The Cleveland area is enriched with a spectacular history, and locals have flawlessly preserved the small-town atmosphere for which the Midwest is famous. This region is amazing, and it hides many ways in which locals can travel back to a long-gone era. Our museums, historical societies, and even walking tours tell the story of our predecessors, but so, too, do these incredible retro haunts.
- Malley’s Chocolates - 14822 Madison Avenue, Lakewood
Bob L./Yelp
Yuan C./Yelp In 1935, Albert “Mike” Malley opened his first candy store on Madison Avenue in Lakewood. Though the business soon grew to become the city’s largest family-owned and operated factory, the store has retained the magic and charm of a small-town candy shoppe. Swing by for an incredible ice cream from the vintage soda fountain and get lost in the enchanting scenery of this classic eatery.
- Annabelle’s Diner - 8637 Twinbrook Road, Cleveland
Annabelle’s Diner/Facebook
Annabelle’s Diner/Facebook The incredible milieu of this charming diner has me craving a double-decker with fries and a cherry shake. The classic car cruise, which takes place summer weekends, only enhances the atmosphere of this must-see diner.
- Mahall’s 20 Lanes - 13200 Madison Avenue, Lakewood
The Zender Agenda/Flickr
Yelp Inc./Flickr Since the Roaring Twenties, Mahall’s has been providing an incredible outlet for nostalgic fun. Enjoy a mixed drink and a concert or take advantage of the on-site vintage bowling alley. You won’t be disappointed.
- Sweet Moses - 6800 Detroit Avenue, Cleveland
Sweet Moses/Yelp
Sweet Moses/Instagram Explore the flavors of Cleveland in this quaint sweet shoppe! With ice cream served up from an authentic Bastian-Blessing fountain and enchanting decor that hearkens back to a bygone era, there is much to love at this instant Cleveland classic. Sweet Moses serves up delicacies so incredible that they’d even make Moses Cleaveland (the city’s founder) smile!
- Playhouse Square - 1501 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland
Erik Drost/Flickr
Onasill ~ Bill Badzo/Flickr Playhouse Square will transport you straight to the glamorous 1920s. With incredible theaters and vintage signage, this classic Cleveland district is filled to the brim with fine art. The mural pictured above is on display in the State Theatre, which opened to the public on February 5, 1921.
- Miranda’s Vintage Bridal - 2685 West 14th Street, Cleveland
Miranda’s Vintage Bridal/Yelp
Miranda’s Vintage Bridal/Facebook Embrace the romantic fashions of yesteryear at this beautiful boutique! For ladies with a love of vintage elegance, this boutique is a must-visit. Sure, you may not be in the market for a wedding gown, but the Miranda’s Vintage selection of party dresses and accessories is incredible.
- Hotz Cafe - 2529 West 10th Street, Cleveland
Yelp - Matthew M.
Ba Chomp Ba Chomp Ba Chewy Chomp P./Yelp Since it opened in 1919, Hotz Cafe has changed very little. This Tremont tavern has remained family-owned over the years, and it has entertained locals and out-of-towners alike. In fact, it has hosted some notable individuals, including Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, and Franklin D. Roosevelt. There is a lot of history in this neighborhood bar; one could only imagine the stories it would tell if walls could talk.
- Katz Club Diner - 1975 Lee Road, Cleveland Heights
Edsel Little/Flickr
Edsel Little/Flickr Everytime one approaches Katz, it is impossible not to imagine a Chevy Bel Air (complete with those stunning ‘57 tailfins) parked out front. This picture-perfect diner serves classic dishes that will take your taste buds on an unforgettable journey.
- RETRO Dog - 350 East Steels Corners Road, Cleveland
RETRO Dog/Yelp
RETRO Dog/Yelp What’s more American than a hot dog diner? A hot dog diner with a vintage flair! Boogie-woogie in to this delightful diner and bring your taste buds along for the ride. Enjoy classic floats with char-grilled hot dogs, then kick back and soak in the charm of this modern-meets-classic destination.
Retro destinations offer something for everyone. From charming decor to incredible American classics, these Cleveland-area shops and diners entice locals with their vintage flair. Their charm will transport you right back to the good ol’ days, and they’ll leave you in a nostalgic state of bliss.
Bob L./Yelp
Yuan C./Yelp
In 1935, Albert “Mike” Malley opened his first candy store on Madison Avenue in Lakewood. Though the business soon grew to become the city’s largest family-owned and operated factory, the store has retained the magic and charm of a small-town candy shoppe. Swing by for an incredible ice cream from the vintage soda fountain and get lost in the enchanting scenery of this classic eatery.
Annabelle’s Diner/Facebook
The incredible milieu of this charming diner has me craving a double-decker with fries and a cherry shake. The classic car cruise, which takes place summer weekends, only enhances the atmosphere of this must-see diner.
The Zender Agenda/Flickr
Yelp Inc./Flickr
Since the Roaring Twenties, Mahall’s has been providing an incredible outlet for nostalgic fun. Enjoy a mixed drink and a concert or take advantage of the on-site vintage bowling alley. You won’t be disappointed.
Sweet Moses/Yelp
Sweet Moses/Instagram
Explore the flavors of Cleveland in this quaint sweet shoppe! With ice cream served up from an authentic Bastian-Blessing fountain and enchanting decor that hearkens back to a bygone era, there is much to love at this instant Cleveland classic. Sweet Moses serves up delicacies so incredible that they’d even make Moses Cleaveland (the city’s founder) smile!
Erik Drost/Flickr
Onasill ~ Bill Badzo/Flickr
Playhouse Square will transport you straight to the glamorous 1920s. With incredible theaters and vintage signage, this classic Cleveland district is filled to the brim with fine art. The mural pictured above is on display in the State Theatre, which opened to the public on February 5, 1921.
Miranda’s Vintage Bridal/Yelp
Miranda’s Vintage Bridal/Facebook
Embrace the romantic fashions of yesteryear at this beautiful boutique! For ladies with a love of vintage elegance, this boutique is a must-visit. Sure, you may not be in the market for a wedding gown, but the Miranda’s Vintage selection of party dresses and accessories is incredible.
Yelp - Matthew M.
Ba Chomp Ba Chomp Ba Chewy Chomp P./Yelp
Since it opened in 1919, Hotz Cafe has changed very little. This Tremont tavern has remained family-owned over the years, and it has entertained locals and out-of-towners alike. In fact, it has hosted some notable individuals, including Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, and Franklin D. Roosevelt. There is a lot of history in this neighborhood bar; one could only imagine the stories it would tell if walls could talk.
Edsel Little/Flickr
Everytime one approaches Katz, it is impossible not to imagine a Chevy Bel Air (complete with those stunning ‘57 tailfins) parked out front. This picture-perfect diner serves classic dishes that will take your taste buds on an unforgettable journey.
RETRO Dog/Yelp
What’s more American than a hot dog diner? A hot dog diner with a vintage flair! Boogie-woogie in to this delightful diner and bring your taste buds along for the ride. Enjoy classic floats with char-grilled hot dogs, then kick back and soak in the charm of this modern-meets-classic destination.
For vintage shop with fashions to die for, be sure to swing by Flower Child.
Are you looking for fun trips to enjoy with your family in Cleveland? We’ve compiled a list for you here.
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Address: 20 Lanes - 13200
