As a native of Medina, Ohio, just a stone's throw from Cleveland, my affection for the city's sports culture runs deep. The exhilarating season of 1980, when the Cleveland Browns, also known as the "Cardiac Kids," were on a roll, remains etched in my memory. In my school days, we'd eagerly celebrate Browns Spirit Days, with a prevailing rumor that quarterback Brian Sipe and running back Greg Pruitt resided on my street.

On a recent visit back to Cleveland with my spouse, Mike, we found ourselves a part of a major entertainment weekend. The Guardians were up against the Yankees, the Browns were challenging the Bengals, and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame was welcoming new icons. Even though both teams did not witness victory, the fervor of Cleveland's sports fans and the bustling food scene which feeds this enthusiasm was clearly evident. Here are the must-visit dining and drink locales if you're ardently cheering for the Browns, Guardians, or Cavs, reflective of the defining characteristics of Cleveland's sports culture.

The question is, can a place be termed a phenomenal sports city if it doesn't boast of a local beer? For Cleveland, it's certainly not an issue, given that Great Lakes Brewing has been quenching the city’s thirst with their brews since Patrick and Daniel Conway, the brothers behind it, released their first keg in 1988. Their independence, employee-owned business model and commitment to quality mirror the loyalty Cleveland's fans have for their teams.

Cleveland's sports devotees take their pregame bites seriously. Frank’s Bratwurst, a beloved food stall in the historic West Side Market, has an array of delicious quick bites that have been satisfying customers since its inception in 1970. Stand manager, Ryan Sheppard, runs it with his mother, Ilse Sheppard and proudly speaks about their three-generation legacy and their famed bratwurst creations.

A love for the sport and an equal love for ice cream motivates Mike Mitchell, a Cleveland Guardians fan, and a co-founder of Mitchell’s Homemade Ice Cream. They've managed to carve a name in Ohio's ice cream industry, with their ninth shop now open in Ohio City.

A sense of nostalgia resonates with Cleveland's sports enthusiasts. This is palpable at The Rowley Inn, located near the famous house from “A Christmas Story,” in the Tremont neighborhood. Owners Jon Oberman and Raphael Rivilla conjure up treating dishes which seep with Cleveland pride, a delight for fans in search of heartening, familiar flavors prior or post a major game.

An exciting venture before any Cavs and Guardians game, Cordelia in Cleveland’s East 4th Street entertainment district, celebrates Northeast Ohio's agricultural roots through family-centric dishes, thanks to the culinary skills of 2024 James Beard Award semifinalist, Chef-partner Vinnie Cimino.

Cleveland fans aren't shy to flaunt their allegiance and stand by their teams in success and failure alike. This audacious spirit is embodied at Mabel’s BBQ, a venture from noted chef Michael Symon.

The Flat Iron Cafe stands tall in Cleveland’s industrious yet entertaining, Flats district. A bar since 1910, it's a community fixture for Cleveland Browns football fans. It's known for its crowd-pleasing fried Lake Erie perch, and, as co-owner Dave Steele states, Browns Sundays are a tempting delight.

At Slyman’s Restaurant, corned beef sandwiches are elevated to an art form. The iconic deli has been a city favorite since its establishment in 1964 by Joseph Slyman. As Sam Slyman, grandson of the founder, explains, the distinctive cooking, trimming, and seasoning of the corned beef are what keep it tender and flavorful.