University Circle

The East Side is a district in Cleveland consisting of the areas outside of Downtown that are east of the Cuyahoga River. The district includes several important neighborhoods, including:

• University Circle – Home to 3 higher education institutions and numerous museums and cultural attractions
• Little Italy – Traditional Italian restaurants, bakeries, and numerous art galleries
• Shaker Square – A small neighborhood built along the Rapid rail line with several excellent restaurants. Adjacent to the historic suburb of Shaker Heights.
• Collinwood – A growing arts and entertainment district
• Asiatown – Featuring traditional Asian restaurants, shops, and art galleries
• Fairfax – Home to the world-renowned Cleveland Clinic hospital and most of the hotels on the East side

Get in

For information on getting to Cleveland, see Cleveland#Get in

The East side has far less access to highways than the West side. The main east-west routes through the East side are the parallel avenues: Carnegie, Euclid, and Chester. North-south travel is more difficult as few of the numbered streets actually continue across the entire city. Main N/S routes include E 55th, E 105th, and Martin Luther King Jr Blvd. Transit access is much better however, with the East side served by all 3 Rapid rail lines, a bus rapid transit line called the HealthLine, which connects downtown to University Circle, and numerous conventional bus lines. The Blue and Green lines serve Shaker Square. The Red line serves University Circle and Little Italy via the Cedar Road and Little Italy stations.

See

Museums & Galleries

University Circle

The Cleveland Museum of Art

University Circle is located about 4 mi (6.4 km) east of downtown and can be reached via Euclid Avenue. Its main attractions are the numerous museums, research institutes and schools which surround it. This rich cultural menagerie is surpassed by few places in North America (e.g., perhaps the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C.).

• 1 Cleveland Museum of Art (CMA), 11150 East Blvd, ☏ +1 216 421-7350, toll-free: +1-877-262-4748. Tu,Th,Sa-Su 10AM-5PM, W,F 10AM-9PM. Internationally renowned for its substantial holdings of Asian and Egyptian art, the museum houses a diverse permanent collection of more than 43,000 works of art from around the world. The crown jewels of the museum, however, are its stunning collections of medieval armor and an original casting of Auguste Rodin's The Thinker. Free. (updated Jul 2019)
• 2 Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA), 11400 Euclid Ave, ☏ +1 216-421-8671. Tu-W,F-Su 11AM-5PM, Th 11AM-9PM. Museum with exhibits of contemporary art. The museum particularly highlights artists from northeastern Ohio. $8 adults, $6 seniors 65+, $5 students, free for active military, veterans, and children 5 and under. Free to all visitors on first Saturday of the month. (updated Jul 2019)
• 3 Western Reserve Historical Society, 10825 East Blvd, ☏ +1 216 721-5722. Includes two turn of the (20th) century mansions as well as displays about Cleveland history from the days of Moses Cleveland to the present. The buildings also house the Crawford Auto-Aviation Museum and an extensive Cleveland historical research library. (updated Jul 2019)

Jane the Tyrannosaurus at the Museum of Natural History

• 4 Cleveland Museum of Natural History (CMNH), 1 Wade Oval Dr, ☏ +1 216 231-4600. M-Tu, Th-Sa 10AM-5PM, W 10AM-10PM, Su noon-5PM, closed major holidays. Established in 1920, this museum features collections that include more than four million specimens of paleontology, zoology, archeology, mineralogy, ornithology, and other scientific subjects. Among the collection is a cast of the skeleton of the Australopithecus "Lucy", which was discovered by a museum curator in 1974 and was the most complete hominid fossil found at the time. Other exhibits include a planetarium (additional fee) and a live mammals and birds in an outdoor display area. $12 for adults, $10 for children. (updated Jul 2019)
• 5 Crawford Auto-Aviation Museum, 10825 East Blvd, ☏ +1 216-539-5832. Tu-Sa 10AM-5PM, Su noon-5PM. Home to an excellent collection of pre-war automobiles, as well as the very first DeLorean DMC-12 to roll off the assembly line. Adults $10, seniors $9, veterans $7, children (3-12) $5, children (under 2 years) free. (updated Jul 2019)
• 6 Dittrick Museum of Medical History (Dittrick Medical History Center and Museum), 11000 Euclid Ave (Allen Memorial Medical Library), ☏ +1 216 368-3648, fax: +1 216 368-0165. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 9:00am-4:30pm; Saturday 10:00am-2:00pm; Wednesday 9:00-7:00pm. A collection of rare books, museum artifacts, archives, and images teach visitors about the history of medicine. Free. (updated Jul 2019)

Hough

• 7 Dunham Tavern Museum, 6709 Euclid Ave, ☏ +1 216 431-1060, dunhamtavern@sbcglobal.net. W,Su 1PM-4PM; gardens and grounds open dawn to dusk daily. Dunham Tavern Museum is a restored inn that served as a resting place and stagecoach stop along "Buffalo-Detroit-Post Road," now Euclid Avenue. This volunteer-run historic site offers a glimpse into the lives of early settlers. $3 adults, $2 children. (updated May 2015)

Asiatown

• 8 Children's Museum of Cleveland, 3813 Euclid Ave, ☏ +1 (216) 791-7114. Monday, Tuesday, Friday 9:00-4:00pm; Saturday 10:00am-5:00pm, Sunday 12:00-5:00pm. Museum exhibits specifically designed for children. The Wonder Lab is an exhibit that allows children learn about whirlpools, jets, and rivers. Adventure City allows children to build, work, climb, and explore a model city to inspire design, problem-solving, and collaboration. Making Miniatures is a collection of dollhouses that teaches how miniaturists make tiny objects, design tiny rooms, and build small houses. Arts & Parts is an art studio where children can use their imagination to design and build unique art.  

Parks

James A. Garfield Memorial, Lake View Cemetery

• 9 Cleveland Cultural Gardens. In Rockefeller Park is a picturesque winding road, featuring gardens representative of Cleveland's diverse and rich ethno-cultural mosaic and connecting University Circle to I-90 via MLK Blvd.  
• 10 Cleveland Botanical Garden, 11030 East Blvd (University Circle), ☏ +1 216 721-1600, fax: +1 216 721-2056, info@cbgarden.org. Nov 1-Apr 1: Tu-Sa 10AM-5PM, Su noon-5PM (Hershey Children's Garden closes November 1st for the winter. All other gardens remain open throughout the winter); Apr 1-Nov 1: M-Sa 10AM-5PM, Su noon-5PM. Open until 9PM every Wednesday from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Garden with over 350 species of plants and 50 species of animals, including hundreds of butterflies. Includes the Hershey Children's Garden, the Elizabeth and Nona Evans Restorative Garden, the David and Paula Swetland Topiary Garden, the Western Reserve Herb Society Garden, the Japanese Garden, the Sears-Swetland Rose Garden, the Ohio Woodland, the C.K. "Pat" Patrick Perennial Border, and the public Campsey-Stauffer Gateway Garden. Adults $7.50, children (3-12) $3, children (under 3) free. Prices may change for special events.  
• 11 Lake View Cemetery, 12316 Euclid Ave, ☏ +1 216 421-2665. A beautiful cemetery where many famous people are buried. Notables include President James A. Garfield, John D. Rockefeller - founder of Standard Oil, Jeptha Wade - founder of Western Union Telegraph, Eliot Ness - head of The Untouchables, John Hay - U.S. Secretary of State under President Lincoln, Newton Baker - U.S. Secretary of War during WWI, Marcus L. Hanna - U.S. Senator and Republican Party Boss. (updated Jul 2019)

Architecture

Case Western

• 12 Peter B. Lewis Building (Weatherhead School of Management), 11119 Bellflower Rd (at Ford Dr). The principal building of Case Western's business school, designed by Frank Gehry with his trademark undulating metal forms. (updated Jul 2019)
• 13 Maltz Performing Arts Center, 1855 Ansel Rd (University Circle at Silver Park). The Temple was built in 1924 as the synagogue of the Temple-Tifereth Israel, a Reform Jewish congregation that relocated to Beachwood in 1971; the museum exhibits on Jewish art and religion that were later housed here have also since relocated to the Beachwood campus. CRWU has transformed this building into a performing arts center. (updated Nov 2021)
• 14 Case Western Reserve University (CWRU). A historic university with many unique buildings. (updated Nov 2018)

Do

Severance Hall

Music and performing arts

• 1 Cleveland Orchestra, 11001 Euclid Ave (Severance Hall), ☏ +1 216 231-7300. One of the nation's Big Five orchestras. In addition to their regular home at Severance Hall, the Cleveland Orchestra also performs at Blossom Amphitheatre in Cuyahoga Falls in the summer months. (updated Jul 2019)
• 2 Cleveland Institute of Music, 11021 East Blvd. A world class music school, regularly has live performances by students. Many are free. (updated Jul 2019)
• Cleveland Music School Settlement. 
• 3 Agora Theater and Ballroom, 5000 Euclid Avenue. A popular concert venue with a wide variety of bands, DJs, and rap acts. (updated Jun 2016)
• 4 Maltz Performing Arts Center (Silver Sanctuary). A historic synagogue, now operated jointly with Case Western as a performing arts center. Hosts a portion of the Temple Museum of Religious Art. (updated Jul 2019)

Other activities

Feast of the Assumption

• 5 Shaker Square Farmer's Market, 13209 Shaker Square. Sa: 8AM-noon. A producer-only farmers market selling Ohio produce as well as handcrafted items and prepared foods. (updated May 2016)
• 6 Feast of the Assumption (Mayfield Rd, Little Italy). A 4-day festival in Little Italy. Nominally a religious holiday, but celebrated with copious amounts of Italian food in a huge street festival. (updated Jul 2019)
• 7 Cleveland Cinematheque, 11610 Euclid Avenue. An alternative movie theater run by the Cleveland Institute of Art (updated Jul 2019)
• 8 Cleveland Lakefront Nature Preserve, 8701 Lakeshore Blvd. Daylight hours. An 88-acre peninsula on the Lake Erie shoreline with several miles of walking trails (bicycles not allowed). Excellent location for bird-watching. (updated Jun 2016)
• 9 Cleveland Garlic Festival, 13111 Shaker Sq. August. (updated Nov 2018)
• Cleveland Asian Festival. (updated Dec 2018)

Buy

• 1 Larchmere Blvd. 1 block north of Shaker Square, Larchmere has a variety of art galleries and antique shops, and the independent Loganberry bookstore. (updated Jul 2019)
• 2 Blue Arrow Records and Books, 16001 Waterloo Rd. Wide selection of vintage vinyl and music memorabilia (updated Jul 2019)
• 3 Star Pop, 15813 Waterloo Rd. Vintage toys, clothing, and other pop culture items (updated Jun 2016)
• 4 Shaker Square, 1 Shaker Square. Shaker Square is an historic shopping center built in 1929 and connected to downtown and the eastern suburbs by two Rapid Transit lines. Shaker Square includes some interesting shops and restaurants and serves as the center of a diverse, lively neighborhood. (updated Dec 2018)

Eat

Budget

• 1 Presti's Bakery, 12101 Mayfield Rd (Little Italy), ☏ +1 216 421-3060. M 6AM-8PM, Tu-Th 6AM-9PM, F-Sa 6AM-10:30PM, Su 6AM-6PM. A Little Italy institution, Presti's has existed for years and provides homemade baked goods including donuts that are often cited as some of the best in America. 
• 2 Mama Santa's Restaurant and Pizzeria, 12305 Mayfield Rd, ☏ +1 216 231-9567. Another Little Italy institution, Mama Santa's offers inexpensive but tasty Italian fare in a family-run environment. 
• 3 Corbo's Bakery, 12210 Mayfield Rd. Another locally-famous Little Italy bakery, highlights include the Cassata cake and cannoli. (updated Jul 2019)
• 4 Superior Pho, 3030 Superior Ave E. Traditional Vietnamese soup in Asiatown (updated Jul 2019)
• 5 Chili Peppers, 869 E 185th St. Build your own burritos with fresh ingredients (updated Jul 2019)

Mid-range

• 6 Etna Ristorante & Wine Bar, 11919 Mayfield Rd, ☏ +1 216 791-7670. Original, contemporary Italian cuisine, in a cozy, "old world" atmosphere, featuring fresh seafood specials daily. 
• 7 Trattoria, 12207 Mayfield Rd, ☏ +1 216 421-2700. Su-M 11:30AM-8:30PM, Tu-Th 11:30AM-9PM, F-Sa 11:30AM-10PM. Italian (updated Jul 2019)
• 8 Empress Taytu Ethiopian Restaurant, 6125 Saint Clair Ave, ☏ +1 216 391-9400. Serves food community style on large, round trays lined with injera (crepe-like bread). 
• 9 Slyman's, 3106 Saint Clair Ave NE. A local icon known for its towering corned beef sandwiches (updated Jul 2019)
• 10 Wonton Gourmet & BBQ, 3211 Payne Ave, ☏ +1 216 875-7000. Authentic Chinese cuisine (updated Jun 2016)
• 11 Batuqui, 12706 Larchmere Blvd. Brazilian food in the Larchmere neighborhood (updated Jun 2016)
• 12 Citizen Pie, 15710 Waterloo Rd. Neapolitan-style pizza from a wood-burning oven (updated Jul 2019)

Splurge

• 13 L'Albatros, 11401 Bellflower Rd. French brasserie in the heart of University Circle (updated Jun 2016)
• 14 EDWINS Leadership and Restaurant Institute, 13101 Shaker Sq. The French-inspired food is excellent, but EDWINS is also known for its mission of training recently released prisoners for jobs in the hospitality industry. (updated Jul 2019)

Drink

• 1 Beachland Ballroom & Tavern, 15711 Waterloo Rd, ☏ +1 216 383-1124. Live music venue. (updated Jul 2019)
• 2 The Jolly Scholar, 11111 Euclid Ave (CWRU Thwing Center). Typical college bar, a popular hangout for CWRU students (updated Jul 2019)

Sleep

Mid-range

• 1 Courtyard by Marriott Cleveland University Circle, 2021 Cornell Rd, ☏ +1-855-239-9399. Centrally located in University Circle (updated Jun 2016)
• 2 Holiday Inn Cleveland Clinic, 8650 Euclid Ave, ☏ +1-855-239-9227. (updated Jun 2016)

Splurge

The Tudor Arms ballroom

• 3 Glidden House, 1901 Ford Dr, ☏ +1 216 231-8900, toll-free: +1-866-812-4537, fax: +1 216 231-2130. A renovated and expanded mansion in University Circle on the campus of Case Western University. This is one of the most luxurious lodging options in Cleveland. 
• 4 InterContinental Suites Hotel, 8800 Euclid Ave, ☏ +1 216 707-4300. 
• 5 InterContinental Cleveland Clinic, 9801 Carnegie Ave, ☏ +1 216 707-4100. 
• 6 DoubleTree by Hilton - The Tudor Arms Hotel, 10660 Carnegie Ave, ☏ +1-855-239-9478. Restored 1933 hotel (updated Jun 2016)

Stay safe

A street in University Circle

A street in Glenville

Cleveland's East side contains some of both the city's most prosperous neighborhoods as well as some its most poverty and crime-ridden, often in surprising proximity to each other. Certain areas should be avoided at night, others should be avoided entirely. Always be aware of your surroundings when traveling by foot at night. If you see boarded-up buildings and check cashing stores, you're probably in the wrong neighborhood, but crime is possible anywhere.

Cope

Religious Services

• 1 The Church of the Covenant, 11205 Euclid Ave, ☏ +1 216 421-0482, fax: +1 216 791-2228. Mass: Sundays at 10:00. Presbyterian Church.  
• 2 Cleveland Friends Meeting, 10916 Magnolia Dr, ☏ +1 216 791-2220, Friends@clevelandfriendsmeeting.org. Meetings: Sunday at 11:00. Quaker church. (updated Jul 2019)
• 3 Epworth-Euclid United Methodist Church, 1919 East 107th St, ☏ +1 216 421-1200, fax: +1 216 421-0327. Mass: Sunday at 11:00. United Methodist services. 
• 4 The Temple-Tifereth Israel, 1855 Ansel Rd, ☏ +1 216 831-3233. Tifereth Israel is a Reform congregation. Is adjacent to the Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage (updated Jul 2019)

Go next

• Cleveland Heights – Home of the eclectic Coventry neighborhood with local restaurants, shops, bars, and music venues.
• Shaker Heights – Established in 1822 as the North Union Settlement by the religious Shaker community, Shaker Heights became one of America's oldest planned communities in 1912 when it was redeveloped as a garden community for commuters to Cleveland. Today the suburb offers stunning architecture, with many of the homes and other buildings featured in architectural texts. Visitors will also enjoy several picturesque man-made lakes, a 20-acre (8.1 ha) nature preserve, and a historical museum that documents the area's early Shaker roots. Amenities include an excellent public library, numerous restaurants, and shopping destinations including the historic Shaker Square.