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Cleveland Indians manager Terry Francona.

(Joshua Gunter, The Plain Dealer)

Cleveland Indians manager Terry Francona is a guy's guy: a straight-shooter, no frills, not one to mince words, and he likes what he likes.

"Tito" is the kind of guy you'd like to have a beer and chew the fat with.

And if that fat just so happens to be bacon, beef cheek or pastrami — or even something Elvis Presley might eat — well, then all the better.

5 FOR FRIDAY

Where do chefs and foodies and others go when they want some good chow, or to shop, uncover some cool gadgets or hard-to-find ingredients, or maybe just kick back and grab a drink? Welcome to Five for Friday -- a weekly look at where Northeast Ohioans find their favorite indulgences, and the treats they like the most.

When he's not on a road trip with the Tribe, Francona is downtown, 24/7. Given that he lives a few short blocks from Progressive Field, the odds of you bumping into the Tribe skipper around the ballpark during breakfast — or scouting out a late-night meal — are pretty high.

"I love living downtown. It's awesome! I like the activity, like the buzz, the noise doesn't bother me," Francona told Cleveland.com yesterday, during a break from off-season organizational meetings.

"And I like that I can walk downtown and not have it be overwhelming. [East 4th Street is] a nice little area, and there are a lot of great places — it all works out great."

Francona also has a quintessential Cleveland work ethic — and a hearty appetite to match. "I'm at the ballpark at 10 am every day, and usually don't get home until midnight," the self-professed "from a meat-and-potatoes family" manager said.

So, "dude food" then? That stick-to-your-ribs stuff? Meals that could add a pound or two to the dreaded waistline?

"Something like that," laughed Francona, who added quickly, "I have to watch!"

Even though the baseball season is over, Francona has his eye on next year — and that hectic schedule hasn't eased much yet. The pen is already being put to paper on what the 2014 Cleveland Indians might look like.

"We have had some major decisions to make during these meetings. I'm proud of what we did last year, and when you lose that in the last game of the season, it stings. I'm very proud of those guys and we're starting in a better position now than we were last year."

"We're not positioned [for anything] just yet," Francona added. Moments after Francona hung up with Cleveland.com, troubled Indians reliever Chris Perez was released. We'll go ahead and guess that wasn't done on an empty stomach.

As for his feelings on his former team, the Boston Red Sox, winning the World Series on Wednesday night? Their former manager was downright philosophical.

"I didn't know how I'd feel watching it, but seeing [Red Sox manager] John Farrell, [designated hitter David] Ortiz, [second baseman Dustin] Pedroia... I was proud and happy for those guys," Francona said.

"You can't spend eight years in one place and not get close to people. My emotions won out. I'm happy for them."

In fact, their success has Francona hungry to put the Indians back in the post-season next year. Translation: more late nights, more late-night eats, and most of them within walking distance from home.

Francona shared five of his favorite pre- and post-game stops downtown with Cleveland.com, in his own words:

The Chocolate Bar (374 Euclid Ave.; 216-362-2626, www.thechocolatebar.com). This is going to be hard. (laughs) But I think my favorite place has to be the Chocolate Bar. They really have the best sandwiches, and the desserts are out of this world. I go there a lot. I really like their Peanut Butter & Honey Banana sandwich — I always get takeout from there. A lot of times, I will eat it at the ballpark.

Chinato (2079 E. 4th St.; 216-298-9080, www.chinatocleveland.com). They have this amazing seafood and fish stew in a red sauce — with scallops, shrimp, mussels, clams. Zuppa di Pesce. Really good.

Corky and Lenny's at Horseshoe Casino (100 Public Square; 877-858-3838, www.corkyandlennys.com). They have the best corned beef sandwiches. I always get one there, [done on the flattop] extra crispy!

Lola Bistro (2058 E. 4th St.; 216-621-5652, www.lolabistro.com). Those beef cheek pierogies! Not only are they awesome, they're good for you, too! (laughs) And Lola is also a favorite because that's where we got Nick Swisher.

The Greenhouse Tavern (2038 E. 4th St.; 216-443-0511, www.thegreenhousetavern.com). [Cleveland Indians CEO] Paul Dolan took me there. I really enjoyed my dinner. Paul's son Peter had the Roasted Pigs Head! (laughs) I passed on that, and had the Ohio Beef Burger. Man, that pig was staring at me the whole time he was eating it. Have to say that was rough! (laughs).

Readers: Tell us what YOUR five favorite spots are Downtown in the Comments below!

Chakerian is a freelance writer in Bay Village