Dining Guide: Cleveland's 25 Best Brunches

17 River Grille
Why we love it: “Come for the view; stay for the food,” says director of operations Tim Davin of his restaurant’s waterfall backdrop. “You'll find fantastic design elements like art from local artist John Troxell to comfortable soft seating by our fireplaces.” Try this: The Heavenly Biscuit Breakfast Sandwich ($17) stacks scrambled eggs, American and cheddar cheeses, and your choice of candied bacon or sausage on the house-made Heavenly biscuit, served with Yukon potatoes O’Brien. “We make them from scratch every day,” says Davin of the biscuits. 17 River St., Chagrin Falls, 440-893-0797, 17rivergrille.com

The 27 Club Coffee 
Why we love it: Machine Gun Kelly’s coffee shop and eatery with pink pop decor offers the Flats a lineup of unique coffee (with pink milk options, of course), cocktails and American brunch/lunch fare inspired by rock 'n' roll debauchery. Try this: Go for the sweet all-day cinnamon rolls ($11.95) baked fresh to order, topped with candied pecans and pink pitaya frosting. 1215 W. 10th St., Cleveland, 216-727-0027, 27clubcoffee.com

Betts
Why we love it: Inside the Kimpton Schofield Hotel, Betts makes for a sleek, simple, locally sourced American brunch spot, close to Downtown. Try this: Bright, briny and packed with texture, the Smoked Trout ($16) comes topped with pickled onion, crispy capers, egg and dill crema, served with everything crackers. 2000 E. Ninth St., Cleveland, 216-357-2680, eatatbetts.com

Cordelia
Why we love it: Cordelia brings its signature “Midwest grandma” hospitality to Sunday brunch, adding another reason to visit this East 4th Street favorite. The newly launched service blends comforting, nostalgia-driven flavors with the restaurant’s polished, chef-driven touch, offering a warm, welcoming take on classic brunch traditions. Try this: Start with the pimiento cheese ($11), a signature bite that nods to the restaurant’s nostalgic, pantry-driven roots. Then go for the “Dimmy Jeans” ($16), a playful, savory plate of smothered jojos topped with pork gravy and sunny eggs. 2058 E. 4th St., Cleveland, 216-230-2355, cordeliacle.com

The Centro 
Why we love it: Another Downtown hotel breakfast worth trying is the Metropolitan at the 9. The Centro brings the “wow” factor with its vaulted ceilings, modern Italian upscale decor and fancy, fresh take on a modern American brunch. Try this: The Short Rib Hash ($-) is a brunch showstopper, layering tender braised short rib with sunny eggs, crispy breakfast potatoes, peppers and caramelized onions for a rich, savory plate that begs for a slow weekend morning. 2017 E. Ninth St., Cleveland, 216-331-6289, thecentrocleveland.com

Good Company
Why We Love It:  This laid-back brunch spot leans into bold, playful comfort food, including its famous Wake Up Wings ($13), 72-hour chicken wings tossed in spicy maple sauce and fried garlic. The menu balances sweet, savory and indulgent options, making it an easy weekend go-to. Try This: The orange ginger waffle ($15) brings bright citrus flavor to two ginger-spiced waffles served with butter and maple syrup, with the option to add fried chicken or fried tofu. For a savory snack, the diner fries ($13) come piled with with scrambled eggs, house-smoked bacon lardons, peppers, onions and American cheese sauce, with Black Cap Hot Sauce on the side. 1200 West 76th St., Cleveland, 216-331-0318, goodcompanycle.com  

Grumpy’s Cafe
Why we love it: This family-owned Tremont staple serves up traditional eats in a homey atmosphere. Try this: Guests adore the eggs Florentine ($14) with spinach, tomato and mushrooms in hollandaise, topped with feta, over Cajun home fries. 2621 W. 14th St., Cleveland, 216-241-5025, grumpyscafe.com

Gus’s Old Brooklyn
Why we love it: This all-day breakfast spot near the zoo has been whipping up tasty and simple diner fare for more than 30 years. Good for a quick stop, the restaurant promises you'll get your food within 5-10 minutes of ordering. Try this: Regulars love the chorizo breakfast burrito ($13) with scrambled eggs and spicy chorizo, tomato, onion and cheddar jack cheese, wrapped with a soft tortilla and topped with house-made chipotle sauce, served with hashbrowns. 4377 State Road, Cleveland, 216-661-5967, gussoldbrooklyn.com

Hecks Cafe
Why we love it: “Hecks has been a top choice for a brunch spot for 50 years,” says owner Fadi Daoud, of the Ohio City dining room housed in a historic building. Try this: Despite being known for burgers, “We serve some of the best and most creative brunch items, such a baklava French toast ($15) stuffed with cinnamon walnuts and topped with honey-rosewater syrup,” says Daoud. Various locations, heckscafe.com

Inn on Coventry
Why we love it: This Coventry Village staple is a perfect stop for bloody marys and weekend specials like crepes and omelettes. No matter the day, the cozy, family-run breakfast joint serves up homestyle favorites such as corned beef hash, eggs benedict, home fries, traditional omelettes and pancakes. Try this: As big as your plate and available in stacks of one, two or three, the Lemon ricotta pancakes ($9.99 for 3) pack a ton of flavor — as do most other specialty pancakes. 2785 Euclid Heights Blvd., Cleveland, 216-371-1811, theinnoncoventry.com  

Juneberry Table
Why we love it: The comforting morning vibe and menu give a nod to the 12 years chef Karen Small (formerly of Flying Fig) spent in Appalachia. “I was inspired to create a small intimate place, that people could feel comfortable and nourished,” says Small. Try this: Everyone loves the cheddar and chive biscuits ($5) served with sorghum butter and jam. 3900 Lorain Ave., Cleveland, 216-331-0338, juneberrytable.com

Kitchen Social
Why we love it: The bright, modern vibes and elevated, from-scratch American brunch fare kick things up a notch at this newer Pinecrest pick. Try this: The Shrimp N’ Grits ($14) layers plump shrimp over creamy white cheddar grits with Creole sauce, applewood bacon and a poached egg for a rich, Southern-inspired brunch favorite. 211 Park Ave., Suite 115, Beachwood, 216-202-6444, ourkitchensocial.com

Lago East Bank 
Why we love it: The restaurant from chef Fabio Salerno offers a Sicilian-inspired menu of pasta, steaks, pizza, seafood and appetizers with trendy ambiance in the Flats. Lago's brunch features fun twists like breakfast pizza ($20) and Italian Scotch Eggs ($12). Try this: The crispy chicken and buttermilk waffles ($18) skewers golden fried chicken and house-made waffle into a playful, stacked presentation, finished with BBQ maple syrup and sweet pickled jalapenos for a balance of sweet heat and crunch. 1091 W. 10th St., Cleveland, 216-862-8065, lagoeastbank.com

Le Petit Triangle
Why we love it: Enjoy classic Parisian decor and authentic French pastries and breakfast in the heart of Ohio City. Try this: The savory french toast ($13) layers roasted butternut squash, wild mushrooms and caramelized onions over custardy toast, finished with sage maple syrup for a sweet-savory balance. Add bacon or sausage to make it even heartier. 1881 Fulton Road, Cleveland, 216-281-1881, lepetittriangle.com

Lemon Falls 
Why we love it: Locals flock to this intimate and cozy bakery, cafe and marketplace for all the usual suspects ranging from avocado toast to Irish steel-cut oatmeal. Try this: Start the day with a savory fried egg sandwich ($12.50) with two eggs, bacon, tomato and Swiss on a brioche bun. 95 N. Main St., Chagrin Falls, 440-247-8000, lemonfalls.com 

Lucky’s Cafe
Why we love it: A comfort food favorite of Michael Symon’s and Guy Fieri’s, the iconic Cleveland brunch spot has it all: cozy vibes, friendly staff and the usual brunch delights, in a charming historic Tremont home. Try this: Order up the Lucky’s Reuben ($18.50) with corned beef and sauerkraut on rye bread with house-made thousand island dressing and Swiss cheese. 77 Starkweather Ave., Cleveland, 216-622-7773, luckyscafe.com

Luxe Kitchen & Lounge
Why we love it: Luxe is casual, eclectic and stylish with a Mediterranean-Italian influence, good for elevated classic brunch plates, from breakfast pizzas to the chorizo benedict. Try this: Stop in for the shakshuka ($15), featuring two eggs nestled in spicy tomato sauce, topped with arugula and whipped feta and served with focaccia for dipping. 6605 Detroit Ave., Cleveland, 216-920-0600, luxecleveland.com

Martha on the Fly 
Why we love it: This tiny hotspot crafts delicious breakfast sandwiches, giant cinnamon rolls and corn meal fries, with a nostalgic nod to a chic retro diner counter. There are a few seats, but takeout is the name of the game here. Try this: The Agnes ($13) layers house-made shaved and griddled steak with American cheese, egg and Martha’s Sunshine Sauce for a rich, savory sandwich that stands out. Add your favorite toppings to make it your own.2173 Professor Ave., Cleveland, 844-474-3568, marthaonthefly.com

Pier W 
Why We Love It: Panoramic views of Lake Erie and Cleveland’s skyline pair with an expansive seafood-and-land buffet to make this Sunday brunch one of the area’s most coveted reservations. Try This: The Sunday brunch buffet ($72) delivers everything from fresh shucked oysters and shrimp cocktail to sesame-seared tuna, carved prime rib and Pier W’s signature bouillabaisse, plus made-to-order omelets and an array of house-made desserts.12700 Lake Ave., Lakewood, 216-228-2250, pierw.com

Scratch
Why we love it: Guests feel at home in this from-scratch rustic cozy restaurant featuring its own takes on classic American fare.  If you're feeling charitable (as well as hungry), order the Banana & Bourbon Caramel French Toast ($16) or the Breakfast Burrito ($16.50) and the restaurant donates $1 to charity. Try this: The classic steak and eggs ($22.50) — featuring a chili rubbed ribeye, topped with onion, cilantro and lime, with side of home fries and two eggs — hits the spot when you're looking for something heavy. 6595 Brecksville Road, Independence, 216-312-2190, scratchrestaurant.com 

The Rowley Inn
Why We Love It: A Tremont mainstay since 1906, this historic neighborhood bar delivers hearty, comfort-driven brunch in a relaxed, old-school setting. Try this: The Loco Moski ($20), featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, stacks three sauteed pierogi with a burger patty, caramelized onions, over-easy eggs and peppered gravy for a seriously hefty brunch plate. 104 Rowley Ave., Cleveland, 216-795-5345, therowleyinn.com

The South Side
Why we love it: This Tremont favorite keeps weekends lively with dedicated Saturday and Sunday brunch menus packed with crowd-pleasing starters and hearty plates. Begin with scallion tater tots or the brunch bread basket loaded with house-made biscuits and cornbread, seasonal scones, mini maple donuts or a classic hummus spread before diving into the main event. Try this: The Mother Mary ($30) is a full-on spectacle and includes 27 ounces of homemade bloody Mary mix and vodka served in a massive beer stein, piled high with celery, fried pickle, jalapeno popper, breakfast pierogi, hard-boiled egg, grilled cheese with bacon, cucumber, tomato and olive. It’s served with a Miller High Life, hand-cut potato chips and tomato aioli. 2207 W. 11th St., Cleveland, 216-937-2288, southsidecleveland.com

Sunny Street Cafe
Why we love it: This family-run breakfast joint just off the highway on the far East Side is all about scratch-made classics and unique tasty twists in a bright atmosphere. During the summer, the patio is busy with locals. Try this: Regulars dig the crispy loaded hash browns ($11.99) topped with two eggs, sausage gravy, cheese and sauteed onion, served with toast. 7531 Crile Road, Concord, 440-392-9800, sunnystreetcafe.com

West Side Market Cafe
Why we love it: Shopping at the West Side Market always makes us hungry. If you can't wait until you get home, check out this homestyle eatery housed in the historic West Side Market in Ohio City. It sources its ingredients from many of the market’s vendors, crafting delicious American comfort fare in this casual bustling locale. Try this: The kielbasa hash ($15.50) brings West Side Market flavor to the plate, pairing smoky kielbasa with onions and potatoes, topped with poached eggs and silky Hollandaise, and served with toast for a classic Cleveland brunch. 1979 W. 25th St., Cleveland, 216-579-6800, westsidemarketcafe.com 

Yours Truly
Why we love it: Dubbed as “friendly American,” the all-day breakfast is crafted mostly from locally sourced ingredients at this family-run restaurant. Signature omelettes, pancakes and more go great with Yours Truly signature coffee blend. Try this: Order one of the signature 3 egg omelets and make it a Notso ($13), Yours Truly’s trademarked twist that layers golden hash browns with cheese, chopped bacon and sour cream. Various locations, ytr.com

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