21 Destination Restaurants Worth the Drive from Cleveland

Village Pump

103 West Lakeshore Dr., Kelleys Island

Kelley’s Island is the perfect spot to hit up for a quick weekend getaway and Village Pump is the place to eat there. Famous for their Lake Erie Perch and lobster chowder, both dishes are must-orders at this seafood restaurant. And don’t forget to try the Brandy Alexander, a mixture of nutmeg, brandy, creme de cocoa and vanilla ice cream.

Photo via @CARyan1968/Instagram

Chalet in the Valley

5060 OH-557, Millersburg

One of the must-visit destinations in Amish Country, the Chalet is run by the Guggisberg Cheese family. This cute and only moderately kitschy Swiss/Austrian restaurant dishes up crispy veal and pork schnitzel, bratwurst and sauerkraut platters and gently bubbling pots of fondue, all warmly served by dirndl-clad servers. Across the street is the Guggisberg Cheese facility, where you can purchase cheese from the source.

Photo via Chalet in the Valley/Facebook

Jolly Roger Seafood House

1737 East Perry St., Port Clinton

Arriving at Jolly Roger you'll see plenty of out of town license plates in the parking lot and what seems like an endless line. People come from all over the United States for this Seafood House's Yellow Perch sandwiches, caught in Lake Erie, which is within eyesight from the establishment. Order with a side of fries or onion rings to complete the delicious lunch.

Photo via Jolly Roger Seafood House/Facebook

Eddie’s Grill

5377 Lake Rd. E.. Geneva

Who needs the franchised burgers of In-N-Out on the West Coast when you have Eddie's in the Midwest. There's no need to travel a great distance to get a great tasting fresh burger served with a nostalgic 50s vibe. Footlong hot dogs, fresh crispy fries, and mouthwatering coleslaw are served in addition to their famous burgers. Take advantage while you can because this burger joint is only open during the Summer.

Photo via Eddie’s Grill/Facebook

Rennick Meat Market

1104 Bridge St., Ashtabula

This former butcher shop turned steakhouse dry ages their steaks and make homemade pickles, mustard, sausages and cured meats. Located in Ashtabula's harbor district, Rennick's has become a destination restaurant for Northeast Ohio residents looking for some of the finest quality meats.

Photo via Rennick Meat Market/Facebook

Bob's Hamburg

1351 East Ave., Akron

An Akron staple and one of the older burger places on this list, Bob's opened in 1931 and has outlasted the McDonald's that opened up across the street in 1960 and then closed in 1997. That should tell you how seriously good these burgers are.

Photo via Bob’s Hamburg/Facebook

Brimfield Bread Oven

3956 OH-43 #2, Kent

Located outside of Kent, Brimfield Bread Oven is Northeast Ohio's first wood-fired bakery. Offering an array of pastries and freshly made bread that is also organic and local, this bakery also cooks up some amazing pizzas. Go ahead and grab a loaf or two to go.

Photo via @BrimfieldBreadOven/Instagram

White House Chicken

180 Wooster Rd. N., Barberton

In the words of Cleveland's own Chef Sawyer, going to Whitehouse Chicken in Barberton is a "pilgrimage." Barberton is known for serving up its own kind of chicken, which is chicken fried in lard to create very juicy meat with a crisp and chewy crust. On Tuesdays, Whitehouse offers their classic dinner special for $7.50 which is totally worth the hour drive.

Photo via Whitehouse Chicken/Facebook

Osso Farm Restaurant

9145 Old State Rd., Hambden

Outside of Chardon, this 40-acre property is the butcher, the farm and the table all in one. The restaurant is so labor intensive that they’re only open from Thursday to Saturday, with an a la carte menu offered on Thursday and a prix fixe menu on Friday and Saturday. For a truly unique experience, this place is definitely worth the drive.

Photo by Douglas Trattner

Warren’s Spirited Kitchen

14614 East Park St., Burton

Warren's kitchen continues to cook up fine dining for the residents of Northeast Ohio (many of whom are willing to drive the extra distance). The Miso Walnut Soup is a must order appetizer, and among their selection of pastas the Day Boat Scallops are well worth the price. Expect a nice selection of steak and salads as well.

Photo via @WarrensSpiritedKitchen/Instagram