21 Essential Cleveland Waterfront Patios

There's nothing like having a meal or a drink or two on a patio when the weather heats up. Want to know…

By Scene Staff

 Chez Francois
555 Main St., Vermilion 

 Nestled on the banks of the Vermilion River, this quaint French restaurant reminds us of why we might never need to visit France. While it’s a bit of a hike out to Vermilion, this is dining and views at its finest and well worth the trip.
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All the New Cleveland Restaurants That Have Opened So Far in 2023

We’re halfway into 2023 but already the year is looking pretty exciting for food lovers. At the current pace, Cleveland will welcome…

By Douglas Trattner

 Geraci’s Slice Shop
603 Prospect Ave., Cleveland

 Last summer, downtown Cleveland lost a 40-year-old legend when Vincenza's Pizza & Pasta abruptly closed its shop. But last week, another local legend took up the mantle to provide hot slices for all. Geraci’s Slice Shop, an extension of the 60-year-old brand, launched last summer in Willoughby as part of The Yard on 3rd. The expanded downtown spot offers more in terms of food, beverage and setting. The fast-casual operation features classic Geraci’s pizzas – either by the slice or whole – plus appetizers, salads, subs and desserts like Italian ice and tiramisu. Guests can look forward to a fun, funky décor modeled after an `80s pizzeria, complete with full bar and game room. In the off season, Geraci’s Slice Shop acquired “Manager of the Year” Terry "Tito" Francona as an investor. The prominent Vincenza’s space has been artfully redesigned into an `80s-themed pizzeria where fun, nostalgia and efficiency are the names of the game.  A 25-seat sidewalk patio features a turf base and lawn chairs.
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15 New Patios to Enjoy This Year in Cleveland

Nice weather in Cleveland means patio season. You probably already have your favorites, but here are 15 new ones that have opened…

By Scene Staff

The Yard on 3rd
18042 3rd St., Willoughby

For years, Lure Bistro was home to one of the best patios in Downtown Willoughby. That made way for The Yard on 3rd, the town’s first food truck yard. The casual dog-friendly spot features an outdoor bar, plenty of seating, televisions and family-friendly games. The main attraction — apart from the bar — is the rotating roster of food trucks. But equally compelling is the Geraci's Slice Shop, which was the first for the beloved pizzeria. The shop is a year-round operation that serves both The Yard guests but also take-out and delivery for Willoughby and the surrounding area.
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22 Cleveland Snack Shops You Shouldn't Miss

Not everything has to be a whole meal. Whether you're looking for a pre-show snack, a post-beach bite, something sweet or salty,…

By Scene Staff

Chagrin Falls Popcorn Shop
53 North Main St., Chagrin Falls
Since 1949, the Popcorn Shop has been a staple for Chagrin Falls residents and visitors. There’s old timey and modern candy, tons of kinds of popcorn, great ice cream and pretty much everything else you’d want out of a candy and ice cream shop. There’s also a second location at Shaker Square.
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AAPI (Asian American and Pacific Islander)-Owned Restaurants In Cleveland You Should Have Tried By Now

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month and in celebration of that, we rounded up a list of a…

By Scene Staff

 Issho Ni
    34302 Euclid Ave., Willoughby
    
     This cherry little spot on the far-east side of town is serving up some of the best ramen in Northeast Ohio. Choices include a classic pork tonkotsu prepared with various levels of spiciness, kuro ramen made black from the addition of squid ink and fermented garlic, Hokkaido-style yellow ramen, soy-based shoyu ramen and the broth-less mazeman ramen.
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The Most Anticipated Cleveland Restaurants Opening This Spring and Summer

Cleveland has welcomed almost 40 new restaurants, coffee shops and bars already in 2023, and the pace isn't slowing down anytime soon.…

By Scene Staff

 Tita Flora’s
6531 Brecksville Rd., Independence

When it comes to cuisines that are sorely lacking in Cleveland, Filipino is at the very top of the list. The melting-pot cuisine of the Philippines continues to climb in popularity around the nation, but locally the options are limited to a couple carry-out-only places such as Mely's Kainan and Nipa Hut Oriental Market.
Soon, thanks to Flora Grk, Greater Cleveland diners will soon be able to enjoy Filipino foods in a full-service, dine-in setting. The 60-seat restaurant in Independence is expected to open in May. The menu is studded with Filipino staples and classics like crispy lumpia, filled with either vegetables or pork; pork or tofu sisig served on a sizzling platter; pancit, made with rice or wheat noodles; and longsilog, the all-day breakfast dish of sausage fried rice topped with a fried egg.
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Cleveland's Themed Bars and Restaurants Everyone Should Visit

Cleveland offers plenty of laid-back spots where diners can enjoy a relaxed meal, but there’s something to be said for spicing up…

By Scene Staff

 Good Night John Boy
1050 West 10th St., Cleveland

Forward Hospitality Group opened this 1970s-themed nightclub in the Flats in 2021 after two years of planning. It’s quickly become the place to dance and be seen on weekend nights. There’s wood paneling, shag carpet, a disco ball, crazy wallpaper and much more, making for decor that looks like it's from the 70s mixed with modern hipness. And people come there to dance. So be ready.
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40 Cleveland Restaurants Where You Can Eat Well for $15 or Less

There are many reasons to love the Cleveland food scene but the fact you can score great eats at any price point…

By Scene Staff

Mars Bar
15314 Madison Ave., Lakewood

For folks in the know, Mars Bar has been an under-the-radar harbor on Madison for cheap drinks, friendly service and a low-key vibe. The truly clued-in have been coming here not just for booze but also grub, because despite its dive-bar patina, Mars Bar also happens to sell some of the best gyros in town. Those spinning spits of meat attract barflies like bears to honey, and to-go orders of the house-made tzatziki practically outpace beer sales in volume.
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All the Cleveland Taco Week (April 10-16) Restaurants and What They're Serving for $10 or Less

Because Taco Tuesday isn't enough, from April 10th-16th, enjoy Cleveland Taco Week. Some of Cleveland's most popular taco joints are you bringing…

By Scene Staff

Twisted Taino 
5633 Pearl Rd., Parma

 One of Twisted Taino’s offerings for taco week is their chicken street tacos served with soft corn tortillas and filled with their creole chicken, topped with micro cilantro, pico de gallo and avocado cilantro sauce. Their pork street tacos are served with soft corn tortillas and are filled with their Caribbean pork roast and topped with a lime wedge, pico de gallo and avocado habanero salsa verde, topped with cilantro and onion. Their vegan fajita street tacos are served with soft corn tortillas and are filled with fajita mix veggies served with a lime Wedge, pico de gallo & avocado habanero salsa verde topped with chopped cilantro & onion.
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20 Essential Irish Bars and Restaurants in Cleveland

Whether it's St. Patrick's Day planning or any other slice of the calendar, you'd be well-advised to take stock of Cleveland's extensive…

By Scene Staff

 Stone Mad Pub
1306 West 65th St, Cleveland 

 Everyone who talks about this Detroit Shoreway neighborhood spot mentions two things; the bocce ball court and the beautiful patio. But Clevelanders know a patio is only good for roughly half the year. And this fun Irish pub moves the fun indoors in the colder months.
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Photos: Hundreds of Clevelanders Stuffed their Faces at the Mac 'n' Cheese Throwdown to Benefit W.A.G.S. 4 Kids

The Mac 'n' Cheese Throwdown is both a competition and fundraiser for W.A.G.S. 4 Kids. Local restaurants put up their best Mac…

By Emanuel Wallace

Photos: Hundreds of Clevelanders Stuffed their Faces at the Mac 'n' Cheese Throwdown to Benefit W.A.G.S. 4 Kids
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Photos: The 16th Annual Winter Warmer Celebrated the Best in Ohio-Brewed Craft Beer at Windows on the River

The annual late winter Winter Warmer beer festival is presented by the Ohio Craft Brewers Association and is unique in that all…

By Emanuel Wallace

Photos: The 16th Annual Winter Warmer Celebrated the Best in Ohio-Brewed Craft Beer at Windows on the River
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The Hottest Hookup Bars in Cleveland

Some bars are just for drinking — but other bars are for when you’re thirsty. Here’s our roundup of metro Cleveland’s most…

By Scene Staff

Bright Side/Bird of Paradise
1948 West 25th St., Cleveland

It’s been 17 and 15 years, respectively, since Sam McNulty and co-founder Mark Priemer opened Bier Markt and Bar Cento in Ohio City. In late 2021 they closed them and reopened their new spots, Bright Side with Bird of Paradise below. Bright Side is a restaurant and bar and Bird of Paradise is a dance club and cocktail lounge and both are great places to meet someone.
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22 Hard-to-Get Cleveland Restaurant Tables That Are Worth the Wait and Effort

Forget "peak hours," most of these Cleveland hot spots always have a wait, or are booked during traditional dinner hours, and it's…

By Scene Staff

 Thyme X Table
 583 Dover Center Rd., Bay Village

 In Bay Village, Thyme Table, which opened in 2019, has quickly established itself as one of the best restaurants in the near Western suburbs. Chef-owner Michael Smith  captured the curiosity and support of the community with his spiffed-up tavern concept, where the menu is approachable at nearly every turn. Thyme Table is the opposite of a special-occasion restaurant, but that doesn't mean there is nothing special about the place. Lobster tater tots? Don't miss them.
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Cleveland Black-Owned Restaurants, Cafes and Bakeries You Should Have Tried by Now

Any examination of our restaurant scene isn't complete without recognizing our rich history and tradition of Black-owned bars and restaurants in the…

By Scene Staff

 The 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.
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32 Cleveland Diners and Delis You Should Have Tried by Now

Dishing up time-tested classics, Cleveland's robust roster of diners and delis — both old and new school — are the unheralded heart…

By Scene Staff

The Diner on 55th
1328 E. 55th St., Cleveland 

 When this shimmering chrome diner opened at East 55th and St. Clair more than a decade ago, it literally and figuratively brightened up the entire area — and it isn't just the flickering neon and oversized exterior clock. A classic the day it was born, this diner dishes up timeless staples all day long, starting with breakfast sandwiches, french toast, or flaky biscuits with sausage gravy and eggs. Blue Plate Specials like liver and onions come with potato, soup, salad, bread and butter.
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Everything We Saw at the 2023 Cleveland Winter Beerfest

We stopped by the second night of the Cleveland Winter Beerfest at the Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland. In addition to the…

By Emanuel Wallace

Everything We Saw at the 2023 Cleveland Winter Beerfest
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Scene Dining Critic Doug Trattner's Favorite Comfort Foods in Cleveland

What is comfort food? Well, it's anything, really, as long as it does the job, whether it's warming you up on a…

By Scene Staff

V’s Gourmet, fried chicken
If you know you know, as they say. And Doug knows.

“When it comes to fried chicken, being told that there will be a wait is a very good thing. It usually means that the chicken will be fried to order. That's definitely the drill here, where even those wise enough to call ahead end up twiddling their thumbs. But the result is quite possibly the best fried chicken in the city. Diners get to choose among seven different breadings, from the subtly sweet Honey Crisp to the aggressively spiced Cajun. After what seems like forever, the owner of this 20-year-old secret hands over the goods, a breast, thigh and wing shellacked in an armor of flaky, fiercely crunchy batter. The meat, naturally, is screaming hot and dripping with juice.”
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The 30 Restaurants Dishing Up Goodness During Cleveland Pierogi Week (Jan. 30- Feb. 5) and What They're Serving

From January 30th-Februray 5th, we're bringing you a minimum of 3 pierogi for $8 from some of Cleveland's most popular pierogi joints…

By Scene Staff

 Das Schnitzel Haus
 5728 Pearl Rd., Parma,  

 In Parma, Das Schnitzel Haus is offering their potato and cheese pierogi, ‘Haus’ made from scratch. Vegetarian option available.
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The 25 Most Popular Restaurants In Cleveland Right Now, According To Yelp

One of the best parts about Cleveland is the wide range of cuisines you can find here. If you head over to…

By Brett Zelman

 Bistro on the Falls
8134 Columbia Rd., Olmsted Falls

 “Phenomenal food! Loved the Korean style pork belly, especially the tangy slaw and sauce with the pork belly. Cauliflower risotto balls with that sweet and sour tomato sauce - completely not what I expected, and so much better. Deviled eggs with crabmeat - also a winner, and generous roasted garlic mashed potatoes - yum! Such a nice surprise. Took dinner as takeout, but inside looked very inviting as well. Food came out fast and warm, and oh so good. Highly recommend,” Killu S. on Yelp
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Coming Soon: 40+ New Restaurants and Bars Opening Around Cleveland in Early 2023

Over the past year, the Cleveland dining scene has welcomed dozens of delightful new restaurants, from modest cafes on up to gorgeous…

By Douglas Trattner

In the coming days, local soup shark Matthew Moore will open a new downtown Souper Market, joining locations in Lakewood, Kamm's Corners and Midtown. This latest opening at the recently renovated Standard building coincides with the company’s 20th year in business.
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All the New Restaurants That Opened in Cleveland In 2022

Cleveland has said goodbye to plenty of restaurants during the pandemic years, but it's also said hello to bunch of new ones.…

By Scene Staff

 Gingham Market
17000 Madison Ave., Lakewood

 Ever since opening Gatherings Kitchen in Lakewood, Ruth Kostadinov has had her eye on the next-door space, which finally opened this July after 13 years of wanting to acquire the space. Shoppers will find a bright and inviting space filled with prepared foods, local pantry items, beer and wine, and more than a few surprises. Rounding out the offerings are more than 90 local products that range from hot sauces and mustards to fermented foods and small-batch cheeses. Cold beer, wine, cocktail mixers and cooking utensils also are in supply.
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All the Cleveland Restaurants That Closed In 2022

2020 and 2021 were brutal years for restaurant closings nationally and in Northeast Ohio. Cleveland lost beloved places like Lola, Greenhouse Tavern,…

By Scene Staff

 Felice
12502 Larchmere Blvd., Cleveland

For the past 14 years, Felice has earned a place as one of the east side’s most endearing restaurants. Originally opened by Margaret Mueller in 2008, the distinctive eatery resides in a beautifully restored Craftsman-style home on Larchmere. Over the years, the property – inside and out – has managed to grow better with age thanks to additions like the carriage-house bar, the artfully landscaped patio and the outdoor kitchen. That chapter of the story ends on December 23rd when Felice will close. The owners have announced a transfer of the property to Jill Vedaa and Jessica Parkison of beloved Lakewood tapas spot Salt+, who will open a new restaurant in spring.
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The Best Things We Ate in Cleveland in 2022

Dining out made a full-throated return to Cleveland in 2022, with exciting new openings all over town. It was a satisfying year…

By Douglas Trattner

Paneer at Amba
1430 West 28th St., Cleveland

Diners are ripped from their comfort zones the moment they cross the threshold of Amba in Ohio City. From the shadowy, lounge-like interior to the menu of Indian-inspired foods, this edgy eatery encourages culinary exploration. While one could toss a dart at the menu and come up roses, the paneer stands out for its beauty and depth of flavor. Arranged like jewels on fine ceramic, honey-colored cubes of cheese are dotted with mustard seeds and arranged in creamy dal.
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These Cleveland Restaurants Give You the Best Bang for Your Buck, According to Reddit

Recently, Reddit user MLong32 asked the question "What (Cleveland) restaurants give the biggest portions & also best bang for your buck?" The…

By Scene Staff

Taco Tonto’s
13321 Madison Ave., Lakewood

 “A giant burrito from Taco Tontos. The regular is filling but the portion of a giant is what a burrito should be. Bonus points if you get the cheeseburgerito. You will not be disappointed.”
Via AvalancheQueen/Reddit
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30 Cleveland Food and Drink Gifts That'll Make You a Holiday Hero

Whether you're shopping for stocking stuffers or something to bring to a generous host who's invited you over during the holidays, we've…

By Scene Staff

Hillson Nuts

A deluxe tin of mixed nuts like cashews, pecans, almonds, hazelnuts and Brazils from Hillson Nuts, an 87-year-old Cleveland company, is a holiday tradition.
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40 Essential Suburban Cleveland Restaurants You Should Have Tried By Now

The 'burbs. Yeah, the suburbs are more than just cookie-cutter shopping developments with Cheesecake Factories and Paneras. In fact, the Cleveland suburbs…

By Scene Staff

 Aurelia
16 North Main St., Chagrin Falls 

 Chef-owner James Balchak spent nearly six months converting the North Main Diner, formerly Dink's, from a dowdy luncheonette to a smart little supper club with a bangin’ brunch. Energy from the buzzy bar scene boosts the mood and spirit of the entire space, ensuring that the atmosphere never dips to melancholy. This farm-to-table restaurant which focuses exclusively on the freshest ingredients around has found its footing after testing some things out and figuring out what worked and what didn’t.
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Here Are All the Restaurants Where You Can Score $8 Pizzas During Cleveland Pizza Week (Nov. 7-13) and What They're Serving

CLEVELAND PIZZA WEEK is here. From Nov. 7 through Nov. 13, some of your favorite Cleveland area pizza joints are featuring $8 pizzas.…

By Scene Staff

 My Pizzeta 
14290 State Rd., North Royalton 

 My Pizzetta is offering two 10 inch pizzas for pizza week. The pepperoni plus is a brick oven made pizza with in-house made red sauce, mozzarella and provolone cheese blend, topped with traditional and old world pepperoni. The garden pizza is a brick oven made pizza with broccoli, mushrooms, red onion, and tomatoes.
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Photos From Cleveland Beer Week's Pumking Party at Southern Tier

Cleveland Beer Week's came to a close with a Pumking Party featuring five different types of the popular fall beer. Here's what…

By Emanuel Wallace

Photos From Cleveland Beer Week's Pumking Party at Southern Tier
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Photos From Cleveland Beer Week's Barrel Aged Bash at Butcher & the Brewer

Cleveland Beer Week's Barrel Aged Bash featured an offering of special Cleveland Beer Week Barrel aged beers. Here's what we saw.

By Emanuel Wallace

Photos From Cleveland Beer Week's Barrel Aged Bash at Butcher & the Brewer
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