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John Petkovic
December 02, 2024

The 216 Scoop

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Break a bottle of Champagne against the bow of the ship. It’s the maiden voyage of The 216 Scoop.

Can’t say we know exactly we’re going. It’s going to be an adventure and the idea is explore the city — it’s people, places, trends, events, joys and heartbreaks — and embrace the detours.

We aim to provide comprehensive coverage of news, sports and entertainment. Yes, music and concert listings, but also the latest info on bars, restaurants and clubs that play a vital role in the life of the city.

OK, now where’s that Champagne…

In today’s 216 Scoop Edition: 

  • Safety measures accompany Public Square opening of holiday display, skating rink

  •  One of the worst losses in years for Ohio State Buckeyes

  •  Dinosaurs to rule the earth again, in University Circle

  • No hype, no big-name chef – but foodies will embrace new West 25th sandwich shop

  • Football bars to watch MNF as Browns battle Broncos

  • West Ninth club makes grand opening with Euro Disco

Let’s get to it

by John Petkovic, Mark Espinosa, Victor Takakura, & Matt Vakuda

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IN THE NEWS

Photo of Public Square, courtesy Downtown Cleveland Alliance.

Lights, Camera… New safety measures accompany opening of Public Square holiday display, skating rink

The lights are on, the snow is coming down, the skates are out… and the security cameras are on. On Saturday, Public Square welcomed the WinterLand Festival. The event transformed the heart of Cleveland into a winter wonderland, featuring the annual holiday display and the opening of Cleveland Foundation Skating Rink.

This year’s event includes some new additions: security cameras, to alleviate safety concerns after the shooting of two teens after the annual lighting a year ago. The holiday display has been a display in downtown celebrations for 40 years, with the skating one of its biggest activities. The rink will remain open Fridays-Sundays through Dec. 19; daily from Dec 20-Jan. 5; Friday-Sundays Jan. 6-Feb.19; noon-6 p.m. MLK Day.

Total disaster: Buckeyes stunned by Michigan; worst loss in years

Photo courtesy Ohio State Buckeyes.

Mere words cannot describe the depths of disaster.

It’s bad enough to lose to Michigan. It’s mind-numbingly bad to lose to this Michigan team. And it’s… Oh, forget it.

How can you even quantify the depths of failure?

The Ohio State Buckeyes came into Saturday’s game favored by 19.5 points against a mediocre Michigan team. Then proceeded to lose to the Wolverines, 13-10, for the fourth straight year.

Ohio State quarterback Will Howard threw two momentum-killing interceptions, Jayden Fielding missed two key field goals and the Buckeyes managed a paltry 77 yards rushing.

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Heinen’s closing of second floor underscores downtown’s retail struggles

Photo courtesy Heinen’s

Retail was hailed as a key driver of the downtown’s revival. Heinen’s – which opened on the corner of East Ninth Street and Euclid Avenue in February 2015 – would lead the way. A decade later, Heinen’s decision to close the second floor in the historic Cleveland Trust Rotunda underscores the economic challenges of operating a full-scale grocery downtown – and how retail has lagged entertainment and living options.

In the last decade, downtown has seen the expansion of eateries and clubs, from Prospect and Euclid avenues to East Fourth to the East Bank Flats. It has added between 5,000-6,000 residents. Retail, however, has treaded water. Heinen’s will move the wine and beer departments to the first floor. Spirits offerings will be streamlined.

“As we’ve navigated the challenging economic realities of operating a grocery store in a downtown retail environment over the last decade, we recognized the need to reduce operating costs,” Heinen’s marketing director Jackie Shultz said in a statement. “This updated single-floor store design will help reduce expenses, increase operational efficiencies, and continue to meet the evolving needs of our customers.”

Dinosaurs to roam University Circle once again!

Photo courtesy Cleveland Museum of Natural History

It seems like forever – so long ago that dinosaurs were roaming the earth. In fact, you are correct: The Cleveland Museum of Natural History started its $150-million renovation a decade ago, back when the museum still featured pre-historic displays. Well, the work is over on the ambitious project that not only expands the museum – by 375,000 square feet and two acres of outdoor visitor areas – but also the museum-going concept.

It will include new exhibits and immersive experiences that connect the present to the pre-historic times and interstellar visions of the future. (And, yes, the dinosaurs will be back.) The renovation has been hailed by The New York Times as leading the trend to make science more accessible and interactive. The grand opening will take place from Friday, December 13, through Sunday, December 15.

Custom sandwiches, a NYC bodega concept… and vaping galore

Trendy spaces, new concepts and big-name chefs always whet the appetite of Cleveland foodies. Vienna Corned Beef would hardly qualify on any of those counts – especially the whole vaping thing. But that’s what makes it novel addition to the food scene. The just-opened eatery looks and feels like a New York Bodega. VCB specializes in corned beef, pastrami and Reuben sandwiches – as well as a turkey-pastrami hunger-buster called the West 25th. Small, walk-up spots that serve custom take-away late into the evening are uncommon in Cleveland (even when it comes to slices of pizza). This one serves sandwiches and a wide selection of, uh, vaping products.

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THAT’S ENTERTAINMENT

Browns fans never give up, so why start now, with MNF on the tub? Where to watch the Browns take on the Broncos tonight

Photo courtesy Cleveland Browns

OK, so most Browns fans are watching 2025 NFL mock drafts as much as the games these days. But they partied on after the Browns last win against the Steelers. And they’ll be at it again when the Browns take on the Denver Broncos during Monday Night Football – 8:15 tonight on ESPN. These spots should be humming with excitement… or frustration. Either way, you can drink to celebrate the ecstasy of victory or the despair of defeat.

Winking Lizard: 14018 Detroit Avenue, Lakewood: This place has more TV sets than a Best Buy superstore. And the beer selection is stellar. And the food is good.

Jack Cleveland Casino Sportsbook: 100 Public Square, Cleveland: Browns fans get emotional, of course. But the crowd that comes to the sportsbook area of the Jack gets really into the games. After all, they also have a financial interest in the game.

Maple Grove Tavern: 14832 Pease Road, Maple Heights: Even when the game is a bummer, this magnet for Browns backers feels like a happy-go-lucky tailgate.

Wild Eagle Saloon: 921 Huron Road, Cleveland: The place attracts a party-hearty set that digs football and beer. But it also rolls out ping pong, bocce, pool, old-school video games – which makes for  fine back-up plans.

Becky's: 1762 East 18th St., Cleveland:  It’s a neighborhood watering hole in the city that attracts a diverse set. Yes, it’s laid back and casual – where you can munch on taters tots, sips beers and chill without blowing a ton of dough.

Brew Garden: 16555 Southpark Center, Strongsville: It feels like you’re sitting in a loge. OK, maybe not quite. But the screens are massive and the views are great. And the beer list is deeper than the one offered up by the beer guy at the stadium.

Hooley House: 10310 Cascade Crossing, Brooklyn: This sprawling pub feels like St. Patrick’s Day most days of the year. But those large-screen TVs are very football-friendly. The nachos and the other munch-fest selections on the menu top most stadium food.

NOTES ON A COCKTAIL NAPKIN

Sports, Entertainment, & Culture

Eastern European disco nights return to Cleveland

Elite Lounge, located in the former location of Tomo Sushi and Hibachi, 1293 West Ninth Street, in the Warehouse District, celebrated its grand opening on Saturday.

Franco Bucci, the nightclub promoter known for the long-running and popular Club Roma, is advising Elite Lounge on its theme, “Diskoteka International.”

“It’s similar to ‘Club Roma’ in that we’re focusing on Eastern European dance nights,” says Bucci. “Evenings will start with salsa and then go all-out with our ‘Diskoteka’ theme.”

Edgar Allan Poe, painting, circa 1848.

Ah, a new speakeasy where the macabre is spoken

There are a lot of splendid Edgar Allan Poe quotes – including, of course, “I became insane, with long intervals of horrible sanity.”

You just might hear it one of the dozens of other famous lines said by the master of mystery and macabre at the Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy.

The pop-up venue -- located in the Elliot, 1415 Kenilworth Avenue, in Tremont -- pairs themed cocktails with performances of Poe stories.

Hopefully, you will raise your glass in joy and not the way Poe, a big drinker, once described: “I have absolutely no pleasure in the stimulants in which I sometimes so madly indulge... It has been the desperate attempt to escape from torturing memories.” The next showings are Dec. 19-21.

Even crumbling walls are too proud to kneel… Oh, Cleveland.

Every edition, watch this space for a random snap from somewhere in Cleveland (and surrounding areas 😉). Where are we? Only true Clevelander will know. Tell us your guess on Instagram or Facebook, or simply reply to this email.

And don’t forget! Tag @LiveMusicInCleveland or @The216Scoop to get your photos in the Scoop!

WEATHER

Monday

36 🌡️ 32 | 🌤️ | 24% | 💨 SSW 14 mph (12 knots)

Tuesday

38 🌡️ 33 | 🌧️ | 44% | 💨 SW 15 mph (13 knots)

Wednesday

36 🌡️ 31 | ❄️ | 31% | 💨 SW 14 mph (12 knots)

Thursday

37 🌡️ 34 | ⛅ | 24% | 💨 SW 15 mph (13 knots)

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Live Shows in the 216

Monday

West Park Station | Dreadlock Dave | 6 PM

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

The 216 Sports Arena

Upcoming Games

Cavaliers

Home vs. Washington Wizards, 7 p.m., Tuesday;

Home vs. Denver Nuggets, 7 p.m., Thursday.

 Browns

Away vs. Pittsburgh Steelers, Sunday Dec. 8

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