After Dark • Cleveland Plain Dealer • December 16, 2005

Cleveland Plain Dealer After Dark • December 16, 2005

Treat an out-of-town friend to

one of these Cleveland spots

by John Petkovic

You can take the Clevelander out of Cleveland, but you can't take Cleveland out of the Clevelander. Even those who move far, far away always return -- at least for the holidays.

What better way to play catch-up with them during the holidays than in some cozy joint where you can chat, party and pop quarters into a jukebox all night long?

This year I'm ready to party at these places in the event an out-of-town or long-lost friend calls from out of the blue:

Tradesman Tavern: What happens when you cross working-class with the Warehouse District? Whatever it is, they're drinking to it at the Tradesman, 5647 State Road, Parma. The brand-new beer hall boasts murals of working-class heroes and the kind of upscale decor rarely associated with working-class joints. In other words, don't wear overalls.

Happy Dog: I took a friend from New York to this joint, 5801 Detroit Ave., Cleveland.

He was blown away at how real-deal it was.

"New Yorkers blow millions trying to make a new place look this authentic," he said.

Well, the Dog is authentic, a casual but trendy spot that serves up a gravy train of treats, from superfriendly bartenders to happy-go-lucky vibes and party-hearty bands. Bowwow!

Pickwick and Frolic: After the Dog, I took my friend to the Midnight Martini Show at this joint, 2035 East Fourth St., Cleveland.
"Man, there's nothing like this in Manhattan," he said.
In other words, Pickwick's New York-themed revue is a rarity anywhere, let alone in Cleveland. The Rat
Pack shtick and '60s mod-styled bar will make you think you're partying with Frank and Dino. Or maybe not, but so what.

Lobby Court: Is there a bar more opulent or timeless? No and no. That's what makes the LC the place to party like it's 1929. Located in the Renaissance Cleveland Hotel, 24 Public Square, it boasts elaborate drapes, ceiling-tofloor windows and lots of marble. Then there's Skeets Ross at his shiny grand piano, his spidery fingers tickling a century's worth of timeless tunes.

La Cave du Vin: Some places approximate wine bars. This joint is a wine cellar. Raise a glass to the brick-and-basement vibe and Goth romance of La Cave du Vin, 2785 Euclid Heights Blvd., Cleveland Heights. It's the perfect rendezvous for lovers and vampires alike, especially those on a budget. The wine list boasts 70 poisons and doesn't bleed the wallet.

Five O'Clock Bar: Cheap beers. Beef jerky. Punk-rock singalongs. What more can you ask of a low-rent party? Nothing, and that's what makes the Five O'Clock, 11904 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, the snazziest rock 'n' roll bar in town.

McNulty's Bier Market: Yet another beer joint hits West 25th Street. McNulty's, 1948 West 25th St., Cleveland, specializes in the Belgian brews. I spent a night there with a buddy. I sipped the high-powered Delirium Tremens Ale. He drank Bud. Somehow, it all made sense at this polished-yet-casual-downtown-yet-corner-joint hang.

Soul, as seen on TV

Don Cornelius, eat your soul out. The Metropolis, 2325 Elm St., Cleveland, is hosting a "Soul Train"-themed get-down. It's "Honey Train" at 9 p.m. Wednesdays. The soul-a-thon trots out dancers and bands shaking their booties. It's also being taped by Village Television, which many Adelphia cable subscribers receive on Channel 20 and will air at 10 p.m. Thursdays. Cover is $5. Call 216-518-1740.