Experiencing Cleveland Architectural Charm (and Turning It Into a Holiday Tradition)
It’s CHRISTMAS TIME, chicas! Cleveland is blanketed in 8 inches of snow and we are thriving. Ice skating at Public Square, the Christmas tree twinkling at Crocker Park, skeletons from Halloween now wearing Santa hats, it’s all happening. But the real Cleveland Christmas cue, the one that matters, the one that makes it officially the season, is a trip to the 1912 cathedral-of-food, brick-and-tile masterpiece known as the West Side Market. Every year. Day before Thanksgiving. No excuses.
This year, I had a sacred assignment: charcuterie and dessert. So I Shoreway’d my way to Ohio City in my little Miata on Wednesday morning. The haul? Cheeses and gourmet crackers from The Cheese Shop, a chocolate, carrot, and tiramisu torte from Euro Sweets, and mini french baguettes from Christopher’s Bakery. To reward myself for acing my assignment, I always treat myself to a quick little lunch bite and try something new. This year it was Greek pockets stuffed with potatoes, cheese, and lentils from Jacob’s Oasis.
The Market is more than just groceries, it’s a full-body experience. It’s whole families, kiddos running around, grandmas, grandpas, and everyone in between. It’s all the local vendors who show up every single day to keep a Cleveland treasure alive. It’s chaotic and vibrant. It's better than any Giant Eagle or Whole Foods by far. You won’t be forced to check yourself out at a little robot machine; you get to have real, personal connection with the vendors. You’re not in and out. You wander. You take it in. It’s an experience, not just a transaction.
And then there’s the interior design. Where the real magic happens. Deep red terracotta tile, historic green accents flirting with golden brick ceilings, original subway tile, cathedral-like archways, and industrial green windows flooding the place with that perfect winter light. It’s not just a market. It’s a masterclass in design with soul.
And before you panic, yes, it’s being renovated, but thank God, they are keeping the charm. They’re restoring, not erasing. Polishing the crown jewels, not tossing them. And the cherry on top, they are finally formalizing the iconic eating-area moment that everyone would squeeze into so they could have their lunch with a view. We get a real dining space with tables and chairs overlooking the entire market. The people spoke. The designers listened. Cleveland interior design done right once again. Major applause for DLR Group for honoring one of Cleveland’s greatest architectural icons.
So this is your sign. If you haven’t turned this into a holiday tradition yet, this is the year. Thanksgiving may be over, but Christmas is on its way. Grab the baguette, buy the cheese, stare at the brick ceiling like it’s art, and start a tradition that feels as good as it looks. The West Side Market is calling your name and it’s your new Cleveland holiday tradition.
