12 Bucket List Worthy Restaurants To Try In Cleveland, One For Each Month Of The Year
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Nikki Rhoades
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Greater Cleveland is absolutely overflowing with delicious dining destinations. There are so many, in fact, that it can be hard to narrow down which ones to try. We’ve done some of the heavy lifting for you! In this article, we take a look at 12 amazing restaurants to try in Cleveland that are downright bucket list-worthy. They vary quite a bit in their offerings, but they share one thing in common: a passion for food and people. Start working up your appetite now, because you’re going to want to visit these cool Cleveland restaurants this year:
Corner 11 Bowl and Wrap, 2391 W 11th St, Cleveland, OH 44113, USA
Colorful, classy, and downright delicious. The meals at Corner 11 are always a delight to dine on, whether you opt for traditional Hawaiian poke, a ramen dish, or something else altogether. While poke is the specialty of this Tremont eatery, its menu features everything from vegan wings to Asian-fusion specialties. Next time you're in the area, you have to check this restaurant out!
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401 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH 44114, USA
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Located right on Euclid, Pizza 216 has a highly-visible location and has captured a lot of attention since it first opened. Now, it is many Clevelanders' go-to spot for New York-style pizza. However, it brings a special Cleveland flair to its menu. While it offers all the traditional toppings that make pizza delicious, it also offers a pierogi pie that's unbelievably delicious.
Ph? Th?ng Café, 815 Superior Ave E, Cleveland, OH 44114, USA
Phở Thắng Café on Superior is a relative newcomer to the Cleveland dining scene, but it's amassed quite the following in recent years. Famous for its Vietnamese noodle soup, this modest eatery has impressed visitors with its big flavors and fair prices. There's something for everyone here, and there are a variety of dishes to accommodate even vegetarian and vegan diets. Be prepared to take some leftovers home, because each serving is fairly hearty.
Herb's Tavern, 19925 Detroit Rd, Rocky River, OH 44116, USA
Want to add some old-school burgers to your Cleveland dining bucket list? At Herb's Tavern, patrons have been dining on the perfect burger since 1963. With traditional pub grub offerings and an impressive selection of beers to complement the food, this welcoming neighborhood tavern has delighted locals for generations now. The ambiance has changed very little over the years, maintaining a welcoming neighborhood eatery-feel with a focus on made-to-order food.
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The Sauce Boiling Seafood Express, 1266 W 6th St, Cleveland, OH 44113, USA
While we do have Lake Erie, Cleveland isn't exactly famous for its seafood selections. Sure, local walleye is a delicacy, but what if you're looking for something more exotic? The Sauce Boiling Seafood Express opened its doors in 2019, and it has since expanded to several locations due to its delicious seafood offerings. With Louisiana-style seafood boils, you can pick exactly what ingredients you want in your bag. Just be prepared to get a little messy... it's sort of tradition with this sort of snacking!
3900 Orange Ave, Cleveland, OH 44115, USA
Now, this is one of those "don't judge a book by its cover" restaurants. Hidden amidst a stretch of warehouses just off of Woodland, Main Gate has been delighting diners for decades. From the outside, it doesn't look like much... in fact, you might even miss it if you aren't looking for it. Inside, a friendly husband and wife team makes absolute magic in the kitchen. Old fashioned diner-style breakfasts are the star of the show here, but there are burgers, fries, onion rings, and so much more to treat your taste buds. Don't just take our word for it... they have nearly five stars on Google reviews, with over 200 reviewers chiming in.
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Zhug, 12413 Cedar Rd, Cleveland Heights, OH 44106, USA
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Middle Eastern cuisine is some of the yummiest in the world. If you haven't ever tried it, Zhug in Cleveland Heights will definitely hit the spot. Here, the hummus is downright incredible... in fact, small dishes are their specialty. Select a variety of goodies to mix and match flavors, then plan to take leftovers home to snack on later. Try the curry fried chicken - it's out of this world!
Don's Pomeroy House, 13664 Pearl Rd, Strongsville, OH 44136, USA
As autumn approaches, Don's Pomeroy House is one of the best places to dine. It's cozy, elegant, and intimate, with a specialty for seafood, steaks, and pasta. Of course, it's also purportedly haunted. Here, spirits pair perfectly with... well, spirits. The old Pomeroy home was built in the late 1840s, and it operated as a stop on the Underground Railroad. Whether or not you believe in ghosts, the history here is deliciously palatable. So, too, are their entrees!
Gunselman's Tavern, 21490 Lorain Rd, Fairview Park, OH 44126, USA
As things start to cool down in Cleveland, one of the best places to warm up is Gunselman's. This old-school tavern has operated since 1936, and it has a storied past that's almost legendary. For decades, Clevelanders have loved this cozy neighborhood bar for its friendly ambiance and delicious all-American meals. Whether you're in the mood for a burger or soup, this is an eatery that every Clevelander should try.
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Avo Modern Mexican, 2058 W 25th St, Cleveland, OH 44113, USA
Want to spice things up? Avo Modern Mexican has spicy food and spicy cocktails... and, of course, non-spicy options for less adventurous eaters. Here, traditional Mexican offerings are reimagined with a modern flair. In addition to being delicious, they're beautiful! The presentation is half the experience at this chic modern eatery.
Paris Room, 7 N Franklin St, Chagrin Falls, OH 44022, USA
Speaking of beautiful presentation, let's take a moment to talk about Paris Room. This is a bit of a hike to get to (being located in Chagrin Falls), but it's so worth the trip. Here, French fare is served up in an intimate environment that alludes to the charms of the City of Light. Local ingredients take center stage on European-born dishes, which are served up in an elegant and memorable manner.
Whitmore's Bar-B-Q, 20209 Harvard Ave, Warrensville Heights, OH 44122, USA
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Sometimes, the best food is simple food. At Whitmore's, southern-style barbecue is served up with a uniquely Cleveland flair. It first opened in 1942, and it has lasted for decades thanks to a fuss-free attitude and flavors that are out of this world. Whether you opt for ribs or wings, you can't go wrong with any menu options at this old-school BBQ joint.
What do you think of these cool Cleveland restaurants? Are there any you’d recommend? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Love exploring Cleveland? Check out some wintertime hiking spots that are, admittedly, gorgeous all year round.
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More to Explore
Restaurants to Try in Cleveland
What are some other restaurants to try in Cleveland?
In addition to the restaurants listed in the above bucket list, we happen to think the following are also among the best restaurants to try in Cleveland:
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Guarino’s. This ristorante in Cleveland's Little Italy was established in 1918, making it the oldest Italian restaurant in the city. One of the best restaurants in Ohio, this Cleveland classic has been run by the same family since the beginning, and its history is as noteworthy as its fare. Established just two years prior to Prohibition, the little neighborhood eatery began life as a speakeasy, and was a favorite spot for the Cleveland elite -- and celebrities, with Frank Sinatra among the restaurant's regulars! In terms of cuisine, the recipes are from the Old Country, and feature bright herbs and bold flavors. Guarino's is revered for its lasagna, a family recipe straight from Mama Guarino herself! This restaurant really has stood the test of time, and is a must-visit in Ohio.
- Pier W. All across the state of Ohio, there are several unique restaurants that are perfect for a night out with your partner or celebrating that special occasion, but there’s one restaurant in Ohio that’s simply unparalleled when it comes to the atmosphere and cuisine. From below, the view of Pier W can look a little unsettling, but the views from inside this northeast Ohio restaurant are simply stunning. This landmark Cleveland area restaurant is suspended over Lake Erie to give customers a cruise-like dining experience -- and the cuisine here is fit for such a superlative spot, too.
- Slyman's. This downtown Cleveland eatery is home to the best corned beef you can find in Ohio. (Fun fact: This beloved breakfast and sandwich joint appeared on Rachael Ray's "$40 a Day.") An early lunch around 11 a.m. is recommended here to avoid the lunch rush, which, given its status as a cult favorite, can be quite insane!