Me and the BF, James

The point is, for this year’s home opener, the BF and a couple of friends and I got tickets in the Dawg Pound, bought some tailgating supplies and decided to wake up at 6:00 in the morning on a Sunday to start drinking and watch some football.

Here’s what I learned:

The Early Bird Gets the Parking Spot.

OK, so I knew that Clevelanders were serious about their tailgating, but really — Clevelanders are SERIOUS about their tailgating. Wake-up-earlier-on-a-Sunday-than-you-should-during-the-workweek serious.

After packing the cars, meeting up with the friends and getting downtown by the stadium, the time was about 8:45 AM, and the infamous Pit lot was full… Well, almost full. To stay there, we would have had to park on a hill. So instead, we decided to turn around and venture to another lot where the parking would be less precarious. At that point, we didn’t even try to make it to the Muni lot — we just decided to find somewhere to park and so we could get down to business.

Where to Park? (Pit versus Muni Lot)

In the week before the game, I tried to find information online about whether the Muni or the Pit lot was better, because those are the only lots I had ever heard about, and have heard dueling views about which offers more fun. What I found is that it really doesn’t matter, but one difference may essentially be that the Muni is full of old-school fans that have been at this forever, whereas the Pit tends to be a younger crowd. But, all I know from personal experience is that those people wake up too early for me.

The truth? You can park in just about any lot near the stadium, and people will be drinking, grilling and barking by 9 AM. We ended up in a lot across Rt. 2 from the Muni, at the Burke Lakefront airport. Here are two things that made this lot awesome:

1. Parking was only $20. We even took up two spots, but only had to pay for one. A friend of mine said that her friends, who have tricked out an old truck into a tailgating machine, had to pay for four spots at the Pit, for a total of $120. That’s about what we paid for two tickets to the game.
2. The airport kept its lobby open, and let tailgaters us the bathrooms. Ladies: this means not having to resort to the alternatives of port-a-potties, squatting in public or making friends with strangers that own an RV.

And, there were still plenty of people to make tailgating in this lot a damn good time, without getting so crazy that I feared for my safety. Oh, and it took a surprisingly short amount of time to get out after the game. Win! (Even though we lost.)

You Will Never See More Cornhole Per Capita Anywhere Else.

That’s it. Cleveland tailgaters love their bean bag toss.

Drink Heavily Before Entering the Stadium.

When I went to a game last year, I thought that maybe the only reason my only beer options were Bud Light and Bud Light was because I was in the nosebleeds. While this is somewhat true — other stands expand offerings to include a few other mass-produced options — craft beer isn’t available anywhere in the stadium. Not even Great Lakes. Seriously. I asked at least five stadium employees, and half of them basically laughed at me.

And, the limited beer selection the stadium does offer will set you back $8 for a 16 ounce. So, if part of your ultimate football experience is keeping a warm fuzzy feeling even when the Browns are losing, and you don’t wan to bend over for shitty beer, guzzle before kickoff.

Bonus to this approach: you’ll definitely be sober in time to drive home.

The same general concept applies to food, of course. Half the fun of tailgating is grilling some grub. Enjoy it. A lot of it. Because everything in the stadium is overly priced, and most of it is likely mediocre in taste. Personally, I recommend stopping by the West Side Market the day before and picking up some brats from Old Country Sausage.

Bring Plastic Cups.

While I’m on the subject of drinking: Though I don’t know the official rules, I believe there’s some sort of caveat that, although the police know people are drinking, it’s allowed because they don’t really KNOW people are drinking. Because people pour alcoholic bevvies into plastic cups (not clear ones), so that drink labels, cup contents, etc. aren’t visible. So, be sure to pack those.

(I like the SOLO cups with the mini chalkboard-type deal that lets you write your name on the cup with your fingernail. Then you know whose is whose without having to bring a marker.)

Prepare for the Aftermath.

By the time the BF and I got home from the game (around 5:30 or 6 PM), we were pretty much out of commission for the rest of the day. Tailgating — at least at the ripe old age of 26 — really takes it out of you. Or perhaps it was just the five hours of drinking followed by no drinking, which typically ends in tiredness no matter the activities involved.

Either way, I was tuckered out. I did, however, pop a few painkillers before falling asleep, which I’m sure helped keep me decent the following day. So, that’s probably a good tip, too.

Tailgating is Fun.

There’s a reason why this activity is a favorite pastime of Clevelanders — tailgating is so much fun. I’ll definitely be back at least once this year. Even if I don’t get tickets to another game.

Now what? How do I keep my mind from turning to mush while I search for new employment? Finding new ways to bring you the best of Cleveland at bargain prices should do the trick!

Free Services – The Library
Since I really am living off my last dollars these days it’s important to know what free or discounted services are available in Greater Cleveland. Each post I’ll bring you a new service or program that will benefit you without dipping into your wallet. This week, the library. My hang out is the Lakewood Public Library, but the Cleveland Public Library also offers a variety of amenities.

Not only is the library home to the latest best sellers, how-to’s, autobiographies,  novels and loads of other books, but the library also hosts hundreds of DVDs and CDs giving you FREE access to new releases, TV series and all sorts of music. This free entertainment is great for penny-pinchers like myself who want the latest and greatest but without the cost.

Another perk about the library, FREE Internet! For those of us looking to save a little extra and don’t have home Internet access, the library’s computer lab is a great alternative. You can check your email, tweet, post Facebook updates and chat on-line just like any other computer but again, without the cost. Some library’s even provide Wi-Fi and limited, free printing.

Along with these FREE services the library hosts guest authors, books sales and other special events that makes this establishment an integral part of our community and our everyday lives.

The market offers more than just fresh food though, it shows the true community that lives in Cleveland. On Saturday mornings, by far the busiest time at the market, you run into hundreds of new and familiar faces as everyone loads up on their week’s worth of groceries. It’s always a great feeling when you visit your favorite vendor, hand over your eco-friendly canvas bag,  fill up on the best selection of vegetables and fruits and know that your dollars are going to support the local community. It’s another added value to shopping at the market.

A few tips for shopping at the West Side Market:
1. The market has limited hours so plan accordingly- Monday & Wednesday: 7am – 4pm Friday & Saturday: 7am – 6pm 2. Remember Saturday is the busiest market day so come early for the best selection and be patient with the crowds.
3. Use canvas bags, they are sturdy and easier to carry when walking through the aisles.
4. Bring cash, including coins, and set a limit. It’s easy to get carried away when you see all this great food, so purchase what you came for and remember the goodies for next week’s list.
5. Many vendors do accept credit cards which is convenient for larger purchases such as meat. Check the Vendor list to find out what forms of payment are accepted.

Time to Give Back
Now that you’ve taken advantage of the valuable services Cleveland has to offer, it’s time to give a little of your free time and volunteer. It’s important to support your city and the programs it provides for individuals in need. Cleveland has plenty of organizations that are constantly looking for volunteers and appreciate any time that you are able to offer.

Here are just a few examples of volunteer opportunities in CLE:

Cleveland Foodbank - The Cleveland Foodbank offers a variety of ways to volunteer including packing and sorting food donations, special events, administrative tasks and preparing hot food in the Cleveland Community Kitchen. Fill out this Volunteer Registration Form to get started.

Business Volunteers Unlimited - Funded by the United Way of Greater Cleveland the Business Volunteers Unlimited connects hundreds of non-profits organization and thousands of volunteer opportunities with citizens in Greater Cleveland who are willing to help. Check out upcoming opportunities and sign up, here.

USO of Northern Ohio - Despite your thoughts and feelings on our current situation, I believe it is important to show our support to the individuals who serve in the military and their families. Read the list of ways to help, here. I personally think the USO Lounge at Cleveland Hopkins Airport sounds interesting.

Add your personal value to Cleveland and take some time to volunteer.

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.

Especially when it’s the best pizza in Cleveland.

Especially when it’s free.

Don’t have dinner plans tonight?  (Or late-night-start-of-the-college-weekend snack plans?)  Head on over to Bar Cento/Bier Markt.  They are giving away their delicious thin-crust creations with the purchase of a wine carafe or draft beer.  And at a place that has 100 wines and the best Belgian beer selection in Cleveland, you really can’t go wrong.

Bar Cento/Bier Markt Patio

Get there, between 4:30 p.m. and 2 a.m. and enjoy the goodness.

Cheers!

Bar Cento and Bier Markt are located in Ohio City on West 25th street, across from the West Side Market.  For anyone not familiar, Bar Cento and Bier Markt basically share a space, separated by a center wall.  You walk in, and if you go to the left you’re at Cento, and if you go to the right you’re at Bier Markt.  Cento focuses on the wine.  Bier Markt focuses on the beer.  However, you can order the same food and drink from either side.

They have a wonderful/friendly staff, an awesome vibe and have received numerous accolades (including being voted Best Pizza in Cleveland and one of the Best Beer Bars in America).  If you’ve never been, this is an awesome opportunity to check them out on the cheap.  But if you can’t make it today, I promise you that everyday prices are affordable — and this is definitely a place (places?) worth trying.

[Image from the Beir Markt Website.]