Michael Rolf Antiques

Recently moved from Chicago and spent some time looking for a few antique places similar to what I previously found in Andersonville (Scout, Room Service). This is a great little place that does a nice job curating pieces — you can easily walk in and find some unique pieces that look good in either traditional or modern homes. Definitely plan to be back. Glad to see this place exists.

If your looking for one of a kind interesting items to place in your home or office this is the place. Often these one of a kind items are far cheaper than what you would pay at big box stores for mass produced, lesser quality items. Highly recommended.

When we walked in the door of Michael Rolf we immediately stumbled in to the most incredibly beautiful dining table my wife and I have ever seen. That’s a good start for an antique shop. They would have had the sale on the spot if it weren’t for the price, which I would have to be high as a kite to consider (and fortunately I was as sober as a goat).
I agree with what many others have said — the stuff here is über-​cool. I got giddy looking at some of it. I mean some of the cool anatomical decorations and refinished furniture are drool-​inducing. But those dang prices. I’m not sure how they justify them. I have been in many a shop with real rare, high end antiques that would guffaw at these price tags. It just doesn’t make sense. As much as I love the stuff here, I will probably always be an admirer and never a customer.
This is definitely one of those places that you need to visit… but I think most of us will want to leave our wallets at home. That is, unless you really want to part with you money on something that simply isn’t worth the price. I’m not knocking the stuff they have here, because it’s grand. I just think that value is found elsewhere.
Like the other shops on this street, the hours are silly and inconvenient but go if you get the chance. It’s worth the trip.

I couldn’t agree more with Unilocaler Steven W’s description of this antique shop: «a wonderland of industrial-​modern, 1950s schoolhouse, and other cool oddities.» Yup – that pretty much sums it up!
But that’s just one side! Sure, there’s old pull-​down maps, industrial shelving, old science equipment from schools and even apple crates for stacking and storage. But did you know there’s also a second room with handcrafted, wooden tables? I’m not sure what the story is – but either this guy makes the stuff or he works with someone who does. Either way, the craftsmanship of those tables and furniture is pretty solid – and it shows in the price.
I much prefer perusing the 1950’s schoolhouse knick-​knacks, clocks, science class equipment and more. I’ve heard that the owner rubs people the wrong way. We pulled down one of the old maps and couldn’t get it to roll back up again – we asked him for help and he was definitely pissy about it. But on the other hand, none of us have any idea about the riff raff this guy has to deal with on a daily basis in that location. Maybe that’s why he’s so angry. Either way, although he was definitely crabby – he’s never attacked us or been mean. If he did, I most likely wouldn’t come back.
Seriously though – it is one of the cooler antique shops in CLE and one of the only places I’ve found bulk, antique apple crates.

The best antique shop in Cleveland. Wonderfully curated, reasonably priced, and often replenished. I have bought several items from Michael, including a kitchen table that he was nice enough to deliver at no additional charge. This shop is a wonderland of industrial-​modern, 1950s schoolhouse, and other cool oddities. Highly recommended.