When it comes to what to do, see, and eat in Cleveland, Douglas Trattner is an expert. In his role as a full-time freelance writer and dining columnist, Douglas garnered the title of “Best Critic in Ohio” from the Society of Professional Journalists. Through his frequent contributions to local, regional, and national publications, he singles out the city’s very best bars, restaurants, cultural diversions, and attractions, and he can be heard weekly on a top-rated morning radio show discussing Cleveland’s food and restaurants.

Before pursuing a career in freelance journalism, Douglas was a staff attorney with the Franklin County Public Defender’s Office in Columbus, where he represented indigent criminal defendants. He worked his way through college and law school by mixing drinks, waiting tables, and selling his photography at countless Grateful Dead concerts.

After writing professionally about his hometown for nearly a decade, Douglas assumed there was little left to discover. With fresh eyes, he gave his favorite burg a top-to-bottom reexamination, the result of which is this guidebook. He walked away from the project an even bigger fan of Cleveland, uncovering new shops, restaurants, bars, and hidden gems. Douglas’s penchant for exploring novel and untested places didn’t always pan out; numerous destinations failed to pass muster, ending up on the cutting-room floor. But even a seemingly wasted trip clear across town failed to dampen his spirit. As Douglas can so often be heard saying: “It beats practicing law.”