Cleveland City Guide

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