Jaden Stambolia – eportfolio

THIS vs. THAT: Best Summer Hot Dog

Scooter’s Dawg House

Location: Mentor

Opened: 2000

Number of Dogs: 26

The Main Ingredient: When Scooter’s opens for the season every March, it’s an unofficial first day of summer. Just ask any of the 500 customers who visit during a daily rush, hailing from nearby Headlands Beach State Park or trekking from the West Side just for fun.

A Must-Order: The L.A. Street Dawg ($8.49) is a Scooter’s-brand hot dog wrapped in bacon, topped with mayo, ketchup and grilled onions and peppers.

Beefing Up: “A lot of my staff are local and grew up eating Scooter’s,” says owner Emily Blauman. “It’s a nostalgic experience for a lot of people.” scootersworldfamousdawghouse.com

Something Good Social Kitchen

Location: Playhouse Square

Opened: 2025

Number of Dogs: Three, plus a build-your-own selection.

The Main Ingredient: Owner Ricky Smith is an established philanthropist, so it’s only right that his year-round franks pay it forward. Each order is matched by a donated meal for those in need.

A Must-Order: Coming Home ($10.50) is the menu’s best-kept secret. Created by former Browns player Josh Cribbs, the hot dog features ground beef, barbecue sauce, crispy onion straws and mustard.

Beefing Up: “Life is hard. We’re all going through something,” says Smith. “If I can make people smile with my words or my work, why not do it?” somethinggoodcle.com

Best River Transportation: The Harbor Hopper

This isn’t the Holy Moses Water Taxi of yesteryear, but it might be better. Setting sail in July, Harbor Hopper is your safe ride through The Flats and a fun alternative to those costly Ubers and Lyfts. The ship has multiple stops from the West Bank to the East Bank to BrewDog in Scranton Peninsula. A live online tracker helps you catch your stop, and various ticket offers ($10-$199) include special promotions at restaurants and attractions along the route. Want to do something different for date night? Grab two daily passes ($15-$25 each) and plan your night around a romantic sunset view of Cleveland or a cozy nighttime ride under the skyline. “People are just shocked when they’re on the water, seeing (Downtown) that way versus being on land,” says Brittany Orlando, owner of Cleveland Water Taxi. “Especially at night when everything is lit up. It’s just been a beautiful sight,” clevelandwatertaxi.com

Best Mixed-Use Library Branch: CPL MLK

Joint development is the future of urban design, and the MLK Jr. branch of the Cleveland Public Library is leading the charge locally. One story above its 25,000 books and other collections, a 207-unit apartment complex spans nine floors. Library Lofts, the first of its kind in Ohio, features oversized windows for a natural-light reading nook in luxury studios and one-bedroom spaces. Not only will you find residents using the library, but also college students, teens, children, professionals from neighboring hospitals and seniors from Fenway and Judson manors. “The library needs to be whatever the community needs it to be and can be whatever the community needs it to be,” says John Lang, chief operating officer of the CPL. “We’ve really intentionally designed for great flexibility and the ability to meet a wide range of needs.” mlk-cpl.com

Best New Pier: The Pier at Bradstreet’s Landing

The Pier at Bradstreet’s Landing is a place where all lovers of the outdoors can co-exist, from kayakers, fishermen, bird watchers and dog walkers. “All of my heart was warmed by seeing all these people down there for different reasons,” Rocky River Mayor Pamela Bobst says. Paired with ample green space in the neighboring park, the 600-foot pier’s under-rail lighting helps you see the stars at night, plus a circular drive for those with mobility issues who still want to enjoy the beauty of the lake from their cars. Ramps provide ADA access, and railings that are lowered and angled offer comfort for users of wheelchairs and walkers. “It becomes this gathering place for people to connect, to their city, to the lake, but most importantly to one another,” Bobst says. rockyriverohio.gov/bradstreets-landing