☕ The Westside Sandwich Wars Are On

Plus The Michael Weber Show at the Lakewood Front Porch Concert Series

TGIF, Buzz Nation.

Big news just dropped for sandwich freaks like us here at The Buzz: there's a new numero uno among America's favorite food chains.

Jersey Mike's edged out Chick-fil-A according to the 16,464 voters of the American Consumer Satisfaction Index.

Which got Jodie and me thinking: forget the national chains. What's the best sandwich on the Westside? Naturally, we did the only responsible thing and went looking.

Come along on our journey!

Today we’re buzzing on:

  • Fairview Park’s chamber is doing big things

  • Is this the best sandwich on the Westside right now 👀

  • This fifth-grader won a national cooking competition

See you out there!

—The Briggses

The Westside Buzz Bee break

Our longtime community partners like Dr. Ron keep The Buzz fun and free.

Together With Ronald P. Kolodziej, D.M.D., M.S.

Lakewood’s Hometown Orthodontist

Instagram Post

The Westside Buzz is thrilled to partner with Dr. Ron Kolodziej, Board-Certified Orthodontist. For over 25 years, Dr. K and his family have been proud Lakewood residents, where he has grown a reputable practice and enjoys being involved in the community.

Dr. K is an independent owner of his practice and is not affiliated with any corporate chains. He attributes much of his success to this because it allows him to deliver exceptional results with a very personal touch. It also means that patients get to see the same doctor at every appointment throughout their treatment, which fosters consistent, attentive care from start to finish.

Why so many Westside families choose Dr. Kolodziej:

  • Convenient Scheduling - Early morning & evening appointments available

  • Experienced Team - Staff tenure of 3-20 years means familiar faces throughout treatment

  • Reasonable Prices - No gimmicky coupons or specials because treatment fees are always priced for exceptional value. Even former patients receive lifetime minimum pricing for replacement retainers.

If you’re curious and want to learn more, an in-office visit is the best first step for you or your child.

Community Blend

Fairview Chamber is Bringing Fresh Ideas 📍 Fairview Park

Andrako Insurance Proudly Displaying the Decal [Credit: Fairview Chamber]

Business owners love getting recognized by their city and community. The problem is that plaques and certificates sit in drawers and collect dust on walls.

So the Fairview Park Chamber of Commerce ditched the wall trophies for something people actually display: the new "Shop Fairview Park" decal, now in storefront windows across the city. Scan the QR code and you've got every chamber business in your pocket.

The idea sparked at last year's Food Festival, where Executive Director Mark Boepple watched crowds "eating, stopping and shopping" along Lorain Road.

One more thing: Mark's got something big planned for the 4th Annual Fairview Food Festival this August — and he's keeping it under wraps. Bring a big appetite!

Buzz Afternoon Out

The Best Sandwich on the Westside? 📍 Lorain Ave, Cleveland

Chicken Cutlet & Prosciutto sandwich [Photo: Grubhub] (I ate the entire thing before I got a proper photo!)

Jodie and I are on an absolute heater when it comes to finding amazing sandwiches on the Westside.

A few weeks ago, we had a borderline euphoric experience at Sam's Supper Club. Then Wednesday, we were cruising down Lorain Ave on a whim and stumbled upon Tripi Italian Specialties like an oasis after a week lost in the desert.

Located at 3928 Lorain Ave, Tripi is the kind of place that makes you feel like you're about to throw down an epic "sengwich" at Nona and Papa's house.

Now, full disclosure: Jodie may have incepted my brain a few weeks back when she declared, out of nowhere, that she was craving a chicken cutlet sandwich. So naturally, my eyes locked onto the Chicken Cutlet & Prosciutto. Jodie went rogue with the Roast Beef. Both were massive, and at $14 each, a steal.

The cutlet sandwich? Freakin' phenomenal. The cutlet is lightly battered and freshly fried, then layered with salty prosciutto and a perfect blanket of mozzarella, all tucked into crispy focaccia painted with red pepper aioli.

Jodie's roast beef was excellent in its own right — but it's no wonder the Cutlet & Prosciutto is their top seller, judging by how many times she "just wanted one more bite" of mine.

Nominate a sandwich shop we should try!

Do you know of a killer sandwich on the westside we need to have?

Vote for your favorite shop below and send us your go-to sammie.

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

Mark Your Calendars

Cleveland History Days Returns

Cleveland History Days returns from June 18-28, which is a showcase of 75+ events over 11 days, from walking tours to lectures to weird little excursions you didn't know you needed.

Here are a list of this weekends events:

Friday, June 19

  • West Side Market History Virtual Tour (self-guided, during market hours)

  • Tour of Trinity Cathedral

  • Network to Freedom Walking Tour

  • Take a Hike: Cleveland Lakefront City Tour

  • Cozad-Bates House Juneteenth Celebration

Saturday, June 20

  • Pages of Cleveland History: Book Talks & Tours (Cleveland Public Library Main Branch)

  • Severance Music Center Public Tour

  • Walk from Sokolowski's Overlook to Lake Erie (Cleveland Metroparks)

  • Take a Hike: Old Brooklyn Tour

  • Summer Solstice Meditation

Sunday, June 21

  • Take a Hike: Playhouse Square Tour

  • Dunham Tavern Museum Tours (1824 home, oldest building on its original site in Cleveland)

  • Cleveland Leads the Way: Industrial History Explored

🐦‍⬛ Sighted

Lakewood Park

[Photo: Kisa Weeman]

The Purple Martin (Progne subis) is a large, dark swallow, that is a summer visitor from as far south as Mexico. They can be seen 13 times more frequently at Lakewood Park than anywhere else in this region!

If you hear its distinctive gurgling call walking in the park, you know who is close by.

Westside Pour Over

Strongsville - City Council is expected to approve a tax increment financing (TIF) agreement for slightly more than 1.5 acres of land at SouthPark Mall, paving the way for a new hotel development.

Food Awards - Chef Vinnie Cimino of Cordelia and ROSY, a Cleveland-based chef, did not take home the James Beard Foundation's 2026 award for Best Chef, marking his third consecutive nomination without a win.

North Olmsted - Fifth-grader Roselyn Sanchez beat out 1,652 recipes from 31 states to win Sodexo's national Future Chefs competition with her Mediterranean Burrito Blast — a first for the district, earning her a chef visit, a haul of kitchen gear, and her own mayor-declared "Roselyn Sanchez Day."

Parma - The city celebrates "Parma Pink Day" on Tuesday, June 23, when homes, businesses and landmarks — even Cleveland's Terminal Tower — will glow pink to honor the city's bicentennial and its official mascot, the plastic lawn flamingo, a beloved symbol with roots in Parma dating back to the 1950s.

🛍️ Support Local

North Ridgeville Farmers Market Seeks Local Vendors

North Ridgeville is looking for local vendors for its upcoming Farmers Market at the LCCC Ridge Campus on July 25, 2026.

It's a chance for local growers and makers to set up shop and meet their neighbors.

Buzzstrip

As a certified golf nut and a big fan of the World Cup, we will be watching both closely!

Want a painting done of your house, pet, or anything else near and dear to your heart? Pat can do it!

What’s Happenin’, Westsiders?


Friday, June 19th

10th Anniversary Championship Celebration - East 4th & Huron, Downtown Cleveland | 12 - 3 PM
It's somehow been 10 years since the championship. The Cavs are celebrating the anniversary of the 2016 title with the unveiling of a new Championship Court, community events, and a chance for Cleveland fans to relive one of the best sports days this city has ever had. For The Land

CLE Market + Concert - Rocky River City Hall Park, Rocky River | 4 PM - 8 PM
Shop local vendors while enjoying live music from John Doyle during Rocky River's first CLE Market & Concert of the season.

7th Annual RunTeenth Fun RunINTRO Cleveland, Ohio City | 6 PM - 9 PM
This Juneteenth celebration combines a community run/walk with vendors, giveaways, and a chance to connect with Cleveland's running community. All paces are welcome. RunWithTheWinners

Absolute Intense Wrestling: Weekend at Pally's - Mahall's, Lakewood | 6:30 PM - 10:30 PM
Professional wrestling takes over Mahall's for an evening of high-flying action, big entrances, and plenty of crowd energy. Team Wes Barkley

CURATED Arts Series VI | Juneteenth EditionCouth Space, Lakewood | 7 PM - 11 PM
An evening celebrating Black culture through art, music, and featured local artists. Stop in for the exhibit, then stay for the community gathering and performances later in the evening. See featured artist

Front Porch Concert Series - Lakewood Public Library | 7 PM - 8:30 PM
This week's free concert features, OUR ABSOLUTE FAVORITE, The Michael Weber Show!!! He is seriously unbelievable to watch. Bring a chair, find a spot on the lawn, and enjoy a summer evening in Downtown Lakewood.

Saturday, June 20th

Clegals Book Club: Reps & Read with GymGab — Lakewood Park | 9 AM - 11 AM
Start the morning with a 45-minute outdoor workout led by GymGab, then settle in with a good book and fellow readers. Refreshments are included, and the event is donation-based. Books & burpees

BAYarts Art & Music Festival - BAYarts, Bay Village | 10 AM - 4 PM
More than 70 artists and vendors will spread across the BAYarts campus for a day of shopping, live music, and lakeside wandering. If you're looking for a gift, something for the house, or an excuse to spend a few hours outside, this one checks the box. Art by the Lake

Fam Jam - Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Cleveland | 10 AM - 2 PM
The Rock Hall's free family festival returns with live performances, activities, community partners, and plenty for kids to explore. Family jam session

Summer Parking Lot Sale - The Salvage Yard, Fairview Park | 10 AM - 5 PM
More than 50 vendors, food trucks, live music, and treasure-hunting opportunities fill the parking lot for this all-day shopping event.

Sushi SchoolSora, The Flats | 12 PM - 2 PM
Learn how to make sushi from Sora's executive chef, then enjoy your creations afterward. The class includes tools to take home, plus a welcome mimosa to kick things off. Get rolling

Moon & Moss Creations Book Launch — Worts & Wards, W. 25th | 12 PM - 2 PM
A community centered literary event celebrating two new books: Ferryman’s Promise & Thank You For Helping Me Heal Events Calendar

The Art of Blooming: The Sunflower EditWyne Tasting & Cocktail Bar, Gordon Square | 3 PM - 5 PM
Learn floral design techniques while creating a sunflower arrangement of your own. Your ticket also includes a wine tasting credit, which feels like a fair reward for handling flowers. Sip & arrange

5th Annual Oktober's Witches Night Market: Summerween - Madison Park, Lakewood | 4 PM - 10 PM
A little Halloween in June? Expect vendors, tarot readings, costumes, photo ops, and plenty of spooky-season energy months ahead of schedule.

Solstice 2026 - Cleveland Museum of Art | 7 PM
The museum's annual summer celebration returns with live music, art, performances, projections, and late-night access to the galleries. Longest Day, Biggest Party

Sunday, June 21st - Happy Father’s Day!

Avon Lake Summer Yoga on the Lake - Veterans Memorial Park, Avon Lake | 8 AM - 9 AM
Start Sunday with an all-levels yoga class overlooking Lake Erie. Donations are appreciated, but the class is free to attend.

Conditions

Sunrise: 5:52 AM

Sunset: 9:02 PM

Moon Phase: Waning Crescent 🌘

🎷 Live Entertainment

Friday

Live Music with Victor Samalot | Rocky River Wine Bar, Rocky River 2 PM
Ally Nicholas (with Shyeye and Sir Echo) | Mahall’s, Lakewood 6 PM
90s vs 2000s Night feat. Old Skool | House of Blues, Cleveland 7 PM
Faction | Whisky Island 7 PM
Bobby Foley | Front Street Social, Berea 7 PM
Emma Nicholas | Welcome to the Farm, Flats 7 PM
Chicago Tribute by Beginnings | Music Box CH, Flats 7:30 PM
Tom Petty Tribute by Shadow of Doubt | Music Box SC, Flats 7:30 PM
Todd Isler Quartet | The Bop Stop, Cleveland 7:30 PM
The Great Gatsby | Connor Palace, Playhouse 7:30 PM
Kelsy Karter & The Heroines: The Pleasure Tour | House of Blues, Cleveland 7:30 PM
The Mystery Lights & Wine Lips | The Winchester, Lakewood 8 PM
That 80s Band | The Local, Strongsville 8 PM
Maxx Fluxx Band | Tony K’s, Berea 8 PM
Whiskey Outlaws | Backstage Bar, Westpark 9 PM
Live and Local featuring Ohio Drifters | House of Blues, Cleveland 9 PM
Heated Rivalry Dance Party: Summer at the Cottage | Mahall’s, Lakewood 10PM
Rachel Schumacher | Welcome to the Farm, Flats 10:30 PM

Saturday

Rock Radio | Whisky Island 1 PM
The Great Gatsby | Connor Palace, Playhouse 1:30 & 7:30 PM
Live Music with Chris Donley | Rocky River Wine Bar, Rocky River 2 PM
C.S. Lewis on Stage | Hanna Theatre 4 PM
Festival of The Sun: A Summer Kick Off Dance Party | Mahall’s, Lakewood 7 PM
Mister Breeze | Whisky Island 7 PM
Chad Baker | Welcome to the Farm, Flats 7 PM
Gladys Knight Tribute by The Reid Project | Music Box SC, Flats 7:30 PM
Ben Tweedt Trio | The Bop Stop, Cleveland 8 PM
Hellz Bellz (AC/DC tribute) | The Local, Strongsville 8 PM
Chagrin River Band | Tony K’s, Berea 8 PM
Live and Local featuring Teddy Snyder | House of Blues, Cleveland 9 PM
Dark Wave Dance Cave – Pride | The Winchester, Lakewood 9 PM
Chase-N-Tyler | Coda 9 PM
Sugar Mountain | Backstage Bar, Westpark 9 PM
R&Bey: A Beyoncé Dance Party | Mahall’s, Lakewood 10 PM
Rachel Schumacher | Welcome to the Farm, Flats 10:30 PM

Sunday

Cars & Coffee | The Local, Strongsville 11 AM
Father’s Day Brunch (Bob Seger tribute) | The Winchester, Lakewood 11 AM
The Great Gatsby | Connor Palace, Playhouse 1:00 & 6:30 PM
ELO Tribute by Into the Blue | Music Box CH, Flats 12 PM
Jimmy Buffett Tribute by Cheeseburgers In Paradise | Music Box SC, Flats 12 PM
Against the Wind | Whisky Island 2:30 PM
C.S. Lewis on Stage | Hanna Theatre 3 PM
Reggae Sundays: Sun Shade | Music Box SC, Flats 4 PM
SACE6 (with John Harvie) | Mahall’s, Lakewood 6:30 PM
Happy Endings featuring special guest: Sango | Globe Iron 7PM
Raul Midón | The Bop Stop, Cleveland 7 PM
Sean Chambers | The Winchester, Lakewood 7:30 PM

Weather

Friday (Juneteenth)

78🌡️ 62 | ☀️| 10% | 💨 W 9-15 mph

Saturday

78 🌡️ 63 | ⛈️ | 30% | 💨 W 8-10 mph

Sunday

79 🌡️ 63 | 🌤️🌧️ | 80% | 💨 N 5-8 mph

Monday

76 🌡️ 62 | 🌧️ | 83% | 💨 E 5-7 mph

That’s it for this Friday Buzz, Westsiders.

—The Briggses