We’re talking lunch. Because everyone needs that perfect lunch spot. Uncomplicated, simple. The perfect meal to break up the day. These 22 spots have been doing it forever in Cleveland, so check them out.
Nate’s Deli
1923 West 25th St., Cleveland
Before West 25th became the West 25th that it is today, there was Nate’s Deli. While the neighborhood grows and changes, this family institution remains an enduring fixture. With such a devoted following for both the American deli and the Middle Eastern classics sides of its menu, how could this venerable urban lunch spot not keep the flame burning brightly? King-sized pastrami sandwiches, heaping plates of schwarma and stuffed pita rolls are all filling takeaways while on a work break or before or after trips to the West Side Market.
Photo via Nate’s Deli/FacebookHeck’s Cafe
2927 Bridge Ave., Cleveland
If you’re on a search for the best burgers in town, Heck’s is surely not to be overlooked, as they’ve been serving up burgers since 1974. If you can handle the spice, the Hot Fire Burger is the way to go. Don’t forget an order of Heck’s Fries, topped with salt and pepper and a side of malt vinegar aioli. In addition to their original Ohio City location, they’ve expanded to Avon and opened a Heck’s Express downtown.
Photo via Scene ArchivesThe Place To Be
1391 Warren Rd., Lakewood
Good food, great prices and a family atmosphere is the name of the game at this Lakewood greasy spoon. The menu claims that they have the “best biggest omelettes in town” and who are we to argue?
Photo via The Place To Be/FacebookSuperior Pho
3030 Superior Ave., Cleveland
Because pho is an essential part of a balanced diet, not to mention one’s sanity, noodle shops like this one hold a very important place in our lives. Winter or summer, a bowl of pho is more than food; it’s a restorative elixir that sets us on a brighter path. Crispy spring rolls, citrusy cabbage salad, and meaty banh mi sammies also make us happy, so it’s a good thing that the versions served at this perfectly acceptable dining room are as delicious as the noodle soup.
Photo via Scene ArchivesSokolowski’s University Inn
1201 University Rd., Cleveland
The Sokolowski family has run this notable restaurant that was opened in 1923, making it the oldest family-owned restaurant in the city. Line up at the counter, select staples like pierogies and paprikash and their reuben, and you won’t be disappointed. Sokolowski’s was featured on an episode of Food Network’s “Best Thing I Ever Ate,” selected by Michael Symon.
Photo via Sokolowski’s University Inn/FacebookWest Side Market Cafe
1979 West 25th St., Cleveland
For price, ambience, and first-class people-watching, no place tops the West Side Market Café in the venerable West Side Market’s southeast corner. And the food is really good.
Photo via West Side Market Cafe/FacebookVincenzas
603 Prospect Ave. East, Cleveland
This pizza joint, located just outside the Fifth Street Arcades, has been called the best pizza in Cleveland by renowned chef Michael Symon.
Photo via Vincenza’s Pizza and Pasta/FacebookMy Friends Restaurant
11616 Detroit Rd., Cleveland
Ask most people and the name My Friends Restaurant is what first comes to mind for the ultimate late night breakfast eatery. This 24-hour Lakewood/Cleveland border haunt serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner all day, but the people watching is priceless after midnight.
Photo via @Cle_Chi/InstagramLi Wah
2999 Payne Ave., Cleveland
Located in the Asian Plaza — a three-floor complex of professional offices, gift shops, herb stores, and Asian food markets — Li Wah offers an assortment of traditional dim sum as well as a large menu of fresh seafood and authentic Hong Kong-style cuisine. If you’re going for their delicious dim sum, go on a Sunday afternoon, when the variety of dishes being pushed around on carts is at its maximum.
Photo via Li Wah/FacebookLa Plaza Supermarket
13609 Lakewood Heights Blvd., Lakewood
All it takes to get your hands on what many deem the best tacos in Cleveland is venturing to this Lakewood supermarket. This grocery store cooks up barbacoa, carnitas, chorizo and al pastor tacos in front of your eyes. They’re served up as-is, but load up on diced onion, cilantro, guac and salsas to your heart’s desire.
Photo via La Plaza Supermarket/FacebookJohnny’s Little Bar
614 Frankfort Ave., Cleveland
Right around the corner from the popular Warehouse district white tablecloth Italian joint Johnny’s, you’ll find Johnny’s Little Bar, an iconic Cleveland spot. The bar boasts a “world famous” burger, giving the traditional Italian menu at the main restaurant a run for its money. And the people watching is outstanding here.
Photo via Scene ArchivesColumbo Room
1988 Noble Rd, Cleveland
A quiet neighborhood bar located on the border of East Cleveland and Cleveland Heights, the Columbo Room is known for being more than just a local watering hole. The restaurant serves up excellent, juicy corned beef and really good fried fish.
Photo via Scene ArchivesCharlie’s Dog House Diner
2102 Brookpark Rd., Cleveland
The kitschy roadside attraction has been in the exact same spot since 1952, when it began life as the Dog House, part of a national chain of shops that offered walk-up service to customers who ordered hot dogs and hamburgers through a window. Neon lights promising Chicago-style Vienna hot dogs are the real draw.
Photo via Charlie’s Dog House Diner/FacebookBig Al’s Diner
12600 Larchmere Blvd., Cleveland
If you miss Mom’s cooking, this is the place to get your fix. Big Al’s has all the comforting favorites, like thick, steaming soups, homemade mashed potatoes with gravy, open-faced roast beef sandwiches and chocolate cake for dessert. Breakfast is served until the diner’s late-afternoon closing time. But the corned beef hash is the star of the show – it was featured on the Food Network’s Best Thing I Ever Ate by Michael Symon.
Photo via @JamesBXXL/Instagram#1 Pho
3120 Superior Ave., Cleveland
While many old-school Vietnamese restaurants make their dishes saltier than the Atlantic Ocean, #1 Pho makes liberal use of cilantro and tangy fruit sauces to keep your taste buds entertained (like the vegetarian pho above). Inside the restaurant’s green Victorian building, the ambiance is fresh and dramatic, with blond wood floors and long red curtains hanging all the way to the floor.
Photo via #1 Pho/Facebook
