With a ton of great brunch options in town, it’s hard to narrow them down. Luckily for us, Yelp reviewers did just that. According to Yelp reviewers, these are the 25 best brunch spots in Cleveland. Surely we all agree.
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, especially when it comes to their awesome brunch. Credit: Scene ArchivesSOHO Chicken + Whiskey
1889 W. 25th St., Cleveland
“Oh my goodness, this is probably my favorite restaurant in Cleveland right now. I love chicken and waffles. This takes chicken and waffles to another level. I thought rosemary waffles would be nasty, but they were absolutely delicious with the chicken. The chicken portions are huge; I got 2 pieces but was stuffed after one,” Lydia D. on Yelp Credit: Scene ArchivesJuneberry
3900 Lorain Ave., Cleveland
There is a silver lining to the 2019 closure of Jack Flaps, a popular breakfast diner in Ohio City. Chef Karen Small took the space over and finally opened a diner of her own after much anticipation. The bustling cafe serves breakfast-all-day and lunch items until the early afternoon. Small, who is also in the process of a new concept at the recently closed Flying Fig (2523 Market Ave.,) in the same neighborhood was motivated to grab the space because of what she believes is a gap in the marketplace. Juneberry features an all-day breakfast and lunch menu largely inspired by the chef’s decade spent living outside of Athens, Ohio. Credit: Scene ArchivesSouthern Cafe
11817 Detroit Ave., Lakewood
Sometimes for names of restaurants, simple is better, and the name of this place says it all. What would you expect at a place called Southern Cafe? Fried green tomatoes, catfish fingers, shrimp and grits, gumbo? Chicken and waffles? They’ve got it all. Credit: Scene ArchivesBorderline Cafe
18508 Detroit Ave., Lakewood
Nothing but breakfast served sunny side up Wednesday through Sunday at this popular West End café. Huge stuffed omelets, chewy buttermilk pancakes, and breakfast burritos are freshly prepared and restorative in nature. Don’t be put off by the line out the door; it just proves that people have good taste. Credit: Scene ArchivesFat Cats
2061 West 10th St., Cleveland
This cool Tremont spot is in a converted house that includes a lava lounge. Their dinner options are fancy takes on classic comfort food, which matches their sleek atmosphere. Spots book up quickly, especially on weekends. Credit: Scene ArchivesLe Petit Triangle Cafe
1881 Fulton Rd., Cleveland
This little French-inspired spot is an Ohio City jewel, a hidden lair with a locals-only vibe that truly is “easy like Sunday morning.” Kickstart your day with a frothy cappuccino — or a glass of champagne — and peruse the European influenced menu. Crepes, like the ham and d’Affinois, are always a great idea, but so too are fluffy omelets, sunny quiches and tangy lemon curd French toast. If you’re feeling more “unch” than “br,” dig into a salad Nicoise with salmon, egg, potato and olives or the roast chicken sandwich, an airy croissant layered with meat, goat cheese and mango chutney. Credit: Scene archivesRowley Inn
1104 Rowley Ave., Cleveland
“Would recommend Rowley Inn in Tremont and Riverwood Cafe in Lakewood,” BigProfesionalGuy, “Rowley Inn has a ghost pepper wing that will rival a bunch of the hotter wings you’ve had in your life,” MileXend Credit:@TheRowleyInn/InstagramEdwins Too
13220 Shaker Square, Cleveland
“Came for Saturday brunch with some friends and had a wonderful time! The food was delicious and the portions were very generous, the pictures don’t do them justice! The service was great too, and they made sure we all got our drinks (the guardian cold brew was hidden away, but they provided us with regular updates and the wait was well worth it!). The drip coffee was a bit bitter for my taste, and tasted slightly burnt. But overall, no complaints from me! Will be coming again,” Elaine L. on Yelp Credit: Scene ArchivesToast
1365 West 65th., Cleveland
“Visited Toast in the Gordon Square district for brunch. The restaurant is unassuming from the exterior but very cozy once you step inside. We ordered the breakfast sandwich with bacon and the spiced apple French toast, which was smothered in apples. The portion sizes were fantastic, and the flavor did not disappoint. We will definitely be back for dinner!” Rachel C. on Yelp Credit: Scene ArchivesHeck’s Cafe
2927 Bridge Ave., Cleveland
“I enjoy Heck’s for brunch! People kind of forget about it for brunch, and they shouldn’t. It’s a great menu. I will always love the vibe inside of Heck’s, with its deep winding staircase, abundant sunlight and greenery…You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu here. I ordered the Benedict Tournedos, which came served on a baguette with hollandaise, egg and a small piece of filet mignon. It had a side of potatoes and fruit (the fruit was just cantaloupe and red grapes). I thought the hollandaise had an excellent, creamy flavor that hit the spot. I dipped all of my potatoes in it! The Bloody Mary I ordered may have been the best Mary I’ve ever had in Cleveland. Give this place a try and you will love it!” Lauren K on Yelp Credit: Scene ArchivesThe Inn On Coventry
2785 Euclid Heights Blvd., Cleveland Heights
“The Inn on Coventry is a classic brunch spot that is definitely worth visiting. I went to celebrate my friend’s birthday and it was a great choice. All the brunch items are super affordable. I ordered the croissant sisterhood, which is essentially an eggs Benedict with smoked salmon on a croissant. It was $13 and the most expensive thing on the menu (aka everything else is quite cheap). It was delicious!! The croissant was buttery and perfectly toasted and the eggs were great.
My friend ordered a scramble with chorizo and said it was delicious — perfectly seasoned and packed with a kick. Definitely would recommend this spot for brunch; I would go earlier before it gets too busy!” PamPam G. on Yelp Credit: Scene ArchivesBourbon Street Barrel Room
2393 Professor Ave., Cleveland
“I went for brunch and got the fried chicken and french toast. So I can really speak to how well they are doing when it comes to the New Orleans cuisine. What I can say is that the drinks are AMAZING. We had Amira and Patrick at the bar. Both were super accommodating and attentive. Amira made this great mocktail for my friend that is expecting called a health tonic. If she is there I recommend ordering it. It is so refreshing…..and you can add gin or tequila,” Willainaa S. on Yelp Credit: Scene ArchivesProsperity Social Club
1109 Starkweather Ave., Cleveland
Cozy and retro, this former workingman’s watering hole serves up food, booze, and a bowling machine along with the live music. You’ll find locals laying down everything from lounge and jazz to folk and bluegrass. The kitchen stays open nightly until midnight and brunch on Saturdays and Sundays. Credit: Scene ArchivesBeachland Ballroom and Tavern
15711 Waterloo Rd., Cleveland
“Went there for brunch and I was blown away. The biscuits are the best I have ever had. There were 5 of us who went and had no problem getting a table. The menu is extremely vegan/ vegetarian friendly, plus I love that they serve local food. One of the best brunches I’ve had in my life,” Jodi B. on Yelp Credit: Scene ArchivesThe Sleepy Rooster
5120 Chillicothe Rd., Chagrin Falls
This Chagrin Falls breakfast and lunch diner just opened in 2021 but it’s made quite an impression. Biscuit fans will appreciate the fresh-baked ones served here. They land in dishes like breakfast biscuits, biscuits and gravy, and eggs Benedict. The Sleepy Rooster is one of the only Northeast Ohio restaurants to make and serve goetta, the German breakfast meat made with pork, beef, steel-cut oats, onions and spices. Some breakfast items, like a section of toasts topped with arrangements like avocado and sea salt, chorizo and goat cheese, and smoked salmon, dill cream cheese and onion, are available all day. This place is certainly elevating the breakfast game in town. Credit: Scene ArchivesScratch Restaurant
6595 Brecksville Rd., Independence
“Unassuming exterior that opens into a bustling, cute interior that’s welcoming and warm. This spot does not disappoint in the welcome or food on the menu. Appears to be a local favorite and for good reason. My wife went with the bruschetta benedict and I chose the Steak and eggs. I have personally never had a better tasting breakfast to start my day and would recommend anyone within a 30 minute drive to get in your car now and make the trip,” Jonathan S. on Yelp Credit: Scene ArchivesGrumpy’s Cafe
2621 West 14th St., Cleveland
“A great place for brunch in tremont! Came here on a Sunday morning and got lucky with no wait but at peak times especially on Sundays, there’s a long line. But the wait would definitely be worth it. Their menu has extensive sweet and savory options. I tried the veggie Benedict – the Hollandaise sauce was delicious, I wished there was a little more of it! I also tried the walnut apple French toast, which was so tasty. The home fries that come with several of the dishes were perfectly crispy and flavorful. I can’t wait to come back to try more menu items!” Sonali P. on Yelp Credit: Scene ArchivesSabor Miami Cafe and Gallery
4848 Broadview Rd., Cleveland
“My boyfriend and I decided to grab breakfast here since we were both craving an el típico and, wow, are we glad that we that we did! We both got a Chorizo Honduran Breakfast and a Cuban Colado. It was a ton of food and ended up being two meals for me (admittedly only one for the boyfriend). Everything was amazingly delicious, but the handmade tortillas and beans were the best. We will definitely be back!” Alycia G. on Yelp
Photo via Sabor Miami Cafe and Gallery/Facebook Credit: Scene ArchivesPioneer
2407 Lorain Ave., Cleveland
Pioneer, the new wood-fired sports bar at Intro in Ohio City opened in June. As the name implies, Pioneer captures the spirit of the great outdoors and camping culture, but filters those activities through a new-school lens. Owner Dan Whalen describes the menu as “American food with hints of Latin and South American flavors.” Most sports bar follow a typical format that includes cheap domestic beer, sticky floors and deep-fried everything. Whalen surveyed the landscape and saw the potential for a more elegant version of the sports bar destination. Credit: Scene ArchivesLucky’s Cafe
777 Starkweather Ave., Cleveland
“Lucky’s Cafe is easily one of the best brunch spots in Cleveland. It is very well known, which means there will probably be a bit of a wait if you are going on the weekends, but it is so worth it.
I got the Shipwreck which is, simply put, delectable. This meal was easily large enough to eat half of it and take some home after to enjoy it just as much the second time. The Caramel Creme Breve is a great choice if the taste of coffee is not your favorite. It is sweet, but has enough espresso in it to get the job done. The servers were prompt with everything that they served us with, and they work great together as a team. We had several servers check on us throughout our meal and all were nothing but friendly. I very highly recommend making a trip to Tremont to visit this fantastic place!” Mel T. on Yelp Credit: Scene ArchivesMoxie, Chagrin Falls
Just as he recently did with Lopez, Brad Friedlander is dusting off an old brand and bringing it out of retirement. Moxie closed in 2019 after a laudable 22 years. Since opening in the late-1990s, the Beachwood bistro produced many of the region’s top chefs, including Doug Katz, Karen Small, Tim Bando, Eric Williams, Jonathan Bennett, John Kolar and others. Friedlander and partner Michael DuBois purchased Aurelia in Chagrin Falls, which closed after six years. Following a refresh of the property, Moxie will open in June, with Aurelia chef James Balchak staying on. The through lines connecting Moxie past and present, says management, will be the seasonal menus, from-scratch cooking, high-quality ingredients and elevated guest experience. Credit: Scene ArchivesAdega
2017 East Ninth St., Cleveland
The modern, sleek decor and stunning wine cellar located in the middle of the restaurant makes Adega one of the coolest designed places in town at this modern Mediterranean joint. Being located at the Metropolitan hotel/the Nine, downtown’s swankiest residence, makes it not just beautiful decor, but the scene is worth checking out as well and the food is always and creative.
Photo via Scene Archives Credit: Scene ArchivesDante Next Door
2247 Professor Ave., Cleveland
Everything Dante Boccuzzi touches turns to gold so it’s no surprise that his breakfast spot is a success. They’re only open on Sundays right now but the food is so good that it had to be on this list. Credit: Scene ArchivesAstoria Market and Cafe
5417 Detroit Ave., Cleveland
Astoria opens at 11 a.m. (10 a.m. on weekends!) and serves up excellent tapas AND has a great market, but the crowning jewel is their wine and cocktails menu. Credit: Scene Archives
