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    Severance Hall

    4.7 (42 reviews)
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    The Rock Orchestra
    Melanie S.

    Severance Hall is home to the Cleveland Orchestra and occasional friends. The space is very beautiful, and the acoustics are incredible. I've been to 2 performances and a special event there over the past year and very much enjoy it. I saw the Rock Orchestra in December and it was my favorite concert experience. This is an old venue, so seats are tight and on the small side. There is only one elevator to serve the hall, but the ushers mentioned it is the last person operated elevator in Cleveland, so could be worth the wait for the experience! The orchestra performs MANY shows over their season, but only a handful of performances for each, so make sure to jump on any events you are interested in - they regularly sell out. Parking in the garage under the concert hall can be tight, but is very well managed by a fleet of highly attentive attendants. Note that prior to a performance, Euclid Ave will back up - give yourself time to get there. One downside of the experience is that they continue to seat through the entire performance, and it's a bit disruptive. Other performing venues I've been to have late comers wait at the back until a natural pause occurs.

    Doris E.

    We saw the Cleveland Orchestra's Christmas show this week and it was a lovely performance. The venue is gorgeous and the acoustics are very good. The venue opens early and offers a nice selection of drinks and some snacks - all very expensive - but I suppose it helps to maintain the venue. This is one of Cleveland's treasures.

    12 April 2019 -- Cleveland Institute of Music students performing with guest conductor Robert Spano.
    Agnes I.

    I finally visited Severance Hall after 1 year and 8 months of living in Cleveland. The inside of this historical building is so beautiful. FREE EVENT -- I was happy to find out about a free performance that was held on Friday, 12 April 2019. The Cleveland Institute of Music had students perform with guest conductor Robert Spano. Instruments used throughout the concert included the violin, flute, harp, and so on. The performance was truly wonderful and it lasted for about 80 minutes without an intermission. By the way, after about 45 mins, I moved up to the balcony to get a better view of the orchestra. I originally arrived 15 mins late and I was stuck in the front row where I had a limited view of the orchestra members. Sitting up high allows you to enjoy the full experience. I definitely recommend that you visit Severance Hall. It opened in 1931 and it really is a state-of-the-art building. I even got to enter the original elevator which is super big and has a handle to open and close it. That was a cool experience....haha. Severance Hall is the home base to the Cleveland Orchestra and there are many shows throughout the year. All the staff members I encountered where friendly especially in helping me move my seat to one on the lower balcony. I can't wait to come back to Severance Hall for other performances. *** - 61 total reviews in 2019 - 270 total Yelp reviews - Reviewed on 17 April 2019

    a view of a concert hall from the stage
    Nina K.

    Came here with work colleagues for the Pictures at an Exhibition by Modest Mussorgsky performed by the Cleveland Orchestra led by Franz Wessler-Most and pianist Vikingur Olafsson. This was my first time attending a Cleveland Orchestra show and it was so impressive. For any music lovers, I strongly encourage you to attend a show. Be sure to be there on time - they are serious about seating on time. Paid parking can be purchased online and often sells out. Truly an unexpected gem in Cleveland!

    Severance
    Mary G.

    Gosh, it was great to be back! Iconic hall with the best orchestra ever. Looking forward to the regular concert series starting up.

    Brady B.

    Attended Cleveland Pops Orchestra on Friday night thanks to @YelpCleveland ticket giveaway. Cleveland Pops is super cool - it's an approachable / more casual way to approach classical music. Show was 2 hrs with intermission, and was lively, fun, entertaining and educational. Severance Hall is easily accessible in the University Circle area, lots of eateries to choose from nearby that, in warmer weather, are comfortable walking distance. Parking garage below the building is convenient and reasonably priced. Inside the lobby and restaurant/cafe area are a bit elegant/old style design and lack of windows and natural light make it all a bit stuffy. Bathrooms were packed pre-show and a bit humid/warm (due for a major overhaul). The Hall itself is beautifully decorated in gold and ivory, and music is crisp even at the high balcony level. View is quite decent, even in balcony. In summary: if you're not into old fashioned stuffy orchestra, make it a date night and give the Pops a try:)

    Cynthia K.

    Wow, this venue is beautiful. I first went to Severance for a school-sponsored comedy show, which was fine. However, I came back for the Cleveland Orchestra, and it was beautiful. The venue is absolutely breathtaking. We went on the night that hosted Emanuel Ax. As someone who isn't a regular attendee of orchestras, this was absolutely phenomenal. My partner and I are highly debating obtaining an annual subscription for the Cleveland Orchestra so we can attend more frequently. The staff is super warm and friendly. Admission is super easy and smooth process. I was absolutely captivated by the performance, amplified by the beauty of the venue. Definitely hoping to become a regular here.

    Tile in Women's bathroom.
    Debra V.

    I recommend attending the Christmas concert. A sing-along and Santa are included. I especially liked the full sound of "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas." Great acoustics. The formality of the orchestra and the audience is very nice.

    I came here for a severance payment. Did not get it. False advertising.
    Fox E.

    These aren't just any normal ants. These are severe-ants. This is a gorgeous building that reminds me of the London Planetarium or a much older version of Madison Square Garden. It's got a lovely dome-shaped roof and is pretty spectacular inside with good acoustics. It's a lovely building at Case Western out in the East Burbs University Heights area of Cleveland, which is probably the most collegey area of town - can you tell from the name?

    A Bolt Load of Talent
    Cindi R.

    Amazing talent!! Unbelievable unity. This was our first time to the Cleveland Orchestra. It won't be our last for sure. Each instrument was perfectly played. I can't even imagine the amount of practice this took to have it come all together so nicely.

    From the top balcony, at Shostakovich No. 4!
    Helen S.

    Gorgeous gorgeous venue! I've been here for two concerts and a ceremony, and can say that it's beautiful from the inside out. Acoustics are fitting for the great Cleveland Philharmonic and their guest vocalists, and the way the gilded walls and ceiling are decorated makes it seem like the stage is emanating an ethereal light. The full majesty of the theater is best appreciated from a balcony seat, where you can look omnisciently upon the orchestra, but you can also get up close and personal with one of the floor seats. The lobby of Severance is equally grand, and typically you'll find that its patrons classily dressed to match. No need to freak out if you're coming from class or work without a change of clothes - jeans and sneakers are fine and you'll find a good mix of casually dressed students (myself among them) attending most performances. A free coat check is available during the winter months or for those of us with extra baggage, but just be warned that both the coat check and the line to exit the parking garage clog up VERY quickly following a concert. There's a restaurant open before/after select performances, but I have no comments to pass on about it. A bar is also available in the lobby itself and mezzanine levels before performances. The ushers and staff have been extremely helpful each time I went. They graciously open doors for you and give you the real royal treatment! If you're a Case student, why not take advantage of the $15 tickets???

    Night At The Movies: Breakfast At Tiffany's
    Lauren K.

    I recently attended the Night At The Movies event for Breakfast at Tiffany's, where they play the film on a screen and the Orchestra performs the music live. For starters, I love this program. As an event series, Night At The Movies is such a nice way to experience The Cleveland Orchestra if you're not into classical music standards. Disclosure: The seats are in dire need of an upgrade and are likely to be an issue for those with accessibility needs. They are super low to the ground and not spacious (you'll be in trouble if you're tall) and rather uncomfortable. I think someone told me they are still the original seats (with some newer upholstery) from the 1930s. I have an injury and the chairs felt intolerable for me during the first half of the show. A lot of others around me were struggling. At intermission, we asked an usher if there was absolutely anywhere he could move us. I want to give a tremendous shoutout to the manager of the ushers, Willie. Willie was super kind and made sure he found a different style seating for us (and for the record, we had incredible seats. We weren't scamming for an upgrade, we just were willing to sit ANYWHERE else). In fact, I need to give Willie props all around. He was clearly swamped with requests at Intermission from people all also in the same boat as me, as well as seniors and disabled folks. I am pretty sure he found an appropriate seat for every single person. Seats aside, The Cleveland Orchestra is a glorious musical gem, and everyone should visit at least once. Their programming is incredible. The chorus did a beautiful job last night singing "Moon River".

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    Review Highlights - Severance Hall

    Severance Hall is the home base to the Cleveland Orchestra and there are many shows throughout the year.

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    The Fairmount

    The Fairmount

    4.2
    (438 reviews)
    0.9 mi
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    My friend and I sat outdoors, Nate was our server and was amazing! Everything I got from the…read moremussels, to the fries to this bread pudding pictured here was better than I expected.

    Eight (!) years ago my friend recommended her favorite place - The Fairmount. She emphasized that…read morethe ambiance and cocktails are something to experience. Eight years worth of Fairmount moments later, this review is well overdue. AMBIANCE: The ambiance allows you to slow down and enjoy your company. The restaurant is dim lit, has fireplaces, and loungey atmosphere. It somehow feels warm and I heard a lot of people refer to it as a second home (people are always so friendly here!). There is ample space - three bars, main dining space, and huge outdoor oasis bar. Nestled in Cedar Fairmount neighborhood, you'll also be able to enjoy historic neighborhood. There are seating arrangements if you're craving company or want to enjoy your date. Seating options include couches by the fireplace, tables, and high tops. Fairmount is delightful during every season. During the summer you can enjoy the bar and patio. In the winter you can dine at the igloos. I prefer all seasons here. FOOD/DRINKS: The menu at Fairmount is impressive and has exciting seasonal/weekly additions. You'll never get bored. The cocktails here are refined, very boozy, and very well crafted. The food is seriously delicious, and consistent every single time. I've been impressed with every dish. The dishes and drinks frequently follow the seasons. During my latest visit I enjoyed Butter Pecan Warm Cider with bourbon ($12, so bold and boozy, tastes like fall). I also ordered Fig Trouble Little China ($15, a more rich version of Old Fashioned, so delicious). I also tasted Short Rib & Risotto for the very first time ($28, such a delicious dish, every bite was just amazing). My favorites? Ah, so hard! I'll go with the Fairmount Burger! It's angus beef burger with bacon-fig chutney. It's so delicious! I can't even be serious about meat at the other burger places, this is easily the best burger in the city. My seasonal favorite? Kevin McCallister seasonal drink that resembles coquito or eggnog. The drink is topped with rice paper that includes the design of Kevin from Home Alone. It's such a fun tradition! I look forward to this drink all year and always tell the world about it! SERVICE: The service is excellent. I haven't been anywhere where service is right on point every single time. Everyone is nice - the owner, hosts, and waitstaff. You truly feel seen and like the most important guest. I've visited previously while on dates and frequently dine here solo, always had the most pleasant service. EVENTS: Many people book events here for their non-profits or companies. As far as individual events, Fairmount hosts a fun NYE party every year! PARKING: Onsite parking lot is available at the back of the building. You can enter through the front doors on Cedar or right through the parking lot door. There are numerous reasons why I love the Fairmount. I consider it to be the best dining experience in the Cedar Fairmount neighborhood of Cleveland Heights. I also love how the owner Jake is very engaged in the community and is incredibly friendly with the surrounding business owners. I'll choose this place again and again for calming ambiance, crafted cocktails, and delicious food. To many more years of Fairmount and at Fairmount!

    Photos
    Interior
    Interior
    Fried chicken sandwich and truffle fries with sauce
    Fried chicken sandwich and truffle fries with sauce
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    House Of Blues - Cleveland

    House Of Blues - Cleveland

    3.3
    (238 reviews)
    4.2 mi
    $$

    I've been to The House of Blues so many times over the years and I personally enjoy it. I think the…read morestaff from the security to the wait staff are always friendly and helpful. I have had tickets in the balcony which is nice if you're going to a more relaxing show but I typically get standing room floor tickets. They also offer VIP seats behind the stand room floor area. Standing room can get pretty packed but there is usually space in the back to get some extra breathing room. The drinks at the bar tend to be a bit pricey but what you'd typically expect from a concert venue. The drink selection is fine - I would prefer more craft beer options but they do carry PBR which I enjoy from time to time. They also have some food options more than just popcorn and pretzels. I typically get the chicken tenders which average but it's nice to have actual options for food.

    Went here the other night to see smokedope2016, got aggressively thrown out at the end of the show…read morefor smoking by a security guard as I was on my way out of the door, the security guy was screaming "You know better" in my face as he escorted me, even though the security down by the mosh pit, bathroom, and bar had no problem with me smoking, I witnessed numerous other people walk out of the venue doors with a lit blunt in hand. Generally terrible service, unclear rules, and they treat their performers badly.

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    Landon Conrath Band
    Landon Conrath Band
    Hunny Band
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    The Bourbon Street Barrel Room

    The Bourbon Street Barrel Room

    4.1
    (802 reviews)
    4.3 mi
    $$

    This place made our father's day! My husband and I go to NOLA yearly and my dad always whines we…read morenever take him so this was a great compromise! Erin was our server and she was amazing, from beginning to end! We would come back just for her, but I know she works limited hours because she's busy being an epic artist! She let my dad tell her dad jokes and when he wanted to meet Leo (because he looks like Fish from Shoresy and my mom thought he was hot) they obliged which was truly going above and beyond (even if it made me and my sister a little awkward). The boudin balls were great! Very similar to New Orlean's verisons so that was great! We also tried the hot rocks which were also great! Our table tried both gumbos, the jambalaya and the crab cakes. All of which were delicious and the closest you'll find to NOLA style around here! For dessert my mom scored the last creme brulee which made her day and the rest of us had beignets. Their beignets are definitely not Cafe Beignet or Loretta's level, but they are still absolutely delicious as their own dessert, like a mix between a funnel cake and a beignet! Drinks were also amazing! It's one of like 3 places you can get a Pimms cup in Cleveland! They had a lot of other cool options and Sunday looks like it's usually an all day happy hour so we have to go back! And finally, I just have to note how beautiful the place is. Decor everywhere you look, my little sister couldn't stop taking pictures! It was such a lovely experience! I can't say enough great things!

    I have never been to New Orleans and no desire to go but love the food. We stumbled upon Bourbon…read moreStreet Barrel Room that takes you to New Orleans without having to go there. The decor looks like a New Orleans restaurant and there is even a second level for seating. The food is delicious. They have great Happy Hour Specials with portions and prices small enough to sample food items. They also have a pick 3 on the menu that lets you pick different menu items. Our favorites are of course the Chicken Gumbo and Jambalaya but tried to duck wings that were crispy and perfectly cooked. We also tried to fried okra that was awesome. The craft beer and cocktail menu is extensive and we upgraded to the large hurricane, which was fruity and refreshing. Service was Excellent. Highly recommend!

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    The Bourbon Street Barrel Room in Cleveland OH
    The Bourbon Street Barrel Room in Cleveland OH
    Jambalaya
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    Severance Hall - musicvenues - Updated June 2026

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