This Week in Cleveland Food News: The Kraken Room Cocktail Lounge in Willoughby, Food Trucks and More

The Kraken Room, Willoughby Earlier this year, the Vergara family streamlined the offerings at its Willoughby property, jettisoning Hola Tacos and Barroco Arepa Bar to focus solely on Pulpo Beer Co. The rearrangement freed up the second floor for something new: a cocktail lounge called The Kraken Room. Juan Vergara says that the success of Amazonia in Lakewood, the restaurant group’s first foray into craft cocktails, inspired them to double down by adding an east-side lounge. As with Amazonia, the bar will be under the guidance of beverage director Gabrielle Swafford. With names like A Watery Grave, Siren’s Song, Harbinger of Doom and, natch, Release the Kraken, the beverages adhere to a maritime theme. Those creations are joined by some tiki classics, Prohibition-era blends, mocktails, beer and wine. To eat, there are small plates like cotija fries, shrimp cocktail, soups and salads, and larger plates such as smash burgers and a flame-grilled steak. Credit: Douglas Trattner

– Changes are afoot again in Willoughby as Juan Vergara and company are set to debut The Kraken Room upstairs from Pulpo Beer Co. The move follows the success of Amazonia in Lakewood.
– Looking for lunch in downtown Cleveland this summer? There’s a food truck gathering every weekday beginning May 1.
– The Yard on 3rd in Willoughby will open for the season on May 10.
– Angie’s Soul Cafe will open its fourth location soon, this one at Superior and East 123rd. – The former Mabel’s BBQ spot in Eton has been claimed by Mendel Segal, of Mendel’s Kansas City BBQ. The chef plans on debuting a kosher Italian restaurant.
– Never heard of Pizzeria Uciuni? You’re not alone. There’s no phone, and limited hours. But a barber and self-taught pizza maker is dishing up some mighty fine pies to those who seek them out in Old Brooklyn.
– Aurelia in Chagrin Falls will soon call it a day, but Brad Friedlander has claimed the spot for a revival of Moxie.
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This article appears in Apr 24 – May 7, 2024.