The 2003 film “American Splendor” tells the story of local Cleveland, Ohio legend Harvey Pekar and his autobiographical comic book series of the same name. The film was likewise shot primarily around the Cleveland area, with a few additional scenes filmed in New York City and Los Angeles. Harvey, played by Paul Giamatti, lives at this home, located in Lakewood.

LOCATION: 12962 Clifton Blvd, Lakewood, OH 44107

Harvey has lunch with famed cartoonist Robert Crumb at Shay’s Restaurant, a local favorite which is still going strong.

LOCATION: 4007 St Clair Ave, Cleveland, OH 44103

Just before Harvey enters a bakery, the Theodosius Russian Orthodox Cathedral is seen in one of the establishing shots. The church was also famously featured in the film “The Deer Hunter,” as well as making a brief appearance in “Major League.”

LOCATION: 733 Starkweather Ave, Cleveland, OH 44113

The bakery where Harvey runs into an old college classmate is the Elmwood Home Bakery, exactly as depicted in the film. It too is still going strong at the same location nearly twenty years after the film.

LOCATION: 15204 Madison Ave, Lakewood, OH 44107

Harvey takes Joyce, played by Hope Davis, to dinner at Gene’s Place. The restaurant is only seen from interior views in the film.

LOCATION: 3730 Rocky River Dr, Cleveland, OH 44111

A quick shot in California takes place when a stage production is held for “American Splendor.”

LOCATION: 703 Venice Blvd, Venice, CA 90291

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