A Cocktail Story

written & photographed by Jason Shaffer

Imagine this:

Tom Cruise in a button-down shirt, throwing expensive bottles of bourbon and tequila into the air. The gravitational force keeps the liquids from spilling out all over the place. There's dancing, laughing, and glasses flying everywhere. Women in cheetah print dresses are dancing on the bar, men in fancy white suits are making million-dollar real estate deals; it's absolutely bonkers. All right, well, the nightlife in Lorain is nothing like this. But we do have great cocktails and some excellent places to hang out.

If you haven't visited downtown Lorain in a while, you should come to check it out and have a fun night out with us. With the winter season upon us, it's the perfect time to go out with friends to celebrate, catch up, or just grab dinner and get out of the house.

A few short years ago, you couldn't get a craft cocktail at too many places around here. In one week, I visited seven places that are within walking distance of my studio on Broadway. And one place is just a hop and a skip from downtown.

Eight places and eight cocktails (technically nine) served up all fancy for your thirsty tastebuds to enjoy. I excluded pubs and neighborhood bars for this segment because I have a fun idea for a future article, so stay tuned!

Now, without further ado, let me introduce the stars of the show: The Cocktails!

Bees Knees: A Prohibition Era cocktail made with gin, fresh lemon juice, and honey; shaken, chilled & served, often with a lemon twist—Speak of the Devil (201 West 5th Street)

photo by Jason Shaffer

Follow the glowing red neon sign and find yourself inside the dark and moody Speak of the Devil cocktail bar. Mellow music, dim lighting—the perfect atmosphere for enjoying the perfect drink.

Rum Punch: Bacardi Superior, pineapple juice, cranberry juice, orange blackberry—Superior City at The Shipyards (500 Shipyard Way)

photo by Jason Shaffer

Welcome to The Shipyards, where mighty ships were once built. Generations later, through changes in industry and adaptation, now delectable drinks are created here. Superior City at The Shipyards is tucked away in a really cool neighborhood with views of the second-longest bascule bridge in the world and the beautiful Harborwalk community.

Pear Raspberry Martini: St. George Spiced Pear Liqueur, St. George Raspberry Liqueur, simple syrup, lemon juice, pear juice—Union Town Provisions (422 Broadway)

photo by Jason Shaffer

Enter this unique restaurant with high tin ceilings, chandeliers, lemurs, church pew seating, and the smell of fresh-baked cookies in the air. Union Town Provisions is the local go-to place for a savory brunch meal paired with a bold adult beverage.

Brass & Bronze Bourbon: Knob Creek Bourbon, peach juice, pear liqueur, simple syrup, orange bitters—Brass & Bronze Foundry Bar (639 Broadway)

photo by Jason Shaffer

Brass & Bronze Foundry Bar serves up cool vibes with a relaxed and fun atmosphere. Friendly staff, a full menu, and proximity to The Palace Theater make this the go-to spot before any downtown show.

Chili by the Lake: Vodka infused with cucumber, mint and jalapeños, agave, soda water, cucumber garnish; Orange Italian Soda: Fresh orange, Tito's Handmade Vodka, a dash of simple syrup, champagne to finish—Dodie's Dockside (301 Broadway)

photo by Jason Shaffer

On the ground floor of the city's classic hotel is a comfortable, relaxed atmosphere with beautiful wood panels and artwork donning the walls, and views of Lorain's iron bridge and colorful sunsets are visible through the windows. Welcome to Dodie's Dockside.

Somewhere in Heaven: Appleton Estate Rum, passion fruit, lemon juice, cinnamon syrup, Pinot Noir float—Borikén Juke Joint (401 Broadway)

photo by Jason Shaffer

Follow your nose down Broadway toward the smell of spices and unique food dishes. Enter into the subterranean realm of Borikén Juke Joint, and get ready for beautifully crafted drinks and a super friendly environment.

Perfect Pineapple: Bacardi rum, soda, lime, fresh mint, pineapple—Erie Steak & Seafood Co. (301 Lakeside Ave.)

photo by Jason Shaffer

Enjoy the warm and familiar vibes inside an iconic Lorain location with incredible views of Lorain Lighthouse and Lake Erie sunsets. Check out Erie Steak & Seafood Co. for your prime rib and buttery lobster fix, and stick around for the tasty cocktails.

Luxardo Cherry & Tito's Martini: Tito's Handmade Vodka, Luxardo cherry, cherry juice, lemonade, cran-grape juice, prosecco, soda—Diso's Bistro (4286 Oberlin Ave.)

photo by Jason Shaffer

And last but certainly not least on my list is Diso's Bistro. Just a quick five-minute trip from downtown, enjoy your cocktail with a cut-to-order filet while sitting in the dimly-lit dining room next to the toasty fireplace. This spot is cold weather perfection.

OK, so you won't meet Tom Cruise down here or see bottles flying through the air or any of the other crazy things from a 1980's movie. But what you will find is a very welcoming community and a diverse range of bars and restaurants ready to serve you some really great stuff. You may meet your best friend, or fall in love with the community, or simply just be excited to see Lorain full of bodies again and all the smiles on people's faces.

I've used the word community a few times, and that is what you will find here: a real sense of "we're in this together" -ness. There's a camaraderie among the people that I haven't quite experienced anywhere else. So pull up a stool at any of the bars, and maybe you will find yourself next to someone with a really unique story, have a drink with them, and become a part of our downtown family.

By the way, have you heard this one before? An artist, a carpenter, a priest, and an architect walk into a bar...