The suburbs that surround big cities are always interesting in terms of culture. They often echo the atmosphere of the nearby city but weave in small-town vibes and suburban eccentricities. The offbeat character of the suburbs makes them a great place to visit for a weekend getaway, and one of the coolest 'burbs near Cleveland is Cleveland Heights.

This cool "streetcar suburb" is home to more than 45,000 residents, but it feels artsy and intimate. The area once housed the likes of John D. Rockefeller and Chef Boy-Ar-Dee, and it continues to inspire innovators to this day. There's no shortage of things to do in Cleveland Heights!

The Best Things To Do In Cleveland Heights

There are many fun and unique things to do in Cleveland Heights, but these attractions are some of the best. From high ratings to local word of mouth, Clevelanders can't get enough of these local hot spots.

1. Go shopping at Coventry Village

• Address: Coventry Village, Cleveland Heights, OH 44118 | Video Tour
• Website: https://www.coventryvillage.org/
• What To Do: Explore a funky suburban neighborhood with oodles of storefronts.

You can't visit Cleveland Heights without stopping in Coventry Village! Across just a quarter mile, more than 45 locally owned businesses are represented. Some are new, some are traditional, but all offer something a little unique that will satisfy any foodie or shopping aficionado. Complete with public art and a variety of events throughout each and every season, there's no shortage of reasons to stop by Coventry Village for some retail therapy or a bite of locally sourced eats! However, always remember to check for upcoming events if you’re planning a visit.

You can find so much more in Cleveland Heights than just restaurants, but you can't begin exploring the neighborhood without taking a look at its health-conscious cafes, pan-cultural eateries, and other amazing restaurants. Casual storefronts offering gifts, art, vintage goods, and imports line the streets. And the best part? The sense of community is so strong that the businesses support each other and the greater neighborhood, and locals are always excited to offer recommendations. The best way to explore is to live like a local, and taking their advice on fun things to do will inspire you to make your weekend itinerary an adventure... and maybe even a bit of a treasure hunt!

10 Minutes Away: Explore Cleveland’s Buckeye - Shaker neighborhood for more public art.

2. Get comfy and catch a movie at Cedar Lee Cinema

• Address: 2163 Lee Rd, Cleveland Heights, OH 44118 | Video Tour
• Website: https://www.clevelandcinemas.com/cedarlee
• What To Do: Visit an old theater that’s nearly a century old for modern-day movies in an old-school atmosphere.

Cedar-Lee Theatre opened its doors on Christmas Day in 1925. Its first showing was a silent film, as movie-goers of the era naturally expected (since the first "talkie" wouldn't come out until 1927). The one-screen theater seated 1,100 patrons back in the day, but it has since been converted to a six-screen facility. Today, the cinema embraces its unique beginnings and keeps the fun going with one-of-a-kind offerings.

Independent and foreign films are their specialty, but monthly screenings of The Rocky Horror Picture Show keep it popular with fans of the cult classic. You'll also find other familiar movies and recent releases in their ever-rotating lineup. Showtimes vary, but the theater typically opens in the afternoon and stays open into the early evening... with later slots accommodating specialty showings, as in the case of the aforementioned classic.

Attendance ranges from $7.75 to $10.25 per person for a standard 2D showing, but Bargain Mondays drop the cost of entry to just $5 per person. This cool, old-school Cleveland theater is a local landmark, and it's one you'll love visiting.

5 Minutes Away: Take in the beauty of Horseshoe Lake Park.

Top Things to Do at Night in Cleveland Heights

Nightlife isn't usually the name of the game in Cleveland's suburbs, but Cleveland Heights has a vibe that's uniquely it's own. You'll love enjoying the evening atmosphere at these incredible bars and restaurants. Plus, you'll get to see the suburbs as you've never seen them before at these locally-owned businesses!

3. Unwind at Quintana's Speakeasy

• Address: 2200 S Taylor Rd, Cleveland Heights, OH 44118 | Video Tour
• Website: https://qbds.net/speakeasy/
• What To Do: Step back in time and sip on forbidden libations in a hidden speakeasy.

Once upon a time, Prohibition was in full swing in Clevelanders. Nonetheless, there were speakeasies... and, boy, did locals cherish those secret spots. While many local businesses have stories to tell from that era, few capture its vibe as well as Quintana’s.

At first glance, it's a mere barber shop. However, Quintana's Barber & Dream Spa hides a secret bookcase passage that will transport you to a swanky speakeasy. The vintage-inspired speakeasy lounge is warm and inviting. A hidden bar and cushy couches create a room that has not only a great ambiance, but also tons of character.

Quintana’s menu features small plates and flatbreads alongside creative and classic cocktails. It’s open every Tuesday through Saturday from 3 p.m. ‘til midnight, so you can relax for a few hours as the moon rises and enjoy some laid-back vibes and delicious flavors.

5 Minutes Away: If discovering hidden gems is your vibe, check out the Nature Center At Shaker Lakes just one town over.

4. Attend an event at the Grog Shop

• Address: 2785 Euclid Heights Blvd, Cleveland Heights, OH 44106 | Video Tour
• Website: https://grogshop.gs/
• What To Do: Catch a performance by well-known or indie groups for a show you’ll never forget.

Since 1992, the Grog Shop in Cleveland Heights has kept evenings in the area energetic. Striving to present music seven days a week, there's always something going on here! Their stage has hosted famous groups like Eek A Mouse, Black Keys, and Oasis alongside equally talented local and touring groups.

The venue is high-energy and raw, fueled by a seemingly never-ending lineup of awesome tunes and a full bar. Grog Shop is ADA-accessible, though some events are seated and others are not. Remember that parking throughout Coventry Village is either street parking or in metered lots, so budget some extra time to get to the venue.

Check out their upcoming shows to find a date that’s perfect for you. Shows tend to start around 8, though there are earlier performances on select nights.

10 Minutes Away: Find more music and history at the Agora Theater & Ballroom.

5. Sample unique flavors at BottleHouse Brewery And Meadery

• Address: 13463 Cedar Rd, Cleveland Heights, OH 44118 |

• Address: 2340 Lee Rd, Cleveland Heights, OH 44118 |

• Address: 2317 Lee Rd, Cleveland Heights, OH 44118 |

• Address: 2180 Lee Rd, Cleveland Heights, OH 44118 |

• Address: 1015 Quarry Dr, Cleveland Heights, OH 44121 |

• Address: 2050 Lee Rd, Cleveland, OH 44118 |