CLEVELAND — Known as the “neighborhood cheer,” UnBar Café exudes positivity.
“When you come through the door, I want you to get a virtual hug,” said Melissa Hirsch, the owner and president of UnBar Café.
UnBar Café is a place that offers much more than just coffee and food.
“Our famous tagline, ‘Think Better, Feel Better, Be Better’ —this is mind, body and soul. So basically, what we’re saying is if you want to be your best, then you need to change the way you think. If you want to feel better, it’s about your body. So that’s why we have body products. We have really healthy food choices, we have vegan options. Everything at UnBar is about being a better person,” said Hirsch.
Everywhere you look — positive paintings, positive mugs, positive vibes.
“Living that best life, that’s what Unbar is about. It was very intentional. The vibe here is intentional,” said Hirsch.
The café came to life in January right before the pandemic hit Ohio, so it wasn’t long before its mission became even more important.
“Everyone was like we’re so sorry, and I was like no, COVID needs UnBar. What we stand for is going to be necessary during something of this magnitude,” said Hirsch.
It offers a space for people to come together and safely socialize.
“Everything you can do at a bar, we want to make sure you can do here. Music, playing games, you know, getting together and I said no alcohol because I feel like people don’t know how to socialize without alcohol. Nothing against alcohol, but I don’t feel like we need it in order to have fun,” said Hirsch.
Vibes so great, customers like Karen Watson have come everyday since Unbar opened.
“Positive books, positive cups, everything positive. I love the vibration here. She has meetings about positivity and I attend those. So, yeah, when she told me what she wanted to do was make people leave here feeling like they had a virtual hug — that’s what I feel like when I leave here,” said Watson.
And teaching others, like customer Ovetta Bass, the powers of spreading positivity.
“I love her vision. As a matter of fact, I use some of the words because I mentor young women and I always encourage them to think better, do better, be better,” said Bass.
It’s a one-stop shop for all things good for the mind, body, and soul — reminding people that even during a pandemic, life can be good.
“Did you get that? That’s the way it makes me feel. I can take a breath like I’m meditating,” said Watson.
