Spend a morning — or the whole day — discovering the flavors and charm of Rocky River.
From the City of Rocky River
Pamela Bobst Mayor
Michelle Root Executive Assistant
to the Mayor For advertising information, call 216.377.3693
If you’re not a morning person, Rocky River’s breakfast, sweets and coffee scene might just change that. Our city is filled with unique restaurants, bakeries and cafes serving up everything from delectable donuts and veggiepacked breakfast sandwiches to artisan coffees and much more. Stop by on your way to work and pick up a treat — whether for yourself or the whole office. (Check out our feature story on page 5 for what to try). Or, come on the weekend when you have a little more time and stay a while. Bring the kids to explore our scenic parks and fun playgrounds. You’ll also find plenty of shopping opportunities perfect for little ones, with boutique items and toys you won’t find anywhere else. Learn more about these local gems on page 12.
And, don’t forget to check out our summer events — Taste of River, outdoor concerts, pool parties and more. There’s something for everyone. For a full rundown of events, visit rockyriverohio.gov/rocky-river-events.
We look forward to seeing you in Rocky River this summer.
With kindest regards,
Mayor Pamela Bobst
Copyright 2025 by Great Lakes Publishing. No part of this publication may be reproduced by any means without permission of Great Lakes Publishing. All rights reserved. The City of Rocky River and the publisher are not responsible for errors or omissions. All information is subject to change.
JUNE 22
Funky Family Fitness
In honor of the National Recreation & Park Association’s Family Health and Fitness Day, visitors are invited to lace up their shoes and head to the Hillard Hustle 5K Race, which also includes a Kids Fun Run. Go on a musical journey with Funkology as the band covers the 1950s to today.
Don’t miss these events in River this summer. By Christine Schaffran
The Rocky River Summer Nights series returns to City Hall Park for three actionpacked events filled with fun and excitement for visitors of any age. Each date features a daytime pool party with a kid-centric DJ, CLE Market vendors, inflatables for the kids and an evening concert to round out the day. Check out rockyriverohio.gov for more details. Here are some highlights:
JULY 13
Red, River and Blue
Admire the muscle cars and cruisers of the past at the car show where winners will be crowned for bragging rights. The ever-favorite Pie in the Park event promises plenty of fruit-filled delights as the Beatles tribute band Revolution Pie takes the stage.
AUGUST 3
Carnival-Like Atmosphere
Send summer out with a bang with this kid-focused celebration that is sure to bring ear-to-ear smiles. Encourage your kids to join the bike parade or get up close with city vehicles at the Touch-aTruck event. Dance the night away with Perfect Choice on stage.
Taste of River will return to Linda Street June 14 from 4 to 9 p.m. for an epic family-friendly food event. Presented By Peak and Valley Roofing and Tri-C Westshore Campus, the Rocky River Chamber of Commerce event is free and promises a feast from local restaurants as well as live music and family fun. Parking is available at Rocky River Middle School with a free shuttle provided by the Normandy Senior Living.
We would like to extend a big “Thank You” to Rocky River and surrounding communities. We are grateful for your continued business and look forward to meeting and welcoming residents to our wonderful community.
Elizabeth Gleim (216) 926-5352
elizabethgleim@howardhanna.com
Aileen FitzGerald (440) 227-5878
aileenfitzgerald@howardhanna.com
Ensuring personalized service for each and every client.
Rocky River Office | 19204 Detroit Road, Rocky River, OH 44116 | (440) 333-6500
NOPEC is dedicated to securing affordable energy rates for residents and small businesses in 243 member communities across Ohio. Since 2001, we’ve helped our customers save hundreds of millions of dollars on their electricity and natural gas costs. Plus, our online energy-savings center provides valuable energy-saving tips to help you save even more. Together, we’re building stronger communities through smarter energy choices. Learn more at NOPEC.org or call 855-667-3201.
A Cowan-inspired art exhibit explores the influence of Art Deco with pieces from artists from across the U.S.
By Christine Schaffran
As Cleveland’s only major pottery producer and one of the nation’s leading potteries, R. Guy Cowan continues to inspire artists with his inventive use of glazes, which he became known for during his reign at the Cowan Pottery Studio until 1927.
In an exhibit that runs through Dec. 7, visitors to the Rocky River Public Library can admire a collection of Art Deco-inspired pieces showcased throughout the first floor of the Hampton Road library.
Greg Hatch, curator and historian, explains the Cowan Pottery Museum and library put out a call for contemporary ceramic works inspired by the age of Art Deco. The call for the exhibit, “A New Century: Ceramics Inspired by the Legacy of Art Deco,” was answered by 17 artists from across the country.
“I was really excited to see the variety of different perspectives of the prompt,” Hatch says. “It was a wide interpretation of the influence of Art Deco over the last century.”
Guests can also peruse the Cowan Pottery Museum housed in the library, where select sculptural and functional items are displayed. For a complete list of the museum’s 1,200 items, visit rrpl.org/cowan.
River’s coffee-breakfast-sweets scene will turn the most stubborn alarm clock sleep button-pusher into a morning person.
By Kristen Hampshire
Just like Home at Joe’s
This Rocky River institution is a morning tradition for patrons who sip on small batch-brewed coffee daily and order their favorite standbys — Joe’s Breakfast Special with two hand-cracked eggs, meat and home fries, or a slice of the quiche served with a fresh-baked muffin. If you like to mix up your first meal of the day, Joe’s keeps you on your toes with different daily breakfast wraps, croissants and bagels.
Joe’s knows corned beef, its delicatessen roots and legacy. Naturally, the corned beef hash topped with two eggs flies out of the kitchen. Fresh fruit is a favorite side, and so is the Naples Cocktail of yogurt parfait with fruit, granola and pecans.
Sipping on her coffee, Jeanette Kanaan reflects on the 47-year-old business she and her husband Joe have nurtured into a West Side gathering place where customers are like family. “We love that people start their day with us,” she says of the many tables of familiar faces and the joy of greeting new guests. “The community of Rocky River has been so amazingly supportive.”
19215 Hilliard Blvd., 440-333-7890, myjoesdeli.com
The restaurant’s latest addition is smashed avocado toast — all fresh ingredients, including sundried and grape tomatoes, basil, shallots, pine nuts and a sweet balsamic glaze topping on cracked wheat.
Established in 1963, the tavern Kim Berry’s parents started is a local legacy and part of Rocky River history. Berry remembers living upstairs in the “inn” until she was eight, the way authentic taverns like Herb’s worked.
“What we have here is very special — I have people who are in their fourth generation of coming to Herb’s,” Berry relates.
The cozy, horseshoe-shaped bar and charming dining room offer a welcoming spot for Saturday and Sunday brunch from 9 a.m. to noon. “We are farm-to-seed-totable,” says Berry of aiming to source as many local ingredients as possible and working with Midwest family farms. A baker produces specialty bread for Herb’s with no preservatives.
“Our sausage is a must,” Berry raves, adding that the maple syrup is the real deal.
Eggs Benedict is dressed with Canadian bacon and either Maine lobster or avocado, served with hash browns. A Croque Monsieur nestled on thick buttered-andgrilled French bread is a haute way to nosh on a breakfast sandwich.
From the bar, fresh-made juices are mixers for bellinis and a classic Bloody Mary served with a skewered grilled cheese wedge. There’s a running list of draft beers
and bottles, and curated wines suit every taste. Berry seeks out family vineyards rather than volume producers.
19925 Detroit Road, 440-331-9870, herbstavernrockyriver.com
Two omelets are a nod to the founders. Bobbie’s Favorite includes spinach, fresh mozzarella and avocado with a side of picante. Herb’s Favorite is “everything — all the meat, all the veggies, all the cheese,” Berry says of a fan favorite.
Sunday Funday
Sunday funday kicks off at Market, where a lively weekend brunch usually includes games on the screens, music piping throughout the bar and restaurant, breezes flowing in from the open garage doors and guests chilling on the patio.
Assistant Manager Haley Rudiger calls the environment “social and high-energy,” as a go-to for watching sporting events or gathering with large groups.
Seasonal menu changes offer a mashup of brunch options, along with standards guests gravitate toward such as the Market Stack of goat cheese and chorizo sausage pancakes. Classic omelets are paired with cinnamon rolls from local Bigmouth Donut Company. Produce and garnishes are plucked from purveyors at the West Side Market. Market keeps a steady core menu, adding seasonal flair throughout the year.
1137 Linda St., 440-799-4292, marketbeer.com
Celebrate your city in the sweetest way with our exclusive Cleveland print from beloved brand Angel Dear, available only at Babycakes Children’s Boutique in Rocky River!
Crafted from luxuriously soft bamboo fabric, this adorable collection features iconic Clevelandinspired illustrations for the littlest Clevelanders! Visit us in Rocky River or shop online!
Check out the build-yourown Bloody Mary cart with a few dozen ingredients to dress up your cocktail, from olives to garlic and bacon.
19315 Detroit Road | Rocky River, Ohio 44116 www.babycakeschildrensboutique.com
Move over, small plates, and prepare for a morning meal with leftovers to spare. Scramblers Rocky River opened in February, introducing its bistro-style dining room with a bar, counter service and tables to accommodate brunch-going crews. A generous patio offers sunny-side
dining no matter the style of fresh-cracked eggs you choose.
“Our goal is to make sure by the time you leave, you realized the value and quality of your experience,” says Michael Barr, district manager.
Fluffy four-egg omelets are made to order, and pancakes from scratch-made
If volume isn’t what you’re after, choose a shareable like the biscuit flight or fruit pancake sampler.
batter “are the size of your plate,” Barr says. Bennys (eggs Benedict) come in a crab cake or traditional preparation, two per plate with fresh fruit or tomato. A select kids’ menu offers a smiley-face pancake with a bacon grin.
“We have several mimosa offerings, as well as traditional breakfast beverages,” Barr says.
And don’t forget the Caruso’s coffee blend produced specifically for Scramblers with seasonal flavors, a go-to vanilla bean, cold brews and iced coffees.
21810 Center Ridge Road, 440-238-4143, scramblersrestaurants.com
Kelsey Elizabeth Cakes
Trademark macarons in flavors ranging from classic raspberry and vanilla to nostalgic Fruity Pebbles and s’mores are colorfully displayed at Kelsey Elizabeth Cakes, which offers up to 20 types daily along with cupcakes, cookies, brownies and more.
“From the beginning, our focus has been creating treats that taste as beautiful as they look, introducing some of the flavors and treats I grew up with, but giving them a makeover,” says Kelsey Shepard, owner.
Stop in Tuesday through Saturday for something sweet, and celebrate a special occasion with a decadent, creatively decorated party cake — some adorned with macarons. (Book your cake two to three weeks in advance.)
20033 Detroit Road, 216-767-5633, kelseyelizabethcakes.com
You’ll always find these goto goodies: birthday cake macaron, jumbo salted chocolate chip cookie, white almond cupcake, cake batter blondie and the oatmeal cream pie “with a cult following,” Shepard says.
Cake for breakfast? Why not? A cookie to dunk in your coffee? But of course.
Wild Flour Bakery’s Sue Johansen gives you permission. A giant sign in her home reads, “Eat cake for breakfast!”
Pint-sized party cakes available in the case tempt you to find reasons to celebrate. The smallest 5-inch rounds serve four to six people. “It’s something people grab in the morning on the way to work to celebrate a colleague’s birthday or pick up on the way home ‘just because,’” Johansen says. The bakery also stocks larger cakes.
A revolving selection of seasonal cookies are assorted with everyday favorites like chocolate chip, peanut butter and double chocolate. The snickerdoodle recipe is a childhood favorite from Johansen’s mom.
“So many customers have become friends,” Johansen says, noting how the walkable neighborhood encourages passersby to drop in and nearby businesses offer a network of support.
20111 Lake Road, 440-331-2950, wildflourbakery.com
Wild Flour teaches a couple of sweet roll classes each year and sells sweet rolls during holidays. Get your fix daily with a cinnamon roll sugar cookie.
Call Her Kolacke Kathy Croissant or muffin? Why not both with a cruffin from Kathy’s Kolackes and Pastry Shop, available on Saturdays in a variety of flavors, including the most popular raspberry with cream cheese frosting.
You’ll always find kolackes — the pastry that started it all in 1991, when Kathy Schriner embarked on a creative departure. She left a longtime airline role to bake fulltime, inspired by a growing following for her homemade treats.
Schriner’s kolackes are inventively filled with ingredients beyond apricot, cherry and apple. Try a hot-dog kolacke, a play on pigsin-a-blanket. Other picks include chocolate, strawberry cream cheese and blueberry.
“We have an open kitchen, and people are mesmerized when they see us rolling dough,” Schriner says.
Fill a box full with signature butter cookies, scones, cinnamon rolls, brownies and beyond. The coffee is always on, and pups are welcome for a house-made biscuit.
19032 Old Detroit Road, 440-835-6570, kathyspastryshop.com
“One guy brought in a duffel bag to fill up with poppy seed rolls,” Schriner says. “He was traveling back to Florida and wanted to take them back home.” An easier way to introduce Kathy’s Kolackes to far-away friends is to shop online and send them some love. Kathy’s ships goodies all over the U.S.
No mixes, fillers or preservatives — no fake sugar, candy-aisle toppings like gummy bears or food coloring.
“Our process is unprocessed,” says Kelly Brewer, who, in 2018, opened Bigmouth Donut Co. with his wife, Diana. “We started the donut business because we got tired of eating donuts that make you feel like junk.”
Glazes and fillings contain fresh fruit, brioche dough for raised donuts is prepared in-house and frycake batter is mixed by staff who are equally passionate about producing a “real” donut. “Everything is fresh-made and perfectly imperfect,” says Brewer.
Bigmouth Donut offers about 15 options daily, including the awardwinning vanilla-bean glazed and the sour cream old-fashioned frycake. You’ll find a weekly “dossant” special — a cross between a donut and croissant. Donutegg sandwiches and a variety of vegan and gluten-free choices are available, too.
19265 Detroit Road, 216-282-8228, bigmouthdonut.com
Think big and cater a wedding or event with Bigmouth Donut. Or, stop in any day for a fix, Wednesday through Sunday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Swing by for a quick bite, healthy bowl, savory sandwich and coffee to start your day.
Arrive before 10:30 for a Panera Bread Steak & Wake breakfast ciabatta specialty sandwich, treat yourself to Spinach & Bacon Souffle or start the day on a light note with Garden Avo Toast. Treat your office to a “feast of baked goods” with pastry indulgences like chocolate croissants and orange scones.
19705 Center Ridge Road, 440-331-0555, panerabread.com
Acai, anyone? Vitality Bowls specializes in whipping up a thick blend of these superfood berries for its smoothies, fresh juices, soups, salads and paninis. If you’re concerned about
prevent cross contamination of the Big 9.
19511 Center Ridge Road, 216-712-6999, vitalitybowls.com
Erie Island Coffee
At first sight, the intricate latte art that Erie Island Coffee’s baristas craft may leave you with a pang of guilt for sipping — or prompt another order. But to just admire the caffeinated concoction would be unfair to the skilled team and expert roasters who deliver what they promise is “perfection in every cup.”
“We don’t settle for less,” Erie Island says, explaining how every crop of beans has a slightly different profile, offering a unique experience in every blend. Favorites include the light roast, Jamaican Me Crazy, medium Signature Blend, bold Morning Launch and lively Craftsman Blend that promises to “keep your motor fueled all day.” Drive through or park at a table in the café and settle into a cuppa something special.
19300 Detroit Road, 440-333-1510, erieislandcoffee.com
Starbucks
It’s the world’s largest coffeehouse chain, and your local barista will remember your name. Likely, you’ll get a personalized message and doodle on your to-go cup. The Starbucks Rocky River location is a community staple in the walkable downtown district with two floors of seating for gathering, working or simply taking a break. People Google to find egg bite recipes like the ones you’ll nosh on daylong here. Favorites are the
It isn’t Summer without the Sunflower! Plan a fun evening out at our famous Sunflower Wine Festival! Enjoy wine and craft beer gardens, live music and fabulous food.
The best part - all proceeds go to the Prayers From Maria Foundation and the fight to end childhood cancer!
START YOURDAY Your Way
From award-winning schools and top-notch playgrounds to shops that cater to kids, there are endless reasons why Rocky River is a great place for children to learn and play.
By Christine Schaffran
Rocky River City Schools is one of only 18 school districts in the state with an overall five-star Ohio School Report Card rating, says the district’s Communication Specialist, Greg Murphy. Three of the district’s schools have also been recognized as National Blue Ribbon Schools in recent years. But that’s merely the icing on the proverbial cake. With more than 2,600 students sprinkled throughout five schools, Murphy says the focus on academics, activities, arts and athletics makes for a collaborative effort that helps each child achieve at the highest level.
“It starts with strong leadership at the top, all the way down to great teachers in the classroom and students and
families who care about education,” he notes. “There’s something for everyone to do here in the district, and that’s what makes it so great.”
Epic parks and playgrounds
Among the eight parks in Rocky River with playgrounds, Director of Recreation Bob Holub points to Linden Park as having the “ultimate amenities.” There you’ll find playgrounds; pickleball, tennis and basketball courts; softball and soccer fields; sand volleyball; a walking path; a storybook trail; and a gazebo. Holub notes the ever-growing list of features makes it his top choice for variety in park amenities.
“A lot of people would expect me to say Rocky River Park or Bradstreet’s Landing,” Holub admits. “Those are crown jewels for the city, but Linden Park has some of the most amenities across the board for everyone to enjoy the space.”
He notes a close second for kids is Martin Park due to a recent renovation that includes separate play spaces for children ages 2 to 5 and 5 to 12, where kids can climb, slide, swing, swivel and spin their way through the multi-colored maze of obstacles on Kings Mill Run.
But with five playgrounds receiving facelifts in the past five years, Holub points out, there’s not a bad facility in the bunch. From the daredevils to the timid tots — to the parents who welcome the opportunity to play alongside their children — these kid magnets are waiting to entertain everyone.
The security of safety town
Visit Safety Town Park next to the city pool to teach your tike all about traffic signals, railroad crossings, bicycle safety and more. The miniature village was created in conjunction with the Safety Town program, which has been offered in Rocky River to children entering kindergarten since 2021, says Officer Neil Czaplicki, one of the Rocky River police officers who oversees the weeklong courses offered in August.
Approximately 160 kids pass through the curriculum every summer, which includes topics such as pedestrian and bicycle safety and riding a school bus for the first time. Tours of the fire and police stations as well as daily visits to Safety Town park reinforce the lessons that are designed to help children prepare to “take on the big world.”
“It really helps them learn the things to keep them safe,” says Czaplicki, who is also a school resource officer in the district. “It starts building trust and a relationship [with police officers] so that they can build off it as they get older.”
This cornerstone of Rocky River for more than 40 years allows children to sit down and play with baby dolls, building blocks, games and puzzles at tables while caregivers shop the magical aisles that bring brands like Fisher Price, Playmobil and Melissa & Doug to life.
Manager Mary Monroe says the screen-free shop invites children to leave electronics behind and immerse themselves in books, stuffed animals, trains, dinosaurs, science kits, Legos, crafts, cars and trucks that have been delighting children for generations.
As a timeless toy store where kids can actually touch and play with items, is there anything that isn’t unique about this hometown treasure? 19285 Detroit Road, 440-333-2327, onceuponatimetoys.com
belle: a shop for girls
This Old Detroit Road boutique beckons 5- to 14-year-olds to see what’s on the other side of its Barbie-pink door. Once inside, clothing, jewelry, accessories, hair and beauty products, home décor, school supplies and gifts invite visitors to enjoy the art of accessorizing colorfully — and charismatically.
19142 Old Detroit Road, 216-767-5277, belleshopforgirls.com
This Detroit Road boutique offers everything soft and cuddly for baby boys and girls. From clothing and shoes to shower gifts and seasonal favorites, Babycakes caters to trendy cuties for casual and special occasions. With sizes up to 6 for boys and girls, Babycakes also helps shoppers round the corner from toddler to trendsetter, with premier apparel and accessories.
19315 Detroit Road, 216-767-5209, babycakeschildrensboutique.com
Kids and ice cream go together like cookies ‘n’ cream. Here are some spots to indulge that sweet tooth after a day at the park.
Mitchell’s Ice Cream 19700 Detroit Road 440-333-4563
mitchellshomemade.com
TRY IT: Wildberry Crumble
Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream 19935 Center Ridge Road 216-712-4069
handelsicecream.com
TRY IT: Monkey Business
Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard 21960 Center Ridge Road 216-712-4139
ritasice.com
TRY IT: Cotton Candy
Dairy Queen 21665 Center Ridge Road 440-333-7763
dairyqueen.com
TRY IT: Cookie Crumble Crunch Dip Parfait
The mission of the Welsh Home is a “Legacy of the Heart” following the traditions of the Women’s Welsh Clubs of America to respect the spirit of each resident.
After a hospital stay, our number one goal at the Welsh House is for you to return home safely.
Recover in our Private Rehab Suites with:
· Physical Therapy
· Speech Therapy
· Occupational Therapy
· Skilled Nursing
