Can anyone name any good places to hang out in Northeast Ohio?

Question

I am something of an amateur writer living in Perry, which is near Painesville, Mentor, and Willoughby to the west, and Madison, Geneva, and Ashtabula to the east. Chardon is to the south, too. I need a place to go and relax with my computer and write after work or on weekends, preferably a good coffee shop or something along those lines. Wireless internet would be nice, but good people-watching opportunities are far more important. :-) I have been going to Panera Bread in Mentor, which is a nice-enough place... but I've sort of been trying to find something with a bit more of an off-beat or "indie" atmosphere (whatever term you prefer). I also just need a change of scenery now and then, so it would be nice to have multiple places to go to. I'm on a relatively conservative budget, and I'd rather not drive ridiculously far. If anyone knows of any kind of place like this, I'd really appreciate the tip!

PS: Please don't suggest Starbucks. I have an irrational dislike for that place.

Answer 1

Unfortunately, NE Ohio is not exactly a hotspot for activity (I am from Aurora originally). I think Panera is one of your best bets. However, the Arabica Coffe House in Twinsburg, which is right by a highway exit (I think I-80) is a great option.  There is a chance the name changed - the owner (a really great guy) was considering a while ago losing the franchise name and making it his own. It is in the large plaza where SOM Center Road deadends into 82. Mapquest it and check it out

Answer 2

Put left foot in front of right foot, then put right foot in front of left foot. Repeat until you are out of Ohio. There are no good places to hang out in Ohio, and that includes the entire state. OK, maybe Canton because of the Football Hall of Fame, but that is a day visit. Nope, been there, left there, won't go back.

Answer 3

What is with these people bashing Cleveland?  Leave, we don't want you here!

Okay, to answer your question.  What about a Caribou Coffee?  I like their shops.  I would also check the yellow pages for some independent coffee shops that aren't a chain.  Sorry, I am not from that side of town to help you more.

Answer 4

Starbucks is disgusting! You need to go to "Llama Ranch" I have aten there before when I came to Northeast Ohio. They have salted llama meat, llama american clubs, fried llama, llama bowls. They have so much more, I think they have chicken too. You'll love the Llama Ranch, they are cheap and easy. Very good food. Say hi to Sandy for me, kay? We have parterned up with Llama Ranch for our new "LLAMAS GO GREEN YOU SHOULD TO" campaign at Life of Llama Organization, to become apart of this please email me at [e-mail] it's free and no personal info required. Plus, you'll get a free 400 dollar gift card to eat at the LLAMA RANCH! It get's better, you can come and walk the llamas with mylie cyruss and all our 560 members. Thanks. Hope you choose the Llama Ranch.-Marty Jean B.

Answer 5

The best place is prolly the closest airport.  Get the h**l out of Ohio!  Booooorrrriinnnggg.

Answer 6

Ohio. At least its not West Virginia.

Answer 7

You could go to many places.....

library- they often have a coffee shop there

Caribou- Has Wireless internet + coffee+ snacks

Their are many little shops around me sometimes you really just have to look when you are driving places like the store. You can often find cheap, cute places.



I hope that helps

Answer 8

Okay, Panera may not really have that "indie" atmosphere, but it is definently a good place to go. Its very relaxing and usually quiet. I lovePanera.