Take a Walk on the Northside!10 min read

I hope you all had a fantastic summer! Not that it’s over yet, but when you start seeing those yellow buses you feel the end is coming!

I wanted to take you along with me on my walk in one of our city’s great neighborhoods…one that’s getting better all the time. Northside!

When I took my walk and went into as many stores, bars and restaurants as possible, I was welcomed with open arms from some amazing people. This area is so cool for many reasons: almost every place had a proud owner there to greet you; every bar and restaurant was casual and fun; and you can eat healthy with many vegan spots!

This neighborhood still has it’s original charm…meaning it isn’t all rehabbed. It has a lot of original bars and buildings with locals just hanging around outside. I love this about Northside!

•Shake It Records– 4156 Hamilton Ave.

You could spend hours in here flipping through the albums and just looking around at all the cool memorabilia. They opened in 1999, the same year Napster started… yikes! Best part of that is we all know Shake It is still here, and Napster isn’t! This is 3,200 sq. ft. full of more than 25,000 titles on vinyl and more than 15,000 on compact. They also have the best greeting cards, books, t-shirts and more. Now I really hope I get that turntable I want for Christmas

•Blue Jay Restaurant-4154 Hamilton Ave.

Unfortunately they were closed for vacation when I was doing my thing, but you can tell that, after 50 years in business, ( just had the big Golden Anniversary) they know what they’re doing. Local Mom & Pop serving up great breakfasts until 3:00p.m. everyday but Sunday!

•Northside Grange: Pet & Urban Farm Supply- 4116 Hamilton Ave.

They have everything for the urban gardener! Seeds, plants and advice. They cater to all your household pets needs with providing organic food and treats. Say hi to the cat in the window.. he loves the attention!

•Kitchen Factory– 1609 Chase Ave.

Sandwiches, salads, insanely good pizzas and more! Organic ingredients and gluten-free and vegan options are available. They say the Crack & Cheese is a must . Walk up window open until 3am. BYOB No cork fee.

•Tickle Pickle– 4176 Hamilton Ave.

I freakin’ love this place! Not only for the amazing burgers, but just reading the menu is entertaining! The theme of everything is music- or band-based. So creative…like the Bread Zeppelin or Fleetwood Mac & Cheese…you just have to smile at the menu! Outdoor back patio available.

•Designs By Dana -Tattoos- 4167 Hamilton Ave.

This my friends is where I got inked many years ago! Tatting people since 1971 !

•Sidewinder Coffee– 4181 Hamilton Ave.

Coffee and food available for dine-in or on-the-go. Try a house drink like the Mexican Latte! Cute outdoor patio available to sit and sip your coffee.

•Bridges– 4165 Hamilton Ave.

Nepalese classics from Mom’s recipes! Oh and Mom ( Ruth ) will be there. This adorable family is so friendly you have to go meet them. Fantastic food and a great outdoor patio in the back.

•Northside Tavern– 4163 Hamilton Ave.

I could use the word “hip” for just about all the Northside spots, and this is no exception. Hip local tavern, live music all the time. Check out the calendar for all the great music. They also have a great outdoor patio.

•High Gravity– 4106 Hamilton Ave.

The new kid in town! They just opened their doors, and it’s been an instant hit. You can pop in and grab a growler or a mixed 6-pack and head on out or sit and enjoy it in the cool new space. With over 60 types of wine and 500 (yes I said 500) types of beer and 14 on tap you should be able to please everyone in your group!

•Spun Bicycles– 4122 Hamilton Ave .

No matter what kind of biking you’re into, these guys will help you. Dominic will even build you some custom wheels if you really want to stand out on the road!

•The Listing Loon– 4124 Hamilton Ave.

Great cocktails, wonderful environment. Just a really cool place to hang. They have live music most nights and offer a variety of wine and beer to drink there or take home. I really liked this place!

•The Chocolate Bee– 4037 Hamilton Ave.

Two of my favorite things here… Chocolate and Honey! Great place to grab some gifts. The chocolate is truly amazing both in flavor (honey, caramel and basil!!) And the pieces of chocolate are SO pretty. The honey items are everything from the real honeycombs to flavored honey and everything in between. Thank you Shalini Latour for showing me around! Must check it out!

•Happy Chicks Bakery– 4035 Hamilton Ave.

Again a vegan options for those who veg ;) I tried a treat and loved it, and I am NO vegan! A wide range of breakfast foods, sandwiches and salads They also do cupcakes to wedding cakes and everything in between! Fantastic place for the family. Very kid-friendly.

•Tillie’s Lounge – 4042 Hamilton Ave.

This place caught my eye from the street, and I really wanted to see the inside. When I entered, I figured it might not be everyone’s type of bar, but I loved it! The décor is dazzling, the music was fun, the cool-shaped bar was out of a movie set and the back glitter ceiling piano area was magical. Tilly is the name of an elephant that’s buried in Terrace Park…great story… never even knew about it. Click herefor more info. Back patio bar is so cute! Tell Nigel I sent you ;)

•Bistro Grace– 4034 Hamilton Ave.

Great cozy dinner spot inside and out! Before or after dinner. They have a great menu with a twist. While there go check out the bar across the street (The Hamilton – 4029 Hamilton Ave.) Great bar snacks and drink specials and live music on occasion. Ask Bridgett to pour you something great!

•Ruth Parkside Café – 1550 Blue Rock St.

Fun dining experience with good décor and a menu that will please everyone even the gluten free and vegan friends!

•Melt– 4100 Hamilton Ave.

Just re-opened by the world-renowned Queen mixologist Molly Wellman. This bar has combined a little bit of all Molly’s other establishments into an eclectic spot. Very heath-conscious menu with great drinks…duh!

•Littlefield– 3934 Spring Grove Ave.

Great cocktails and fun food to enjoy for lunch, dinner and Sunday Brunch! Enjoy Vinyl Nights on Mondays!!

•The Comet– 4579 Hamilton Ave.

So, sometimes I just like a good ol’ biker bar. This is it! Some good Mexican grub and cheap beers mixed with good, everyday people. It’s a little up from the hub, but fun!

This is on my list! I have heard nothing but great things about this spot. Senegalese food. Don’t know that I’ve ever had this food, but I am ready to go try the lamb. I heard the restaurant is not big, so carry out maybe a good option.

•Second Place– 3936 Spring Grove Ave.

Named appropriately for being the second place opened by the same owners of Littlefield. As you would guess by the name, you can catch a game on one of the TVs around the bar. You can also get into the game with the pool table, dart board and random games. Enjoy the back patio when the weather’s nice.

What’s New??

•The Park Diner– 4160 Hamilton Ave.

Coming soon!! They are working hard to open this place…I’ll keep you posted.

•Django Western Taco – 4172 Hamilton Ave.

Word is out that Django a old neighborhood fave is re-opening in a new spot. The opening is scheduled for Aug. 22nd

••Many thanks to my most amazingly talented photographer friend Amy Spasoff! Thank goodness she likes to explore with me and capture the moments.

If you are in need a professional photographer check her out!