West of downtown Cleveland, across the Cuyahoga River and just minutes from the convention district on the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (RTA) train, Ohio City is a charming bastion of artisan crafts and culinary collaborations, as well as a growing brewery district.
The neighborhood is home to Cleveland Beer Week, which marks its fifth anniversary this year. Held in October, the event showcases local beverages, breweries, bars and taverns during a week of festivities, but groups can enjoy the brewery scene year-round.
Much of growth of Cleveland’s craft beer scene can be traced back to Sam McNulty and the 2005 opening of McNulty’s Bier Markt, which serves more than 100 Belgian and American craft beers and has quickly gained a loyal following. Since then, McNulty has created a mini-empire of bars and restaurants in the area, including Bar Centro, a partnership with big-name Cleveland chef Jonathon Sawyer of Greenhouse Tavern.
The following venues showcase some of the neighborhood’s signature brews and beyond.
1 Market Garden Brewery
This brewery can host receptions of up to 125 people. The Harbor Room seats 60 with large windows that look directly into the operating brewhouse. The brewery will also become the area’s first micro-distillery when it releases vodka, gin and whiskey recipes that are currently in development.
2 Great Lakes Brewing Company
This home-grown brewery has been crafting beer for more than 30 years, including its famous Christmas Ale. Groups can book private rentals on days other than Friday or Saturday. The beer cellar can accommodate up to 40 people, and the Rockefeller Room holds 50.
3 Glass Bubble Project
This glass art space finds inspiration in antique stores and scrap yards. Its hand blown “Clevetion Glass” is an artistic representation of hometown pride, described as “industrial,” “tough,” “durable” and “the opposite of the dainty and fragile Venetian glass from Italy.” Guests can watch demonstrations and participate in glassblowing classes.
4 Campbell’s Sweets Factory
Offering behind-the-scenes tours, this family-operated factory produces mouthwatering treats. Candy, cupcakes and 25 varieties of gourmet popcorn, including the legendary Dichotomy Corn, caramel corn covered in cheese, are highlights.
5 The West Side Market
Celebrating its centennial this year, this open-air market is an anchor of Ohio City’s diverse and authentic charm, with more than 100 vendors selling fruits, vegetables, seafood, fresh flowers and other goods.
