Don't write the suburbs off when it comes to food-and-drink hot spots. A handful of popular places have recently taken advantage of the crowds drawn to the city's Theater and Warehouse districts, by opening another location downtown. From pints of Guinness to big burgers to eye- and palate-pleasing sushi rolls, here's the rundown on four favorites that have staked a claim in the downtown scene.
Suburban spot: Lakewood
Downtown spin: Arepas have taken over the downtown menu. With an assembly-line ordering system, it's a speedy stop while out in the Warehouse District.
Order this: The Reina Pepiada ($7.65) mixes chicken, avocado, black beans and roasted red peppers. "Some say arepas are a Venezuelan breakfast food and others say they're a Colombian street food," says owner Juan Vergara. "We're Colombian, but wanted to share a Venezuelan dish."
Suburban Spot: Highland Heights
Downtown spin: Forget waiting to be seated by a hostess then placing your order. At the Euclid Avenue location, it's all about speed. Head to the counter to place your order then choose to sit anywhere you'd like.
Order this: Dig in to the sloppy tot ($6.99), dressed in house-made sloppy Joe and nacho cheese. "Everybody has cheese sticks and potato skins," says owner Elie Chamoun. "We wanted to be notable."
Suburban spot: Strongsville
Downtown spin: Sushi, hibachi and dancing is spread across five floors so patrons can eat, dance, or eat while they dance. "We modeled the space after what you would see in a bigger city like New York or Las Vegas," says general manager Benny Yang. "There isn't anything else like it in Cleveland."
Order this: The yellowtail sushi ($8) mixes sweet and salty flavors sashimi style.
Suburban Spot: Cleveland Heights
Downtown spin: Like its other location, the bar will pick up takeout for patrons, but the eats are different. Choose from PlayhouseSquare restaurants such as Otto Moser's or A Cafe. "With the variety and quality of restaurants there, I have no choice but to deliver," says co-owner Declan Synnott.
Order this: Choose from 70 different types of whiskey. Synnott recommends sipping 21-year-old Balvenie scotch or Midleton Irish whiskey.
