eat
Welcome to Cleveland. Are you hungry? Thirsty? Good, you’re in the right place. Cleveland is just barely coming down from a delirious decade of culinary expansion that left us all reaching for our collective waistbands. We’ve gleefully nibbled and sipped the latest offerings from a couple of James Beard Award-winning chefs, a cadre of progressive farm-to-table chefs, and enough mom-and-pop ethnic shops to fill whole neighborhoods. What we’re left with on the other side of that ride (apart from a few extra pounds and inches) are enough bars, bistros, breweries and bourbon-soaked barbecue joints to satisfy any sensible diner. Then again, where’s the fun in being sensible? 01
dinner A ME R IC A N
ASIAN
ME X IC A N
The Plum, Lola, Salt, Fire
Ushabu, Ginko,
Momocho
Food + Drink, Greenhouse
Xinji Noodle Bar
Tavern, The Flying Fig, The Black Pig, Spice Kitchen, Luxe Kitchen, Collision Bend Brewery pg. 6
pg. 12
pg. 15
I TA L I A N
BB Q / C HIC K E N
STEAK
Trentina, Chinato, Valerio’s
Mabel’s, Soho Chicken
Red, Urban Farmer
+ Whiskey pg. 16
pg. 18
pg. 20
SE AFOOD
F R E NC H
PIZZA
Alley Cat Oyster Bar, Blue
L’Albatros Brasserie + Bar
Harlow’s, Vero Pizza
Point Grille, Pier W pg. 22
02
Napoletana pg. 24
pg. 28
drinks C O C K TA IL S
BE E R
C OF F E E
Porco Lounge and Tiki Room,
Market Garden, Platform Beer,
Six Shooter Coffee, Phoenix
Vault, TURN Bar + Kitchen,
Noble Beast Brewing, Boss
Coffee, Pour Cleveland,
Spotted Owl
Dog Brewing, Butcher and the
Rising Star Coffee
Brewer, Tremont Tap House, Saucy Brew Works, Nano Brew, Masthead Brewing pg. 34
pg. 36
pg. 40
J U IC E Beet Jar, TownHall, Daily Press, Restore Cold Pressed pg. 42
CIT Y KEY sunny patio veg friendly yummy brunch thoughtful wine pairings boozy cocktails
03
din
ner
american
T HE P L U M
L OL A
This progressive American
The flagship restaurant of
bistro on the western edge
celebrity chef Michael Symon’s
of Ohio City never fails
ever-expanding portfolio,
to surprise, impress and,
Lola continues to attract food-
occasionally, shock its
obsessed travelers and locals
adventurous diners. A bit of
alike thanks to impeccable
Brooklyn on the Cuyahoga,
service, setting and
the Plum pushes boundaries
sustenance. Like its owner,
with genre-busting dishes
the restaurant impresses
like crispy fried chicken
with an unapologetically
skins, foie gras fried rice,
Midwestern sensibility to
raw pork tartare (yes, just
cooking that emphasizes bold
like it sounds) and General
flavors and precise technique
Tso-style whole fried chicken.
over pretentious piling on.
The setting is minimal,
Can’t-miss items include
tasteful and playful and the
braised beef cheek filled
bar program offers just the
pierogi with horseradish
right mix of light and hard
cream, luscious roasted bone
refreshments.
marrow, and house-smoked pork chops with polenta. An in-house pastry chef whips up award-winning desserts.
4133 Lorain Avenue
2058 East 4th Street
Ohio City | 216.938.8711
Downtown | 216.621.5652
theplumcafeandkitchen.com
lolabistro.com
Front row seat Snag a seat at Lola’s chefs table and you’ll have the opportunity to chat with the staff while they prepare your food.
07
S A LT
F IR E F O OD + DR INK
G R E E NHO U S E TAV E R N
Chef-owner Jill Vedaa is one
For two decades, Fire has
James Beard Award-winning
of the few Cleveland operators
triumphed on Cleveland’s
chef Jonathon Sawyer can’t
to fully succeed in the
east side thanks to a winning
sit still and that’s reflected
small-plates arena. Amidst
formula that starts with the
in the exuberant, diverse and
a tidal wave of taco, burger,
best quality ingredients, many
dynamic roster of food at
pizza and steak joints, Salt
“harvested” right outside the
Greenhouse Tavern. Ideal for
offers a curated and seasonal
front door at the city’s biggest,
a lunch of Ohio beef—or better
selection of plates that
oldest farmer’s market. From
yet, lamb—burgers and frites,
come together in a cohesive,
an open kitchen blessed with
a dinner built around a bucket
appealing fashion. While the
both a live-fire grill and
o’ spicy-ass fried chicken, or a
selection changes frequently,
tandoor oven, chef-owner
late-night snack of gravy fries,
expect dishes built around
Doug Katz puts out an
Greenhouse finds multiple
vegetables, fish and meat,
American-based menu with
ways to sneak into a foodie’s
such as smoked beets with
more than a few global twists.
lifestyle. Do not miss the
honey and feta, sweet potato
Every table gets the clay
crispy confit-fried chicken
croquettes, mussels in white
bread, puffy naan-like bread
wings, foie gras-steamed
wine and lamb carpaccio.
from that Indian oven, and,
clams, hand-ground beef
Vedaa works from an open
if they’re wise, the crispy
tartare and roasted pig head
kitchen in the rear of the dim,
fried chicken livers.
for two. The lively two-level
tavern-chic space.
Other staples include crispy
(three with rooftop deck)
duck confit with spaetzle,
space on East 4th Street
grilled hanger steak and
is ground zero for local
three-finger-thick, bone-in
sporting events.
pork chops. 17625 Detroit Avenue
13220 Shaker Square
2038 East 4th Street
Lakewood | 216.221.4866
Shaker Square | 216.921.3473
Downtown | 216.443.0511
saltcleveland.com
firefoodanddrink.com
thegreenhousetavern.com
T HE F LY ING F IG
T HE BL A C K P IG
S P IC E K I T C HE N
The Fig, as this Ohio City
Both the Black Pig and its
When it comes to farm-to-
bistro is affectionately
chef-owner Mike Nowak
table cuisine, chef-owner Ben
known, is the opposite of
tend to fly under the radar
Bebenroth rises like cream to
flashy. Chef-owner Karen
in comparison to some of
the top. From his Spice Acres
Small hustles to source the
the city’s more high-profile
farm just a handful of miles
very best local, seasonal
names. But those who know,
away in the fertile Cuyahoga
ingredients and finds ways
go. The kitchen is stacked
Valley National Park, the chef
to make them shine. A leader
with talent, the in-house
and his team raise much of the
in the local-foods movement,
butchery program is second
food that goes into filling the
Small works with a wide web
to none, and the menu is a
plates at his sunny American
of regional producers when
veritable gift from the local
bistro. Everything from the
crafting farmhouse-style
foods gods. Just off the beaten
farm-fresh eggs and poultry
dishes like mushrooms
path in Ohio City, this elegant
to the plump pigs that get
stuffed with spinach and local
brick bistro starts diners off
transformed into a myriad of
goat cheese, cumin-roasted
with craft cocktails (and one
tasty ingredients are raised
carrots, braised pork ribs with
of the best bourbon selections
with care, respect and love.
fingerlings, and local grass-
around) and charcuterie
Even the fresh-cut flowers
fed beef burgers. Weekend
before sending them on a
that brighten up the dining
brunch here is one of the
heritage breed pork-based
room are farm-to-table.
best around.
free-for-all. Don’t worry: there’s also killer pasta, fish and chicken options too.
2523 Market Avenue
2801 Bridge Avenue
5800 Detroit Avenue
Ohio City | 216.241.4243
Ohio City | 216.862.7551
Gordon Square | 216.961.9637
theflyingfig.com
blackpigcle.com
spicekitchenandbar.com
10
Patio with a view The
outdoor patio at Collision Bend is spacious and offers an incredible view of the Cuyahoga river, where you can watch barges go by while sampling their locallybrewed beers.
L U X E K I T C HE N With a vibe that genuinely
C OL L I S ION BE ND BR E W E R Y
feels ripped from New York,
Collision Bend might call
this clubby, diverse and
itself a brewery, but this
inclusive den has helped
Flats East Bank spot is so
turn the Detroit Shoreway
much more. The riverside
neighborhood into a dining
setting is spectacular, as is the
destination. But this place
150-year-old brick building
is as local as they come, the
long used as a marine supply
kind of joint where couples
company. Subtle nautical
grab seats at the bar, festive
touches pair seamlessly
foursomes commandeer
with views of bridges, passing
the banquettes, and large
freighters and zig-zagging
groups spread all over the
kayakers. To go with that
secluded back patio. A broad,
fresh-brewed beer are
approachable menu leans
flavorful small plates, salads,
toward Italian thanks to tasty
wood-fired pizzas and more
pizzas and pastas, but there’s
than a few mains. High on the
no shortage of veg-heavy
hit list are lamb tamales, San
small plates to pair with
Diego-style fish tacos and the
wine and call it a meal.
salami and olive pizza.
6605 Detroit Avenue
1250 Old River Road
Gordon Square | 216.920.0600
The Flats | 216.273.7879
luxecleveland.com
collisionbendbrewery.com
11
asian
Hot pot heaven Ushabu heaven Ushabu offers one of the most unique dining experiences in Cleveland, but plan ahead— reservations are your best bet, and their largest tables fit a maximum of six guests.
USHABU
G INK O
X IN JI NO ODL E B A R
Ushabu takes the shabu-
Ginko is the restaurant that
The dreams of this food-
shabu concept and refines
makes fools out of cynics
obsessed neighborhood were
it in every conceivable way.
who assert that Cleveland
answered when this casual
Just 25 seats fill this serene
can’t have great sushi. This
ramen bar raised its tent
Tremont dining room, many
funky Japanese grotto,
poles in Ohio City. Diners
of them at large communal
tucked below chef-owner
have quickly warmed to this
booths. But unlike the typical
Dante Boccuzzi’s fine-dining
chef-driven slurp shop thanks
experience whereby diners
spot Dante, features a large
to satisfying bowls filled
huddle around a single pot
horseshoe-shaped sushi bar
with rich broths and bouncy
of simmering broth, Ushabu
that places diners right where
noodles topped with buttery
affords each seat with its very
they need to be. It’s there that
pork belly, soft-cooked eggs
own. In addition to the hot
pristine pieces of fish and
and various garnishes. Boldly
pots paired with a choice of
seafood are passed over top
flavored starters like Korean
heritage-breed pork, Wagyu
in the form of jewel-toned
fried chicken, pork-filled
beef, Ohio lamb and seafood,
sashimi, nigiri, rolls and
steamed buns and crispy
the kitchen prepares a
more. The hyper-focused
kimchi balls go great with the
shifting roster of immaculate
menu is rounded out by
selection of beer, wine and
Asian-themed small plates
creative seafood-centered
sake. Chef’s specials keep
and sushi.
starters. Shabu-shabu fans
regulars coming back for
can reserve a spot at one
delicious surprises.
of two specially-equipped booths. 2173 Professor Avenue
2247 Professor Avenue
4211 Lorain Avenue
Tremont | 216.713.1741
Tremont | 216.274.1202
Ohio City | 216.465.2439
ushabu.com
restaurantginko.com
xinjinoodle.com
13
14
mexican
M O MO C HO Chef-owner Eric Williams kick-started the whole “mod Mex” craze in Cleveland at this snug and clubby Ohio City bistro. A lower level bar and lounge gives way to a cozy second-floor dining room with open kitchen. Up or down, diners enjoy fresh and fruity margaritas, addictive chips and salsas, and a menu that goes well beyond tacos and burritos. Smoked-trout guacamole, ancho-braised brisket tacos and pumpkin seed-crusted trout with beans are just a few of the boldly flavored hits at this neighborhood gem. 1835 Fulton Road Ohio City | 216.694.2122 momocho.com
Indecisive? Can’t decide which flavor guac to try at Momocho? Go for the guacamole flight and sample three different flavors!
italian
T R E N T IN A
C HIN AT O
VA L E R IO ’ S
Meals at this enchanting
At this snazzy downtown
Cleveland’s Little Italy
little boîte in the heart of
trattoria, a former warehouse
neighborhood is rooted in
Cleveland’s cultural core can
space on East Fourth Street,
time and place, and no eatery
veer from a casual pairing of
chef-owner Zack Bruell
captures the cuisine much
wood-fired pizza and hearty
reworks regional Italian food
like Valerio’s. Chef-owner
housemade pasta to a
into relevant, contemporary
Valerio Iorio comes by the
stupefying 12-course tasting
forms. From an open kitchen
food honestly, having grown
menu that takes diners on
stream plates of deliriously
up in Southern Italy. So, while
a sophisticated gastronomic
good pasta like pappardelle
appetizers like beef carpaccio,
road trip. James Beard
with creamed cauliflower and
wine-steamed mussels, and
Award-winning chef Jonathon
casarecce with pork cheek
sautéed calamari in marinara
Sawyer oversees a menu that
marinara. Entrees are rustic,
could come across as trite
might feature hearth-baked
full-bodied and satisfying,
at other joints, here, they’re
bread served with an edible
like porchetta with polenta,
as genuine as the chef who
beef suet candle, airy gnocchi
Amarone-braised osso bucco
crafts them. Expect timeless
with beef shoulder confit,
and grilled swordfish with
versions of linguini with
porchetta with polenta,
lemon caper cream. A
clams, penne puttanesca,
and Ohio steak grilled over
staggering wine list and
chicken cacciatore and veal
hay. The wine list dovetails
attentive service further
saltimbocca. A laundry list of
seamlessly with the Northern
elevate the experience.
daily specials tosses best laid
Italy-inspired cuisine.
plans in disarray.
1903 Ford Drive
2079 East 4th Street
12405 Mayfield Road
University Circle | 216.421.2900
Downtown | 216.298.9080
Little Italy | 216.421.8049
restauranttrentina.com
chinatocleveland.com
valeriosristorante.com
17
Save room for dessert After enjoying
dinner (or brunch!) at Soho, head next door to Mitchell’s for a scoop of their delicious homemade ice cream.
18
bbq/chicken
M A BE L’ S B B Q For the first time, the aroma of
S OHO C HIC K E N + W HI S K E Y
honest-to-goodness barbecue
A little taste of the good-old
permeates the air in downtown
South in the heart of Ohio City.
Cleveland. Iron Chef and native
This warm, welcoming and
son Michael Symon cuts no
uber-popular spot offers some
corners at this big city smoke
of the best fried chicken in
shack, where ribs, brisket,
town. Crispy options include
turkey and kielbasa are cooked
fried chicken and waffles, fried
low and slow over wood until
chicken and mac and cheese, or
tender, smoke-kissed and
a boneless fried breast tucked
delicious. This full-service but
into a bun with pimento cheese,
casual saloon also offers killer
coleslaw and pickles. For fish
snacks, sandwiches and sides.
fans there’s also pitch-perfect
Don’t miss the pork rinds,
shrimp and grits and a Low
crispy pig ears and tails, and
Country boil that’s so good
the JW potatoes. As a bonus,
you’ll be compelled to check
Mabel’s fronts one of the best
the GPS. Brunch here is the
bourbon selections in town.
place to be.
2050 East 4th Street
1889 West 25th Street
Downtown | 216.417.8823
Ohio City | 216.298.9090
mabelsbbq.com
sohocleveland.com
19
steak
RED
U R B A N FA R ME R
Few things in life are a sure
This farm-to-table steak-
thing, but right along with
house is located in the
death and taxes comes the
recently revamped Westin
guarantee that a meal at Red
Downtown hotel, and the
will be a special occasion.
ranch-chic vibe is hard to
Designed for the high-
resist. Cowhide-swaddled
roller, to be sure, this glitzy
banquettes sit beneath
chophouse rolls out the red
chicken-wire chandeliers
carpet for diners in the form
and alongside a wall of pretty
of service, setting and food.
pickled produce. The menu
Meals here start with bracing
offers a primer on steak, with
martinis and oysters on the
numerous options in regards
half shell and progress to fat,
to cut, weight, pedigree and
blistered Prime and dry-aged
aging. All of it is treated
steaks. Pile on the sautéed
with respect and cooked to
onions and mushrooms, drag
perfection. Start with raw
the beef through creamy
oysters or steak tartare and
béarnaise, and wash it all
tack on orders of potato puree,
down with creamed spinach
creamed spinach and roasted
for good measure.
cauliflower. Expect to pay top dollar, but don’t expect to leave disappointed.
417 Prospect Avenue
777 St. Clair Avenue
Downtown | 216.664.0941
Downtown | 216.771.7707
redthesteakhouse.com
urbanfarmercleveland.com
Something for everyone
Urban Farmer’s wide variety of steak options can’t be beat, but this steakhouse also offers a range of salads, seafood, and out-of-this-world sides to satisfy any diner.
seafood
A L L E Y C AT
BL U E P OIN T
P IE R W
If there’s one restaurant in
For two decades, this
Perched high atop the shores
town that best captures the
theatrical downtown fish
of Lake Erie, this stunning
reawakening of the long-
house has been wowing
restaurant shimmers nearly
slumbering Flats, it’s Alley
diners thanks to sterling fish
as bright as its seafood.
Cat. This Zack Bruell eatery
and seafood dished up in a
A tiered, theatrical dining
stands proudly on the banks
spectacular 19th-century
room shares those watery
of the Cuyahoga River, where
Italianate-style warehouse.
views with every guest, and
diners on two levels enjoy
As the name suggests,
pin-sharp service is the icing
views of a nautical backdrop
oysters here are big business,
on the cake. Contemporary
filled with bridges, freighters
with some 75,000 bivavles
dishes are built around
and pleasure crafters. On
flying through the swinging
quality ingredients like fish,
warm days, a facade of glass
kitchen doors per year. The
mussels, clams, scallops,
rises out of the way, uniting
city’s freshest oysters are
shrimp and lobster.
the snug dining room with the
served raw on the half shell,
The Seafood Tower is an
great outdoors. Inside or out,
baked as oysters Rockefeller,
opulent delight, the oysters
Alley Cat is the perfect spot to
panko-crusted and fried, and
Rockefeller a timeless classic,
enjoy an icy platter of raw
even pan seared. Seasonal
and the bouillabaisse rightly
oysters, a decadent lobster
fish like wild Copper River
famous across the state.
roll, or crispy fried perch
salmon, Nantucket bay
Brunch and happy hour here
sandwich, all washed down
scallops and fresh Alaskan
are both worth a visit.
with a glass or two of
king crab join staples like
sparkling-crisp white wine.
simply grilled tuna, swordfish and salmon. Staffers here have a genuine “whateverit-takes” attitude that puts diners first.
1056 Old River Road
700 West St. Clair Avenue
12700 Lake Avenue
The Flats | 216.574.9999
Downtown | 216.875.7827
Lakewood | 216.228.2250
alleycatoysterbar.com
bluepointgrille.com
pierw.com 23
french
l’albatros 11401 Bellflower Road University Circle | 216.791.7880 albatrosbrasserie.com
26
By last count, mega-chef Zack Bruell runs about nine restaurants around Cleveland, but make no mistake, L’Albatros is the flagship of the empire. Set inside a reworked carriage house just steps from elite cultural institutions like the Cleveland Museum of Art and Cleveland Orchestra, this polished boîte reels in well-heeled diners all year long. It’s not just the location, but also the contemporary French brasserie fare, impeccable service, and epic wine list. Come summer, the garden patio is as close to heaven on earth as it gets. 27
pizza
HARLOW’S
VERO
Everything from the space
Owner Marc-Aurele Buholzer
to the menu at this too-cool-
all but ushered in the
for-school pizzeria has been
Neapolitan pizza craze when
stripped down to the bare
he opened this small but
essentials. A minimalist
bustling neighborhood
design aesthetic makes an
pizzeria. As by-the-book as
appropriate backdrop to a
they come, Vero (as the name
menu that starts and stops
implies) adheres to edicts
at a handful of wood-fired
established in the Old World,
pizzas, with nary a salad nor
which means that heavenly
side to sully the roster. Those
doughs are baked in a 100-
flame-kissed Neapolitan pies
percent wood-fired oven until
are augmented by an equally
they are glorious and golden.
spare menu of beer, wine
They are prudently topped to
and booze.
produce compositions with
Waiting for a table at Vero?
Head to Parnell’s next door or the Fairmount across the street to grab a drink while you wait!
balance and impact. The pies are supplemented by a concise roster of starters and washed down with a serviceable wine list. First come, first served, so expect a wait on weekends. 14319 Madison Avenue
12421 Cedar Road
Lakewood | 216.712.6502
Cleveland Heights
harlowspizza.com
216.229.8383 verocleveland.com
29
two days Stay the weekend: Cleveland’s east and west
S AT U R D AY M OR NING Saturday mornings in
sides are unique in their own
Cleveland are best spent
ways—so spend a little time
West Side Market. The
in each neighborhood,
in 1912, was designed by the
exploring all our city has to offer. Here are our recommendations for a west side Saturday and an east side Sunday.
perusing the aisles of the historic food market, built same architects who created the Cleveland Museum of Art and boasts a Guastavino tile vaulted ceiling similar to the one at NYC’s Grand Central Station. With over 100 vendors offering everything from beef jerky to coffee to falafel to crepes, the West Side Market has a little something for every guest to try.
BR U NC H
A F T E R NO ON S N A C K
DINNE R A ND DR INK S
After building up an appetite
Save some room for an
Grab dinner and drinks at
browsing the stalls at the West
afternoon snack at Mitchell’s
one of the many restaurants
Side Market, pop over to The
Ice Cream, located in an old
located on East 4th Street
Black Pig for brunch. With a
Rialto Theater in Ohio City.
(Lola and Greenhouse Tavern
menu that changes seasonally,
Head up to the second floor
are two of our favorites),
a focus on locally-sourced
to enjoy your treats with a
then walk over to Playhouse
ingredients, and a long list of
unique view of the ice cream
Square to catch a Saturday
hand-crafted cocktails, The
making process!
night show. Don’t go to bed
Black Pig is an ideal first meal
just yet—a Saturday night in
for any Cleveland newcomer.
Cleveland isn’t complete until you’ve tried one of the craft cocktails at The Spotted Owl.
in cleveland S U ND AY MO R NING
A F T E R NO ON
Cleveland’s quaint Little
Spend your afternoon
Italy is a great walking
browsing the many museums
community filled with art
located in Cleveland’s
galleries, restaurants, and
University Circle. The
architectural history. Start
Cleveland Museum of Art
your Sunday morning with
offers free admission and a
a stop at Presti’s Bakery for
wide variety of collections, the
coffee and cannolis. Sleeping
Museum of Contemporary
The Spotted Owl
through breakfast? Head
Art introduces new exhibits
This Bible factory turned
over to Tavern of Little Italy
three times a year, and
(known as TOLI to the
the Cleveland Museum of
locals) for one of their
Natural History includes
famous Bomb Ass Burgers.
a wildlife center and planetarium. Also in the area is the Cleveland Botanical Garden with its multitude of gardens and daily butterfly release, and the Crawford Auto-Aviation Museum for
S TA F F P IC K S
Andrew Burkle
bar located in Tremont serves up innovative custom cocktails developed by bartenders who truly know their stuff. With a new menu of creative drinks each season, The Spotted Owl is a must-see for every Cleveland visitor.
vintage car-lovers.
DINNE R Don’t leave town without first enjoying an early dinner at L’Albatros, located in University Circle. With a menu of delicious French
David Hagen L’Albatros
From the minute you walk through the doors,
fare, an impressive wine list,
it feels like you’re
and a beautiful outdoor patio
walking into somebody’s
—not to mention unparalleled
kitchen, in the best way
service—it’s the perfect end
possible. Start with the
to your weekend getaway in Cleveland.
make-your-own cheese board, or end with it for dessert—but definitely don’t skip it.
dri
nks
cocktails
P O R C O L O U NG E A ND T IK I R O O M
VA U LT
T U R N B A R + K I T C HE N
To experience old Cleveland
The tony TURN Bar sits just
This magical little hideaway
and new Cleveland in one
off the sixth-floor lobby of
near the West Side Market
sitting, hit the posh Vault
the Cleveland Ritz-Carlton.
has an uncanny knack for
lounge in the lower level of
Like the rest of the downtown
turning ordinary nights into
The 9 complex, which also
hotel, this reception level has
legendary ones—that is, if you
includes the Metropolitan
undergone a transformation
can remember them. Banish
Hotel and Adega restaurant.
that ushered in a sleek new
notions of sticky-sweet
When this building was home
look, name and concept for
potions like those found at
to the Cleveland Trust Co.,
hotel’s signature restaurant
most tiki bars. Here, the
one of the largest banks in
and bar. The open floor plan
Mai Tais (and Zombies, and
America in the early 20th
offers seating at the bar, on
Pain Killers) are crafted
century, wealthy folks like
sofas and at tables for a
only with the best booze,
John D. Rockefeller and
sophisticated but casual
fresh-squeezed juices, and
Andrew Carnegie would stash
experience. Belly up to the
housemade mixers and
their prized possessions
illuminated onyx bar for
syrups. The Hawaiian shirt-
inside this very vault. These
classic daiquiris and Sazeracs,
clad bartenders are top-notch
days, the prizes come in the
but also wood-smoked
and the kitsch-filled rooms
form of craft cocktails like
Manhattans and Old
are downright magical.
Millet’s Mural, named for
Fashioneds. The chef-driven
A small kitchen turns out
mural artist Francis Davis
restaurant dishes up
varied and creative specials.
Millet, who painted the
everything from breakfast
rotunda and later went
in the morning to a full feast
down with the Titanic. In
for dinner.
brighter news, those drinks are paired with small plates and sharable items and served, you guessed it, in and around those storied bank vaults. 2527 West 25th Street
2017 East 9th Street, Level B1
1515 West 3rd Street
Ohio City | 216.802.9222
Downtown | 216.331.6237
Downtown | 216.623.1300
porcolounge.com
vault9cle.com
ritzcarlton.com
SPOT TED OWL The setting alone is worth a visit, tucked as it is in the lower-level of a 150-year-old brick complex. Inside the small subterranean lounge, a roughhewn shell is tempered by contemporary finishes and fixtures. Expect serious cocktails but not the attitude that often comes with them. Owner Will Hollingsworth puts an exhaustive amount of time, testing and care into creating his seasonal cocktail menus and it shows. 710 Jefferson Avenue Tremont | 216.795.5595 spottedowlbar.com
Trust your bartender The team
at Spotted Owl knows everything there is to know about mixing the perfect drink. Talk to them about your beverage preferences and you won’t be disappointed!
beer
M A R K E T G A R DE N
P L AT F OR M B E E R
NOBL E BE A S T BR E W ING
Located just steps from
Named one of the fastest-
the West Side Market, this
growing craft brewers in
Owner Shaun Yasaki is one
spacious brewpub pours a
the country by Brewers
of Cleveland’s best brewers,
wide range of excellent beers
Association, this local outfit
and he typically can be
that are brewed either on-site
is on its way to taking over
observed doing his job in
or at the large production
the world one beer at a time.
the very open, very modest
brewery a few hundred yards
What started as a modest
brewhouse of this uber-
away. A full menu of pub grub
Ohio City taproom only a
approachable taproom.
is also available every day of
handful of years ago has
Yasaki nails uncommon
the year and the roomy patio
grown to include a large-scale
classics like belgian strong
is the place to drink on warm
production brewery and a
ales, altbiers and kölsches,
days and cold thanks to a
second taproom in Columbus.
but also trendy hazy IPAs
roaring fire.
The local taproom has an
and double IPAs. The garage-
agreeable vibe that’s chill,
like setting on the edge of
unpretentious and craft-beer
downtown is just comfortable
focused. There’s always a great
enough to stick around
selection of house and guest
for farm-to-table pub grub
beers on tap.
like Bavarian pretzels, corndogs and grilled bologna sandwiches.
1947 West 25th Street
4125 Lorain Avenue
1470 Lakeside Avenue
Ohio City | 216.621.4000
Ohio City | 216.202.1386
Midtown | 216.417.8588
marketgardenbrewery.com
platformbeerco.com
noblebeastbeer.com
B O S S D O G BR E W ING
B U T C HE R A ND T HE BR E W E R
T R E MON T TA P HO U S E
features an open floor plan
With a brewery, restaurant
tavern opened on Tremont’s
with plenty of seating, inside
and butcher shop under one
edge, it was the city’s first
and out. Windows peek into
roof, it’s easy to see why a
true gastropub. All these
the 10-barrel brewhouse,
person could lose track of
years later, it’s still one of the
where owner-brewer Jason
time here. Located on bustling
best around. The food is
Sweet whips up classics like
East Fourth Street, Butcher
approachable, familiar and
pale ales, porters and pilsners.
and the Brewer is a scrum
fantastic, with everything
A full menu of approachable
come game day, but it’s worth
from killer burgers to grilled
American fare goes well
a visit whether the Indians,
chops. As for the “pub”
above the call of duty, with
Cavs or Browns are in town
portion of that label, TTH
everything from pork
or not. A wide-ranging roster
strives to offer one of the most
cracklings and poutine to
of craft beer, wine and
eclectic and excellent craft
pierogis and pork chops.
cocktails pairs with the
beer selections in town—
butcher-inspired menu of
and they succeed. Enjoy it
small, shared and just-for-me
all in a lively tavern setting
plates of top-quality grub. In a
with roomy patio.
This contemporary brewpub
When this neighborhood
hurry? Grab a fat sandwich to go from the butcher shop.
2179 Lee Road
2043 East Fourth Street
2572 Scranton Road
Cleveland Heights
Downtown | 216.331.0805
Tremont | 216.298.4451
216.321.2337
butcherandthebrewer.com
tremonttaphouse.com
bossdogbrewing.com
38
S A U C Y BR E W W OR K S
N A NO B R E W
M A S T HE A D BR E W ING
Saucy burst onto the scene
As the name implies, this
This cavernous brewery sits
with a bang in 2017 and has
micro-micro-brewery brews
in the heart of downtown
quickly become one of the
on a very small scale. From
Cleveland, making it a rarity
busiest breweries in town.
that diminutive kettle spring
among its class. Gobbling up
The former warehouse
many of the creations that
a good chunk of its 16,000
building in Ohio City has
will graduate to sister
square feet is the shiny
been reworked into an
establishment Market Garden
20-barrel brewhouse, which
industrial-sleek taproom,
or, if it’s really good, to the
sits immediately behind a
brewhouse and eatery.
large production brewery.
110-foot wraparound bar.
In addition to the quality
But at its heart, Nano is a
Expect 10 to 12 house beers
house beers, the menu serves
haven for craft beer lovers
on tap, with epic barrel-aged
up tasty New Haven-style
thanks to a righteous roster of
selections drawing praise.
pizzas through fast-casual
proprietary and guest pours.
To eat, there are wood-fired
counter service. There’s
A full menu of pub grub is
pizzas and sandwiches.
plenty of outdoor seating for
available every day of the year.
the whole crew, dogs too. 2885 Detroit Avenue
1859 West 25th Street
1261 Superior Avenue
Hingetown | 216.666.2568
Ohio City | 216.862.663
Downtown | 216.206.6176
saucybrewworks.com
nanobrewcleveland.com
mastheadbrewingco.com
First things first Start your night right with a few beers at Platform, then head next door for dinner at the Plum!
39
coffee
S I X S HO O T E R C OF F E E With two locations—one near the famed Beachland Ballroom in Collinwood and newer digs on the West Bank of the Flats in the Tenk West Bank building —this small-batch roaster and brewer does things right. The shops are warm, welcoming and staffed by passionate baristas who are more than eager to walk a newbie through the process or to turn an old pro onto something new.
Multiple locations sixshootercoffee.com
40
P HO E NI X C O F F E E
P O U R C L E V E L A ND
R I S ING S TA R C OF F E E
This locally-grown coffee
Pour, in downtown Cleveland,
From a central roastery in
company has flourished into
is obsessed with coffee, its
Cleveland come some of the
a group of five neighborhood
sourcing and its preparation.
finest specialty beans in town,
spots thanks to expertly
The cheery shop is bright,
which are expertly sourced
roasted and prepared coffee.
minimal and contemporary,
from around the globe and
Each shop has its own vibe,
with the requisite white
roasted to enhance the
following and culture, but
subway tile walls, rustic
flavors. At each location,
every one of them makes a
wood surfaces, and warm
those beans are weighed,
great place to meet up over
Edison bulbs. Pour sells its
ground and brewed to order
a cup of joe. Expect a light
espressos, cortados, lattes and
using the pour-over, Aero-
offering of pastries and
cappuccinos in four different
Press or vacuum pot method.
bagels to go with your
sizes so you can hit the road
The shops sell fresh pastries,
espressos and cortados.
(or chill) with just the right
retail beans and brewing
amount. The shop sells fresh
equipment.
pastries, retail beans and brewing equipment. Multiple locations
530 Euclid Avenue
Multiple locations
phoenixcoffee.com
Downtown | 216.479.0395
risingstarcoffee.com
pourcleveland.com
41
juice
D A ILY P R E S S
T O W NH A L L
R E S T OR E C OL D PRESSED
Located in Detroit Shoreway’s
Contrasting sharply with
Gordon Square Arts District,
Ohio City’s blue-collar
More glam than granola, this
Daily Press is a cold-pressed
aesthetic, TownHall boasts
contemporary urban juice bar
juice, smoothie and
a South Beach vibe thanks
is conveniently located in the
vegetarian café. The no-frills
to front and back patios that
heart of Playhouse Square.
storefront prepares a wide
connect to the main space via
Expect a full roster of raw,
range of vegan items, from
twin garage doors. On warm
organic cold-pressed juices,
tofu egg salad to a bahn mi
days, it can feel downright
fruit-based smoothies, and
panini. And yes, there’s
tropical in the joint. The menu
healthy bowls brimming with
avocado toast.
is all over the place, from cold-
acai berries, power greens and
pressed juices and smoothies
steel-cut oats.
to grass-fed beef steaks and a draft beer list that attracts beer snobs from far and wide. Hit the weekend brunch before or after a visit to nearby West Side Market.
6604 Detroit Avenue
1909 West 25th Street
1001 Huron Road East
Gordon Square | 440.665.2884
Ohio City | 216.344.9400
Downtown | 216.217.6689
dailypresscleveland.com
townhallohiocity.com
restorecoldpressed.com
42
Work it out Looking to squeeze
in an exercise class while you’re in town? Harness Cycle and TITLE Boxing, both located in Hingetown, are steps away from Beet Jar. Harness Cycle is a cycling studio that also offers a free Wednesday night running group. TITLE Boxing is a boxing club with boxing, kickboxing, and MMA classes. Stop into Beet Jar for a post-workout juice!
BE E T J A R Anchoring Ohio City’s artsy Hingetown district, a neighborhood within a neighborhood, the Beet Jar could not be more suited to the task. Everything dished up at this crunchy but genuine and warm-spirited café is organic, raw and vegan, from cold-pressed juices and nut milks to the rightly-famous Bravacado sandwich starring avocado and smoked coconut flakes. A cooler stocked with grab-and-go items like raw chia pudding is perfect for those healthy-in-a-hurry moments.
1432 West 29th Street Hingetown | beetjar.com
43
C R E DI T S BurkleHagen would like to thank the following contributors: Design by studio of Christine Wisnieski Food styling by Claire Vredevoogd Copy by Doug Trattner
drink