By: Mayson Moore
After a gray winter season, one of the best remedies for mental and physical health is time spent exploring. Luckily, Northeast Ohio has plenty of accessible destinations for all things food and drink, arts and culture, and just plain fun, many of which have been accessibility verified for those with mobility limitations.
Drink
Ready Set! Coffee roasters- Located near Edgewater Park, Ready Set! cafe sells a diverse range of coffee sourced from different regions along with freshly baked items each day (including gluten free and vegan options). The entrance is wheelchair accessible with no steps, and indoor seating provides wide aisles and multiple options to account for a variety of limitations in mobility. The roaster’s seasonal menu and long list of house beverages make this a great option for a repeat summer refreshment destination.
Boss Dog Brewing Company- This brewery in Cleveland Heights is nearly 5,000 square feet with a 1,200 square foot outdoor patio, making it a uniquely spacious alternative to the crowded bar atmosphere that can exclude those with mobility challenges. Boss Dog also emphasizes inclusivity through their allergy-friendly food menu, numerous NA drink options, affordable prices, and accessible restrooms/entrances. Popping in for weekly Thursday trivia, or just for a quick drink is the perfect indoor or outdoor activity for anyone wanting to support a local business without worrying about navigating accessibility barriers.
Food
Mitchell’s Ohio City- This classic Northeast Ohio chain makes a concerted effort to include those of all abilities in their flagship Ohio city location design. Printed menus help wheelchair users avoid craning their necks, low counters allow everyone to view flavors, flexible seating is available throughout the space, and there are numerous allergen friendly (but tasty) options. The private room and 6,000 square foot production kitchen can also provide a source of entertainment while enjoying a cold treat on a hot day. The city location does pose a slight challenge in terms of parking, but there are several nearby lots (displayed on the website) when accessible meter parking is filled up.
Mallorca- “Cleveland’s most awarded restaurant for 25 years” downtown serves leisurely meals that combine Spanish and Portuguese cuisine and customs for a more upscale summer destination. This A list restaurant is accessibility verified by destination Cleveland, noting the presence of step free access to seating, functional table layout, common accessible bathrooms, and proximity to accessible parking directly east of the restaurant.
West Side Market- As a renowned foodie destination, this historic market has made quite a reputation for itself as a great way to sample treats from local vendors and celebrate Cleveland history. All vendors sell products on the first floor of the space, with accessible restrooms available in the market café area (no purchase required for use). Parking is available in the location’s on-site lot at an hourly rate of $1.50 past the first 60 minutes, as well as accessible metered parking throughout nearby streets. Due to popularity, crowds are common, so it is recommended to attend at a less busy time.
Arts
Cleveland Botanical Garden– The botanical garden offers seasonal activities and returning attractions aimed at connecting guests with both local and international flora and fauna. The garden terrain is quite large, with elevators in each multi-level building, accessible restrooms available opposite the Garden Store, and water fountains throughout the park to aid in temperature maintenance. Much of the garden is paved, however a few sections may be more difficult to navigate based on rough terrain and inclines. These are noted in detail on the website’s accessibility page. The team is highly committed to creating a pleasant experience for all guests, so it is recommended to contact guest services if specific concerns arise about accessibility prior to a visit.
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame– This Cleveland classic is perfect for a retreat to air conditioning on steamy summer days while out and about. The building is equipped with elevators, wheelchair accessible seating in all theaters, a limited on-site supply of wheelchairs, private accessible restrooms, and plenty of seating throughout the museum. Guest Services also offers complimentary admission to the personal care aids/attendants of any guests. Parking is, however, slightly complicated due to the downtown location. Curbside drop-off is available along with accessible metered parking along East 9th, the Great Lake Science Center garage, and the Pier lot.
Loganberry Books- With over 100,000 books of all genres, this local favorite hosts various events, signings, and workshops, with the perfect peaceful atmosphere for a summer day. The shop’s wide aisles and variety of seating options make it easy to navigate for wheelchair users, along with a ramp entrance available to bypass the single step into the building. Accessible bathrooms and parking spaces are additionally available.
Although all listed locations share the previously mentioned accessibility information on their websites, it may be helpful to personally contact guest service teams at each location to ensure a smooth, stress-free visit without barriers to summertime fun.
