Meet the Author: East Fourth Street: The Rise, Decline, and Rebirth of an Urban Cleveland Street and Cleveland’s Short Vincent: The Theatrical Grill and its Notorious Neighbors by Alan Dutka

Lakewood Public Library, 15425 Detroit Ave, Lakewood, OH | Get Directions »
FREE

Step out and dive into some Cleveland hotspots that really burned bright. Author Alan Dutka looks into the past to deliver a glimpse of the future with two fascinating books about two Cleveland streets.

East Fourth Street's story, all by itself, has mirrored downtown's dynamic rise, decline, and rebirth. Once the home to the fabled Euclid Avenue Opera House, Otto Moser’s restaurant, Fourth Street fell into disrepair in the second half of the 20th Century. Yet, the historic alleyway found new life with help of visionary leaders and savvy restaurateurs. Today it serves as the center of a chic residential and entertainment district—perhaps the coolest place in Cleveland.

The Theatrical Grill on Short Vincent was a magnet for celebrities like Frank Sinatra and Judy Garland and just down the street from the Roxy Theater and Jean’s Fun House. Scores of seedy bars made Vincent Avenue the center of Cleveland’s bawdy behavior and edgy entertainment. Oh, the fun we had! Books will be available for sale and signing at the event.