A list of Cleveland's standout restaurants:
Flying Fig :: Ohio City
Casual, relaxed bar setting. Cool without trying too hard, Flying Fig is done all in muted tones, including art. You can easily make a meal of the appetizers: The pupu platter contains three sweet and savory chicken dumplings, a crisp aduck spring roll and broiled shrimp.
menu>> Pancetta Wrapped Scallops $25 :: Braised Lamb Shank $22
Metropolitan Café :: west 6th downtown
A Hyde Park restaurant, the Metropolitan Café specializes in fined, aged steaks and chops, lobsters and fresh fish. Steaks you wouldn’t get at a traditional restaurant, but they also offer pasta and chicken dishes. Towering space, tin ceilings, white tablecloths. Cornerstone of the Warehouse District.
menu>> Chilean Seabass $varies :: Kansas City Ribeye $varies
Luxe :: Detroit Shoreway
Inexpensive, upscale bar food. Revitalized area five minutes from downtown. Luxe creates a cool marriage of vintage and modern; it delivers a "big city" dining experience at a Cleveland price. Luxe’s only downfall—it’s always crowded and they don’t take weekend reservations for parties less than eight; but it may be worth the risk.
menu>> Rigatoni w/ sausage $11 :: Stuffed Chx Sandwich $9
Southside :: Tremont
An old, small neighborhood tavern has been rejuvenated with sophisticated new decor and a contemporary menu to match. Southside is a long, narrow room dominated by a curving, granite-topped bar and a few wood tables. Burgers are upgraded with Kobe-style beef and other house specials are dressed up with sauces, rubs and marinades.
menu>> Fresh salmon $13 :: A huge slab of juicy meatloaf $14
Great Lakes Brewery :: Ohio City
A memorable ambiance whether in the Brewhouse, the Taproom or the new eco-friendly Beer Garden. Food is average. Full of historic brewing memorabilia and artifacts. Award-winning Cleveland craft beers including Burning River Pale Ale, Dortmunder Gold and Elliott Ness Amber Lager.
menu >> Sausage Sampler $10 :: Pretzel Chicken $14
Cozumel :: Valley View
Your typical Mexican joint with fast service, cheap food and giant margaritas. Staff knows the Freed family by name as it is five minutes from their home. Offers practicality, convenience and affordability.
menu>> Tacos $3 :: Pitcher of margaritas $9
Tremont Tap House :: Tremont
Casual pub serving upscale cuisine complimented by a large assortment of wine and beer (24 on tap). Local ingredients produce a creative, yet approachable cuisine. Tremont Tap House is a blend of contemporary and industrial design; the ambiance is warm, inviting and comfortable.
menu>> Salmon BLT $11 :: Hangar steak $17
La Strada :: east 4th downtown
Can’t beat this location. Just a few steps from the House of Blues, La Strada is the newest after-dark hotspot. Takes its name and lighting cues from an Italian filmmaker in an attempt to make you feel like you're somewhere else. Menu features 70 percent Mediterranean and 30 percent Italian.
menu>> Tortellini $18 :: Scampi Risotto $20
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ReplyDeleteEditor's note:
ReplyDeleteAfter our first experience at The Tremont Tap House, we discovered the new and trendy bar/restaurant has quality food but bad service. The service was so slow that we were there nearly 3 1/2 hours for dinner and had several incidents with our waiter. I'd try all the other places on the above list before returning.
Luxe in the Detroit Shoreway neighborhood was awesome. BOGO draft beers and certain martinis for happy hour, as well as 50 percent off pizzas. They have some different beers on tap too, including Dead Guy Ale, Hoegaarden and Pabst Blue Ribbon. Melissa and I really enjoyed our evening there.
ReplyDeleteFlying Fig in Ohio City was pretty awesome and pretty sucky at the same time. Great location, great atmosphere, cool and modern design. But Happy Hour only at the bar, meaning you can't sit on the patio and get happy hour prices. Also, only a select beers are discounted at Happy Hour, and it's usually the two you don't want to drink. Plus I saw the bartender cough in his hands and adjust himself right before making a martini :(
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