Bar Reports: The Flats (Cleveland)

Around the mid-80's, The Flats area of Cleveland became the go-to destination for dining, dancing and partying. During our quick Cleveland daytrip yesterday, we dropped by to check it out.

During the 70's, Cleveland's Cuyahoga River had become world famous for literally catching fire twice due to all the chemicals and pollutants flowing through it. That led to a huge cleanup, with The Flats becoming the city's trendy club district. The area mostly died-out though by the late 90's  due to drownings and crime. Around 2005 another redevelopment plan took hold that included tearing down many of the old decrepit structures and warehouses being turned into loft apartments. The Greater Cleveland Aquarium opened nearby in 2010.

The West Bank is connected via water taxi and includes the Music Box.

And an original Shooters.

While bars, restaurants and brew pubs line the East Bank such as Thirsty Dog.

Backyard Bocce.

Alley Cats Oyster Bar.

They have The Big Bang dueling pianos bar.

A Landshark rooftop bar.

Their own Margaritaville.

And a Beerhead.

A river cruise including a visit to nearby Lake Erie is available too.

Cleveland was the first city in North America to connect its downtown with the airport. The RTA Red Line heavy rail train can get you to the center in about 20-minutes.

At downtown's Tower City station you connect to the light rail RTA Waterfront Line where The Flats is just two stops away. An all-day RTA day pass is just $5.50.  This was just a quick visit but it certainly deserves a night out!

 Cleveland RTA rapid transit system map. (Click to enlarge.)