Cleveland Burger Week | July 11-17, 2022

The Best Things We Ate in Cleveland in 2019

By Scene Staff

Out of all of the meals we had in Cleveland in 2019 here are the best of the best, as selected by food editor Douglas Trattner.

Scroll down to view images

Join the Cleveland Scene Press Club

At a time when local-based reporting is critical, support from our readers is essential to our future. Join the Cleveland Scene Press Club for as little as $5 a month

Spring Pea Toast at Michael’s Genuine

3427 Tuttle Rd., Shaker Heights

There was no better expression of the season than the spring pea toast dished up at Michael's Genuine. Atop a shingle of hearty toast sat light-as-air layers of minty mashed peas and fluffy burrata.
Photo by Emanuel Wallace

Spring Pea Toast at Michael’s Genuine

3427 Tuttle Rd., Shaker Heights

Strategically placed slivers of radish bring crunch to every bite, while a sifting of orange zest conjures warm Miami breezes. It’s dishes like this that exemplify seasonal cooking.

Photo via @MichaelsGenuineCle/Instagram

Tinman Burger formerly of Ohio City Galley

13368 Madison Ave., Lakewood

The Ohio City Galley brought thrills and spills in its first year, but man-oh-man, that burger from Tinman. That stall's legendary burger is a ridiculously savory stack of two thin patties, American cheese, special sauce, and sweet and spicy pickles on a brioche bun. It's plush, beefy and incredibly rich. Now the Ohio City Galley is closed and the burger should be available sometime this spring at Eugene Kitchen at Bottlehouse.

Photo via Ohio City Galley

Rood Food and Pie

17001 Madison Ave., Lakewood

Our assumptions were upended at this sexy Lakewood restaurant, where sliders and pie are the main events. The build-your-own experience starts with fresh-baked rolls that are split and topped with a choice of a dozen hot fillings and various zippy slaws.

Photo by Tim Harrison

Rood Food and Pie

17001 Madison Ave., Lakewood

From vegan sauteed mushrooms to spicy pulled chicken and meaty braised beef brisket, the results will have you reconsidering the world of sliders.

Photo via Scene Archives

Pork and Pickled Cabbage at Sichuan Hot Pot

2162 Rockwell Ave., Cleveland

Part soup, part stir-fry, the shredded pork with pickled cabbage swaps the usual Sichuan kick in the teeth for the more subdued punch of preserved vegetables.

Photo by Doug Trattner

Pork and Pickled Cabbage at Sichuan Hot Pot

2162 Rockwell Ave., Cleveland

A deep bowl of flat noodles in chicken broth is capped with a nest of slender pork strips and crunchy-sour pickled mustard greens that tickle the tongue in a completely different way.

Photo via Scene Archives

Gyro at Mars Bar

15314 Madison Ave., Lakewood

Maybe it's the newly expanded dining room, but everything tastes fresher.

Photo via Scene Archives

Chutney B

3441 Tuttle Rd., Shaker Heights

We can count on fast-casual spots for efficiency and affordability, but often surrender boldly flavored food in the bargain. That's not the case at Doug Katz's Chutney B, located in the Market Hall at Van Aken District.

Photo via The Van Aken District/Facebook

Chutney B

3441 Tuttle Rd., Shaker Heights

Sure, it's a "bowl," but this one is powered by a dynamic spice blend that enlivens a turmeric-hued stew of chicken, carrots and mushrooms atop a bed of fluffy rice. Kick it up with zhug, a spicy herb-based condiment.

Photo via Scene Archives