Welcome to the Cleveland Date Night series! This series will highlight some fun date night ideas in and around Cleveland. Find more date night ideas here.
Tremont is on the west side of Cleveland just southwest of downtown. It was once home to many Ukrainian immigrants who worked in the steel mills nearby. The area suffered a big population loss from the 1960s through the early 2000s, after the decline of the steel industry.
But, like its neighbor Ohio City, Tremont has seen a lot of renovation and revitalization in the last decade, and new trendy restaurants and hip spots have transformed it into one of the best neighborhoods in Cleveland.
So when it comes to choosing your next Cleveland date night destination, look no further than the exciting neighborhood of Tremont.
For the perfect date night in Tremont, you should start with an activity, have drinks, and then sit down for a scrumptious dinner at one of many award-winning restaurants.
How to Plan a Date Night in Tremont
Step 1: A Fun Activity
These awesome spots are sure to please on a Tremont date night.
AffoGATO Cat Café – 721 Starkweather Ave – Cat lovers, rejoice! Not only is this place a safe haven for little kitties that are up for adoption, but its laid back atmosphere is purrfect for playing, cuddling with cats, and chatting over coffee. All of the cats here are from the Cleveland Animal Protective League, and there have been over 350 adoptions since they opened in 2019!
So to contribute to a great cause and have a fun-filled date playing with cats, this is a really fun date idea in Cleveland! Just be sure to reserve tickets in advance, as this is a popular spot! They are currently open Thursday-Saturday, and prices are $11 for a half-hour.
RELATED: Cats and Coffee at AffoGATO: Visiting the First Cat Cafe in Cleveland
High And Dry – 2221 Professor Ave – Have drinks and play on your date night in Cleveland at High and Dry. With many arcade games and duckpin bowling (a minified version of bowling with 3 turns each frame, a short lane, and small balls), you can spend hours having some drinks and playing games on your date!
Duckpin bowling costs $5 per person per game.
Shop and Gallery Hop – Multiple Locations – If you’re feeling the art scene, Tremont is the place to go for a Cleveland date night since there are several great galleries to visit. Some notable ones include Paul Duda Gallery, Doubting Thomas Gallery, Studio 818 Gallery, Robert Hartshorn Studio Galleries, and Calicchia Sculpture & Design Studios.
Tremont also has many local shops throughout the neighborhood like Bayan Tree and Evie Lou for unique apparel and shoes, or even The Loop that is part coffee shop, part record store.
Walk around Tremont – Multiple Locations – Tremont is always buzzing with activity, and there are some pretty iconic sights around the neighborhood. Wander past the beautiful St. Theodosius Orthodox Cathedral with its iconic domes, take a photo in front of the Christmas Story House and pretend like you’re in the famous cult-classic film, or perhaps walk to Lincoln Park, a fantastic spot for people watching.
And in the summer, Tremont always has an event going on. Whether it is the Greek Festival, Arts in August or Taste of Tremont, weekends in Tremont are always exciting!
Also, on the 2nd Friday of every month is Walkabout Tremont, where the neighborhood is full of street performers, pop-up shops, extended shop hours, and food/drink specials. Plus, they have a new theme each month like “Winter Warmer” in January or “Let’s Luau” in August.
Basically, even if you aren’t sure where to start on your Tremont date night, this neighborhood always has something happening!
Step 2: Grab Some Drinks
With so many fabulous cocktail bars in Tremont, the next stop on your date night has to include getting drinks!
Spotted Owl – 710 Jefferson Ave – If you are looking for upscale cocktails and one of the best Tremont bars, then this is the place. This cozy spot is known for its fun concoctions like Quick Fix #3: Orange peel smoked Russian vodka with Zucca, lemon sorbet, ginger, fresh lemon juice, smoked salt, ginger beer, and bitters. It is the perfect combination of smoky and sweet.
This tucked away spot is dimly lit with stained glass inspired décor at the bar. Sit back in one of their leather chairs with a cocktail and you may feel like you’re in a speakeasy from the prohibition era.
Velvet Tango Room – 2095 Columbus Rd – Class it up at this iconic bar. A bit pricier on their drinks ($18 a pop plus tax), this place serves up fresh from-scratch creations that emulate flavors from around the globe including New Orleans with a Sazerac or a classic New York Manhattan. A bar as mysterious as the man who created it, this place is known for live jazz throughout the week including pianists, trios, and more.
Cloak & Dagger – 2399 W 11th St – This newer addition to the Tremont bar scene creates seasonal cocktails and has a vegan food menu! Sit outside on a nice day, or sit inside for the mysterious and moody decor while sipping a freshly crafted cocktail.
Forest City Brewery – 2135 Columbus Rd – For a more casual date night, this is a fantastic brewery in Tremont to try. Across the street from Velvet Tango Room, Forest City is in a warehouse with other businesses like Western Reserve Meadery.
This place embraces the heritage of Duck Island (a small block within Tremont) with the oldest beer garden in Cleveland, and the brewery itself has decorations from years ago including a wooden icebox, photographs, and more. Have a pint of the Black Betsy Black IPA or the “Furbelly” Irish Stout and enjoy the historic atmosphere of the place.
Western Reserve Meadery – 2135 Columbus Rd – Also located in the same warehouse as mentioned above, if you prefer mead to beer, this is a great spot to try the many flavors and colors of this fermented honey beverage.
Prosperity Social Club – 1109 Starweather Ave – With a relaxed vibe and retro décor, you’ll enjoy the many cocktails and beer at this laid-back spot for your date night in Tremont. Enjoy their outdoor patio, share some snacks, and perhaps try your hand at pool together.
The Treehouse – 820 College Ave – With a mantra of “Come water your roots,” you’ll feel the tree house vibes upon entering this place with a giant decorative tree in the center of the bar whose branches spread across the roof.
Known as one of the best Irish bars in Cleveland, you’ll love the Irish beer selections like Guinness or Smithwick’s Red Ale while you sit and chat, perhaps share some poutine or pierogi, or even play shuffleboard outside.
Step 3: Have Dinner
Tremont is well known for its food scene. If you are looking for the best restaurants in Tremont, look no further! These spots are perfect for your Tremont date night.
Dante – 2247 Professor Ave – If you are searching for a fancier date night idea in Cleveland, this restaurant fits the bill. With innovative cuisine from Michelin-starred chef Dante Boccuzzi, definitely opt for the 5 or 7 course tasting menu for a special treat. This ever-changing menu is worth putting your trust into whatever Dante creates, as it is always delightful. Definitely add the wine pairing with it for a decadent Cleveland date night.
Ginko – 2247 Professor Ave – Yet another creation by Dante, Ginko has received high praise by even the New York Times for its traditional and modern take on Japanese sushi. Expect high quality sushi, nigiri, and beef. And if you love sushi, opt for the chef’s tasting menu with the day’s best selections.
Barrio – 806 Literary Rd – More casual, but definitely just as much fun, is Barrio. This make-your-own taco restaurant allows you to combine flavors like Coca-Cola marinated steak with caramelized onions and poblano peppers, and then top it with Chipotle honey BBQ sauce. Really, the choice is yours. Pair it with the stoner queso (queso with rice – trust me, it’s amazing!), and a margarita for a delicious meal!
Bourbon Street Barrel Room – 2393 Professor Ave – Bringing the flavors and flair of New Orleans to Cleveland, you’ll enjoy the Cajun cuisine and cocktails at Bourbon Street. Try a tasty oyster or gator Po’ Boy, or tuck into some classic red beans and rice. Don’t forget to order a Hurricane!
The South Side – 2207 W 11th – This local spot has something for everyone, whether you crave buffalo cauliflower tacos or amazing fried chicken. With a lovely patio outside, this is a wonderful place to enjoy together on a summer evening.
RELATED: Cleveland Patios: 35 of the Best Patios in Cleveland
Fahrenheit – 2417 Professor Ave – With tasty pizza, pasta, and gorgeously perfected signature entrees like pork belly ramen or Kobe beef short ribs, Fahrenheit is a great Tremont date night spot year-round. But when it is warm outside, you’ll really enjoy their outdoor patio that is perfect for people watching on a breezy summer evening.
Fat Cats – 2061 W 10th St – Where the cool cats go for their perfect Cleveland date night, this place brings together both small and large plates from around the globe. Savor grilled octopus, zucchini carpaccio, or delicious salmon on a bed of risotto.
Edison’s Pizza Kitchen – 2365 Professor Ave – And lastly, I give to you the most casual but really fun restaurant in Tremont for your date night: Edison’s. Arguably the best pizza place in Cleveland, go to their counter and order a slice or two. While the wait can be a bit longer (between 20-45 minutes), you’ll have plenty of time to snack on fresh popcorn, have a beer or two, and perhaps sit outside on a nice day. Then, when you pick up that pizza, you’ve got to drizzle it with the honey that comes with it.
BONUS idea: Visible Voice Books Create-Your-Own Night
Visible Voice Books, located at 2258 Professor Ave, has a Create-Your-Own Night available. This involves having the bookstore to yourself after hours to peruse and purchase books. It also comes with a free bottle of wine or non-alcoholic beverages, a large 2-topping pizza from Crust just downstairs, and a $10 credit on your purchase!
These Create-Your-Own Nights came about during the pandemic, and were so popular that Visible Voice has decided to keep them. They are available Tuesday-Saturday evenings, and cost $75 for 100 minutes of private shopping/dining.
They can technically accommodate up to 12 people, so this would be fun as a double date idea, too!
Where to Park in Tremont
Some restaurants, like Dante and Fahrenheit, have valet parking for a fee. There are also two free parking lots on Abbey Road near W 14th St that are about a 5-minute walk to Professor Ave. If you plan to go to The South Side or Loop, there is a parking lot at the corner of Fairfield and 11th. Also, on Friday evenings, the St. John Cantius Church has a free lot off of W 10th St and Tremont Ave.
Lastly, to park for free in Tremont, there is a lot of street parking that is not metered. Many side streets off of Professor Ave and Literary Rd have space available most of the time.
Where would you like to go on your date night in Tremont?
Kat is a Cleveland transplant and has lived here for over 5 years. She loves to eat, drink, and explore all across the city, and has made it her personal mission to find the best breweries and pizza in Northeast Ohio. She also runs a couples travel blog and podcast called World Wide Honeymoon.