Let my Lakewood Ohio Travel Guide take you on a memorable adventure through this exciting urban suburb on Cleveland, Ohio’s west side. Navigate the heart of Lakewood along Madison and Detroit Avenues as you’ll find diverse offerings from top-notch restaurants, local boutiques, and entertainment hubs. Bordered by Lake Erie to the north and Rocky River Reservation to the west, you can enjoy the best of city and outdoor life.
Where to Eat and Drink in Lakewood, Ohio
Barroco
An eclectic atmosphere that serves up a delicious menu of Arepas, poofy pockets made from ground maize dough and filled with a variety of tasty bites and much more. I highly recommend you don’t skip the Cheesy Corn dip, so good. Occasionally they even have live music, and the patio & outdoor space are awesome.
Visit| 12906 Madison Ave, Lakewood OH
NEW Bar Amazonia
The highly anticipated Amazonia opened in Lakewood nestled behind their taco stand Hola. The decor is inspired by an Amazon explorer. Downstairs feels like a speakeasy squeezed into an old explorer’s quarters, and as you make your way upstairs you can enjoy two delightful spaces – the sun or moon rooms. We visited on opening night, but since they got their ovens going and served up a wider selection of foods. We can’t wait to come back.
Visit | 1640 Hopkins Ave. Lakewood, OH
Breakfast Options in Lakewood
Parky’s at Mahall’s
Yummy breakfast from Parky’s Pop-Up inside of Mahall’s 20 Lanes.
Visit | 13200 Madison Ave, Lakewood, OH
The Vegan Doughnuts Co.
I’m not Vegan, but these are some very tasty doughnuts.
Visit | 14811 Detroit Ave, Lakewood, OH
Borderline Cafe
Find delicious Southwestern-inspired fare inside this small and unassuming cafe space.
Visit | 18510 Detroit Ave, Lakewood, OH
Pachamama Kitchen & Garden
We visited this lovely restaurant after I stalked their Instagram waiting for their opening and we were so impressed.
Enjoy a South American French fusion in their locally grown menu and tasty co*cktails with many ingredients grown in their garden.
Visit| 15027 Madison Ave, Lakewood OH
More Lunch & Dinner Options in Lakewood
Bar Italia
Yummy breakfast from Parky’s Pop-Up inside of Mahall’s 20 Lanes.
Visit | 15625 Detroit Ave,
Lakewood, OH
Hola Tacos
I’m not Vegan, but these are some very tasty doughnuts.
Visit | 12102 Madison Ave., Lakewood, OH
Eugene Kitchen
Find delicious Southwestern-inspired fare inside this small and unassuming cafe space.
Visit | 13368 Madison Ave, Lakewood, OH
So many awesome options of places to eat in Lakewood, here are a few more favorite spots: Molto Bene, El Carnicero, Angeleo’s Pizza, Dewey’s Pizza, Thai Thai, Harlow’s Pizza, Booms Pizza, El Jalepeños, Barrio.
LBM co*cktail Bar
“Weird co*cktails, dope food, loud music” is how their website describes this neighborhood co*cktail bar, and it’s pretty spot-on. Often described as a Viking bar, this space is dark and moody, has delicious drinks (and good NA options!), and a tasty menu. Check it out.
Visit | 12301 Madison Ave – Lakewood, OH
Things To Do in Lakewood, Ohio
Get Pampered at Sacred Hour
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 constantly evolves and adds to the total sense of relaxation you feel when visiting. There are two locations, but my favorite is in Lakewood. I can’t recommend this place enough.
Visit| 17917 Detroit Avenue
Watch The Sunset At The Solstice Steps
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 during the sunset.
Visit| 14532 Lake Avenue
Catch a Show, Brunch, or Bowl at Mahall’s
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
A long and narrow park spanning multiple cities and almost covering Lakewood’s entire western border is Rocky River Reservation, the perfect place to go explore nature and enjoy the seasons. If you want to increase your heart rate, take the Fort Hill stairs, 155 stairs that go up 90 feet to the top of Fort Hill. Get a killer view and workout.
Visit| 17917 Detroit Avenue
Shop Small in Lakewood Ohio
There is an endless amount of amazing small, local boutiques throughout Lakewood, here are some of my favorites.
Relive Childhood Memories at Apple Jax Toys
Just about every toy from your childhood can be found at this vintage and modern toy store for kids of all ages. Clevelanders who remember the store Big Fun will delight in the similarities. Find all the toys you had as a kid (or didn’t have and still want).
Visit | 13002 Madison Ave., Lakewood, OH
Book Brothers
Stacks on stacks on stacks of high-quality used books can be found at this small but mighty bookstore. I saw some books here I don’t see often at other bookstores, too. A neighborhood gem.
Visit| 15408 Madison Ave, Lakewood, OH
Salty Not Sweet
I love this shop with its quirky gifts made in-house and by local artists. You’ll find snarky, sweet, silly, and unique gifts here. From “I Miss Pat Catan’s” t-shirts (Cleveland people get it), to pop-culture prayer candles and much more.
Visit| 13339 Madison Ave, Lakewood, OH
Bear Soul Studio & Rockshop
Shop filled with thousands of beautiful gems, rocks, and crystals plus other metaphysical supplies.
Visit | 15219 Madison Ave., Lakewood, OH
Magically Found
A delightful shop full of magical finds. I especially love the cabinet of rainbow colored glass, and the dresser full of every candle you can imagine.
Visit | 13349 Madison Ave, Lakewood, OH
Oktober’s
Occult shop full of stones, candles, books, and much more. They also have events like tarot reading, Reiki, and beyond.
Visit | 12611 Madison Ave, Lakewood, OH
More shops I love in Lakewood: Blair Ritchey, Cuyahoga Collective, Lakewood Plant Company, Mishi Lifestyle, Cleveland Curiosities, The Salvaged Boutique, and Revival Body Care. A few shops on my to-visit still list: The Bookshop, Doki Doki, Cotton, Hixons, and Stem Handmade Soaps.
Lakewood Art Supply
I love this little art store filled to the brim with all the best supplies and some unique surprises.
Visit| 13345 Madison Ave, Lakewood, OH
I hope you found my Lakewood Ohio Travel Guide to help get you started on your adventure exploring this awesome urban suburb right near the lake. Did I miss your favorite space or did you find your new favorite? Let me know in the comments!
