Quintessential Cleveland

From sandwiches stuffed with mountains of corned beef to thick chocolate milkshakes laced with homemade peanut butter, Cleveland offers a wide array of not-to-be-missed culinary offerings and signature restaurants that define the region’s tastes.

Great Lakes Brewing Company

Great Lakes Brewing Company, which is comprised of a brewery and brewpub, was the first microbrewery in the state of Ohio and today remains Ohio’s most celebrated and award-winning brewer of lagers and ales. The brewery has a strong ties to the local community and showcases this commitment by naming each of its beers after local historical events, people and places. While there, visitors should head to the Brewpub where guests of all ages can enjoy a memorable dining experience from start to finish, including their famous brats and pierogi.

216.771.4404, www.greatlakesbrewing.com

Lilly’s Handmade Chocolates

Lilly’s Handmade Chocolates is an artisanal chocolatier that specializes in pairing fine wine  and craft beer with handmade, fresh chocolate confections. Owned and operated by Amanda and Joshua Montague, who are both classically trained chefs, Lilly’s creations are unique with both sweet and savory flavors. Guests love “Sweet Cheeks,” a dark chocolate piece filled with burned salty caramel and “That Bacon One,” a milk chocolate piece filled with bacon and organic maple butter. 216.771.3333, www.lillytremont.com

Lucky’s Cafe

Start your morning out right at Lucky’s Café. Perfectly situated in the artsy, blue-collared neighborhood of Tremont, Lucky’s Café is brimming with charisma and quirkiness with its home-cooked breakfasts, lunches, pastries and coffees. Their biscuits and gravy are practically world famous and the Shipwreck (hash browns, eggs, seasonal veggies, bacon and cheddar cheese served in one delicious mound) is a fan favorite. Chef Heather Haviland is also an accomplished baker and makes incredible pastries.

216.622.7773, www.luckyscafe.com

Melt Bar + Grilled

Grilled cheese is a favorite to all, old and young.  But this isn’t your typical piece of American cheese slabbed between two slices of white bread.  Melt features more than 20 different takes on the original all with their own unique twist.  Try a “Parmageddon” stuffed with onions, kraut and a potato and cheese pierogi.  This amazing restaurant receives national attention – we encourage you to see why.

216.226.3699, www.meltbarandgrilled.com

Slyman’s Deli

While certainly not the “haute couture” of upscale culinary, the renowned Slyman’s Deli has been serving Cleveland’s most coveted corned beef sandwiches for countless generations. A friendly environment and delicious eats makes this Cleveland staple a must.

216.621.3760, www.slymans.com

Steve’s Lunch

Steve’s Lunch is a classic 24-hour Ohio City (on the near westside) diner with tabletop record-playing jukeboxes. It’s a late-night hotdog place that’s been around since the ’50s that insiders in Cleveland know and love. Music aside, the chili dogs are an attraction within themselves.

216.961.1460

Sweet Moses

At Sweet Moses Soda Fountain and Sweet Shop, guests are treated to ice cream and confections the way they were meant to be enjoyed. Homemade ice cream is served up from an authentic Bastion-Blessings soda fountain. Visitors can grab a seat at the stunning 16-foot bar of Tennessee marble or a restored wrought-iron ice cream chair for a sweet escape back to the good old days.

216.651.2202, www.sweetmosestreats.com

Tommy’s Restaurant

Head to Tommy’s for a burger and milkshake. While the menu stayed the same since it opened in 1972 (with items named after longtime customers), Tommy’s is now in a much bigger venue and is always filled with customers – vegetarians, vegans, meat-eaters, health-conscious and the just plain hungry.  Visitors can’t miss one of Tommy’s award-winning milkshakes.

216.321.7757, www.tommyscoventry.com

– Lexi Hotchkiss

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