Cleveland rocks: Hall of Fame, weird hot dogs and the legendary Grog Shop

Well, it’s official: We’re going to have Ian Hunter’s “Cleveland Rocks” playing on a loop in our head the entire time we’re writing this issue.

Not a terrible fate, all things considered. Hunter’s 1979 anthem — later the theme of The Drew Carey Show — isn’t just a classic. It’s correct.

He didn’t invent the term, but Alan Freed helped popularize “rock & roll” as the name for the loud new sound emerging out of rhythm & blues. The legendary Cleveland disc jockey was an early champion of it, and in 1952, he put on the Moondog Coronation Ball, which is considered the first major rock concert — it was even shut down by the cops.

Freed’s a key reason the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame ended up here. But he’s among dozens of trailblazers from Cleveland and the surrounding area that have shaped popular music, from The O’Jays to Nine Inch Nails.

And the Cleveland of today still runs on music. You can catch a hipster indie act at the Grog Shop, then hop downstairs for a hip-hop open mic at B Side Liquor Lounge. You can order the city’s craziest hot dog and take it directly into the mosh pit. You can worship at rock’s altar by day, and maybe catch a future 2050 inductee at a club by night.

So let’s hop on I-90, save room for a Polish Boy lunch, and don’t forget: “Cleveland Rocks.” Because we certainly can’t — Ian still won’t let us.

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

They have Michael Jackson’s glove, John Lennon’s Sgt. Pepper suit, one of Kurt Cobain’s (many) smashed Stratocasters, the handwritten lyrics to “God Only Knows” — a music geek’s liable to have a religious experience at every turn.

But the Rock Hall is so much more than a shrine to pop’s past, with new events and exhibits constantly on the horizon. Their Rock Hall Live venue has tour dates from Kim Gordon, Spoon and Earl Sweatshirt on the books. Ann Wilson of Heart will premiere a new documentary about her life and career later this month.

And this Friday, the Hall opens a big new exhibit dedicated to Paul McCartney and Wings in the 1970s. In short —to paraphrase a guy who should have been inducted by now — the Hall of Rock and Roll is still beating.

Happy Dog

Do you like your hot dog with ketchup or mustard? How about Froot Loops, Spaghetti-Os, peanut butter or a fried egg? You can check all of those toppings on your order slip at Happy Dog in Gordon Square.

The beloved corner bar and venue has offered cheap eats, cold drinks and a stage that welcomes “everything from Punk to Polka” since 2008. This month alone, the calendar includes punk shows, a roast battle, trivia nights, and a karaoke fundraiser for the local dog shelter — plus band names like Toilet Rats and Forced Happiness.

Psst…there’s also a speakeasy with pinball machines in the basement that hosts dance parties for you and 50 of your friends. Its name? Underdog. (Chef’s kiss.)

Mahall’s

102 years, gang. That’s how long Mahall’s — Ohio’s oldest bowling alley — has been in the entertainment business out in Lakewood. It survived the Great Depression, WWII and the late-century decline of league bowling, so COVID didn’t stand a chance.

Like any social spot of its vintage, it has survived by adapting to the times without laying a finger on what made it a classic. It started leaning into live music in the 2010s and its bookings are dripping with indie cred: Kurt Vile, Wolf Eyes and Black Country, New Road are all passing through this summer.

As for bowling, there are 20 lanes upstairs and another 10 downstairs at Pins and Needles, a “70s time capsule” lounge that whisks you back to the days of shag carpeting and cigarette machines.

Blue Arrow Records

This was tough for us, but great news for you. Cleveland makes it really difficult to pick one record store to spotlight, because there are at least a half-dozen places with deep and unique collections that locals swear by: Hausfrau, My Mind’s Eye and Bent Crayon among them.

We’re giving the edge to Blue Arrow Records this time, because it’s also a record label — Jonathan Richman’s record label, at that. The former Modern Lovers leader put out his latest LP on Blue Arrow last year. The store has limited hours, but the selection is fantastic, the floor is covered in vintage LP sleeves, and there’s a very good chance you’ll be greeted by one of the shop cats wandering the aisles.

Grog Shop

This place works on multiple levels. First, you have the Grog Shop, Cleveland’s most venerated independent venue, opening in 1992 and moving to its current home in Coventry Village in 2002.

A staggering number of indie and punk greats have played here over the years — but so did Oasis on their first trip to the States (it was the old location, but you can find their signed promo photo on the wall). And so did Bruno Mars, right on the cusp of superstardom.

After his sold-out show, Bruno headed downstairs for a dance party at the B Side Liquor Lounge. The Grog Shop’s sister venue specializes in dance nights, open mics and showcases that put the spotlight on Cleveland’s R&B, soul and hip-hop scenes.

More Cleveland Spots

Hausfrau Record Shop
Independent shop with carefully curated used vinyl and a strong local following.

The Free Stamp
Massive downtown sculpture that became one of Cleveland’s best-loved pieces of public art.

Brother’s Lounge
Long-running west-side club known for blues, roots rock, and jam-friendly late nights.

House from A Christmas Story
Fully restored home from the 1983 holiday classic, complete with props, memorabilia, and the famous leg lamp.

Agora Theatre & Ballroom
Historic concert hall that helped establish Cleveland as a major touring stop for rock acts.

Bent Crayon Records
DIY-minded shop specializing in “Important Music,” a.k.a. underground sounds, local releases, tapes, and offbeat finds.

Bop Stop
Respected listening room with frequent jazz, experimental, and songwriter-focused performances.

My Mind’s Eye Records
Packed Lakewood shop with deep crates spanning punk, soul, metal, jazz, and beyond.

Beachland Ballroom & Tavern
Beloved Waterloo Arts District venue split between an intimate tavern room and a larger ballroom stage.

Music Box Supper Club
Riverfront venue with seated shows, strong sound, and a calendar heavy on roots, tribute, folk, rock, and legacy acts.

House of Blues Cleveland
Downtown venue hosting national touring artists across rock, hip-hop, country, and beyond.

This is Cleveland
Official tourism hub with neighborhood guides, events, and trip-planning resources across the city.