It’s the new year, we’re finally past 2020. Unfortunately, the pandemic is raging across the state and country like never before and restaurants are struggling to make it through the winter. Want to give them a hand and help ensure their survival while also getting a yummy local meal out of it? Well, here’s 25 local restaurants you can take out from. We’ve been highlighting 25 different restaurants every week since November and will keep this going throughout the pandemic.

Luxe Kitchen & Lounge 6605 Detroit Ave., Cleveland Before there was Toast, Brewnuts, Spice, Astoria, XYZ Tavern and sweet, Sweet Moses there was Luxe Kitchen, an early speculator in the then up-and-coming neighborhood of Detroit Shoreway. When it opened 15 years ago, the oh-so-haute bistro joined area mainstays like Rincon Criollo, Happy Dog, Latitude 41 and Gypsy Beans, which perhaps was the first piece on the chessboard of this so-called urban renaissance. Today, guests can expect great chef-driven food, fun drinks and amazing service. Photo by Emanuel Wallace
Quisqueya 2317 Denison Ave, Cleveland Taking over for the popular Moncho’s in Brooklyn, Quisqueya expanded from their Clark-Fulton spot. The restaurant specializes in Puerto Rican and Dominican dishes like sancocho, mondongo, empanadillas, alcapurrias, fried pork with plantains, camarones con mofongo, and beef stew with rice and beans. Photo via Quisqueya Latin Cuisine/Facebook
Dragon Light 3537 West 105th St., Cleveland “It’s a hidden Cleveland gem, folks. Food is always fresh and delicious. Service is always awesome. We have a Chinese restaurant at the end of our street and several others that are closer to our house, but we go out of the way to order from Dragon Light. It’s that good. The egg foo yung is legendary, and the pho is fantastic. Skip the fried food. You won’t regret ordering from Dragon Light!” Amanda M. on Yelp Photo via Scene Archives
El Señor’s at La Mexicana Grocery 170 East Washington St., Painesville We promise your trip to be Painesville will be well worth the drive when you get your hands on El Señor’s tacos. A small restaurant attached to a supermarket, seating here is limited but flavor is plentiful. Choose from pork, beef, beef tongue and pork stomach For a little refreshment, cool down with a Jarritos. Photo via Scene Archives
Luxe Kitchen & Lounge 6605 Detroit Ave., Cleveland Before there was Toast, Brewnuts, Spice, Astoria, XYZ Tavern and sweet, Sweet Moses there was Luxe Kitchen, an early speculator in the then up-and-coming neighborhood of Detroit Shoreway. When it opened a little over a decade ago, the oh-so-haute bistro joined area mainstays like Rincon Criollo, Happy Dog, Latitude 41 and Gypsy Beans, which perhaps was the first piece on the chessboard of this so-called urban renaissance. Since opening day there have been ups and downs, chefs shifts and menu re-dos – even ownership tweaks – but throughout it all, the restaurant has managed to remain an anchor in this dynamic arts-fueled district. Photo by Emanuel Wallace
Alley Cat Oyster Bar 1056 Old River Rd., Cleveland Alley Cat Oyster Bar in the Flats offers up the freshest seafood in town from local celeb chef Zack Bruell. While you might not be able to take in the amazing view Alley Cat is known for, that shouldn’t stop you from enjoying some great dishes. Photo via Scene Archives
Eddie’s Pizzeria Cerino 7305 Broadview Rd., Seven Hills Too often, Italian joints go heavy on the comfort and light on the quality. Not so here where owner Eddie Cerino approaches traditional Italian food less like a grandmother and more like a chef. And thanks to half orders of salad and pasta, diners have control over portion size and price. Photo via Eddie’s Pizzeria Cerino/Facebook
REBoL 101 West Superior Ave., Cleveland Public Square’s Rebol’s 100 percent non-GMO menu offers current en vogue items like bone broth and paleo smoothies in addition to their signature bowls or bols like their tuna poke bol and their Moroccan lamb. If you’re sick of getting Chipotle for the fourth time of the week, try REBoL for a similar style of meal that’s far superior. Photo via REBoL/Facebook Credit: Photo via REBoL/Facebook
Al’s Deli 1717 East Ninth St., Cleveland This bright, airy deli near the Galleria offers a solid menu of salads, soups, sandwiches, and breakfast items, along with a handful of homemade Middle Eastern specialties. Photo via Al’s Deli/Facebook
George’s Kitchen 13101 Triskett Rd., Cleveland “I have nothing but wonderful things to say about George’s Kitchen and their food, service, and consistency. This place is a Cleveland gem that any family small or large can enjoy at any time of the day. They’re a throwback to a time where things weren’t computerized and restaurants ran on consistent processes and quality management. The food is absolutely delicious and their menu has something to offer for every palette/dietary restriction. I have to say it’s one of the few places I have never been disappointed by anything I’ve eaten,” Mario A. on Yelp Photo by Douglas Trattner
Amba 1975 Lee Rd., Cleveland Heights Along with Chimi, the restaurant Amba shares its kitchen with, from popular Chef Doug Katz (Fire, Zhug), is one of the first in Cleveland to have no public access, otherwise known as a ghost kitchen. While Chimi is Katz’s take on South American food, Amba is a modern fusion of Indian flavors. As is the case with Chimi, this ghost kitchen roll-out gives Katz the opportunity to test out a concept in hopes of developing it into a full-service brick-and-mortar restaurant. Photo via Scene Archives
Cabin Club 30651 Detroit Rd., Westlake Big, juicy steaks, an extensive wine list, and friendly staff make this the place for expense-account types to unwind after work or to entertain on the weekends. And it’s just as good to take home. Excellent choices include the Cabin Club strip steak, the center-cut rib-eye, a behemoth porterhouse, and a buttery filet mignon. A few seafood and poultry items are also available. Photo via Cabin Club/Facebook
Cafe Tandoor 2096 South Taylor Rd., Cleveland Heights, 96 Barrington Town Center, Aurora and 30030 Detroit Rd., Westlake ”The best vegetable samosas I’ve ever had! So flavorful and hearty. We had the butter chicken and the Shahjahani Curry which was the best flavor and delicious chicken that was so tender. Will definitely eat here again soon!” Ashley R. on Yelp. Photo via Cafe Tandoor/Facebook
Falafel Xpress 14877 Detroit Ave., Lakewood “The food was amazing and service was super friendly! The prices were very fair and the food was quick and delicious. We got the vegetarian and the chicken shawarma and the fries. Everything was phenomenal. We will definitely be back.,” E. W. on Yelp. Photo via Falafel Xpress/Facebook
Arrabiata’s 6169 Mayfield Rd., Mayfield Heights “What’s not to love; the homemade bread, the whipped garlic butter, the generous servings, and the prompt and friendly service! This place has been serving great Italian food for the last 18 years now, so that speaks for itself; however the standard of quality has not deviated despite the passing of time. Just remember to bring your appetite when you go!” Angelo C. on Yelp Photo via Arrabiata’s/Facebook
Ohio Pie Co. 1315 ½ Pearl Rd., Brunswick If you’re looking for the original Ohio-style pizza, look no further than this Brunswick joint. The thick-cut, well done pepperoni is out of this world. This place has quickly established itself as one of the best pizza places in town. Photo via Ohio Pie Co./Facebook
Sam Sylk’s Chicken and Fish Five Locations Around Town; Shaker Heights, Euclid, South Euclid, Garfield Heights and Cleveland The name pretty much says it all here. This fried chicken and fish joint now has three locations. Order at the counter, sit down and wait for your sandwich and enjoy. Definitely try the catfish. Photo via Sam Sylk’s Chicken and Fish/Facebook
Bite Creole Kitchen 4262 Monticello Blvd., Cleveland “A local, black owned restaurant in the area. They are also involved in the community, not just a restaurant, so I would highly recommend for everyone to support a restaurant that also supports them. The food is great ! I’m a big fan of loaded fries (a Cleveland favorite), and these are by far one of the best that I have tasted. The chicken is fried, and placed directly over the fries with their mix of sauces and vegetables that all come together perfectly. I plan to try more on the menu, and they also have specials, but I would highly recommend trying the fries. It has become one of my favorites and I’ve eaten them a few times and I have not been disappointed,” Takell L. on Yelp Photo via Bite Creole Kitchen/Facebook
La Campagna/Facebook
Island Cuisine 20023 Harvard Ave., Cleveland The near-unanimous favorite at this Warrensville Heights take-out shop is the jerk chicken, extra-spicy. Unlike many of its brethren, where foods are plucked from a nearby steam table, Island wrangles the bird straight off the grill before dousing it in incendiary sauces. Paired with warm cabbage and rice and beans, the dish serves as a reminder that culinary delight can lurk in every nook and corner. Photo by Doug Trattner
Hansa Brewery 2717 Lorain Ave., Cleveland This Biergarten and beer hall is one of just a select few of German-style breweries in Cleveland. Breaded perch and grilled branzino are the Lent offerings here and they’re worth the trip to Ohio City. They’re one of the only places offering their fish fry during lunch, as they’ll be serving Fridays starting at 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Photo via Hansa Brewery/Facebook
Kumo 1975 Snow Rd., Parma A Japanese seafood buffet sounds awesome, right? How about a buffet box to-go? In addition to Japanese food, they serve a wide variety of American and Chinese offerings at this extensive buffet, where you can be adventurous with exotic Japanese fish or stick to dishes you’re more familiar with. Photo via @Romy1969/Instagram Credit: Scene Archives
Frank’s Bratwurst 1979 W 25th St Hard or soft roll, with or without kraut, brown or yellow mustard. To many, these are the choices that begin a day of shopping at the West Side Market. Do everybody a favor and know what you want before you reach the counter. Frank’s bratwurst is derived from a secret recipe that has been served to the public for the last 50 years. Photo via Scene Archives
Han Chinese Kabob and Grill 3710 Payne Ave.., Cleveland “I love a good Chinese restaurant. I’ve been a “regular” at Han for the better part of two years now, and while there are a couple of close seconds in the area, Han for me is the best! I’m in there at least once a week for lunch, if not more. I’ve never had a bad experience at Han, and I often find new things, or specials to try. If you like Chinese, and care to be a little daring, Han is the place to open you up to a whole new world of Chinese food,” Gregg T. on Yelp Photo via Han Chinese Kabob and Grill/Facebook Credit: Scene Archives

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