There’s no better time to expand your list of go-to Cleveland restaurants, and you may as well start with some of the city’s best kept culinary secrets. We found some of the best hole-in-the-wall places worthy of your next bite to eat.
There’s no better time to expand your list of go-to Cleveland restaurants, and you may as well start with some of the city’s best kept culinary secrets. We found some of the best hole-in-the-wall places worthy of your next bite to eat.
Thai Kitchen
12210 Madison Ave., 216-226-4450
This cozy Lakewood location serves up authentic and always freshly prepared Thai cuisine.
Photo via thaikitchenlakewood/InstagramOld Fashion Hot Dog (Inn)
4008 Lorain Ave., 216-631-4460
This beloved hot dog joint has been in business for 90 years. Try their time-tested chili cheese dogs and make sure to snap a pic of their mid-century neon sign just above their front door.
Photo by Billy HallalHot Dog Diner & Burger Co.
5494 Pearl Rd. just south of Ridge Rd., Parma, (440) 886-3647
Hot Dog Diner & Burger Co. is the kind of spot you’ve driven past a million times but never thought to stop in. Plan a quick detour for classic menu of hot dogs, burgers, and fries covered in cheese, chili and whatever else you can think of.
Photo via buythebead/InstagramSeven Roses
6301 Fleet Ave, 216-641-5789
Seven Roses, located in Slavic Village, has been dishing out Old World cuisine for more than a decade. Time your visit right and you might be able to score one of their famous paczkis.
Photo via heritagewitch/InstagramLa Plaza Taqueria
13609 Lakewood Heights Blvd., 216-476-8000
This may not be one of Cleveland’s best kept secrets, you’ve probably already heard of the amazing tacos located at the back of La Plaza Supermarket. But if you haven’t stopped in for a bite, and maybe to pick up a few groceries, we recommend getting on that ASAP.
Photo via davidjurca/InstagramClose Quarters Pub
31953 Lake Rd., Avon Lake, 440-933-5217
Get to know your neighbor at this tiny (and we mean incredibly small) Avon Lake dive. Classic bar food and kitschy decorations complete the experience.
Photo via markcavitt/InstagramEmpress Taytu
6125 St Clair Ave., 216-391-9400
Empress Taytu gets its name from the Ethiopian royal of the same name, so expect an authentic African dining experience. The restaurant gets tight on weekends so consider making a reservation.
Photo via whitecoatbyday/InstagramTony’s Southside
2193 Professor Ave, 216-771-0515
Tony’s Southside is a classic spot. It’s got a dark wood interior, an old-fashioned menu, and a family-owned-and-operated charm.
Photo via Scene ArchivesJohnny’s Little Bar
614 Frankfort Ave., (216) 861-2166
If you’re roaming the Warehouse District and have a sudden yearning for your favorite neighborhood dive bar, step into Johnny’s Little Bar. They also serve up a killer half-pound burger. Just follow the signs to find their entrance.
Photo via poburski/InstagramLittle Polish Diner
5772 Ridge Rd., Parma, 440-842-8212
A Parma staple, this unassuming eatery is a local favorite. Stop in for home cooked polish dishes served in hearty portions.
Photo via ohmibear/InstagramThai Thai
13415 Madison Ave., 216-961-9655
Thai Thai brings diners the best of Bangkok’s street food scene and offers more than a dozen flavors of bubble tea. They also offer occasional bubble tea specials which are a sugar rush of a concoction, stacked with sweets like donuts, cotton candy and peeps.
Photo via clevelandscene/InstagramBorderline Cafe
18510 Detroit Avenue, 216-529-1949
Located in Lakewood, this tiny breakfast spot offers up your favorite dishes for the most important meal of the day with a southwestern flair, so expect chorizo.
Photo via noravarcho/InstagramThe Flying Rib
11926 Madison Ave., 216-521-0117
Head to this friendly Lakewood bar for burgers stacked high, appetizer specials and cheap drinks.
Photo via WikimediaPepper’s Italian Restaurant
12401 Detroit Rd., 216-226-6191
Pepper’s has everything you want out of an Italian restaurant: generous portions, a cozy atmosphere and a solid wine list.
Photo via msaccidentprone/InstagramMister Brisket
2156 S. Taylor Rd., 216-932-8620
Stop into Mister Brisket for a hearty deli sandwich at lunch and if you feel so inclined, take home a pound of meat to recreate one for yourself.
Photo via _kyraskitchen/InstagramPupuseria Labendicion
3685 W. 105th St., (216) 688-0338
For authentic pupusas and other Salvadorean favorites, look no further than Pupuseria Labendicion.
Photo via marlenas_plate/InstagramIndian Flame
11623 Euclid Ave., 216-791-5555
Located in University Circle, swing by for a lamb curry or biryani and a mango lassi after a day exploring the many museums in the area.
Photo via sankofason/InstagramVilla Y Zapata
8505-09 Madison Ave., 216-961-4369
Looking for the first stop on your Cinco de Mayo celebration this year? Villa Y Zapata offers friendly service and generous portions to kickstart your night.
Photo via sacredritual/Instagram
