Checking out Cleveland neighborhoods: Shaker Square and Larchmere

The Shaker Square shopping district was built in the 1900s. The red flower planters were originally used downtown during the 2016 Republican National Convention.Julie E Washington, cleveland.com

CLEVELAND, Ohio — Melissa Garrett-Hirsch decided to launch her UnBar café on Larchmere Boulevard in 2020 because she liked the neighborhood’s mix of retail and residential.

“And I was right because had I not chosen Larchmere, I wouldn’t have made it through the pandemic,” Garrett-Hirsch said. “The local residents patronized me to ensure that I stayed in business.”

The summer and fall are perfect times to explore an area you’ve never visited before. Cleveland.com reporters fanned out across the city to explore Cleveland’s neighborhoods — including the Buckeye-Shaker Square area that includes Larchmere.

Both areas bordering Shaker Heights are known for great eats and unique shops.

The UnBar’s relaxed, wellness-oriented vibe attracts patrons who take part in karaoke, card game championships and book clubs, while snacking on the café's signature po’boy made with vegan bratwurst.

That energy and inventiveness helps to make Larchmere an up-and-coming neighborhood, where streets lined with 1920s-era homes intersect with Larchmere Boulevard, just north of Shaker Square. The dusty antique shops of yore have been replaced by colorful vintage clothing shops, trendy restaurants, and galleries and a yoga studio.

This is the third in a series of stories from cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer exploring Cleveland’s neighborhoods. Follow ongoing coverage at Get to Know Cleveland’s Neighborhoods.

Buckeye-Shaker SquareRich Exner, cleveland.com

The UnBar in Larchmere is an alcohol-free place to gather and unwind -- hence the name. Julie E Washington, cleveland.com

Nearby, Shaker Square — while struggling with vacancies — retains its old-world charm while attracting foodies with an eclectic mix of eateries. The shopping district, built during the 1920s, is one of American’s first automobile-oriented shopping centers.

Shaker Boulevard and North Moreland Boulevard divide the square into four quadrants. Patrons can park and walk to Atlas Cinemas, Dave’s Supermarket, CVS and more.

Shaker Square is “a good place to come and dine and gather with friends,” said Mary Ann Kovach, board president for the Shaker Square Area Development Corp. “It has all the amenities a normal neighborhood needs.”

Brandon Chrostowski, founder and CEO of EDWINS Leadership & Restaurant Institute in Shaker Square, values the neighborhood’s accessibility.

“Shaker Square is the crossroads between the have and have-nots,” Chrostowski said.

Larchmere, which has some shops in Shaker Heights, has evolved from the days when it was known for its antique stores, said Susan Rozman, owner of Fiddlehead Gallery and board member for Larchmere Merchant Association.

“It’s one of the few neighborhoods where the businesses are evenly split between Black and white (owners),” Rozman said. “The neighborhood serves all economic levels.”

“I love biking the neighborhood,” says Susan Rozman, left, owner of Fiddlehead Gallery and board member for the Larchmere Merchant Association. With her is Susan Price, treasurer of the Larchmere Merchant Association. Julie E Washington, cleveland.com

Originally a rural part of the city, Larchmere began to change when a wealthy businessman constructed a 36-room mansion on present-day Fairhill Road, according to the Encyclopedia of Cleveland History.

In the early 20th century, Cleveland annexed most of the current Larchmere neighborhood from the newly formed village of Shaker Heights. Large numbers of Germans, Czechs, Italians and Hungarians called the neighborhood home by the 1920s. By 1980, about half of the neighborhood’s residents were Black.

Shaker Square displays a Shaker Mill Stone from 1837, which was part of the original Shaker grist mill and now recalls the area’s roots as the home of the North Union Society of Shakers in the 1800s.

Shaker Square had a key role in the development of Cleveland’s rapid transit system between 1913 and 1920. Brothers O.P. and M.J. Van Sweringen developed the city of Shaker Heights. They connected the suburb and their Terminal Tower project with a private right-of-way light-rail, which became RTA’s Green Line and the Blue Line.

Carl Stokes, the nation’s first Black mayor of a major city, lived on Larchmere Boulevard.

The Atlas Cinemas is a landmark in Shaker Square. Julie E Washington, cleveland.com

There’s plenty to pick from in the way of food.

For example, Michael’s Diner, with its unique spot next to the Rapid tracks running through Shaker Square, is a good place for quick bite. “A visitor should be sure to experience having over easy eggs for breakfast at Michael’s Diner watching the trains go by,” EDWIN’s Chrostowski said.

When in the mood for something more upscale, head to Zanzibar Soul Fusion, Sasa (Asian bistro), Edwin’s Leadership and Restaurant Institute (fine French) or Edwin’s Too.

Early birds can enjoy a gourmet meal at the Cleveland Breakfast Club, where Cajun-battered salmon or quiche Louisiana can be paired with an orange carrot drink.

In Larchmere, take your taste buds south of the border with Brasilian cuisine at Batuqui, and Mexican flavors at Hola Mexican Cantina. Or dive into pub food at the Academy Tavern, one of the oldest continuing restaurants in Cleveland. Finish with dessert at the Busy Boss Bakery, which has pastries and cookies to go in addition to making custom cakes.

And in Shaker Square, shop fresh, locally grown food and items made locally at the North Union Farmers Market every Saturday through Dec. 16. Celebrate garlic-filled food at the Cleveland Garlic Festival Aug. 26-27.

Landmark: Shaker Square has the Atlas Theater with its charming Art Deco interior.

Seen in the crowd: Larchmere’s UnBar has become a gathering spot for local politicians, including Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb, Richmond Heights Mayor Kim Johnson and former Ohio congressman Tim Ryan. Owner Garrett-Hirsch said. “I don’t know why they decided to come there, but they did,” she said. Cleveland Orchestra music director Franz Welser-Most and other orchestra members are often spotted at Shaker Square.

A painted window along Larchmere Boulevard advertises the neighborhood's community events. Julie E Washington, cleveland.com

Events: Several spring and summer events — such as Larchmere Sidewalk Sale (May) and Larchmere PorchFest (June) — attract neighborhood types and visitors for food, music and fun. Still coming are Upcycle Recycle featuring venders selling vintage and upcycled clothes (Sept. 2) and the Larchmere Wellness Experience offering dancing, yoga, stretching and wellness speakers (Sept. 30). Looking for a bold, fashionista look? Check out Shaker Square’s Fashion by Fowler, where the motto is “luxury, for the woman who deserves it.” Is your personal style more 1963 than 2023? Head to the Monarch Boutique, Eclectic Eccentric, MsFitXchange and other stores featuring vintage clothes and vintage home accessories.

Parking: There is free street parking on Larchmere Boulevard, and free two-hour parking for on some side streets. Additional free parking is available in lot with EV charging stations located across from Fiddlehead Gallery. At Shaker Square, free parking is available behind Dave’s Supermarket and CVS. You can also park at meters on the street, but bring change — the meters don’t take credit or debit cards.

Shaker Square has long been known for offering a unique shopping experience, says Mary Ann Kovach, president of the Board of the Shaker Square Area Development Corp., which helps preserve and advocates for the community. Julie E Washington, cleveland.com

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