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☕ City Goods Closes, Metroparks Makes Big Move

☕ City Goods Closes, Metroparks Makes Big Move

Does Pier W still have a great happy hour?

January 28, 2025

Happy Tuesday, Westsiders! We survived the big freeze and the days are getting longer than a CVS receipt.

Today we are buzzing on:

🍔 We go to a classic happy hour
🤠 A Lakewood legend retires
🤑 Free Sandwiches in Strongsville

Cheers,

—The Briggses

🍻 Happy Hour Review

We called it quits from The Westside Buzz HQ on Friday afternoon and did something we talked about doing for no less than 3 years. Pier W happy hour.

It had been quite a while since we had gone. We heard some mixed reviews from friends who have gone recently so we decided to see if it was still as good as we remember.

We got seated in the corner of the lounge at a comfy, swanky open booth. Clearly being seated at the best seat in the house (They had heard of The Buzz), I was able to oversee the entire lounge, which had me feeling like The Godfather.

On to the review…

The Highlights

The cocktails felt upscale without the price. They have 4, $8 cocktails on the menu. The Yule Mule is a twist on the Moscow Mule and is refreshing and balanced.
The service was fantastic. We wanted to split the $14 Angus Reserve Burger and they offered to plate it separately for us! That’s a nice touch 👌. The servers and managers did the little things that made our experience a great one. They’re true pros.
The food was excellent. The Angus burger was perfectly prepared and the Walleye fish taco was a really nice bite. Finally, the Caesar salad was only $7 and was legitimately the best-tasting salad I remember having.

Could be better

When I’m at HH I love to see a screaming deal on beer. They offer 20% off on all draft beer and the red wine was $9, which didn’t seem like the greatest special pricing. That is the only downside of our experience.

The vibes were great. We got there a touch before 5 and the crowd was already lively and the piano player was just setting up for evening food service when we left.

😮‍💨 Like Jose Mesa in 1995, Pier W still has their fastball. They nail the staples and have unparalleled service to match. If you haven’t been there for happy hour in a while, do it! Tell ‘em The Buzz sent you.

Community Blend

Avon Lake will vote on middle school plans

Avon Lake school board members have decided to place two proposals on the May ballot: a bond issue for a new middle school and elementary school renovations, and an operating levy for education costs. These scaled-back plans follow last year’s failed levy proposals, which aimed to build new elementary schools as well.

A survey of 550 residents, including parents and non-parents, revealed 87% of respondents had a favorable view of Avon Lake schools.

Together, both issues would cost residents about $165 annually for every $100,000 of appraised home value. Superintendent Joelle Magyar emphasized the district's commitment to clear communication and addressing the community’s needs.

West Shore Choral Chili Cook-Off Tickets—LAST DAY

The West Shore Choral is hosting a Chili Cook-Off to benefit the non-profit choir celebrating 50+ years!

Where: BAY LODGE, 492 Bradley Rd, Bay Village

When: Saturday, February 1st from 6-9:30 PM

Come for:

Delicious homemade chilis, sides, and desserts
Open bar
50/50 raffle & bidding on deluxe gift baskets

Enjoy a fun evening and support a special and longstanding Westside non-profit.

Local Business Espresso Shot

Riverfront clothing

When Mike isn’t out fighting fires with the Cleveland Fire Department, he spends his time printing custom apparel for businesses and special events across the city. He started Riverfront Clothing because he saw a need for high-quality, custom-print clothing and apparel with a focus on the customers.

Do you have a business or event that needs custom-printed shirts and hats? Riverfront has you covered.

We have gotten to know Mike over the years and he will go above and beyond for his customers. He makes some pretty cool original designs too!

Riverfront Clothing is Cleveland First Responder Owned

Riverfront is owned and operated by first responders. They are proud to offer a 15% discount for Military and First Responders on bulk orders.

Today they extend that discount to The Westside Buzz readers! Use code, “BUZZ” and get 15% off your order.

Business News

🌶 El Tango Closing after 32 years

Antonio and El Tango were a westside staple on Madison in Lakewood

After 32 incredible (and edible) years, El Tango is saying goodbye. Antonio, who’s been running restaurants for over five decades, has decided it’s time to trade the kitchen for a paintbrush and guitar, shifting his focus to art and music.

El Tango wasn’t just a restaurant—it was a community. If you were lucky enough to be there when he busted out his guitar after dinner service you were blessed.

If you have any El Tango stories, drop them over on the facebook page.

🥪 Free Potbelly: Opens in Strongsville today!

Sandwich lovers are rejoicing in Strongsville today. It marks Potbelly’s 15th Ohio location, and the excitement is palpable and delicious.

Just like their recent opening in Lakewood, they’re offering up free subs.

Doors officially open today, January 28 at 10 AM, and the first 100 guests will score a free sandwich coupon for their next visit.

General Manager and Strongsville local Jason Lynch is hyped to deliver "craveable sandwiches and good vibes" to his neighbors, whether it’s for a quick bite, a family outing, or a post-shopping treat.

📍 18062 Royalton Road Strongsville

Hangar structures in Ohio City to permanently close

City Goods is wrapping up its current structure on January 31. The strange-looking "creative hangars" at West 28th Street and Church Avenue provided small businesses with a low-risk introduction to brick-and-mortar retail.

City Goods was founded to serve as an incubator space for small businesses, but it never gained the traction that Ohio City Inc. had hoped for.

It was like Oscar the Grouch designed his own Crocker Park

NorthCoastSunRise, Reddit

Some businesses, like Funktiniland, are relocating, while the hangars will remain as creative spaces under new management. Co-founder Liz Painter calls on Clevelanders to keep supporting local brands, emphasizing that City Goods showed what’s possible when community and collaboration come together. “It’s sad to see it end,” Keenan shared, “but the connections and momentum we’ve built will carry on.” Full Story

Catanese Classics closes flats locations, sells land to Metroparks

This site has been processing fish for 90+ years dating back to the State Fish co.

Catanese Classics has closed its seafood outlet on Cleveland's Flats east bank and is consolidating its operations in Collinwood. The Metroparks purchased the Merwin Avenue property as part of their long-term plan to revitalize the riverfront.

The move will help pave the way for the Metroparks to continue their transformation of the Cuyahoga River waterfront. The Metroparks adds the 1.24 acres of riverfront property to a list of other previously vacant buildings on the once-thriving flats.

The move brings plans for Irishtown Bend Park closer to a reality. Here they are if you haven’t seen them yet.

We feel incredibly lucky to have such a great park system, with an innovative Metroparks Department striving for more usable green space.

Last Sips

Bay Village: Free Women’s Self-Defense Course

📍 28000 Wolf Road, Bay Village | May 5th, 7th, 12th & 14th

Last week’s most clicked

Paris Baguette Bakery Café is opening its first Cleveland location in Avon on Chester Road. The popular neighborhood bakery has hundreds of locations throughout the USA and is known for its freshly baked pastries and cakes. The location should be opening soon! (Check here for more details)

If you’re a Senior and your New Year’s Resolution is to travel more, the North Olmsted Senior Center is organizing four unforgettable trips. One trip to visit Yellowstone and other famous National Parks looks to be one for the books. (Click HERE for more info)