Dana & Joseph
Things To Do
The Root Cafe
The best coffee in the state, as well as amazing vegan and vegetarian dishes made from local, organic ingredients--an excellent breakfast or lunch spot! They have great chai and golden milk for the non-coffee drinkers, and a spectacular mayan mocha with cayenne and cinnamon. Their black and tan is like a grown-up mocha--more espresso-forward, and one of the best things on the menu.
India Garden
One of our favorite restaurants! Joe slowly worked his way up on the spice meter here over the course of dating Dana--starting at about a 3/10 and moving up to a 7 or 8. We love the paneer makhani, lamb korma, rose lassi, and the cold coffee.
Malley's
A Cleveland classic! Stop in for a few of their famous pretzel bars--a staple of local school fundraisers--or stay for an ice cream sundae with their hot fudge, seated in the back with the amazing Alice in Wonderland murals.
Barocco
Local arepa bar with super delicious food and quirky, colorfully-adorned walls. Most of the offerings are amazing, but Dana's recommendations are an order of the maduros with guacamole and a cup of the black bean soup, all dressed up with their house-made sauces (the pineapple, the garlic aioli, and the chimichurri in particular).
Cleveland Museum of Art
Free and open to the public. See where the romance began: the museum was Joe and Dana's first date. We especially love the Egyptian room with its stunning stone stelae and painted wooden sarcophagi (of course!) and the medieval weaponry and tapestries in the Armor court.
Cleveland Botanical Gardens
The Botanical Gardens have two beautiful glasshouses--one recreating the flora and fauna of Madagascar and the other a Costa Rican rainforest. Joe and Dana have a membership, and come here often for special events, such as the annual Orchid exhibit.
Little Italy
This is a great place to get food near University Circle and all its museums. Try Mama Santa's for pizza, followed by a stop at Corbo's across the street for cannoli or tiramisu.
West Side Market
A wonderful place to wander and grab a light lunch or cup of coffee! A gorgeous building with a ton of vendors selling everything from prepared foods and coffee to fresh pasta, fish, meats, and baked goods. Dana's top recommendation: the vanilla bean lemonade from the Juice Garden Stall.