Does Cleveland Rock? Browns Player Jordan Payton on Leaving LA

Photo Credit: Getty Images

Although Jordan Payton was born and raised in LA—he was born in Torrance, grew up in Santa Monica, attended high school in Westlake Village and launched his football career as the No. 15 wide receiver in the nation playing for UCLA (a record holder here as well, grabbing 201 passes during his college career)—he’s made the move to Ohio after being drafted by the Cleveland Browns. We caught up with the 22-year-old athlete (who happens to be the all time UCLA Bruins career leader in receptions as he prepares to (temporarily) head back to his hometown to host his first annual Youth Football Camp at his alma mater, Oaks Christian, on July 16. Here, the NFL rookie lists his favorite locales in both Los Angeles and Cleveland and dishes on whether or not Cleveland really rocks.

Photo Credit: Imagine LA

LOS ANGELES

Favorite Restaurant:
The Nice Guy

Best Sushi:
Katsuya

Best Italian:
Madeos

Best Dessert:
Butter Cake

Best Sunday Brunch:
Tavern

Best place for a power business meeting:
Wally’s

If you have out of town guests, which hotel would you recommend?
The Peninsula

Favorite shopping venue/ boutique:
Barney’s New York

Favorite place to buy jewelry/watches:
Polacheck’s

Best Spa:
Four Seasons

Favorite Charity Event:
The Imagine Ball

Best Steakhouse:
Mastros

Best Pizza:
La Monica’s

Best Lunch:
The Nice Guy

Best Gym/ Athletic Facility:
The UCLA Training Facility

Best
Limousine/ Driving Service:
Uber

Best Museum/ Exhibit:
The Getty Museum

Describe LA in three words:
Don’t lose yourself

Best Aspect of Los Angeles:
The pace and people you meet on a daily basis.

CLEVELAND

Favorite Restaurant:
The Greenhouse Tavern

Best Italian:
Maxis

Best Dessert:
Cake shake

If you have out of town guests, which hotel would you recommend?
The Ritz-Carlton

Favorite shopping venue/ boutique:
The Restock

Best Steakhouse:
Reds Steakhouse

Best Gym/ Athletic Facility: The Cleveland Browns Training Facility

Best Limousine/ Driving Service:
Sixth City Black Car Service

Describe Cleveland in three words:
Embrace the people

Best Aspect of Cleveland:
The passion and loyalty the fans show for all Cleveland sports
franchises.

Follow Jordan on social media here:

Twitter

Instagram