This Friday I had the privilege of escorting my Belgian friends, Karine and Pauline, out for an evening downtown. On break from school, I knew they were looking for a good time in a new city and I knew I was working with a small budget. So here’s how we had a fun-filled evening without breaking the bank.
First, make a plan
Even if you don’t stick to it entirely it’s good to have an idea of what you want to do. I knew Karine and Pauline hadn’t been into the city so I wanted to make sure they got a feel for what we have to offer. No better place to start than East 4th Street, it’s such a beautiful street with plenty of great places to try. The neighborhood’s website, www.east4thstreet.com, lists the hot-spots on the street and talks about special events. I checked each place for specials, happy hours and previewed menus for the best prices. Though the happy hours didn’t fit my time frame I was able to pick our destinations, The Greenhouse Tavern and Flannery’s Pub.
The Greenhouse Tavern
I picked this place for a few reasons – One, I knew it would be a nice place to relax while we waited for all my friends to gather. Two, it’s unique approach to food was going to be interesting for Karine and Pauline. Three, I have been wanting/begging to go since its opening and couldn’t wait to sample some firsts and libations! (check the menu at www.thegreenhousetavern.com for details)
The great thing about The Greenhouse Tavern is you can sample delicious food and handmade cocktails without spending a ton of cash. The menu’s “Firsts” feature amazing treats for only $3 – $5. The Roasted Marcona Almonds and House Made Fromage Blanc were my favorites and I’ve heard the French Breakfast Radishes are great too. The cocktails were reasonably priced as well. For drinks made of only fresh, local ingredients the $6 – $10 you’ll spend is well worth it. Also currently available but not listed in the Libations is the Port Punch, at only $5 a glass or $15 for a bottle it’s a great, inexpensive choice.
Overall, The Greenhouse Tavern was well received by Karine and Pauline. The total for three cocktails and two Firsts, only $31.
Having fun at The Greenhouse Tavern
Flannery’s Pub
Next stop, a good ol’ Irish pub for some beer drinkin’ and sports watchin’. Ok, I wasn’t sure if the girls were beer drinkers, but Flannery’s was a great example of the variety of entertainment East 4th has to offer. Choosing beer was the first time we ran into any language/accent barriers – Does Pauline like sherry beers or cherry beers? Hmmm…hard to tell. Fortunately, our waitress was kind enough to let us sample a few selections and Pauline settled on a cider beer. Meanwhile, I introduced Karine to the fine taste of Great Lakes Brewing Co., Dortmunder Gold.
Since everyone ordered a different beer it was a great way for Karine and Pauline to sample various drinks without incurring extra costs. While the beers are fairly priced around $5 or so, the girls were kind enough to buy my beer, saving me a little more cash. Total cost for 3 beers $15.
Funny Side Note – The pub is also where we ran into our second language situation, Lads and Lasses. Although the bathroom door marked Lads looks like the word would translate to Ladies, it in fact translates to Men. Oops. Never thought to warn the girls that the bathroom door marked Lasses was for them.
1 a.m. and we’re still not done
After saying goodbye to a few friends at Flannery’s, the girls decided they wanted to go dancing. We headed to West 6th to show them yet another side of Cleveland. I was worried we might lose each other on the crowded street but we managed to hold tight and ended up at Bar Flyy. Though the atmosphere was new and different, the Techno music wasn’t exactly what we were looking for.
Karine & Pauline on Velvet Dog's Rooftop Patio
We ended up at Velvet Dog and at first the girls wondered where we were going as we passed the first two floors of the club. To their surprise and excitement we went to the rooftop patio and finished the night dancing in the rain surrounded by the Cleveland buildings. The club was a great way to close the evening and with no cover charge and no drinks, the cost was zero.
Running back to the car in the pouring rain Karine and Pauline were thrilled with their night out in Cleveland. I was happy to have myself and my friends be a part of their experience. Oh, and I was able to keep my total cost under $40. Not bad for a night on the town!
Karine and Pauline’s Observations
1. Both were impressed when I picked them up in my own car (Toyota Celica). How exciting!
2. Heading into the city they couldn’t believe the size of our buildings. The two of them will be blown away for certain when they spend 10 days in NYC next week.
3. Pauline was surprised when our waitress brought us waters without even asking. In Belgium water is purchased.
4. Both were also surprised to know there is also no cost to use the restrooms. (Another cost savings you could argue.)
5. Watching a college soccer game in Flannery’s they noted our players are far less agressive and the game is not as exciting.
Filed under: Cleveland Restaurants, East 4th, Uncategorized
