Jane + Ian
Guide to the Area
The Feve
Ian recommends the Detroiters with "stanky tots" (as he calls it). Their rotating brunch menu is the best brunch in Ohio, but the Feve is also a great place for lunch, dinner, and drinks.
The Slow Train Cafe
For the caffeine addicts that need their fix. You can also check out the Local on Main Street. Same owners, different vibe. Both great places to read or get some work done.
Apollo Theater Oberlin
Oberlin's lovingly restored movie theater! They show two movies at any given time. The latest blockbuster is usually in the big theater, with smaller films in the smaller theater.
Hales Annex
The Hales Annex is home to College Lanes, the Pool Room, and the Cat and the Cream Coffeehouse. Cozy facilities, good for small groups.
Ben Franklin & MindFair Books
Not quite a five-and-dime anymore, but they have most of the random things you'll probably forget to pack. They also have a neat little book store and snacks.
Crocker Park
A mall designed like a town. If you forgot to pack something and can't find it at Ben Franklin, you'll probably be able to find it here. Clothes, sporting goods, etc. Also, lots of restaurants and a movie theater.
Melt Bar and Grilled
CRAZY grilled cheese sandwiches. Very filling. Multiple locations across Ohio now, but this is the original.
West Side Market
Cleveland’s oldest publicly owned market in a beautiful historic building. We personally recommend Steve's Gyros, but you'll find all kinds of things here: from Cambodian to crepes, falafel to franks and bratwurst. Lots of fancy cheese and old school butchers, too.
Tabletop Board Game Cafe
$5 gets you access to their enormous board game collection for the whole day. Want to try a new game? Their staff can recommend one and teach it to you. They also serve food and drink, but you don't have to get anything if you don't want to. That said, they have some boozy concoctions to help you get through that absurdly long turn your friend is taking...