I met an old friend for drinks at Nighttown, the other night. Nighttown is definitely one of my old real NEO friends' favorite East Side places to gather, and has been for decades, for many good reasons... starting with a great owner (in the video above) and staff, excellent, consistent food, and the world's best jazz. Open every day, from 11 AM-2AM, the ambiance is as good as it gets, as well... for a club inspired by the Red Light District of Dublin.

Interesting, Nighttown is also the home of The Press Club of Cleveland, The Press Club's Hall of Fame and Visual Archives... lots of related information is linked here... the video above introduces the Press Club Hall of Fame, hosted at Nighttown, which includes our own new media idol Roldo... since 2004.

It is hard to believe Nighttown is nearly 45 years old.... happy birthday, February 5th. This real NEO institution clearly has many lessons for other local businesses of all sorts to learn.

Founded February 5, 1965, at the top of Cedar Hill, where Fairmount, Cedar and Euclid Heights Boulevards all meet, in Cleveland Heights, Nighttown is conveniently located in one of my favorite parts of the region, and is certainly a real NEO success story. With a name inspired by "Ulysses", a character steady and true, and the distinction of being the only club in Ohio on Down Beat's list of The Best Jazz Clubs in the World, Nighttown has as loyal and diverse a following as the many great stars who have performed live music here, over so many years.

We only live once, and Nighttown is the best place in Ohio to hear once in a lifetime jazz in person.... check their schedule here... sign up for their events email newsletter here.

Anytime, Nighttown is one of the best places in the region to stop for a quick drink, Sunday brunch, or dessert on the patio - all weather - menus here... and they throw great private parties... I've been to a few. And, if you book a party there, here's something special you get... 

Nighttown's London Cab, with Brendan Ring in the driver's seat, can be available

to pick up your special guests, complimentary for parties of at least 25. 

Call Brendan for further details.

The more I think about it, the more I realize, I need to frequent Nighttown more often.

In appreciation and recognition of 45 years serving this community, perhaps it is a good time for you to stop by Nighttown, as well.

From their website:

Named after the Dublin Red-Light District in James Joyce's Ulysses, Nighttown posseses the ambiance of Irish pubs and turn of the century New York bars. Leaded, etched, and stained glass, combined with a clutter of memorabilia from earlier eras decorate the four distinctly different dining rooms and three active bars. Be sure to see Stephen's Green, our outdoor dining area (fully-heated for year-round use) with a wall-size waterfall.

Since opening day, February 5, 1965, the menu has been a model of consistency. Top quality Certified Angus Beef, milk -fed veal, and the freshest of fish and chicken are prepared with creative simplicity. Try our house speciality, The Dublin Lawyer. And Nighttown has the best jazz available - in fact, we're the only club in Ohio on Down Beat's list of The Best Jazz Clubs in the World. Local players, as well as the likes of Ahmad Jamal, Benny Green, John and Bucky Pizzarelli, the Count Basie Orchestra, Eliane Elias, Ann Hampton Callaway, Bob Dorough, Karrin Allyson, Kurt Elling, Bob James and literally hundreds of other "name" artists have all performed to enthusiastic audiences in one of the most intimate venues imaginable.

Nighttown is also home of The Press Club of Cleveland and its Cleveland Journalism Hall of Fame, representing over 120 years of Cleveland journalism history.  Please check out this video, narrated by Nighttown owner Brendan Ring, of the Hall of Fame.  For even more info about The Press Club of Cleveland history, click here.

In addition to being a full service, white tablecloth restaurant, we also cater to large groups and parties. A number of different organizations hold regular monthly lunch and dinner meetings at Nighttown, including The Press Club of Cleveland. Private rooms are available for groups from 15 to 150. Rehearsal dinners, bar mitzvahs, bridal showers, company events, birthdays, etc. All are welcome.