Cleveland’s Can’t-Miss Food & Drink Spots: A Local’s Guide

Cleveland, so it might surprise some folks, is more than just rock and roll; that is, it is blossoming into a seriously impressive foodie city. We aren’t talking about fly-by-night spots; this town seems to reward substance and originality. Now, this town’s got something that’ll tickle everyone’s fancy, ranging from swanky cocktail bars to that small spot serving something truly special.

1. The Sly Cat: A Cocktail Haven

Let’s kick things off with a personal fave: The Sly Cat, too it’s almost a perfect spot that does its cocktails. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Sly Cat). That low lighting, those velvet booths; everything just feels…right. This place, arguably it isn’t a massive menu, sticks to things that are more than likely very well made, and features both classics and some innovative options, yet it always leans to a good twist, even, perhaps, daring to try something totally new. That service, or just a group of people who are good at pouring, is as professional and quick, maybe there’s just a real feel they enjoy their work.

I remember just stumbling in there after a hectic day, and, that is, watching the bartender meticulously crafting each drink almost made me smile. So that Old Fashioned I had? Perfection. Too it’s nearly something magical. If you are into expertly prepared drinks, so that’s really going to float your boat.

2. Mabel’s BBQ: Ribs that Rock

Alright, how about this: Mabel’s BBQ, basically one of that superstar Chef Michael Symon’s establishments, stands ready, like that legendary hero, ready to serve up a whole lot of goodness. Read our full review: Mabel’s BBQ Full Review and Details. Symon, even though he isn’t from this town, embraces Cleveland cuisine along with, maybe, bringing something original to the table. Here you’ve got some options for globally influenced BBQ that are going to delight your taste buds and warm your soul. This isn’t just barbecue; it’s something made with all kinds of love and care. That, or some strange way they create perfect ribs with very little effort involved.

They’ve got kielbasa, a Polish dish that uses smoked sausage, then the pork ribs—these dishes make my mouth water every time. Everything is really well made, but not, I guess, perfect… maybe the odd spice blend in there.

3. West Side Market: A Feast for the Senses

We must talk about West Side Market, this town’s food hall, the heart of Cleveland. Read our full review: West Side Market Full Review and Details. The historical importance is huge: for a hundred years there have been traders selling all kinds of produce here. Local produce that’s amazing, as it all tastes very nice and of a top notch level, meats of all sorts and some of the rarest cheeses, just what is needed, just what the locals eat.

It isn’t, or just hasn’t been that long ago that I took my family there, like, you know, seeing their reactions to all of those crazy sights and smells felt very precious. Buying some cheeses you might not find in this area, and they tasted, so they said, more amazing than could’ve been dreamt. Plan that visit: come hungry. Maybe also go later in the day so everything has that used, old feel and, arguably, feels more like an event. Either way, I can’t stress that it’s all pretty great and wonderful.

4. Great Lakes Brewing Company: Local Brews & Bites

Here we have another thing: Great Lakes Brewing Company. If that’s of any importance, I’m really not trying to gush too hard about Cleveland stuff, that is this brewery might actually be kinda amazing and important. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Great Lakes Brewing). This place, by the way, isn’t just about slinging great beers (which, yeah, it is certainly good at); that history, maybe stemming from the late 80s, feels truly something different.

Basically, this brewery almost captures a certain feel you have in this city. You’ve got something historical with some original and classic design here. It’s hard to define something well like this. Of course, what goes well is those awesome dishes. This is great to chill after a work week, that may happen soon and could be so easily.

5. Fahrenheit: Modern American Cuisine

For one, Fahrenheit, basically located downtown, has a way to please many. Chef Rocco Whalen’s got something original there, that is combining food that’s well made with something original, like some really cool plating on top. Now, this place doesn’t hold back and delivers dishes that are fun, bold, but refined.

One night my girl and myself, well, we did get this wonderful sushi that featured that strange flavor mix and it, or that restaurant, has managed to combine them. In Fahrenheit, that is very well a place to grab good eats. As a matter of fact, it might even win a contest about food places sometime, given the awards it seems to have already got. Also, that spot might offer all the most amazing views, making it so beautiful to enjoy food while looking at that downtown lights going on, even in summer.

Read our full review: Fahrenheit Full Review and Details