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. And there are plenty of places dishing up amazing food these days that you should have checked out by now.
Habesha Ethiopian and Eritrean Restaurant
16860 Lorain Rd., Cleveland
When Habesha opened in early December of 2020, the number of Ethiopian restaurants in Cleveland increased to three and will be the only such eatery on the West Side. Habesha joins the long-standing Empress Taytu on St. Clair and Zoma in Cleveland Heights. Sadly, Lucy Ethiopian restaurant on Broadview Road has closed. Fans of Ethiopian cuisine will discover a tempting assortment of combination plates that offer various pairings of vegetarian and/or meat-based items. Credit: Scene ArchivesBeckham’s B&M
21921 Miles Rd., North Randall and 23840 Broadway Ave., Oakwood Village
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 expanded into four locations and a food truck. There are now two locations open. Credit:Beckham’s B&M/FacebookTwan Jones Fine Dining
4793 Turney Rd., Garfield Heights
Twan Jones Fine Dining in Garfield Heights offers tasty lamb chops, seafood, a bunch of items loaded with alfredo sauce and more. Credit:Twan Jones Fine Dining/FacebookBig 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. Credit:Big B’s Barbeque/FacebookBlack Box Fix
25359 Cedar Rd., Lyndhurst
Boasting some of the best, most creative sandwiches in town, this Legacy Village spot from Chef Eric Rogers has built up a very loyal following. Here’s a description of one of their sandwiches, so you know we’re not joking around: cajun Fried catfish and shrimp, smoked cheddar, bacon, arugula, tomato, red onion, pickles, creole remoulade. It’s as delicious and overstuffed as it sounds. Rogers also owns the bakery The Sweet Fix. Credit: Scene ArchivesGoodfellas 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. Credit: Scene ArchivesCapo 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. Credit:Scene ArchivesCaribbean Vybz Bar and Grill
7114 St. Clair Ave., Cleveland
Live music and tasty Jamaican food sounds like a good combination to us. Their wings are out of this world. Credit:Caribbean Vybz Bar and Grille/FacebookCMB 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/FacebookColumbo 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. Credit: Scene ArchivesDel’s Wings-n-Things
5141 Turney Rd., Garfield Heights
They say they specialize in barbecue wings and who are we to argue with them? Get em’ extra crispy and you have a phenomenal wing. Credit:Del’s Wings-n-Things/FacebookDeon’s Restaurant
7800 Superior Ave., and 3312 West 105th St., Cleveland
Check out this joint with creative dishes like their chicken philly served over mac and cheese. Deon’s has served up soul food to Clevelanders for over two decades. Credit:Deon’s Restaurant/FacebookElla Mae’s Soulfood
3365 Richmond Rd., Beachwood
In Beachwood, Ella Mae’s serves up delicious soul food to loyal patrons. But it may be the desserts, like their banana pudding and peach cobbler, that steal the show here. Credit:Ella Mae’s Soulfood/FacebookAl & B’s Barbeque
15115 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. Credit: Scene ArchivesBratenahl Kitchen
14002 Lakeshore Blvd., Cleveland
For some delicious Jamaican/Caribbean food, this Bratenahl to-go spot is the place. Credit: Scene ArchivesThe Euro Wafel Bar
11433 Mayfield Rd., Cleveland
A bar? That serves waffles? Well, you don’t have to tell us twice. These classic Belgian waffles are loaded with all the goodies. Credit:Euro Wafel Bar at CWRU/FacebookFloods 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. Credit:Floods/FacebookRed 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. They also recently opened a location on Lakeshore Boulevard. Credit: Scene ArchivesPrimo African Quisine
2123 East 2nd St., Cleveland
Primo opened on East 2nd in 2021. The restaurant is a showcase for West African foods, making it a rarity in Northeast Ohio. dishes include Nigerian egusi soup, thiep, “the national dish of Senegal,”, and a street food version of spaghetti called diallo that comes topped with an omelet. Of course, there’s plenty of waakye, jollof rice and fufu too. Credit: Scene ArchivesChoukouya 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. Credit: Scene ArchivesCalypso’s Restaurant
575 East 140th St., Cleveland
Delicious burgers, po’ boys, wings, fries and much more are served at this Cleveland grill. Credit: Scene ArchivesFatboy 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. Credit: Scene ArchivesOpen Pitt Barbeque
12335 St. Clair Ave., Cleveland
This hidden gem is one of the best barbecue spots around. Ask for extra sauce on everything and you won’t be disappointed. We recommend calling ahead with your order at this take-out spot. Credit: Scene ArchivesEmpress 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. Credit:Scene ArchivesThe Sauce Boiling Seafood Express
13888 Cedar Rd., University Heights and 1266 West 6th St., Cleveland
In University Heights and now Downtown this spot has perfected the to-go seafood boil in a bag and has quickly become a beloved spot for locals. Credit: Scene ArchivesArchie’s Hough Bakery
3365 Richmond Rd., Beachwood
Hough Bakery originally opened all the way back in 1903 at 8708 Hough Avenue in Cleveland. In the 1980s, it had 28 separate branch stores in Greater Cleveland, 14 supermarket units, 6 outlets in May Co. stores, and 3 surplus-thrift outlets. However, that all came crashing down in the 90s. Archie Garner Sr., who first worked at Hough in 1968 took over in 1994 and opened this Beachwood location in 2019. They’re known far and wide for their Hough cake, a white cake with an almond flavor. Credit: GoldbellyFilter
740 W. Superior Ave., Cleveland
Since opening his first Sauce Boiling Seafood Express restaurant in 2019, Kyler Smith has gone on to open four more locations in Ohio, with more on the way. In February, Smith opened Filter in former Take 5 Rhthym and Jazz space in the Perry–Payne Building and the changes are dramatic, to say the least. Sporting a lounge-like atmosphere, with shimmering fabric panels, a DJ booth and lengthy bar, the 120-seat restaurant and bar is already attracting a ton of attention.
The menu is under the control of chef Jarrett Mines, whose client roster as a private chef includes top players from the Cleveland Browns. Diners can look forward to American fare like pasta, fish, lamb chops and steak. Credit: Scene ArchivesFrederick’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/FacebookGreedy’s
4338 East 71st St., Cleveland
Good food for a good price is what you can expect at this East 71st street takeout spot. They also have a nice outdoor patio to enjoy your meal and beverage when the weather allows. Credit: Scene ArchivesHammond’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/FacebookBerea 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. Credit:Berea Smokehouse Barbecue and Grill/FacebookAnnie B. and Earl’s Place
4017 St. Clair Ave., Cleveland
Check out this place for some of the best pancakes in town. Annie B. and Earl’s does not mess around and aim to offer the best ingredients from local farmers whenever they can. Credit: Photo via Annie B and Earl’s Place222 Cold Brew Specialty Drinks and Cereal Bar
768 East 222nd St., Euclid
This coffee and cereal bar opened in Euclid in 2021. They specialize in milkshake and cereal combinations that are totally over the top and equally as delectable. They also serve coffee and shaved ice.
Hi Jaime and Kat Credit: Scene ArchivesHeights 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. Expect southern, expect homey and soulful food that’ll be sure to fill you up. Credit: Scene ArchivesIncredible Foodz
26000 Chardon Rd., Richmond Heights
While this Richmond Heights restaurant that serves wings, po’ boys, fries and more is open all day, they also stay open until 12 a.m., making it the perfect late night spot. Credit:@IncredibleFoodz/InstagramNetworkz 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. Credit:@Networkz_Lounge/InstagramBest 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. Credit:@BestThingSmokinBBQ/InstagramSwerve 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 ArchivesLee’s Seafood Boil
2201 Lee Rd., Cleveland Heights
If you still haven’t tried a seafood boil, this is the spot to hit up. The seafood boil has taken the nation by storm the last few years and Lee’s is at least partially responsible for that trend. Credit:Lee’s Seafood Boil/FacebookZoma
2240 Lee Rd., Cleveland Heights
Despite what that one guy on Yelp said about the “bread,” we’re slightly obsessed with Zoma. We love the communal atmosphere of the experience, where diners sit around a platter of colorful, savory stews, pinching off bites with stretchy injera. Rare is the place that hungry vegetarians and omnivores can so peaceably coexist thanks to items starring chopped greens, chickpeas, lentils, beef and chicken. The housemade Ethiopian hot sauce, fueled by an exotic berbere spice blend, is righteous. Credit:Zoma/FacebookRenee’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. Credit: Scene ArchivesUnBAR 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. Credit: Scene ArchivesThe Crispy Chick
5618 Woodland Ave., Cleveland
Head to Woodland Avenue in the Central neighborhood and you’ll find a new fast-food restaurant that serves only one entree: chicken tenders. They are some of the best tenders you’ll have the pleasure of enjoying in Cleveland. They arrive fresh and hot on a bed of crinkle-cut fries accompanied by coleslaw, toasted garlic bread and a soft drink. Credit: Scene ArchivesThe Vegan Doughnut Company
14811 Detroit Ave., Lakewood
These doughnuts are as scrumptious as they look. And yes, they really are vegan. At least that’s what they tell us. Credit: Scene ArchivesOinky’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. Credit:Oinky’s Pork Chop Heaven/FacebookBite Creole Kitchen
4262 Monticello Blvd., Cleveland
If you’re looking for jambalaya and gumbo reminiscent of the Louisiana bayou, this is the spot in town. Don’t forget the banana pudding and the butter pecan caramel pound cake. Credit: Scene ArchivesSam Sylk’s Chicken and Fish
Multiple Locations
The name pretty much says it all here. This fried chicken and fish joint now has eight locations. Order at the counter, sit down and wait for your sandwich and enjoy. Try the catfish. Credit: Scene ArchivesIrie Jamaican Kitchen
621 East 185th St., and 4162 Pearl Rd., Cleveland and 837 W. Market St., Akron
Since opening his first Irie Jamaican Kitchen, the chef from Trelawny Parish has been keen on expansion. Owner Omar McKay built upon the success of that first location by adding a second shop near the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo and followed it up with a location in Akron’s Highland Square neighborhood. Next up is an expansion to Shaker Heights on Chagrin Boulevard, specifically across the street from Heinen’s in the strip mall at Chagrin and Lee. The space will be next door to Upper Crust. Credit: Scene ArchivesThe 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. Credit:@CornerstoneLounge/InstagramCleveland Biscuit Heads
3615 Superior Ave., Cleveland and Roaming Locations
Just trust us when we tell you that you have to try one of these biscuit sandwiches from this pop-up breakfast outfit. They change up locations so be sure to check their website for where you can find one of their awesome breakfast sandwiches. The biscuits themselves are worth getting these and they’re all under $10. Credit:Scene archivesIsland Style
2144 Noble Rd., Cleveland
If you’re looking for some fresh Caribbean food, check out this favorite spot of Noble neighborhood residents. Credit: Scene ArchivesJewellz Fine Dining
2204 Noble Rd., Cleveland
This restaurant is one of the only establishments that brings fine dining to the Noble neighborhood of Cleveland. Credit: Scene ArchivesLonnie’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. Credit: Scene ArchivesThe 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. Credit: Scene ArchivesAngie’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. Credit: Scene Archives31707 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. Credit: Scene ArchivesStuffyourself 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 ArchivesKim’s Wings
14909 St. Clair Ave., Cleveland
For delicious chicken wings, check out Kim’s. What used to be three locations has now turned into one, located on St. Clair in the city. Credit:Kim’s Wings/FacebookJohn 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. Credit: Scene ArchivesThe Rib Cage Smokehouse
2214 Lee Rd., Cleveland Heights
Another Lee Road spot on this list, the Rib Cage Smokehouse 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. Credit: Emmanuel WallaceMagna Wine Boutique
661 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. Credit:@MagnaWineBoutique/InstagramMuncheez
12306 Buckeye Rd., Cleveland
Delicious wings, fries, sandwiches and more are available at the Buckeye locations of this restaurant. Credit: Scene ArchivesThe 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. Credit: Scene ArchivesMedusa Lounge/Facebook Credit:Medusa Lounge/FacebookMr. 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. Credit: Scene Archives5 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. Credit:5 Points Grille/FacebookMt. Pleasant BBQ
12725 Kinsman Rd., Cleveland
Check out this spot for some Cleveland-style barbecue. It’s located on Kinsman and the sauce flows when you get ribs, fries or really anything else here. Credit: Scene ArchivesHarvard 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. Credit: Scene ArchivesOcho Rios
1007 Ivanhoe Rd., Cleveland
As their name indicates, this spot is known for some of the best Jamaican food around town. You can get Jamaican dishes like callaloo, oxtails, ackee salt fish and much more. Credit: Scene ArchivesThe 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. Credit: Scene ArchivesSubcity
17811 Euclid Ave., Cleveland and 2142 Lee Rd., Cleveland Heights
Their focus is subs, but this carryout place, with two 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. Credit: Scene ArchivesSauce The City
14480 Cedar Rd., University Heights
Victor Searcy Jr. once again is making moves. The enthusiastic entrepreneur made a name for himself by selling one of the city’s best hot chicken sandwiches at the original Sauce the City stand in the former Ohio City Galley space (now closed), at First Energy Stadium and Rocket Mortgage Field House. Next up is a fast-casual restaurant in University Heights. Searcy has taken over the former Fishstix space in the Cedar Green shopping plaza. Credit: Scene ArchivesSouthern Cafe
11817 Detroit Rd., Lakewood
Don’t look further than this Lakewood cafe when looking for the best soul food in town. Chicken and waffles, fried catfish, gumbo, bread pudding. We’re sold. Credit:Southern Cafe/FacebookTaste 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. Credit: Scene ArchivesAcademy 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. Credit: Scene ArchivesZanzibar Soul Fusion
13225 Shaker Square., Cleveland
Zanzibar enjoys one of the roomiest and most appealing sidewalk patios on Shaker Square. Watch the trains go by while you dig into soulful Southern cuisine like fried green tomatoes, shrimp and grits, fried chicken and waffles and mac and cheese. When you’re trying to decide where to brunch, put this convivial spot at the top of the list. Credit: Scene ArchivesWhitmore’s BBQ
20209 Harvard Rd., Warrensville Heights
Whitmore’s has been serving up barbecue to Clevelanders since 1942! They must be doing something right. Credit: Scene Archives
