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    Severance Hall

    4.7 (42 reviews)
    Closed 9:00 am - 6:00 pm

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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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    Ask the Community - Severance Hall

    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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    Vault

    Vault

    4.2(121 reviews)
    4.0 miGateway District
    $$$

    What an awesome place! The Vault is in the basement of the Metropolitan at the 9 Hotel above, a…read morebuilding that used to be a bank. The lounge is huge, with unique vibes in different rooms behind the various old vault doors still inside. They've highlighted the history here, with cozy lighting and plenty of little nooks and crannies to enjoy with your party. The main area is the bar. The whole place has a 1920s speakeasy vibe; the night we visited a wedding party was fully leaned into this in period attire making it extra fun. They have an okay beer list, it's more about the cocktails. Our bartender was helpful and friendly, despite a growing number of people getting complicated drinks. If you like a unique place to enjoy a nightcap, this is a must-visit in downtown Cleveland.

    Vault is always a good choice for catching up with friends. Currently they have been having little…read moreevents called girl dinners that you can grab tickets to online, I've attended two so far and it's a really cute laid back night out with the girls. A drink sponsored by a liquor company is usually included for the event along with a buffet style finger foods. They also have different vendors there in all the vaults offering unique experiences like permanent jewelry, hair, tinsel, and feathers, coloring contest, and this time they had a vault set up with just dance. Every time I attend a girl dinner it just keeps getting better. The staff is always amazing and welcoming.

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    Vault
    Vault
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    Tenk West Bank - Interior - Cleveland Market

    Tenk West Bank

    3.8(4 reviews)
    5.0 miWest Bank

    Tenk West Bank is an event space in the West Bank of the Flats (mostly for weddings). Formerly Tenk…read moreMachine & Tool, it's a venue managed by locally loved Marigold Catering. I wanted to visit this venue for the longest time. I finally stopped in for the Cleveland Vintage Market hosted by the Cleveland Vibes. Ambiance: The space is huge - over 11,000 square feet of open space. There are remnants of Tenk Machine & Tool outside - a little mural. There is one ballrooms and separate rooms to the back of the event space. The vibes are industrial sophistication - gorgeous exposed brick walls, wood details, and abundant natural lighting. I can absolutely envision a wedding here with juxtaposition of delicate and rough. I love exposed brick walls, so for me the venue was just perfect. It was also just right for the Cleveland Vintage Market. It fit in plenty of vendors and attendees with still sufficient room to roam. Marigold Catering: There were sandwiches and cinnamon rolls for sale during the event offered by Marigold. I did not try either. I really enjoyed Marigold catered food at other events I've historically attended at other venues around the city. Service: I interacted with the security staff at this venue. They were so friendly and great at directing the foot traffic. Parking: Parking is available at a surface lot next door owned by Marigold. If you're up for a show walk, Nautica Pavilion is also a good parking choice. Ubering to this destination is pretty easy, GPS shows an accurate location. I look forward to visiting Tenk West Bank again! I hope that the venue hosts other events soon so that I can come back!

    Great place to have a wedding. The space is amazing and much flexibility to do as you wish with…read moreit. A very open welcoming area and enjoyed the concept of waiting for the main dining room to be open to us. The red brick setting is amazing. Windows are beautiful. The food had great flavor.

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    Tenk West Bank - Interior - ballroom

    Interior - ballroom

    Tenk West Bank - Interior - back room

    Interior - back room

    Tenk West Bank - Exterior

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    Exterior

    Forest City Brewery - The decor

    Forest City Brewery

    4.3(128 reviews)
    5.0 miTremont
    $$

    Every beer adventure I go on, there are always a special one or two that standout among the best…read more Our visit to Forest City Brewery was one of those; I'd love to come back. This brewery feels like it's in a quiet residential neighborhood because it is; nearby is a wine by but otherwise it's picturesque streets and homes. Going inside it looks a little unremarkable, like a garage brewery anywhere. But inside it's special. The main bar room is like an open barn, with warmth tasteful decor. Behind the bar is an antique ice chest, used to display their merchandise. They have a small menu of tasteful styles; we all got to talk to one of the brewers who was clearly proud of what they make. Further inside there are other rooms for private events, working brewery areas, historical decor, and restrooms at the end. The real draw here though is the outdoor beer garden: wood chip floor, big comfy Adirondack chairs, picnic tables, high tops, fire pit areas, basically any type of seating for groups or singles. Big trees, ivy, green everywhere; it was so relaxing enjoying our flights as cyclists and others came in and out through the gate from the street. The beer was also great, delicious quality and reasonable prices. This is a must-visit brewery in Cleveland, you sure don't feel like you're in a city when you're here.

    Great beer, excellent food options, great vibe…read more It was my first visit to Forest city brewery and I just absolutely loved it. We sat outside in cozy lawn chairs. It's like being in an awesome backyard with super good beer and great food. Staff was helpful with beer selection providing tastes and suggestions.

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    Forest City Brewery - Taproom seating

    Taproom seating

    Forest City Brewery - Beer Bratwurst

    Beer Bratwurst

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    Union Club - CCWA event at the Union Club ("The Use of Force and the Future of International Law") on Wednesday, 25 March 2026

    Union Club

    4.3(18 reviews)
    3.9 miPlayhouse Square

    The Union Club is a historic part of Cleveland because it has been around for years. It is a…read moreprivate club that offers exclusivity and access to the city's best and brightest people. The mayor of Cleveland often hosts breakfast and lunch meetings or gatherings at the Union Club. Private events and weddings are held here and there is even a hotel inside for visitors to stay. I've been attending events at the Union Club for over a year now and a half now (since Sept. 2024). I attend these events through the CCWA speaker events. Many great speakers have come to the Union Club to speak on global topics. The dinner served at the private speaker events that I've attended is always delicious. Normally there is a starting dish such as a salad, then a main course such as salmon, beef, or steak along with a side, and the meal ends with a dessert. The building is old but it has been well kept over the years. It does get cold inside sometimes so perhaps the old nature of the building is an issue with heating but I am not 100% sure. The chandeliers in some of the rooms are beautiful with intricate details. The great reading room is quiet and serene with plenty of comfortable seating. Their membership cost is high and is thus only for those who know they will utilize everything that the Union Club has to offer such as member events, the gym, etc. I am not a member but I enjoy attending CCWA events here and I can't wait to return again soon. **** GOAL of 250 reviews in 2026 - 47/250 total reviews in 2026 - 888 total Yelp reviews - Reviewed on 24 April 2026

    Came here for for a board meeting in 2013 for the Cleveland Orchestra as well as for a wine tasting…read morewith the Emerging Leaders Club and Column and Stripe, the Young Professionals group at the Cleveland Museum of Art. The staff are always very welcoming and the architecture and atmosphere is beautiful. At the Wine Tasting Event, we had a private room all to ourselves and was great. Will be back for an Art Tour on 10/27/22.

    Photos
    Union Club - CCWA event at the Union Club ("The Use of Force and the Future of International Law") on Wednesday, 25 March 2026

    CCWA event at the Union Club ("The Use of Force and the Future of International Law") on Wednesday, 25 March 2026

    Union Club - CCWA event at the Union Club ("The Use of Force and the Future of International Law") on Wednesday, 25 March 2026

    CCWA event at the Union Club ("The Use of Force and the Future of International Law") on Wednesday, 25 March 2026

    Union Club - CCWA event at the Union Club ("The Use of Force and the Future of International Law") on Wednesday, 25 March 2026

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    CCWA event at the Union Club ("The Use of Force and the Future of International Law") on Wednesday, 25 March 2026

    Severance Hall - musicvenues - Updated September 2026

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