A Quick Staycation in Cleveland: Dim Sum, Art, and Delicious Eats
Earlier this month, we decided to take a spontaneous and much-needed break from the routine. With the hustle of daily life piling up, we opted for a little staycation, just an hour away from home. Cleveland, Ohio, was the perfect escape — close enough to feel like a mini-vacation, but packed with experiences to make it feel like a true getaway. Our quick trip was filled with delicious food, cultural exploration, and cozy moments, offering just the right balance of relaxation and adventure.
Dim Sum at YYTime
Our Cleveland staycation began on a high note with dim sum at YYTime, a vibrant spot in the heart of the city’s Asian Village. The moment we walked through the door, we were greeted by the bustling atmosphere of a restaurant full of hungry diners eager to indulge in classic Cantonese dishes. It was clear that YYTime was the place to go for authentic dim sum, with trolleys rolling around, each one filled with steaming baskets and freshly made bites.
We wasted no time in diving into the selection, starting with the ever-popular har gow (shrimp dumplings), their delicate translucent wrappers revealing perfectly cooked shrimp inside. We followed that with the siu mai — a savory combination of pork and shrimp that practically melted in our mouths. The crispy spring rolls were a crispy, golden delight, served with a tangy dipping sauce that added just the right amount of zing.
One of the highlights was the char siu bao (BBQ pork buns), which were fluffy and sweet, with a tender BBQ pork filling that was both savory and slightly sweet. We also ventured outside of the usual offerings and tried fried taro balls, a crunchy, golden exterior with a rich, creamy filling that was a perfect balance of sweet and savory.
The food at YYTime was delicious, filling, and absolutely worth the trip. The service was warm and attentive, with servers continually bringing fresh items to the table. It was the perfect way to kick off our Cleveland adventure, and by the time we finished, we were already looking forward to the next time we could return.
Art and Culture at the Cleveland Museum of Art
After our indulgent dim sum experience, we headed to the Cleveland Museum of Art, one of the city’s cultural treasures. Known for its incredible collection and beautiful architecture, the museum is an ideal spot to spend a few hours soaking in art from across the globe.
The museum’s striking combination of neoclassical and contemporary architecture made for an inviting atmosphere. We began by wandering through the grand atrium, before diving into galleries that spanned everything from ancient Egyptian artifacts to modern masterpieces. Each room we entered revealed something new and captivating, whether it was the delicate brushstrokes of a Monet, the vivid colors of Van Gogh, or the thought-provoking contemporary installations.
One of our favorite parts was the Asian Art wing. The exhibits showcased stunning Chinese scrolls, Japanese woodblock prints, and intricate Korean ceramics. The level of detail and craftsmanship was astounding, and the quiet, contemplative spaces made it easy to get lost in the history and beauty of the works.
We also explored some of the museum’s European and American collections, which offered an equally impressive range of art, from Renaissance portraits to modern abstract works. Every corner of the museum held something new to discover, and we left feeling inspired by the breadth of human creativity on display.
Cozy Stay at a Cleveland Hotel
After a day full of food and culture, we checked into our hotel for a relaxing night in Cleveland. We had chosen a boutique hotel in downtown Cleveland, and it proved to be a perfect choice. The room was modern yet cozy, with soft linens, a comfortable bed, and large windows that offered views of the city skyline.
The quiet ambiance of the hotel made it easy to unwind and recharge. We didn’t have any grand plans for the evening — just to enjoy each other’s company and soak in the relaxed pace of the staycation. After a little time to rest, we were ready to head out for dinner.
Dinner at Rood Food & Pie: Comfort Food and Decadent Desserts
For dinner, we made our way to Rood Food & Pie, a local favorite that specializes in elevated comfort food and, of course, pies. The restaurant has a cozy, retro vibe that feels both homey and stylish. The menu was filled with hearty, satisfying options that promised to hit the spot.
We began with a couple of appetizers: a crispy fried chicken sandwich served with spicy pickles and a tangy dipping sauce, and a fresh, vibrant salad with a zesty vinaigrette. Both were perfect for whetting our appetites. For the main course, we opted for the classic meatloaf with mashed potatoes, smothered in a rich, savory gravy that made each bite feel like a warm hug. It was pure comfort food at its best.
But the real highlight of the meal was the dessert. As the name suggests, Rood is known for its pies, and we couldn’t resist trying one. The seasonal apple pie was a dream — the perfect balance of sweet and tart with a buttery, flaky crust that melted in your mouth. And the chocolate peanut butter pie was nothing short of decadent — creamy, rich, and utterly satisfying.
We left Rood Food & Pie feeling completely full, happy, and thoroughly impressed. It’s the kind of place you dream about returning to for a second helping, and we certainly couldn’t wait to go back.
Cocktails at Porco Tiki Lounge
After dinner, we headed to Porco Tiki Lounge, a Cleveland institution known for its fun and tropical-themed cocktails. The space was lively and vibrant, with bamboo furniture, dim lighting, and tiki mugs that immediately set the mood for a laid-back night. The island-inspired drinks were expertly crafted, and we decided to go for a Mai Tai and a classic Pina Colada. Both were perfectly balanced and refreshing, the ideal way to cap off the evening.
Sipping our cocktails while enjoying the playful ambiance of the lounge felt like the perfect end to our day. The friendly staff and fun atmosphere made it a memorable experience, and we lingered a bit longer than expected, soaking in the good vibes.
A Perfect Quick Getaway
Though our Cleveland staycation was short, it was everything we needed — a refreshing change of pace filled with delicious food, art, and relaxation. From the incredible dim sum at YYTime to the cultural wonders at the Cleveland Museum of Art, to the indulgent comfort food at Rood Food & Pie and the tropical cocktails at Porco Tiki Lounge, every moment of our trip was a treat. Cleveland proved to be the perfect destination for a quick, rejuvenating escape, and we’re already looking forward to our next staycation there.
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