These 11 Iconic Foods From Cleveland Will Have Your Mouth Watering
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Leeann Mullen
Author
The famous Cleveland food scene is nothing short of extensive. We’re proud of our culinary offerings and we aren’t ashamed to brag a little! If you’re not from here and are wondering what food is Cleveland known for, then we’ve got you covered. Here are 11 iconic foods from Cleveland to tickle and tempt your taste buds::
1. Slyman's Corned Beef sandwiches
Slyman's Restaurant and Deli, 3106 St Clair Ave NE, Cleveland, OH 44114, USA
No matter how hard you try, chances are, you won't be able to take a full bite of one of these mile-high sandwiches. Slyman's corned beef is a Cleveland staple. The iconic downtown restaurant often has a line out the door at lunchtime. (Slyman's, 3106 St. Clair Ave. NE, Cleveland, OH, 44114)
2. The Parmageddon from Melt Bar and Grilled
Melt Bar and Grilled, 14718 Detroit Ave, Lakewood, OH 44107, USA
Melt Bar and Grilled has become a Cleveland legend since the first restaurant opened up shop in Lakewood. The Parmageddon is perhaps the most famous insanely stuffed grilled cheese sandwich. In addition to a ton of cheese, it's complete with buttery sauteed onions and potato pierogi. It's to die for! (Melt Bar and Grilled, 14718 Detroit Ave. Lakewood, OH, 44107)
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3. Jack Frost Donuts
Jack Frost Donuts, 4960 Pearl Rd, Cleveland, OH 44109, USA
The West Side boasts about Jack Frost Donuts -- and for good reason. They've been serving up unique and delicious donuts that they make from scratch daily since 1937. (Jack Frost Donuts, 4960 Pearl Road, Cleveland, OH, 44109)
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4. A bratwurst sandwich from Frank's
West Side Market, 1979 W 25th St, Cleveland, OH 44113, USA
Everyone knows West Side Market is one of the best things to do in Cleveland and this unassuming little stand is one of the best places to eat there. They serve up delicious bratwurst sandwiches on either hard or soft bread rolls complete with sauerkraut and mustard. It's simple food that might not look like a million bucks, but it sure tastes like it. (West Side Market, 1979 W 25 St., Cleveland, OH, 44113)
5. Gyros from Steve's
Steves Gyros, 1979 W 25th St, Cleveland, OH 44113, USA
Another West Side Market staple, Steve's Gyros draws long lines every day -- but the longest lines are on the weekends. Whether you call it a "jie-row" or a "yee-row," Steve's makes 'em quick, fresh, and delicious. (West Side Market, 1979 W 25 St., Cleveland, OH, 44113)
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6. East Coast Original Frozen Custard
Mayfield Road, Mayfield Rd, Lyndhurst, OH, USA
Dare not call it ice cream! East Coast Original Frozen Custard serves customers an incredibly rich custard that's churned onsite. The strawberry shortcake and banana split are among the most popular items on the menu.
7. Pierogi from Polish Village
Polish Village, 365 Berea St, Berea, OH 44017, USA
When it comes to Polish food in Cleveland, there's no comparison. Polish Village is an economic district that runs along Ridge Rd. from Pearl Rd. to Thornton Ave. This little cultural cluster is a perfect day trip destination, and it's nothing short of a gem. Here, paczkis, pierogies, and polka are necessities, and they perfectly complement the friendly atmosphere of this community!
8. Apple Fritters from K & K Bakery
1979 W 25th St, Cleveland, OH 44113, USA
There's a reason why the West Side Market is a foodie's delight. The iconic apple fritters piled high in the case at K&K Bakery are a familiar sight -- and taste -- to all of Cleveland. The fried dough is filled with cinnamon and apples and then glazed with sugar icing. (West Side Market, 1979 W 25 St., Cleveland, OH, 44113)
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9. Malley's Pretzel Crunch Bars
Malley's Chocolates, 13400 Brookpark Rd, Cleveland, OH 44135, USA
Malley's in and of itself is a Cleveland icon. But their famous Pretzel Crunch Bar is something most Clevelanders love to indulge in. The treat comes in milk or dark chocolate and comes loaded with chunks of crunchy pretzels, which appeal to those hard-to-please salty-sweet cravings.
10. Dichotomy Popcorn from Campbell's Sweets Factory
Campbell's Sweets Factory (Ohio City), 2084 W 25th St, Cleveland, OH 44113, USA
Sweet caramel popcorn and robust cheddar cheese corn come together to make this unique Cleveland snack. Much like the Malley's pretzel bar, Dichotomy also falls into the salty-and-sweet category. Who would have thought cheese and caramel would go so well together? (Campbells Sweets Factory, 2084 W 25 St. Cleveland, OH, 44103)
11. Euclid Beach Popcorn Balls
Humphrey Popcorn Company, 6770 Brookpark Rd, Cleveland, OH 44129, USA
Editors note: Humprey's Popcorn Company is now permanently closed.
Sweet and crunchy, popcorn balls stir up a lot of memories for those who remember Euclid Beach Park. The Humphrey Company still makes the Euclid Beach recipe along with their signature taffy kisses, which are sold in local stores throughout the Cleveland area.
Editor’s Note: Unfortunately, this beloved staple has closed its Cleveland store. But you can purchase the delicious Euclid Beach popcorn balls from the Humphrey Popcorn Company website.
Sweet and crunchy, popcorn balls stir up a lot of memories for those who remember Euclid Beach Park. The Humphrey Company still makes the Euclid Beach recipe along with their signature taffy kisses, which are sold in local stores throughout the Cleveland area.
Editor’s Note: Unfortunately, this beloved staple has closed its Cleveland store. But you can purchase the delicious Euclid Beach popcorn balls from the Humphrey Popcorn Company website.
Check out this YouTube video by Holaholaholiday highlighting some iconic foods that we love in Ohio.
What other iconic foods from Cleveland can you think of? What’s your all-time favorite food? Share your mouthwatering picks for the best food in Cleveland in the comments below!
It’s not just the food Cleveland is known for that is so special. We have so many attractions that are worthy of your Cleveland bucket list. Here’s your guide to the best things to do, see, eat, and discover in Cleveland, Ohio!
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More to Explore
Cleveland Food
What are the best places for carryout in Cleveland?
From Thai cuisine to BBQ and more, here are the best places for carryout in Cleveland:
- Bangkok Thai Cuisine, Lyndhurst
- Barrister's Deli - Restaurant - Catering
- Il Rione
- Open Pitt Bar-B-Que
- Souper Market
- Rotasu Hibachi Carry-out (Lakeshore)
- Phnom Penh Restaurant
- Slyman's Restaurant and Deli
- My Friends Restaurant
- Phở Thắng Café
To read more about the food from these local joints, check out our article about the best carryout comfort food in Cleveland.
What's the weirdest Cleveland food?
You say "weird," we say "amazing," but that's beside the point! In terms of foods, some folks consider "weird," there's the:
- Parmageddon (also called the Parmageddonator, depending on whom you're asking).
- Clevelanders love pierogi and one local restaurant has figured out a totally unique way to serve this beloved dish. How, you ask? By piling them (along with other delicious ingredients) on top of a grilled cheese sandwich.
- This delicacy can be found at a Melt Bar and Grilled location near you.
- And speaking of Cleveland pierogi (it's one of our favorite topics here in CLE), this delicious dish pairs perfectly with an Italian favorite: pizza!
- You can pick up this specialty from places like P Jay's Pizza or you can swing by the West Side Market for ingredients to make it yourself. Either way, you're in for an absolute treat!
- The bratwurst sandwich. Because why put a brat on a hot dog bun when you could put it on a big, buttery roll?
- Frank’s Bratwurst at the West Side Market has been serving up bratwurst sandwiches for decades, and this trend has slowly spread throughout Cleveland.
- Instead of a bun, a bread roll is sliced in half and stuffed with bratwurst, sauerkraut, and mustard.
- Speaking of hot dogs, The Happy Dog is a neighborhood corner bar where your craziest food fantasies come to life.
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- These delicious dogs are accented by any and every topping you think is palatable, and creations can range from tame to grotesque (cereal-topped hot dogs? Sure!).
- Is The Happy Dog in Cleveland a bit weird? Admittedly. But is it 100 percent awesome? Absolutely!