Any examination of our restaurant scene isn’t complete without recognizing our rich history and tradition of black owned bars and restaurants in the region. Here are some places you should check out.

Cleveland’s vibrant restaurant scene has been recognized locally and nationally for a while now. But any examination of our restaurant scene isn’t complete without recognizing our rich history and tradition of black-owned bars and restaurants in the region. Here are some incredible spots you should check out.

 

 

Zanzibar Soul Fusion Multiple Locations This Shaker Square eatery, which expanded to downtown in 2018, owned by the same restaurateurs that started Angie’s Soul Food Cafe, is a must-visit soul food spot. This place does their own take on southern comfort and the catfish po’boys and fried chicken are staples on the menu. Check out Scene’s review. Photo via Zanzibar Soul Fusion/Facebook
Battiste and Dupree Cajun Grill 1992 Warrensville Center Rd., Cleveland Fans of this quirky little restaurant in an overlooked strip center have come to expect glacial service from chef and owner Junior Battiste, who operates at a speed unto himself. For 10 years now, a committed and enthusiastic clientele has put up with that “leisurely” pace just to get their hands on this city’s best Creole and Cajun cuisine. Photo via Scene Archives
31707 Urban Street Food 4812 Turney Rd., Garfield Heights A steak omelette, chicken philly egg rolls and a french toast philly breakfast sandwich? Check out this urban grill for those and other creative and delicious offerings. Photo via @3_1_7_0_7/Instagram
Fresh and Meaty Burgers 13187 Cedar Rd., Cleveland Heights This Cleveland Heights fast-food spot (also out of California) is aptly named. Every burger is made fresh and they’ll deliver around the Cleveland Heights area. The fries are handcut and the burgers are delicious. Photo via freshandmeatyburgers/Instagram
Empress Taytu 6125 St. Clair Ave., Cleveland Empress Taytu is one of just two Ethiopian restaurants around Northeast Ohio, and if you’ve never had Ethiopian food, it’s definitely worth checking out. Not only is it a cool dining experience, with diners getting to sit at low-slung basket tables called mesobs, but the food is also unique and tasty. The restaurant won a Best of Scene award in 2016 for Best African Restaurant. Photo via Empress Taytu/Facebook
Swerve Grille 20126 Chagrin Boulevard, Shaker Heights This upscale joint in Shaker Heights features barbecue/comfort food and live music. You can enjoy a nice quiet dinner, but when the music starts, it turns into a party, so be prepared. Photo via Swerve Grille/Yelp Credit: Scene Archives
The Sweet Fix Bakery 2307 Lee Rd., Cleveland Heights This Lee Road Bakery serves up delicious baked goods to Cleveland Heights’ locals. It’s owned by Chef Eric Rogers, owner of Black Box Fix and The Fresh Fix. Photo via
Frederick’s Wine and Dine 22005 Emery Rd., Warrensville Heights If you’re looking to hear some live blues or jazz with your meal, Frederick’s is the place for you. The restaurant/bar has live music every Friday, Saturday and Sunday and on Saturday and Sunday, the shows often go to at least midnight. Photo via Frederick’s/Facebook Credit: Frederick’s/Facebook
Brown’s Corner Restaurant 14511 Miles Ave., Cleveland Brown’s has been in business for over thirty years. It’s a breakfast spot, and one reviewer on Facebook aptly calls it “morning comfort food”. Photo via ghostdadon79/Instagram
Columbo 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 Columbo Room/Yelp
Magna Wine Boutique 692 Broadway Ave., Bedford In historic downtown Bedford, you’ll find the only black owned wine boutique in the state. This wine shop and tasting room that opened in 2020 has a unique and extensive collection of wines. Photo via
Beckham’s B&M Multiple Locations Beckham’s B&M has been in the Beckham family since 1958, when Eddie Beckham from Georgia teamed up with his wife from Virginia and partner James Mitchell decided to open a barbecue joint in the Hough area of Cleveland. Beckham’s son Greg and his wife Sonya still own the restaurant today, which has expanded into four locations and a food truck. Photo via cali_ali16/Instagram
Capo Steaks 11332 Euclid Ave., Cleveland Most people believe that you have to travel to Philadelphia to get an authentic cheese steak. Forget Pat’s and Geno’s – Capo Steaks, in East Cleveland, has the real deal. They’re messy but don’t worry about that; the mess is definitely worth it. Photo via Capo Steaks/Facebook
Choukouya Resto Bar 4620 Richmond Rd., Warrensville Heights As one of Cleveland’s only West African restaurants, Choukouya offers guests a dining experience unlike any other place in town. One such revelation is the chicken yassa, a stew-like dish with beguilingly complex flavors. Photo via Scene Archives
Taste of Jamaica 5104 Mayfield Rd., Lyndhurst If you have never had an order of jerk chicken, you’re definitely missing out. Head out to Lyndhurst to Taste of Jamaica and you can have jerk chicken, fried plantains, and other delicious Jamaican cuisine. Jamaican cuisine is also known for curry. Check out our review here. Photo via tasteofjamaica5104/Instagram
Sam Sylk’s Chicken and Fish Multiple Locations The name pretty much says it all here. This fried chicken and fish joint now has three locations. Order at the counter, sit down and wait for your sandwich and enjoy. But we recommend you try the catfish. Photo via samsylk/Instagram
Zoma 2240 Lee Rd., Cleveland Heights The other Ethiopian restaurant in town is located in Cleveland Heights, on the historic Lee Road. Ethiopian food fits nicely with the current trends of veganism and vegetarianism as meat is not a big part of this type of cuisine, so if you’re looking for a new spot, check this place out. You can read our review here. Photo via Zoma/Facebook
CMB Soul Food 12503 Union Ave., Cleveland This place is one of the most delicious soul food spots in Cleveland, and they deliver. The loaded potatoes, garlic parmesan wings and onion rings are some of the best items on the menu. Photo via CMB Soul Food/Facebook Credit: CMB Soul Food/Facebook
The Rib Cage Smokehouse 2214 Lee Rd., Cleveland Heights and 1834 West 25th St., Cleveland Another Lee Road spot on this list, the Rib Cage Smokehouse, which recently expanded to West 25th, serves up some of the best ribs in town. With a multitude of sauces and locally sourced ingredients, get over to this place as soon as you can. Try the rib cage chili and fried green tomatoes: you won’t be disappointed. Check out our review here. Photo by Emmanuel Wallace
Al & B’s Barbeque 115115 Puritas Ave., Cleveland The ribs just fall off the bone at this hidden gem of a barbecue joint. Throw some sweet barbecue sauce on the thick-cut fries for a true taste of Cleveland-style barbecue. Photo via Al & B’s Barbeque/Facebook
Angie’s Soul Cafe Multiple Locations If you’re looking for authentic soul food, with the emphasis on the food, check out one of the locations of Angie’s Soul Cafe around Cleveland. The candied yams are a must-try. Photo via Angie’s Soul Food Cafe/Facebook
Goodfellas BBQ 5156 Wilson Mills Rd., Richmond Heights If you’re looking for Cleveland barbecue done right, check out this spot. You won’t be disappointed. Photo via @GoodfellasBBQ/Instagram
The Original Grill 17406 St. Clair Ave., Cleveland Located in the Collinwood neighborhood of Cleveland, the Original Grill is a beloved neighborhood spot. The wings or the fish fry are the stars here but don’t sleep on the delicious brunch. Photo via The Original Grill/Facebook
Subcity Multiple Locations Their focus is subs, but this carryout place, with three locations, really does a bit of everything. With chicken wings, loaded potatoes, wraps and rice bowls, it’s really your one stop shop when looking for that perfect to-go meal. Photo via Subcity/Facebook
Twan Jones Fine Dining 16941 Broadway Rd., Maple Heights In Maple Heights, this restaurant offers tasty lamb chops, seafood, a bunch of items loaded with alfredo sauce and more. Photo via Twan Jones Fine Dining/Facebook
The Boujie Bakery 1774 Lee Rd., Cleveland Heights Boasting an extensive menu of baked goods, this Cleveland Heights bakery is known for their delicious and creative cakes and cupcakes. Photo via Boujee Bakery/Facebook
Sauce The City 1400 West 25th St., Cleveland If you haven’t tried the award-winning hot chicken sandwich from this joint, located in the Ohio City Galley food hall, what are you even doing here? Photo via Ohio City Galley/Facebook
Heights Soul Food and Grill 2238 Lee Rd., Cleveland Heights Check out this soul food spot located in the historic Cedar-Lee district of the Heights Photo via Heights Soul Food and Grill/Facebook
Irie Jamaican Kitchen Multiple Locations This beloved Jamaican spot, which recently opened a second location in Old Brooklyn in addition to their original Euclid location, makes some really delicious food. The loaded plantains and jerk chicken bowl are especially scrumptious. Photo via Scene Archives
Fawaky Burst Multiple Locations If you’re on a diet or wanting to be on one, this is the spot for you. With juices, smoothies and healthy wraps, keep this spot on your to-go list for those New Year’s resolutions. Photo via Scene Archives
Elite Bistro 25359 Cedar Rd., Lyndhurst This bistro took over the space that was formerly Fix Bistro in the historic Cedar-Lee district of Cleveland Heights. For creative cocktails, tasty food and a fun and hip atmosphere, try this joint out. Photo via Elite Bistro/Facebook
5 Points Grille 239 Richmond Rd., Richmond Heights In the mood for a neighborhood spot where you can go for a quick bite after work and stay for a couple of drinks to watch the game? This Richmond Heights bar and grill is the spot you’re looking for. Photo via 5 Points Grille/Facebook
Berea Smokehouse Barbecue and Grill 819 North Rocky River Dr., Berea There’s nothing like the smell of barbecue wafting through the air. And when you get a whiff of what this smokehouse is serving up, you won’t be able to resist. Photo via Berea Smokehouse Barbecue and Grill/Facebook
Floods Urban Seafood Lounge 4353 Northfield Rd., Warrensville Heights Fried gator bites, lobster rolls, a bunch of fried fish baskets, seafood alfredo, crab cakes and more are just a few items on the menu that makes this truly a seafood lounge, just like its name says. Photo via
Annie B and Earl’s Place 4017 St. Clair Ave., Cleveland Check out this place for some of the best pancakes in town. Photo via Annie B and Earl’s Place
Ella Mae’s Soulfood 13898 Cedar Rd., University Heights In University Heights, Ella Mae’s serves up delicious soulfood to loyal patrons. But it may be the desserts, like their banana pudding and peach cobbler, that steal the show here. Photo via Ella Mae’s Soulfood/Facebook
Deon’s Restaurant 6218 Superior Ave., Cleveland Check out this joint with creative dishes like their chicken philly served over mac and cheese. Photo via Deon’s Restaurant/Facebook
Incredible Foodz 3936 Mayfield Rd., Cleveland Heights While this Cleveland Heights restaurant that serves wings, po’ boys, fries and more is open all day, they also stay open until 4 a.m., making it the perfect late night spot. Photo via @IncredibleFoodz/Instagram
Calypso’s Restaurant 575 East 140th St., Cleveland Delicious burgers, po’ boys, wings, fries and much more are served at this Cleveland grill. Photo via Calypso’s Restaurant/Facebook
Cleveland Cold Brew Coffee and Cafe 1400 East 105th St., Cleveland After being chosen out of 180 businesses in the Mayor’s Neighborhood Transformation Initiative Retail Incubator Program, this small-batch coffee shop and cafe opened in the Glenville neighborhood of Cleveland in early 2020. Photo via @ClevelandColdBrewCoffee/Instagram
Cathy’s Creamery 401 Euclid Ave., Cleveland If you’re craving an ice cream sandwich, Cathy’s is the place to go. Fresh-baked cookies are made throughout the day, or they can be made at home if you purchase its cookie dough. Photo via Cathy’s Creamery/Facebook
Fatboy Donuts and Catering 10120 St. Clair Ave., Cleveland You know a place named Fatboy Donuts is gonna have some tasty treats, and they do at this Cleveland bakery. Photo via Fatboy Donuts and Catering/Facebook
Island Style 2144 Noble Rd., Cleveland If you’re looking for some fresh Caribbean food, check out this favorite spot of Noble neighborhood residents. Photo via Island Style/Facebook
Jewellz Fine Dining 2204 Noble Rd., Cleveland This restaurant brings fine dining to the Noble neighborhood of Cleveland. Photo via @Jewellz_Fine_Dinning/Instagram
Ocho Rios 1007 Ivanhoe Rd., Cleveland As their name indicates, this spot is known for some of the best Jamaican food around town. Photo via Ocho Rios/Facebook
Rise and Shine Eatery v26199 Chardon Rd., Richmond Heights If you find yourself around or near the Richmond Heights area during breakfast time, we’d recommend hitting up this neighborhood spot. Photo via Rise and Shine Eatery/Facebook
Harvard Wine and Grill 14201 Harvard Ave., Cleveland This traditional grill has standard offerings like a rib eye steak and salmon but try the turkey ribs if you want something a little different that stands out. Photo via Harvard Wine and Grill/Facebook
The Euro Wafel Bar 11457 Mayfield Rd., Cleveland A bar? That serves waffles? Well, you don’t have to tell us twice. Photo via
Muncheez 12306 Buckeye Rd., Cleveland Delicious wings, fries, sandwiches and more are available at the Euclid and Buckeye locations of this restaurant. Photo via Muncheez/Facebook
Mt. Pleasant BBQ 12725 Kinsman Rd., Cleveland Check out this spot for some Cleveland-style barbecue. Photo via Mt. Pleasant BBQ/Facebook
Greedy’s 4338 East 71st St., Cleveland Good food for a good price is what you can expect at this East 71st street takeout spot. Photo via
The Cornerstone Lounge and Bar 1918 Lee Rd., Cleveland Heights Karaoke night, a great happy hour, whiskey and wing night and fish fry Friday are just some of the things that should get you out to this bar and grill in the Heights. Photo via @CornerstoneLounge/Instagram
Lonnie’s Boy Soul Cookin’ Delivery Only If you’re in Cleveland Heights or the neighboring areas and want soul food delivered, look no further than Lonnie’s. Photo via Lonnie’s Boy Soul Cookin’/Facebook
The Vegan Doughnut Company 14811 Detroit Ave., Lakewood These doughnuts are as scrumptious as they look. Photo via The Vegan Doughnut Company/Facebook
Del’s Wings-n-Things 5141 Turney Rd., Garfield Heights They say they specialize in barbecue wings and who are we to argue with them? Photo via Del’s Wings-n-Things/Facebook
Kafaya’s Kitchen 3650 West 117th St., Cleveland The bucket list of ethnic cuisine in Cleveland expanded by yet another country when Kifaya’s Kitchen opened its scrumptious Somali-themed eatery in 2013. Photo via Kifaya’s Kitchen/Facebook
John John’s Seafood 3108 Mayfield Rd., Cleveland Heights and 15828 Euclid Ave., East Cleveland You can get one of their tasty fried fish dinners at either their Cleveland Heights or their East Cleveland location. Photo via John John’s Seafood/Facebook
Sunshine Cafe 7201 Kinsman Rd., Cleveland From the group behind Angie’s Soul Food Cafe and Zanzibar, this is their take on healthy eating. Rice bowls, wraps, salads, and smoothies populate this mostly vegan and vegetarian menu. Photo via Sunshine Cafe/Facebook
Red Walter’s Barbeque 8425 Cedar Ave., and 15116 Lakeshore Blvd., Cleveland On Cedar Avenue in Cleveland, Red Walter’s offers up tasty Cleveland-style barbecue. Photo via Red Walter’s Barbeque/Facebook
Picnic Hill Market Cafe 20621 Fairmount Blvd., Shaker Heights Gourmet to-go food is the name of the game at this Shaker Heights cafe. They also have a bar, a popular hangout spot with locals. Photo via Picnic Hill Market Cafe/Facebook
Networkz Restaurant and Lounge 3560 Mayfield Rd., Cleveland Heights For a good meal, some live music, karaoke, and a lively night on the town, check out this Cleveland Heights spot. Photo via @Networkz_Lounge/Instagram
Yes It’s Fresh 30310 Euclid Ave., Wickliffe Yes It’s Fresh is the place to hit up if you’re looking for a vegan or gluten free- meal in Wickliffe. Photo via Yes It’s Fresh/Facebook
Mr. Wonderful’s Chicken and Waffles 5354 Lee Rd., Maple Heights Chicken and waffles, loaded fries, stuffed baked potatoes, phillies, po’ boys, ribs and more are offered at this popular Maple Heights restaurant. Photo via Mr. Wonderful’s Chicken and Waffles/Facebook
Stuffyourself the Kitchen 11804 West 118th St., Cleveland The claim to fame at this West side cafe is their fried peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Yum. Photo via Stuffyourself the Kitchen/Facebook Credit: Scene Archives
Caribbean Vybz Bar and Grill 7114 St. Clair Ave., Cleveland Live music and tasty Jamaican food sounds like a good combination to us. Photo via Caribbean Vybz Bar and Grille/Facebook
UnBAR Cafe 12635 Larchmere Blvd., Cleveland Located in the Larchmere neighborhood, this cafe has locally sourced baked goods, smoothies, non-alcoholic beverages, small plates and a chill, hip vibe. Photo via UnBAR Cafe/Facebook
Big B’s Barbeque 5361 Mayfield Rd., Lyndhurst This joint is not messing around when it comes to barbecue. Favorites include the dry-rubbed ribs and a traditional Polish Boy with sauce to die for. Photo via Big B’s Barbeque/Facebook
The Sauce Boiling Seafood Express Multiple Locations In University Heights, this spot has perfected the to-go seafood boil in a bag and has quickly become a beloved spot for locals. Photo via The Sauce BSE/Facebook
Hammond’s Soul Deli 23150 Emery Rd., Warrensville Heights There’s more than a fair share of soul food joints around town. Don’t sleep on this Warrensville Heights spot owned by the group behind Angie’s. Photo via Credit: Hammond’s Soul Deli/Facebook
The 4 Bistro and Wine Bar 4450 Mayfield Rd., South Euclid Whether it’s karaoke night or just a relaxed night out on the town sipping wine, you’ll have a good time at this South Euclid spot. Photo via
Renee’s Place 1425 East 21st St., Cleveland For a lively night on the town, some awesome live music and a good home cooked meal, check out Renee’s Place. Photo via
Oinky’s Pork Chop Heaven 22483 Emery Rd., North Randall Pork chops is the name of the game here. Smothered, fried, grilled, deboned and served on a sandwich. It’s all good. Photo via
Medusa Lounge/Facebook Credit: Medusa Lounge/Facebook
Jamerican Kitchen 2078 South Taylor Rd., Cleveland Heights Head down to the historic Taylor Road district of Cleveland Heights for this restaurant that serves up a combination of Jamaican and American grub. Photo via
The Fresh Fix 2234 Lee Rd., Cleveland Heights Chef Eric Rogers serves up some delicious sandwiches and fries at Black Box Fix and tasty dessert at The Sweet Fix Bakery. To counteract the calories gained there (that are well worth it), Rogers offers something a little more health conscious at this Lee Road spot. But that doesn’t mean the healthy options here aren’t just as delicious than his other spots. Photo via
Best Thing Smokin’ BBQ 12808 Union Ave., Cleveland For some delicious barbecue, including beef ribs that are out of this world, check out this Union Avenue spot. Photo via
Academy Tavern 12800 Larchmere Ave., Cleveland Larchmere’s Academy Tavern is one of the oldest drinking establishments not just on the East Side, but in all of Northeast Ohio. Like a well-worn couch, this vintage corner tavern may show its age, but its comfort is undeniable. For proof, just look at the diverse clientele. They started serving cocktails just after prohibition, in 1939, and have been a staple of the neighborhood since. Photo via @DJMikel/Instagram
Roaming Biscuit 3615 Superior Ave, Cleveland Since launching her popular breakfast biscuit business in 2019, owner Shawnda Moye says that she literally has been on the move. Not only has she operated solely as a pop-up venture, setting up shop at various farmers markets and cafes around town, but her bake shop has been itinerant as well. As opposed to working out of a dedicated kitchen, Moye had been utilizing restaurant kitchens during off hours. In June, Moye put down roots at the Tyler Village complex in the former home of Byte Café. The Bake Shop and Café will serve as a home base for the Roaming Biscuit, while offering weekday service during which it will sell prepared foods like biscuits, pastries, breakfast and lunch sandwiches and pimento cheese. The Roaming Biscuit will still pop up on weekends around town. Photo via Scene Archives Credit: Scene Archives
Primo African Quisine 2123 E. 2nd St., Cleveland For the past year, the former 2nd and High space has been undergoing a pretty extensive makeover. In October, the doors opened to the public for the first time in approximately two years when Primo African Quisine debuted. The restaurant is a showcase for West African foods, making it a rarity in Northeast Ohio. “This is the first West African restaurant downtown,” says co-owner Prince Marouane. “There are a lot of Africans in Cleveland and before, most of them have been going to Columbus to get some African food.” Marouane, who hails from Benin in West Africa, says that the goal is to faithfully recreate the foods of his homeland. Photo via Scene Archives
The Haunted House Restaurant 13463 Cedar Rd., Cleveland Heights Melt closed its Cleveland Heights location last year after a decade in business. The Haunted House Restaurant took its place, where the only thing that’s scary is “how good the food is,” the one-of-a-kind space presently taking shape pays homage to the pantheon of great horror flicks. As soon as guests cross the threshold they’re greeted by the aroma of fresh-popped popcorn. In place of a traditional host stand is the ticket booth. Original artwork celebrates iconic characters like Pennywise, Slimer and Frankenstein’s monster. And staffers dress in theater usher uniforms. Photo via The Haunted House Cleveland/Facebook

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