lasagna and baked rigatoni with meatballs absolutely addicting. Come early on weekends to avoid a wait because the small dining room fills quickly. My Friends restaurant also serves up its casual dining 24 hours a day. When craving a margarita and burrito, locals often go to El Jalapeno's on West 117th Street.

Evenings in Edgewater never lack excitement. Clifton Martini and Wine Bar stirs up cocktails as well as delectable dinners. Enjoy a night out on the considerable patio, or take advantage of its happy hour with friends. Try the apple pie pierogi with a Clifton martini featuring blue cheese. Dance the night away at Twist Social Club. For the best live music in the area since 1959, Brother's Lounge can't be beat. Enjoy upscale food and drinks in the front bar, or head to the back room for the concert. Keep in mind that the venue normally charges an additional fee for bands. Brother's Lounge also keeps Sunday fun with an all-day happy hour.

The Edgewater neighborhood's transportation options make travel convenient. Centrally located shopping and restaurants make it easy to navigate between multiple destinations. Residents often stroll along Clifton sidewalks or cycle with the slower traffic on the lakefront roads. The many crosswalks keep pedestrians safe from the busy traffic on Clifton.

Those who come to enjoy the local attractions reach the area through I-90, taking the exit for 117th Street. Route 2 easily funnels traffic downtown as well as to the east side. Parking in the district gets crowded on evenings and weekends, but with some patience, drivers never fail to find a spot. Larger businesses have parking lots, but the majority of free parking lies along streets. Be mindful of rush hour on Clifton Boulevard when street parking lanes become bus lanes. This takes effect on the north side of the street from 4 p.m. through 6:30 p.m. and on the south side of Clifton from 7 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.

The Edgewater district has many bus stops along major roads for stress free public transportation. The RTA 55 line of busses frequent Clifton Boulevard. Two RTA hubs also reside just outside the neighborhood, making the park and ride service an option. Both the stations at West 117th Street and the Detroit & Cudell intersection have plenty of lighting and numerous parking spaces. Hired transportation services, such as Uber and taxi cab companies, supply rides with advance notice. On weekends, these companies sometimes get busy, call at least an hour ahead.

The scenic Edgewater neighborhood includes the Lake Erie Coastal Ohio Trail, parts of the Lake Erie Circle Tour and the Cleveland Lakefront Bikeway. Baltic Children’s Park and Edgewater Park also entertain residents in a relaxing environment. Located at West 110th Street and Baltic Road, Baltic Children’s Park supplies a substantial playground for little ones to socialize.

With breath-taking views of the city as well as a sizable beach, Edgewater Lakefront State Park remains a Cleveland focal point. The park hosts over 100 acres of activities for everyone. Pavilions with many open areas make for the perfect spots for picnics with pets. If planning a significant picnic event, call the Cleveland Metropark and reserve a pavilion. During peak season, lifeguards watch the beach to ensure the safety of visiting families. A fishing pier, an all-purpose trail with fitness stations, playground, concession stands and sledding hill provide fun in any weather.

Come on summer Thursdays for Edgewater Live, where various bands along with food vendors entertain in the evening free of charge. Edgewater Park sits on the eastern border of the district, along the lakefront. As part of the Cleveland Metropark system, Edgewater Park remains free to the public all year. A marina, yacht club and Whiskey Island lie near the park.

The historic Edgewater neighborhood remains one of the elite districts of Cleveland. The cost of living in the residential lakefront community runs higher than in most of the city. Century homes as well as mansions line Lake Avenue and Edgewater Drive. Rental options cluster along Clifton Boulevard, and duplexes remain common on southern streets. The average rate for a one-bedroom apartment costs around $612.

After a day of work, residents unwind with a glass of wine or local beer that averages around $5. Transportation in the neighborhood doesn't break the bank either. Gas prices average 5 percent less than the national average. The Cleveland RTA provides one-way public transportation to downtown Cleveland for a minimal $2.25. It makes all-day passes for local destinations available for $5.

Edgewater may be a community slight in size, but it houses significant shopping possibilities, both high-end and high-value. Retail destinations sit primarily along Clifton Boulevard, Detroit Avenue and Madison Avenue.

Specialized stores reflect the diversity of this district. Since 1921, Sabau Furs remains the leader in luxury coats. Men who desire tailored threads head to Christophier Custom Clothiers on Clifton Boulevard. Pet-Tique supplies furry family members with gifts, holistic foods, clothing and adoption services. When looking for creative clothing, check out Cronies Closet resale shop or Flower Child. Flower Child also sells free-spirited furniture, home decor and jewelry. Collectors and comic lovers shouldn't miss Big Fun, an antique toy shop.

Locals stock their fridges from Gordon Food Service Marketplace or Constantino's Market on West Ninth Street in the Warehouse District. Constantino's Market also carries a nice selection of wine. When in season, farmers market events pop up on Clifton Boulevard.