Supporting your local restaurants is a sign of civic pride in a normal year. Doing that during a global pandemic doubles that. As we start 2021, let’s keep supporting our local restaurants with takeout. Stuck in a rut? Here’s our batch of 25 to choose from this week.

The Proper Pig 17100 Detroit Ave., Lakewood The Proper Pig really stands out among the different smoked options in town. From their meats by the half pound, to their ‘Texas-sized’ sandwiches to their bacon on a stick, you really can’t go wrong. Finish it all off with some banana pudding with Nilla Wafers if you still have room for dessert. Photo via @ProperPigBBQ/Instagram
Mavis Winkle’s Irish Pub 8870 Darrow Rd., Twinsburg In Twinsburg, Mavis Winkles is a popular Irish pub and restaurant. It’s a fun place to watch a game or have a nice meal with the fam. Photo via L’Albatros/Facebook
Little Hong Kong 18332 Bagley Rd., Middleburgh Heights “Absolutely excellent! Food, service and atmosphere. After a long day traveling, this was the perfect spot. Great pork fried rice, shrimp egg fu young and bourbon chicken. Good prices. Great place to stop at!” Gary K. on Yelp Photo via Little Hong Kong/Facebook Credit: Little Hong Kong/Facebook
3 Palms 200 Park Ave., Ste. 146, Orange Village, 60 Village Way, Hudson and 281 Main St., Westlake 3 Palms is offering their 10 inch Farmhouse pizza, made with house made pesto sauce, garlic, goat cheese, roasted corn, red onion, red pepper and sun-dried tomatoes. Photo Provided
Cleveland Mofongo Latin Grill 11621 Lorain Ave., Cleveland The fast-casual craze has co-opted nearly every other cuisine, so it might as well have claimed Puerto Rican food too. That’s the scene over at the new Cleveland Mofongo Latin Grill, which opened in 2017 on the Cleveland/Lakewood border. Dishes like the roasted pork shoulder and the chicharron are satisfying, filling and delicious. Photo via Scene Archives
Big Momma’s Burrito 6604 Detroit Ave., Cleveland Big Mamma’s Burritos, a favorite of the Ohio University and Ohio State University student bodies, opened a Cleveland outpost in December in partnership with Whistle & Keg (818 Prospect Ave.). That bar currently is closed for renovations owing to damage sustained during the protests. Recently, we learned that Big Mamma’s will open a standalone shop in Gordon Square, in the former home of Daily Press. President Jerry DePizzo says the plan is to open the doors in a couple months. Photo via Scene Archives
Jim’s Open Kitchen 33779 Aurora Rd., Solon Jim’s has been serving breakfast to Solon residents for almost 60 years. This cash-only old timey diner is known for their signature dish, the herb nelson – a mixture home fries, ham, sausage, mushrooms, bacon, eggs, onions, tomatoes and peppers all thrown together. Photo via Jim’s Open Kitchen/Facebook
Biryani Hut Express 26569 Center Ridge Rd., Westlake ”I honestly don’t know if I’ll be able to say enough good things about this place. My mom and I came here for dinner tonight, this was both of our first times trying Indian food, and I’m already excited to go back, and try the next dish! The curry dishes were amazingly fragrant & equally tasty, rice was cooked perfect, the garlic naan was some of the best bread I’ve ever eaten. The mango lassi was refreshing and not too sweet. The portions were perfect and we both ended up going home with leftovers,” Lauren B. on Yelp Photo via Biryani Hut/Facebook
Addy’s Diner 530 Euclid Ave., Cleveland After 35 years in the breakfast business, the owners of P.J.’s Luncheonette sold their old-timey diner to the owner of the newfangled Jack Flaps. But in this narrative, the space winds up reverting to an un-twee diner after three and a half years. The real winners in this saga are the customers, who get the benefit of a tastefully renovated restaurant space courtesy of the outgoing owner, coupled with the value of a modestly priced, user-friendly menu thanks to the incoming. Breakfast is served all day and includes a full meal of two eggs, bacon, toast and jam for a Lincoln and change. Photo via Addy’s Diner/Facebook
Phnom Penh 1929 West 25th St., Cleveland The restaurant offers many dishes that would be familiar to those used to Asian cuisine, but the Cambodian influence is unique and distinct. That said, there are more than 10 kinds of soups full of heaping piles of noodles, veggies and delicate spices to choose from. Photo via Scene Archives
Larder 1455 West 29th St., Cleveland Since opening in 2018, Larder has established itself as not only one of the best delis in Cleveland but possibly the country. Chefs/owners Allie LaValle-Umansky, Jeremy Umansky and Kenny Scott were named semifinalists for a James Beard Award. And world renowned chefs Daniel Boulud of Danel and Thomas Keller of The French Laundry came to Cleveland to eat at Larder. The fried chicken and the pastrami are the stars of the show but really everything is top notch. Photo via @LarderB/Instagram
King Wah 20668 Center Ridge Rd., Rocky River “I have been going here for takeout as well as dine-in since I moved to the west side of Cleveland. This is one of the best Chinese restaurants in the greater Cleveland area. I have had a little bit of everything on their menu. The Coconut Shrimp is always a great appetizer. The sushi is also excellent, not to mention the staff is always friendly and will greet you with a smile. I will continue to patronize King Wah as it’s excellent food and service speak for itself,” Todd M. on Yelp Photo via King Wah/Facebook Credit: King Wah/Facebook
Lobster Roll at Lobster and Pho 6901 Rockside Rd., Independence We never expected to stumble upon one of Northeast Ohio’s best lobster rolls at an Asian eatery in Independence, but there you have it. Folded into a toasted split-top bun is a combination of chopped knuckle meat and tender, whole claws. Garnishes are kept to a minimum, with little more than a drizzle of melted butter and dollop of mayo. Photo by Emanuel Wallace
Lee’s Seafood Boil 2201 Lee Rd., Cleveland Heights “I love this place! First time ordering, and will definitely do so again. The food is just delicious. I got the duo (paid extra for deveined shrimp), homemade juicy seasoning and medium spice. It was soo good! I saved the sauce to eat on my morning eggs the next few days. Loved the hard-boiled egg in it- it just works. Hubby got the lobster and shrimp bowl, spicy, and it was also delicious. Warning: it’s a messy endeavor to eat it, so wear some old clothes and go for it.” Lisa M. on Yelp Photo via Lee’s Seafood Boil/Facebook
Pepper’s 12401 Detroit Ave., Lakewood “Incredibly delicious Italian food! This tiny corner neighborhood restaurant turns out fantastic pastas, pizzas, piccatas, and more. I love their mussels! We have got their food many times. I have tried quite a few items on their menu and I have been extremely pleased every time. They are also just real nice people,” Cathe C. on Yelp Photo via Scene Archives
Oak and Embers 311 Park Ave., Ste. 133, Orange Village, 8003 Mayfield Rd., Chesterland and 7774 Darrow Rd., Hudson Since opening in Chesterland a few years ago, Marc and Gretchen Garofoli have been going full tilt with this barbecue joint. Recently, a third Oak and Embers opened, this one at Pinecrest, the development currently taking shape in Orange Village. Their apple slaw was featured on Burgers, Brews and Que and the chorizo meatloaf is the star of the show here. Photo via Mark Garofoli
Molto Bene Italian Eatery 18401 Detroit Ave., Lakewood “If you’re on the hunt for authentic Italian cuisine, but don’t want to head over to Little Italy on the East Side, Molto Bene is your place. The pasta is fresh and delicate as if it were just made by your Nonna, and the sauces are flavorful and delicious. The gnocchi is my favorite, and I am lucky that they allow me to slightly alter the dish and serve it with vodka cream sauce, delizioso! My taste buds are in heaven!,” Dana W. on Yelp. Photo via Molto Bene Italian Eatery/Facebook
Maha’s Falafil 2700 Carroll Ave., and 1929 East 61st St., Cleveland Since opening in the West Side Market in 1986, Maha’s has been a mainstay in the Middle Eastern food scene in Cleveland. While they recently closed their West Side Market stand, they still serve their delicious falafel, gyros, shawarma and more at Dave’s Supermarket in Ohio City and Midtown. Photo via Scene Archives
Pizza 216 401 Euclid Ave., Cleveland This is the place to get a slice downtown, especially if you’re looking for some wood-fired deliciousness. Try the pierogi pie for something fun. Photo by Emanuel Wallace Credit: Scene Archives
Kintaro Sushi & Hot Pot Multiple Locations All you can eat sushi may make it sound like the quality isn’t great, but that’s not the case at Kintaro’s four locations (Akron, Fairview Park, Brooklyn and Medina), where for $14.99 for lunch and $25.99 for dinner, you can eat all of the sushi you want, but don’t take more than you eat, or you’ll be charged for it. In addition to unlimited sushi, the price also includes staples like miso soup, edamame, gyoza and tempura and even full teriyaki or hibachi meals. Credit: Scene Archives
Sérénité 538 West Liberty St., Medina The concept of giving jobs to convicted criminals at Edwin’s Restaurant and Leadership Academy in Shaker Heights worked so well, owner Brandon Chrostowski decided to expand, this time for people in recovery. Located in Medina, Sérénité, a non-profit like Edwin’s, serves up French cuisine, with the beloved chef Gilbert Brenot, formerly of Maxi’s in Little Italy and Ratatouille in Beachwood, working as the executive chef. Photo via @SereniteRestaurant/Instagram
Brooklyn Soulfood and More 6102 Memphis Ave., Cleveland In Old Brooklyn, this is the spot for barbecue. The shrimp and grits are out of this world. Photo via Kierrica’s Kitchen/Facebook
Scorpacciata Pasta 3441 Tuttle Rd., Shaker Heights “Wow! Just wow! I did not expect the pasta to be that good! The gnocchi was absolutely amazing so well done and well balanced on the plate. I was skeptical about paying $14 for pasta in the type of setting it was located in but it was worth every cent. I would pay $22 for that pasta – it was so good! Will definitely be returning!!” Erin K. on Yelp Photo via Scene Archives Credit: Scene Archives

Scene's award-winning newsroom oftentimes collaborates on articles and projects. Stories under this byline are group efforts.