Brownie Points

Official Review by Rob Holub, Stadium Journey Correspondent

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Arriving at Cleveland Browns Stadium (CBS) is as convenient as possible for Northeast Ohioans and visitors alike. Sitting on the lake between W. 3rd and E. 9th streets, the stadium is accessible via Greater Cleveland’s RTA rail-train with a stop directly in front of the southwest ticket gate. Fans from both east and west suburbs of Cleveland can utilize this worry-free mode of transportation by purchasing an all-day pass for $5, ideal for when traveling alone to the game.

Parking is abundant near the stadium; while some lots are by pass only, the W. 3rd lot directly west of the stadium carries a modest price of $20 per vehicle. The largest tailgate party occurs in the Muni Lot, a 3-lot stretch of cinders that is just east of the stadium and borders Ohio Route 2. Parking here costs $25, but gives you the full Cleveland Browns tailgate experience; the most rabid of fans are known to park their RVs, buses, or trailers (painted browns and orange of course) overnight before the more popular games. Other surface lots and garages can be found with parking prices as low as $10 within 10 city blocks of the stadium; or find the right side street with parking meters, and park for free on weekends in the city.

For those without the outdoor culinary skills to tailgate with the professionals, nearby bars and restaurants in downtown Cleveland provide the normal casual fare. Various restaurants host gameday brunches (including the Hard Rock Café near Tower City), but the best may be at John Q’s Steakhouse, situated at 55 Public Square (northwest corner of the square). During the week, Cleveland’s white-collar crowd can be seen here having lunch by day and enjoying quality steakhouse meals at reasonable prices by night. For the eight Sundays hosting Browns’ home games, the Sunday brunch is a welcomed respite to eating charcoal-flavored hotdogs. Made-to-order omelettes and prime rib draw the attention of diners, but the normal breakfast sides, fruit, and desserts do not go unnoticed. John Q’s is a hallmark of finer football dining. My last visit to the brunch was two years ago, and I regret not making a stop during this past season.

If drinks and bar food are the sole targets of a pre-game meal, try a fairly new establishment bearing the name of Browns semi-legend and Saved By The Bell (The College Years) featured star, Bob Golic. At 1213 W. 6th Street, Bob Golic’s Sports Bar and Grille rests at the north end of one of downtown Cleveland’s entertainment hotspots, the Warehouse District. The bar is on the corner of Lakeside Avenue, making it a short walk down to the stadium. Food is reasonably priced and includes the usual burgers, wings, pizza, and ribs you’ll find at any bar and grille. On game days, extra bartenders are placed among the crowd to offer $5, 24-ounce cans of domestic light beers, while the bar is fully stocked with liquor and other beer choices. The attraction of Bob Golic’s is the atmosphere and connection to a star of the past, but not necessarily the menu. However, its location provides you with easy access to other pre-game watering holes, including a Cleveland staple, Panini’s.

Once inside the stadium, the food and beverage choices range from the predictable (nachos and bratwursts) to the seemingly displaced (grilled chicken Caesar wraps!). A full meal can be had in the neighborhood of $14-$18 dollars if choosing the chicken tenders and fries combo ($10.50) along with your beverage of choice (bottled water at the low end, alcohol at the top). One recommended option for food is the basket of waffle fries with cheese and bacon. While also available plain with ketchup or with cheese and chili, the combo of nacho cheese and bacon is simple yet not a standard stadium offering. At only $5.50, the fries can serve as one individual’s meal or shared between two without leaving either person feeling cheated.

Draft beers at the concession stands cost $6.75 for a twelve-ounce pour, while 16-ounce cans are available from walking vendors for only a quarter more at $7 each. The offerings I have found are nothing to excite a connoisseur of barley and hops: Bud Light, Coors Light, and Labatt Blue seem to be available from most concession stands and vendors. One slight disappointment is the lack of any microbrews or craft beers; both nearby Progressive Field and Quicken Loans Arena, homes of the Indians and Cavaliers, respectively, offer a wider range of beers, including selections from local favorite Great Lakes Brewing Company. In over 20 games attended in the past 5 years, I cannot recall ever finding something different than the common beers.

A relatively well–kept secret of the food and beverage experience in Cleveland Browns Stadium is Legends, located between the upper and lower levels of the northeast end of the stadium. Available to any ticketholder, not only does this concession area provide an array of stadium food staples and drinks, but a warm break from the Cleveland cold is welcomed. Your stay may be longer than expected, as flat-screen televisions are spread around and throughout the open floor, most tuned into the Browns game while a few show games from across the NFL. The typical beer selection is found here as well, but with the added bonus of a fully stocked bar (they’ll even throw a shot of Bailey’s Irish Cream into your coffee for a steep $8, but it’s the only place to enjoy an Irish Coffee inside the stadium).

Food & Beverage   4/5

There are a few unique items with additional classic fare available. All the stadium staples with a few twists, and out-of-the-ordinary choices like pickle on a stick. Beer selection could use some improvements.

Atmosphere   2/5

A less than ideal place to watch a game with average historical significance: a shiny, new toy where the old broken one once sat. The major problem is the stadium security taking fan complaints too far; stories of fans being told to sit because they are standing and cheering are a far cry from the original Dawg Pound that gave this rabid fanbase the reputation it deserves.

Neighborhood   4/5

There are several options for interesting pre or post-game activities. Something for everyone if dining or just enjoying drinks. Drop the non-football fans off at either the Great Lakes Science Center or Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, both direct neighbors of the stadium to the east.

Fans   4/5

The fans are ardent and true, only lacking that certain magic. While not every fan knows their X’s and O’s, these fans dish out their $$ in good times and bad, showing dedication matched by few.

Access   5/5

Parking and restrooms are easily available and cost effective. In my travels to other stadiums and hearing exploits from others, the accessibility and associated costs are second to none.

Return on Investment   4/5

Worth the price of admission, everything is just about the right price. Ticket prices can be had for under $40 per seat if sought out diligently. While the current on-the-field product is not up to par with expectations, the stadium experience surpasses them.

Extras   2/5

One extra point for Legends, described earlier, and one for the Family Zone: two sections of the upper deck in the northwest corner of the stadium that are alcohol-free and serves as an option for parents who don’t want their children exposed to the typical football fan’s shenanigans.

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