When I’m thinking of checking out a new store or need help making a decision between two restaurants, one of my first stops is Yelp.   I even used it this past weekend when I was out of town and needed the address of a diner in Philly. 

I’ll admit, though, it’s a love affair from afar.  Although I’ve never found the time to jump in and start reviewing things, I’ve always enjoyed the honest, helpful and even humorous reviews from the Yelp Community.

About a year ago, the already-active Cleveland Yelpers took another jump forward under their new community manager Cara L.  One of the new community features that she rolled out: a Weekly Yelp newsletter I still enjoy reading 12 months later. Each week, it spotlights a different topic — from Cleveland’s best sandwiches to the best deals on vintage clothing.  

To celebrate the community’s 1-year anniversary, Yelp CLE is throwing a “First Burstday Party“ on Thursday, Nov. 10 from 7-9pm. 

The event is open to everyone 21+ and it’s free. It’ll be taking place at 78th Street Studios’ smARTspace, which is reason enough for me to go. 

1300 West 78th St., Cleveland

I’ve been wanting to check out this sprawling arts and entertainment community for a while. Located in the former American Greetings Creative Studios, 78th Street Studios now houses 2 blocks of galleries, art and recording studios, a clothing line, and an architectural design firm among its many art-centric businesses.

The “arts mecca for Cleveland’s West Side” is not surprisingly located in one of my favorite neighborhoods – the Gordon Square Arts District (at 1300 West 78th Street). Plus, there’s ample free parking in its lot. After the Yelp CLE party, I’ll need to stop by their year-round Third Friday indoor artwalk.

Touch Supper Club, Umami Moto, Zydeco Cajun Bistro, The Nosh Box, JiBARO Gourmet Food Truck, StrEAT Mobile Bistro, Campbell’s Sweets Factory, and Cleveland Cupcake Company will be serving up light bites and sweet treats during the Yelp Cleveland party. And to wet guests’ whistles, Goose Island and Harpersfield Winery will bring the beer and vino, respectively, and Honest Tea and Ade will have some tasty non-alcohol alternatives.

Entertainment will inclue DJ MisterBradleyP, Amanda’s Elaborate Eyes face painting and cyancdesign’s digital graffiti wall.  When I’m there, I also plan on hopping in the photo booth, getting a 60-second drawing of myself from Adam Pate The Caricature Guy and browsing locally made selections from one of my Ohio City favorites Salty Not Sweet.

Although the event is free, the Cleveland Foodbank will be collecting nonperishable food and monetary donations — so bring your wallet and help them prepare for the busy holiday season.

Congrats, Yelp Cleveland, on your first birthday and here’s to many more years helping me navigate the city!

Yelp Cleveland 411:

• RSVP to Yelp CLE’s First Burstday Party
• The Weekly Yelp
• @YelpCleveland
• Yelp Cleveland on Facebook