Places North Olmsted Residents Miss The Most!

Blockbuster Video at 26516 Lorain Rd

Who doesn’t remember the fun of riding your bike up there and praying that the video you wanted, was available.  You did have to remember to be kind and rewind before you took it back however.  This location lasted into the DVD and digital video game generation, as their official closing wasn’t until the mid-2010’s as a Blockbuster Express failed to generate enough interest.

Buckeye Lanes at 24488 Lorain Rd,

Okay, Ok, we know, we got it, it’s a Rollhouse now, but if you’re from North Olmsted, the only bowling alley that mattered was the vaunted Buckeye Lanes. This new one may be well kept, nicer and more modern, but who doesn’t miss the old style video game room along with lightly clothed pool tables.  It may have not been top end, but gosh darn, it was ours.  And did I mention the snack stand?

United Dairy Farmers  24662 Lorain Rd

Candy, comic books and ice cream.  All for the price of what you had in your pocket most days.  “UDF” as most of us called it was the best treat for any kid brave enough to trek up the Columbia Rd hill on their bike just to enjoy a tasty scoop!  I don’t want to hear about UpTown Mart, it will always be UDF to us old school guys.

Slam Jams at 24108 Lorain Rd

On “Fat Tuesday” it may have been mistaken as Sodom and Gomorrah, however, outside of that one crazy night every year, it truly wasn’t that bad.  You could take your family during the day, or if you were single, it made for a great date night.  How about hosting a Fantasy Football draft?  Yep, they had that too. A great place that even sponsored a ton of little league teams throughout the years as well.

Café Stratos at 23642 Lorain Rd

Originally Laurels, and then switched to be named after the owner Stratos himself, this place was a North Olmsted landmark.  They had the best breakfast in town, and salad bar for that matter.  Complete with an outside deck and a tremendous staff.

I’ve said it before, as a sportswriter, the places that stay open 24/7 when you know you’re going to need a good meal, are priceless.  Every time I drive by Lee’s Seafood Boil, all I can think about is how much I miss Café Stratos! I even had a regular meal for to go orders. It was a hot breakfast during COVID that they always had ready for me minutes after calling when most places were shut down.  Just an amazing family and place to eat!

More on the next page