Rebel’s Steakburgers

Posted by Riley Habyl in Restaurants and Cafes

Rebel’s Steakburgers, a steakburger restaurant chain, opened at 1285 West 9th Street in the 1950s. Owner Milton Davis opened the first Rebel’s Steakburgers location (2528 Lorain Road) on Cleveland’s west side around 1955. Rebel’s second location opened on Cleveland’s east side at 1285 West 9th Street around 1959. By 1960, Rebel’s operated 6 locations in the greater Cleveland area. Rebel’s West 9th location was a popular after-hours gathering spot for gay men in the late 1960s/early 1970s. Rebel’s Steakburgers on West 9th closed sometime between 1971-1972.

1285 W. 9th Street (now Lake Land Employment). | Adam Jaenke. Cleveland Public Library Photograph Collection. December 17, 2019.

Additional information coming soon.

Resources

  • “Ex-Manager Sues Steakburger Firm, Asks $250,000.” Plain Dealer. September 30, 1961.
  • Landesman, Stephen G. “Accused Embezzler is Found in Hospital.” Plain Dealer. October 10, 1960.
  • Listed in 1970-1971 Damron’s Guide. Mapping the Gay Guides.
1285 W 9th St, Cleveland, OH 44113
1960s 1970s Defunct Downtown LGBT+ Friendly Spaces

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