Steve’s Diner 2024 will mark the ninth anniversary of the demise of Steve’s Lunch, the (in)famous hot dog diner on the western edge of Ohio City. That local landmark burst into flames on St. Patrick’s Day 2015, with the building being razed the following day. Now, unfortunately, the Steve’s Diner offshoot opened by Ed Salzgerber after purchasing the business from founder Steve Spanakis in 2022 has also said goodbye after he couldn’t secure a lease extension. With the closure, Cleveland also lost one of the precious few remaining 24-hour restaurants around town. Fans of the original chili recipe that dates back to 1953 can still enjoy it at Steve’s Doghouse (3850 Pearl Rd., 216-398-1446). Credit: Steve's Diner Facebook
Next month will mark the ninth anniversary of the demise of Steve’s Lunch, the (in)famous hot dog diner on the western edge of Ohio City. That local landmark burst into flames on St. Patrick’s Day 2015, with the building being razed the following day.

Now, in a fate that seems unfair, owner Ed Salzgerber has announced that he will be closing Steve’s Diner, which opened in 2010. The restaurant was an offshoot of Steve’s Lunch, the restaurant he purchased from founder Steve Spanakis in 2002.

The hot dog diner will close on March 4 because its owner could not secure a lease extension, he explains.

“It is with a heavy heart we make the announcement that we never hoped to make,” offers management. “This is not a choice we want to make, but we are unable to renew our lease for the space we are currently in. We want to thank all of our wonderful guests and employees for supporting us over these many years.”

With the impending closure, Cleveland will also lose one of the precious few remaining 24-hour restaurants around town.

Fans of the original chili recipe that dates back to 1953 can still enjoy it at Steve’s Doghouse (3850 Pearl Rd., 216-398-1446).

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For 25 years, Douglas Trattner has worked as a full-time freelance writer, editor and author. His work as co-author on Michael Symon's cookbooks have earned him four New York Times Best-Selling Author honors, while his longstanding role as Scene dining editor has garnered awards of its own.