Steve Burgess Blog

No matter who you root for, early February is when all sports fans come together to celebrate the biggest event of the year. With football's game of the year just around the corner, now is the time to figure out where you'll be watching. 

Many sports bars across Northeast Ohio offer a comfortable viewing experience, a fun atmosphere, and of course, all the wings and beer you need, an essential part of any game-day experience. If you're looking for some great places to check out, here are some of our top recommendations.

The Clevelander Bar & Grill

834 Huron Rd. E, Cleveland, OH 44115

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One of the most popular sports bars in Cleveland, The Clevelander Bar & Grill is a lively and fun place to watch any sporting event. You'll find more than 10 flat-screen TVs, so you can get a great vantage point from anywhere in the house. Happy hour is from 8 to 9 p.m., and almost everything is $2. An excellent beer list and plenty of creative cocktails complement upscale bar food and classic American fare. This place fills up quickly on game days, so be sure to get there early.

Characters Sports Bar & Grill

6007 Brookpark Rd., Parma, OH 44129

If you're looking for a sports bar with some personality, you'll definitely want to try Characters Sports Bar & Grill. This friendly neighborhood hangout has some of the best wings in town and a huge draft beer selection. The bartenders are very friendly, and the service is great. There is a large, comfortable bar area and plenty of TVs. Enjoy numerous drink specials throughout the week and great deals for the big game. This is the sports bar for you if you want to have a nice dinner and watch the game.

Barley House

222 S. Main St. #1B, Akron, OH 44308

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Located near Canal Park, Barley House is a popular sports bar downtown. The bar and restaurant has more than 30 big TVs, a rotating list of 30 craft beers, and some of the best service in town. The restaurant is large, so there will be lots of space available on Feb. 12. Order some wings, nachos, or pretzel sticks to snack on during the game. You'll want to come back during warmer months and take advantage of their patio!

The Score Draft Room

426 E. Exchange St., Akron, OH 44304

An excellent sports bar on the University of Akron Campus, Score Draft Room is the place to be. One of the best parts about this place is the atmosphere. With a younger crowd and plenty of drink specials, the atmosphere is a lot of fun. Cheap but delicious bar food is available to order. If you're planning to go for the big game, get there early. The place fills up quickly, especially for popular events.

The Third Place

3314 Warren Rd., Cleveland, OH 44111

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If you're looking for a laid-back game day spot, try Third Place. With some great bar food, craft beer, several big-screen TVs, and plenty of space, you won't find it hard to make yourself right at home. Pool tables and arcade games are available to play during halftime. While Third Place serves some good pizza, it's the wings that are the highlight of the menu. Make sure to check their website for food specials throughout the week.

69 Taps

370 Paul Williams St., Akron, OH 44311

Those who love sports and beer will love watching the game at 69 Taps. Named after its impressive draft beer system (which features 69 different beers), this place is a great option on any game day. Beers are available by the pitcher, and the food menu features some great burgers and bar food. The Big Jake Burger is definitely worth a try. It's a classic cheeseburger loaded with Jake's Secret Sauce. Grab some friends and play pool, darts, or a variety of other games upstairs. This bar and taproom draws an energetic crowd on game days!

City Tap Cleveland

750 Prospect Ave. E, Cleveland, OH 44115

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Forty draft beers, 60 cans, and plenty of big-screen TVs make this popular bar in downtown Cleveland a great place to watch any sporting event. You'll love the vibrant atmosphere at City Tap Cleveland, especially during a big game. If you're hungry, we recommend The Viking Burger, grilled in garlic parmesan wing sauce and topped with house-made guac, mayo, and swiss cheese. Or opt for one of nine different flavors of wings.

Dive Bar

1214 W. 6th St., Cleveland, OH 44113

This sports bar/entertainment center in the Warehouse District is a prime destination on weekends, and watching football's biggest event here will be a blast. A whopping 32 big-screen TVs, 24 draft beers, skeeball, and other arcade games make Dive Bar a great time. An all-request DJ hosts the evenings on Fridays, Saturdays, and during select special events. 

First and Goal

Where will you watch the big game around Northeast Ohio this year?

So the holidays are over, and the countdown to spring begins. Happily, the gift-giving continues into January with this month's free offers, courtesy of Cutler Homes and LoLo Gifts.

Will you sample some donuts in Northeast Ohio, savor some pizza in Columbus, or indulge in some chocolates in Cincinnati? Here is this month's line-up of fabulous freebies.

January Gifts:

Cincinnati: Chocolates

Cleveland: Donuts

Columbus: A Pizza Boat

Medina: Socks

Akron: A Sandwich and Soup

Canton: Cupcakes

Wooster: Socks

Kent/Stow: A Smoothie

Cincinnati: Chocolates

Tickled Sweet

317 Main St., Milford, OH 45150

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Chocolate makes a bad day good and a good day better. Enjoy one of life's great pleasures with your gift of chocolates from Tickled Sweet.

About Tickled Sweet

Bambi Merz's career path wasn't always lined with sweets, but after a chance visit to a candy and snack expo, she was hooked. After years of mentoring by Randy Auel, Bambi purchased his namesake shop, now known as Tickled Sweet. One thing that hasn't changed is the collection of top-quality fudge, bars, dipped Oreos, and other chocolate treats.

Contact and Hours

513.880.4169

Monday - Thursday: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Friday and Saturday: 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Sunday: Noon - 5 p.m.

Cleveland: Donuts

Jack Frost Donuts

4960 Pearl Rd., Cleveland, OH 44109

Homer Simpson's love of donuts runs so deep that he sold his soul for one in the Treehouse of Horror. While you may not be that extreme, you'll certainly appreciate his emotion after sampling your gift from Jack Frost Donuts.

About Jack Frost Donuts

Since 1937, generations of families have turned to Jack Frost Donuts for their handmade treats. The family that owns and runs the shop has handed down their original recipe over decades. Choose from a rotating daily menu featuring selections from dozens of luscious flavors such as maple bacon, salted caramel, and Fruity Pebbles.

Contact and Hours

216.351.3638

Monday - Sunday: 6 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Columbus: A Pizza Bowl

GoreMade Pizza

936 N. 4th St., Columbus, OH 43201

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Pizza manages to be consistent yet full of variety, which explains much of its appeal. Even if you're a veteran 'za lover, you'll find something new with your free pizza bowl from GoreMade Pizza. 

About GoreMade Pizza

Hosting a weekly pot-luck pizza party with friends showed Nick Gore how toppings could make each pie unique. Nick then turned the purchase of a mobile wood-fired pizza oven into a successful catering business, leading to the current brick-and-mortar restaurant. Ingredients such as sausage, banana peppers, and roasted mushrooms are sourced locally for freshness.

Contact and Hours

614.725.2115

Tuesday - Sunday: Noon - 9 p.m.

Medina: Socks

JK Gift Shop

207 S. Court St., Medina, OH 44256

You can never have too many socks. Pick up a free pair of socks that are both fashionable and practical from JK Gift Shop.

About JK Gift Shop

Home decor is all in the family for Julie McNabb and Katie Heinz, owners of JK Gift Shop. The sister duo followed in the footsteps of their mother, Amy Douglass, who founded The Interior Design Studio. Julie and Katie expanded the business by adding the gift shop and its stylish assortment of products.

Contact and Hours

330.725.7623

Monday - Saturday: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Sunday: Noon - 5 p.m.

Akron: A Sandwich and Soup

Niko's Sandwich Board

1947 W. Market St. #104, Akron, OH 44313

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What's more satisfying than a hearty bowl of soup on a cold winter day? How about a free sandwich to go with your soup at Niko's Sandwich Board?

About Niko's Sandwich Board

Customers flock to Niko's Sandwich Board to enjoy the wide selection of soups, salads, and sandwiches on the menu. The cozy, welcoming dining room atmosphere keeps them coming back for more. If you're short on time, just call ahead and get your Reuben, tuna sandwich, or chef salad to go.

Contact and Hours

330.794.5444

Monday - Friday: 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Saturday: 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Canton: Cupcakes

Sprinkle City Bakery & Cafe

1430 W. Maple St., North Canton, OH 44720

Are cupcakes the perfect combination of cake and frosting? Test this theory with your free gift from Sprinkle City Bakery & Cafe.

About Sprinkle City Bakery & Cafe

Whether you're craving a home-cooked meal or a sweet treat to brighten your day, you'll find it at Sprinkle City Bakery & Cafe. The revolving menu of savory items includes dishes such as Southwest chicken salad, Italian wedding soup, and jalapeño popper grilled cheese. The latest addition to their already extensive bakery menu is the cruffin, a cross between a croissant and a muffin.

Contact and Hours

330.933.0767

Wednesday - Friday: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Sunday: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Wooster: Socks

JK Gift Shop

114 E. Liberty St., Wooster, OH 44691

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Socks have gone from ho-hum accessories to fun and funky fashion statements. Express your personality with a colorful pair of socks from JK Gift Shop.

About JK Gift Shop

Need a gift for a friend or family member, or just looking to treat yourself? Find something for everyone at JK Gift Shop. Owners (and sisters) Julie McNabb and Katie Heinz travel to all the top markets and trade shows to source the unique selection of housewares, jewelry, and other gift items found in their delightful shop.

Contact and Hours

330.725.7623

Monday - Saturday: !0 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Kent/Stow: A Smoothie

Kwench Juice Cafe

100 E. Erie St., Suite 126, Kent, OH 44240

Want a simple and tasty way to add nutrients to your diet? Head to Kwench Juice Cafe for your free smoothie.

About Kwench Juice Cafe

It's hard to believe the delicious products at Kwench Juice Cafe are packed full of vitamins, fiber, and other vital nutrients. In addition to smoothies, freshly-squeezed juices, and açai bowls, the cafe offers a selection of sandwiches and wraps.

Contact and Hours

330.302.1682

Monday - Sunday: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

A Year Full of Gifts

Thanks to our partnership with LoLo Gifts, every month is a holiday! Just contact your Cutler Real Estate agent to get started.

Cutler Realtors are committed to providing the excellent customer service necessary to help clients buy and sell homes across Northeast Ohio, Columbus and Central Ohio, and Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. It's been a core value since our founding in 1947, along with the honesty and integrity we're known for in the communities we serve.

Each month we recognize those agents who have gone above and beyond to meet and exceed client goals...

Click Here to Read More...

The holidays are done for another year, and spring feels far away. Spend quality time with family and friends over a few games of bowling, no matter what the weather is outside. Fun never stops at these wonderful bowling alleys around Northeast Ohio, Columbus, and Cincinnati.

Pins Mechanical Company

1880 W. 25th St., Cleveland, OH 44113

Plan an evening of nostalgic fun at Pins Mechanical Company. Choose from traditional or duckpin bowling, featuring smaller balls and pins and three rolls per frame. There's also a bocce ball court and foosball table, while the basement holds more than 40 old-school pinball machines and other games for all ages. Each floor has a full bar, and no food is served in-house, but you're welcome to bring your own. Pins is 21-and-over after 8 p.m. Hours are 4 p.m. - 12:30 a.m. Monday through Wednesday, 4 p.m. - 1 a.m. Thursday, 4 p.m. - 2:30 a.m. Friday, noon - 2:30 a.m. Saturday, and noon - 12:30 a.m. Sunday.

The Corner Alley

402 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH 44114

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Whether you're planning a family outing, a get-together with friends, or a date night, The Corner Alley fits the bill. Thanks to a major remodel, The Corner Alley has 16 state-of-the-art bowling lanes, including automatic scoring. Follow the other big games on several 4K HDTVs. In addition to a variety of sandwiches and pizza, the food menu offers a number of upscale appetizers, such as Buffalo eggrolls and garlic parmesan fries. Hours are 11:30 a.m. - midnight daily except Friday and Saturday when closing time is 2 a.m. 

Fairview Lanes

21847 Lorain Rd., Fairview Park, OH 44126

Bowling meets clubbing every Saturday at Fairview Lanes. Moonrock Bowling combines black lights, music videos, song requests, and all-you-can-bowl for one price. Afternoons from 1 - 3 p.m. are for families, while teens and adults take over from 9:30 p.m.  - midnight. Open bowling is available the rest of the week, along with a full bar and "bowling alley munchies" from Cafe 220. Visit the website for the full schedule and sign up to receive a free $10 open bowling certificate.

Columbus Square Bowling Palace

5707 Forest Hills Blvd., Columbus, OH 43231

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With a majestic 64 lanes, a spacious arcade, and a tropical-themed sports bar, Columbus Square Bowling Palace is appropriately named. Columbus Square's main claim to fame is that it is the world's largest HyperBowling center. HyperBowling is a cross between traditional bowling and video games, where there's no such thing as a gutter ball. Palazzo Restaurant serves up pizza, chicken wings, subs, and other casual food favorites. Hours are 9 a.m. - midnight Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. - 2 a.m. Friday, 8 a.m. - 2 a.m. Saturday, and 8 a.m. - midnight Sunday.

Gahanna Lanes

215 W. Johnstown Rd., Gahanna, OH 43230

Clean facilities, friendly customer service, and good food make Gahanna Lanes a popular spot for family outings and kids' birthday parties. Everyone's a winner in the arcade room, where you earn points that can be redeemed for prizes afterward. For the grown-ups, there's Rock 'n' Bowl every Friday and Saturday night from 11:30 p.m. - 2 a.m. Price is only $15, with free shoe rental. Gahanna Bowl is open noon - 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, noon - 2 a.m. Friday, 11 a.m. - 2 a.m. Saturday, and noon - 9 p.m. Sunday.

Star Lanes Polaris

8655 Lyra Dr., Columbus, OH 43240

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Once you visit Star Lanes Polaris, you may never want to leave. Bowling is only part of the story at this lively, high-tech entertainment center. Other activities include billiards, ping-pong, arcade, VR arena, and an interactive 4D theater ride. The Point Bar & Grille is a full-service restaurant with an extensive menu of made-to-order dishes, such as steak frites, Cobb salad, and meatball sliders. Star Lanes Polaris is open daily from 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. except Friday and Saturday when hours are extended to 1 a.m. 

Madison Bowl

4761 Madison Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45227

Enjoy bowling with an authentic old-school vibe at Madison Bowl. The building dates back to approximately 1957, and while the decor is decidedly retro, there are a number of modern touches, including the automatic scoring system. In keeping with the nostalgic feel, the onsite Madison Diner features home-style dishes such as Marcella's Mud Bean soup with smoked turkey. On weekends, bowl from 9 a.m. - noon for only $9 and $1 shoe rental. Hours are 7 a.m. - midnight Sunday through Wednesday, 7 a.m. - 1 a.m. Thursday, and 7 a.m. - 3 a.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Rotolo

1 Levee Way, Suite 1112, Newport, KY 41071

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Ready for a new challenge? Along with 16 regulation bowling lanes, Rotolo features indoor and outdoor bocce ball courts for a change of pace. In fact, Rotolo offers a full spectrum of additional games, including shuffleboard, air hockey, foosball, corn hole, table tennis, and a selection of board games. With a menu highlighting Italian street food such as bruschetta, paninis, and risotto balls, Rotolo provides another alternative to traditional bowling alleys. Hours are 3 p.m. - 10 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, 3 - 11 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, noon - 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday, and noon - 10 p.m. Sunday.

Western Bowl Strike & Spare

6383 Glenway Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45211

Do you have little ones who can barely pick up a standard bowling ball? Family-friendly Western Bowl Strike & Spare has a good supply of lightweight balls and smaller shoes, along with plenty of bumper lanes where kids can learn without fear of gutter balls. Mom and Dad can enjoy weekend date nights with Cosmic Bowling. Visit the website for a list of daily specials. Western Bowl is open 10 a.m. - midnight, seven days a week.

How Do You Roll?

Last October, LA Dodgers star and noted bowling enthusiast Mookie Betts bowled a perfect game the day after his 30th birthday. Have you ever scored a 300 game? If not, what's your highest score?

Cooking is an essential life skill that everyone should have some practice with. Why not take your dishes to the next level by learning from the pros? Here are just a few of the many places you can go to learn cooking techniques from some of Ohio's top chefs. 

Loretta Paganini School of Cooking 

8613 Mayfield Rd., Chesterland, OH 44026

The Loretta Paganini School of Cooking is one of the most renowned culinary institutions in Northeast Ohio. The crown jewel of the International Culinary Arts and Sciences Institute, this school offers classes for laypeople as well as up-and-coming professional chefs. Some are even taught by Paganini herself!

The school's curriculum includes a set of intensive four-week classes to teach basic techniques like knife skills, grilling, and sauce-making—perfect for those just starting out in the kitchen. There are also a variety of standalone classes available to help you brush up on your execution of specific dishes, including ravioli, ragout, and various surf and turf plates. 

Stir Studio Kitchen

4461 Lorain Ave., Cleveland, OH 44113

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Ever looked up a recipe for a particular dish and immediately regretted it when you saw what the instructions looked like? Stir Studio Kitchen is all about teaching kitchen novices to master specific meals that they might otherwise find intimidating. Each course is 2-3 hours long, and most take place in the evening. 

The classes cover dishes from a wide range of cuisines, including everything from chicken pot pie with citrus poppyseed salad to homemade naan with chana masala and palak paneer. Many of their classes include dishes that can be made vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free. Just let them know in advance so they can make sure they have the right ingredients on hand!

The Mix

250 Cleveland Ave., Columbus, OH 43215

The Mix is Columbus State Community College's official culinary branch. All of this acclaimed Columbus institution's classes are taught by experienced chefs, many of whom have also published well-known cookbooks and food columns. 

These hands-on courses run for about 2 hours each. Most of them teach you how to cook a single dish, such as Beef Wellington, Spanish paella, and French crepes. Others cover a few dishes related to a central theme, such as their Mardi Gras Celebration class in late February. 

The Seasoned Farmhouse

3674 N. High St., Columbus, OH 43214

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Cooking doesn't have to be a high-stakes passion pursuit to be enjoyable. The folks at The Seasoned Farmhouse call their organization a recreational cooking school, a term they use to signpost their more relaxed cooking philosophy. The classes are still taught by professional chefs, but there's no pressure—it's all just for fun. 

Classes come in both hands-on and demonstration formats and are available evenings and afternoons. Whether you're interested in making hearty favorites like homemade bagels or fancy dishes like Beef Wellington, you're sure to find a course that will teach you what you need to know. 

Quinci Emporium

11 Buttles Ave., Columbus, OH 43215

The Quinci Emporium began as a gourmet food store when it first opened a few years back. Now, the company offers cooking classes in addition to its retail operations. You can take a 2- to 3-hour course with chef Deborah Quinci or a member of her team on most days of the week. 

The dishes covered in these classes range from savory classics like Tortellini with Broth and Lasagna Bolognese to sweet treats like cookies and biscotti. All recipes use the store's own fresh ingredients, including wines, meats, cheeses, pasta, and breads.

Tablespoon Cooking Co.

1731 Elm St., Cincinnati, OH 45202

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You don't have to be a kitchen whiz to benefit from cooking instruction. Tablespoon Cooking Co. strives to make cooking classes accessible to people of all skill levels, including those who rarely cook for themselves. 

Beginners and advanced home cooks alike can sign up to learn how to make a variety of delicious dishes, from shrimp paella to pasta Bolognese with fresh noodles. The company also holds mixology classes at their in-house bar for anyone who wants to take their home happy hours to the next level. They even carry a selection of ingredients and equipment used in their classes, making it easy for you to pick up exactly what you need to recreate your lessons at home. 

Afromeals

1719 Elm St., Cincinnati, OH 45202

Want to experience a range of flavors you may never have tasted before? Afromeals is the place to learn how to make the earthy, spicy dishes of African and Caribbean cuisine in your own kitchen. 

Run by executive chef Gabi Odebode and her team of prep chefs, this culinary school will teach you how to prepare Afro-Caribbean staples like Jollof rice, Chakalaka, and Jerk chicken. You'll learn more about the ingredients, textures, and flavor profiles that define this type of cuisine and expand your culinary horizons.

La Soupe

915 E. McMillan St., Cincinnati, OH 45206

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If you're like many Americans, you might find yourself throwing out almost as much food as you eat. La Soupe is a non-profit organization on a mission to eliminate food waste from Cincinnati households. As part of this mission, they offer cooking classes to illustrate what you can do with the food you would usually throw away. 

Most of the recipes taught in their classes are for soups, stews, and other hearty dishes that can be made with almost any ingredients. These classes are a great fit for people trying to cut down on their grocery spending—and these days, who isn't?

Let's Get Cooking

It's never too late to learn a new recipe or cooking technique. What new dishes will you learn to whip up this year?