Frequently Asked Questions
New experiences—and new restaurants—await at this year’s Taste of Lakewood. Apart from savoring delectable dishes from award-winning Lakewood restaurants, you can also enjoy a shopping spree, groove to the live music by JellyZ N Jamz, witness the joy of your children playing in the inflatable kiddie car wash, or even challenge yourself by conquering the rock wall in the courtyard. Feeling lucky? We’ve even got a 50/50 raffle where you can win the kitty!
If you have any unanswered questions, please don’t hesitate to visit us on our Facebook event page or Instagram and we will strive to provide prompt and helpful responses.
How do I get to Studio West 117 (1384 Hird Avenue) for the Taste of Lakewood?
Walk or Bike
Lakewood is one of Ohio’s most walkable cities, and it’s very bike friendly. Avoid the traffic and get around easily by walking or biking to the event. There is a bike rack located westward near Value World and two bike racks situated eastward close to Muze.
RTA Red Line
Take the RTA Red Line 26-26A to Detroit and Hird Avenue, then walk or roll 1 block north on Hird Avenue to Studio West 117. According to the RTA website the bus is ADA accessible and makes bike racks available to riders.
Drive
While VIP tickets include close parking, there is limited street parking for general admission. Carpooling is encouraged. If you have a VIP ticket, the lot is at the corner of Detroit and Coutant, one block south from the event space.
VIP Drive + Park
The VIP package includes a parking pass which allows you to park at the corner of Detroit and Coutant, one block south of the event space. The lot is small and very accessible. Get your ticket now and experience the Taste of Lakewood in style!
Quick list Q&A
What address do I place in my GPS to get there?
Studio West 117 is located at 1384 Hird Avenue, Lakewood, Ohio 44107.
Why did you move the venue?
Studio West 117 offers both indoor and outdoor spaces, giving us flexibility in case of inclement weather. Plus, by moving the festival indoors, we can offer new and exciting experiences like multiple bands, VIP rooftop deck seating, and a new Lakewood venue for everyone to explore. There will still be some outdoor seating as well for those who enjoy the picnic style. We hope you’ll join us at this new venue and experience all that it has to offer!
How much does it cost to get in?
What is the VIP experience and how is it different?
VIP Experience, sponsored by the Clifton Club at the Taste of Lakewood includes highly sought after amenities and provides a unique experience for event VIPs. The 2023 Taste of Lakewood VIP ticket ($75) includes:
- VIP Parking (some say this alone is worth $75)
- Seating on the rooftop deck from 1-4pm
- Separate VIP Full Bar with Immigrant Son beer with two drink tokens
- Private music by Jeff Varga
- Two food items of your choice from participating restaurants, delivered to you at the VIP rooftop deck.
- Professional wait staff to retrieve your order
- One free VIP-only Raffle ticket to win Pier W Complete Dinner for TEN (additional chances available for purchase at event)
VIP raffle prize sponsor Pier W has generously donated a ‘Complete Dinner for TEN at Pier W’ as a raffle prize only offered to Taste of Lakewood VIPs. The dinner includes a 4-5 course menu to be custom designed by Chef Regan Reik (based on chosen protein, seasonal ingredients & availability) with wine paired with each course. The ‘Complete Dinner for TEN at Pier W’ is valued at over $2,000.
OPTIONAL/LIMITED AVAILABILITY – FIRST COME, FIRST SERVE: AFTER PURCHASING A VIP TICKET, YOU CAN :
RESERVE A CABANA – accommodates 4 people, must buy admission tickets then for extra fee $100 can reserve cabana – $100 (ONLY 1 LEFT! Purchase during the ‘add-on’ stage during checkout)
RESERVE A FIRE PIT – accommodates 6 people, must buy admission tickets then for extra fee $125 can reserve a fire pit – $125 (ONLY 1 LEFT! Purchase during the ‘add-on’ stage during checkout)
What is the 50/50 Dollars for Scholars Raffle?
Purchase a 50/50 raffle ticket now or at the Dollars for Scholars tent to win cold hard cash!
Each year the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce awards scholarships to college bound seniors from Lakewood High School and St. Edward High School. The scholarships are awarded on stage at the Taste of Lakewood.
Purchase a Dollars for Scholars 50-50 raffle ticket to support our scholarship program and you could win cold hard cash! With each raffle ticket sold the pot increases.
You need not be present to win and tickets are currently available online if you’re unable to attend this year’s Taste of Lakewood.
This is a great way to support the Lakewood Chamber, the Taste of Lakewood and our scholars.
Dollars for Scholars is sponsored by Hospice of the Western Reserve.
What time does the event start and end?
The event starts at 1pm and ends at 6pm. The VIP experience begins at 1pm and ends at 4pm.
How much does the food cost?
Prices vary by restaurant, generally in the $5-$7 range. Alcohol requires an ID check, located east at the Value World Entrance and West at the Muze patio location.
If you purchase a VIP ticket, it includes two food items of your choice from participating restaurants, delivered to you at the VIP tent. The VIP experience also includes a separate FULL bar and two drink tokens.
Is the event kid-friendly?
Yes! The event is the perfect outing for the family. There are plenty of food choices for even the pickiest eaters!
Is the event dog-friendly?
Regarding the event’s dog-friendliness, it’s a mix. Dogs are welcome on the outdoor patio and the alley located between the Fieldhouse and old Phantasy Theatre. However, due to health considerations, animals are prohibited inside Studio West 117.
Is the event dog-friendly?
This year, only trained service dogs are permitted.
I’m obviously over 21. Do I have to present an ID to buy alcohol?
Yes. The Taste of Lakewood liquor permit from the Ohio Department of Liquor Control requires that we ID anyone purchasing alcoholic beverages have a wrist band. You can get your ID checked and obtain a wrist band on site east at the Value World entrance and west at the Muze patio location. Even if you purchased VIP tickets, be sure to bring your ID.
Can I use a credit card?
Some food vendors will accept credit cards, but it’s a good idea to bring cash with you.
Where are the nearest ATMs?
Studio West has an ATM available, although we advise you to ensure you have cash on hand prior to your arrival.
I heard this event is for charity. Is that true?
The Lakewood Chamber of Commerce scholarship program, funded in part with event sponsorship dollars and proceeds from The Taste of Lakewood, awards scholarships each year to four high school seniors from either Lakewood High School or St. Edward High School.
See this year’s recipients recognized on the Taste of Lakewood stage in the MUZE restaurant. Watch this space as we get closer to the date and finalize the stage time.
What kind of entertainment will there be?
1:00-4:00pm Jeff Varga live music, VIP rooftop deck only
4:00-6:00pm JellyZ and JamZ live music in MUZE Gastropub
6:30pm 2022 Dollars for Scholars Raffle Winners Drawn
Additionally, there will be a range of activities available throughout the day. You can explore the merchant booths, enjoy watching your children play at the Kids Courtyard where there will be games, or test your skills on the rock climbing wall.
How do I get a temporary Taste of Lakewood tattoo?
Temporary Taste of Lakewood tattoos are given out as our way of saying thank you for buying a Dollars for Scholars raffle ticket which supports the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce Scholarship fund (only tickets purchased at the event and while supplies last).
If the weather does not cooperate, does the Taste of Lakewood have a rain date?
No. The Taste of Lakewood will take place on Sunday, June 11th from 1:00 to 6:00pm, rain or shine! Studio West 117 is an indoor/outdoor venue, making it much easier to seek shelter from the rain if necessary.
Treat yourself and help a student
A portion of VIP Ticket proceeds contribute to the future of young minds
VIP Experience, sponsored by the Clifton Club at the Taste of Lakewood includes highly sought after amenities and provides a unique experience for event VIPs. The 2023 Taste of Lakewood VIP ticket ($75) includes:
- VIP Parking (some say this alone is worth $75)
- Seating on the rooftop deck from 1-4pm
- Separate VIP Full Bar with Immigrant Son beer with two drink tokens
- Private music by Jeff Varga
- Two food items of your choice from participating restaurants, delivered to you at the VIP rooftop deck.
- Waiter to retrieve your order
- One free VIP-only Raffle ticket to win Pier W Complete Dinner for TEN (additional chances available for purchase at event)
VIP raffle prize sponsor Pier W has generously donated a ‘Complete Dinner for TEN at Pier W’ as a raffle prize only offered to Taste of Lakewood VIPs. The dinner includes a 4-5 course menu to be custom designed by Chef Regan Reik (based on chosen protein, seasonal ingredients & availability) with wine paired with each course. The ‘Complete Dinner for TEN at Pier W’ is valued at over $2,000.
OPTIONAL/LIMITED AVAILABILITY – FIRST COME, FIRST SERVE: AFTER PURCHASING A VIP TICKET, YOU CAN :
RESERVE A CABANA – accommodates 4 people, must buy admission tickets then for extra fee $100 can reserve cabana – $100 (SOLD OUT)
RESERVE A FIRE PIT – accommodates 6 people, must buy admission tickets then for extra fee $125 can reserve a fire pit – $125 (SOLD OUT)
Tickets to the VIP rooftop deck support the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce scholarship program. As part of the VIP experience, seated customers order from their table or seeat and their professional waiter retrieves the order, then runs the food back to the table.
Your VIP ticket purchase uplifts ambitious high school students through the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce scholarship program. Be a catalyst of success and indulge in the thrill of winning big while transforming lives!
Is it your lucky day?
WIN CASH!
The Dollars for Scholars 50/50 Raffle supports the Taste of Lakewood Scholarship Fund… and maybe YOU! Every ticket you buy makes the kitty grow larger.
Each year the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce awards scholarships to college bound seniors from Lakewood High School and St. Edward High School. The scholarships are awarded on stage at the Taste of Lakewood.
Purchase a Dollars for Scholars 50-50 raffle ticket to support our scholarship program and you could win cold hard cash! With each raffle ticket sold the pot increases.
You need not be present to win and tickets are currently available online if you’re unable to attend this year’s Taste of Lakewood.
This is a great way to support the Lakewood Chamber, the Taste of Lakewood and our scholars.
Dollars for Scholars is sponsored by Hospice of the Western Reserve.
Event Details
EVENT CO-PRESENTERS
Lakewood Chamber of Commerce
Cleveland Magazine
Studio West 117
Convey360
TASTE OF LAKEWOOD 2023
1:00pm — 6:00pm
Studio West 117, Lakewood, Ohio
General Admission is FREE
VIP EXPERIENCE
Includes reserved parking, seating on the rooftop deck, personal waiter, food and drink tokens, private music by Jeff Varga, and one raffle ticket to win a special prize.
THANK YOU 2022 SPONSORS
Dollar Bank
University of Akron Lakewood
Tri-C