Features live entertainment and varied, fresh menu
The enticing sounds of live music—combined with a creative menu featuring fresh ingredients—are emanating once again from a former early 1900s carriage house at the heart of the Case Western Reserve University campus.
Cosmic Dave’s Rock Club has opened in the renovated former home of the once-popular Barking Spider Tavern at 11310 Juniper Road, nestled between the Coffee House and the fine-dining restaurant L’Albatros.
Until it closed in 2016 after 30 years, the Barking Spider Tavern was a favorite University Circle music and coffeehouse-like gathering spot, known for booking emerging artists of various genres, from folk and blues, to bluegrass, jazz and rock—most of whom played for whatever was collected in a circulated tip jar.
Cosmic Dave’s Rock Club, measuring about 2,500 square feet with a patio, is a bit of a twist on the locally owned and operated Dave’s Cosmic Subs, founded in Chagrin Falls in 1997 by Dave Lombardy.
North Coast Cosmic Subs LLC, a Dave’s Cosmic Subs franchisee, signed a long-term lease for the university-owned building. The new location features a full bar, including a variety of craft and domestic beers and 12 taps.
On the food side, Dave’s Cosmic Subs shops are known for their varied menu and fresh ingredients—including vegetarian options—and decorated in a ’60s, tie-dye, California vibe, thus the “cosmic” name. Menu items also complement specialty cocktails and feature occasional seasonal dishes.
“It’s going to be quality- and experienced-driven,” said Paul Sidhu, president of North Coast Cosmic Subs, a wholly owned subsidiary of Sidhu Realty Capital, a multifaceted real-estate investment firm in Cleveland.
On the entertainment side, Sidhu said they’re working on booking artists and bands of various musical genres for Friday and Saturday nights, with open-mic nights for students and others to showcase their musical talents.
The band Master TC and the Visitors is booked this Friday, April 5, with the Props on Saturday, April 6. Both shows start at 9 p.m. (A cover will be charged at the door.)
“You had the Barking Spider, which everyone in the local community adored,” Sidhu said, “and we want to pick up where they left off. This location really pays homage to fulfilling part of that legacy.”
Case Western Reserve students will be able to use CaseCash. The operator is anxious to work with university faculty and staff to develop a wide range of programming.
“We’re very pleased that the new Cosmic Dave’s Rock Club is now open on [Lucia Smith] Nash Walkway,” said Richard Jamieson, the university’s vice president for Campus Services. “I trust that our students, faculty, staff and visitors will enjoy this unique combination of a popular local food concept and a lively music venue located within a historic campus setting.”
For more information, contact Bill Lubinger at william.lubinger@case.edu.