Located in vibrant Downtown Cleveland, East Fourth Street is a famed shopping and dining destination that will keep you occupied and entertained till late at night.
A storied past
East Fourth Street first came to prominence at the turn of the 20th century as Cleveland’s premier theater district, with renowned institutions as the Euclid Avenue Opera House and several costume shops that catered to stage actors.
When the opera house was destroyed in a fire in 1920, East Fourth reinvented itself as a destination for bargain shoppers, with popular stores like McCory’s, Krege’s, and Woolworth.
This, however, was not enough to keep the street from falling into decades of decline. The arrival of new businesses helped rejuvenate the area.
The iconic establishments
Hilarities 4th Street Theatre
2035 East 4th Street
Hilarities Comedy Hall opened in 1986, and its popularity attracted an estimated 130,000 visitors annually over a period of 12 years. It turned Cleveland into a destination in its own right, with Hilarities being one of the biggest and most prestigious made-for-comedy venues in the United States.
Pickwick & Frolic Restaurant and Club
2035 East 4th Street
Located in the same venue as Hilarities Comedy Hall, Pickwick & Frolic Restaurant and Club serves American rustic cuisine and can seat up to 185 guests. It’s also home to Kevin’s Martini Bar & Taproom, which serves some of the best and most innovative cocktails downtown.
House of Blues
308 Euclid Avenue
Known for great live entertainment and amazing food, this gorgeous venue can be found in the historic Woolworth Department Store building. Highlights include the famed Gospel Brunch, which takes place on Sundays, as well as Happy Hour and Craft Beer and Burger Fridays.
Lola Bistro
2058 East 4th Street
The opening of Lola Bistro signaled East Fourth Street’s emergence as a culinary hotspot, with the restaurant receiving awards for Food & Wine Magazine, Zagat, James Beard Foundation, and more.
More must-visit stores and restaurants
- CLE Clothing Co.
Choose from an array of hoodies, hats, t-shirts, and accessories. The store also carries original artwork by more than 50 local artists and brands. - Erie Island Coffee Company
Known for their signature blend, which consists of five different artisan-roasted beans, this café brings you the ultimate coffee shop experience. Their signature blend bears a slightly sweet, creamy chocolate flavor that can’t be replicated, while their baristas are capable of extraordinary latte art. - Flannery’s Irish Pub
Opened in 1997, this pub is the best place to go for a casual lunch, a fun game of pool, or a round of drinks right before a Cavaliers game. Flannery’s carries over 15 imported draft beers. - The Butcher and The Brewer
The brewpub serves farmhouse fare using heritage meats, artisanal products, local ingredients, and classic brews with a modern spin.
New residential options
Today, East Fourth is considered one of Cleveland’s most desirable neighborhoods, with many businesses running 24 hours and formerly vacant buildings converted into trendy apartments. You’ll find an excellent selection of homes along East Fourth Street and Euclid Avenue.
If you’re looking for Cleveland, Ohio homes, let me, Michelle McQuade, assist you. As an experienced Cleveland Realtor, I can help you find the perfect home in this wonderful city. Call me at 440.823.2448 or send an email to MichelleMcQuade(at)HowardHanna(dotted)com.
For more information on Cleveland’s most walkable neighborhoods, visit my blog.