Best of Cleveland 2017: Best of the Best: Brewery Bites

Collision Bend Brewing Co.
This is no typical barroom popcorn: over-salted, processed-buttered kernels going stale in a corner. Consulting chef Andy Dombrowski’s Collision Bend popcorn ($4) is tossed in chili powder, lime seasoning and pecorino Italian cheese, giving it a smoky, citrus flavor that pairs well with beer. It’s tossed in schmaltz, deep-fried for an instant and served warm. “The schmaltz has a neutral, not-so-in-your-face flavor,” Dombrowski says, “but also gives a fat appeal like a butter popcorn.” 1250 Old River Road, Cleveland, 216-273-7879, collisionbendbrewery.com

Noble Beast Brewing Co.
The only thing better than drinking beer is eating it too. Served with a side of honey beer mustard, Noble Beast’s CLE corn dog ($7) wraps a smoked kielbasa in a batter made with spent grains from the brewery’s beer. “The grains have a lot of nutrients and fiber left in them and add a lot of color and texture,” says co-owner and head chef James Redford. “We made it very Cleveland with the kielbasa and a great sauerkraut from Cleveland Kraut.” 1470 Lakeside Ave. E, Cleveland, 216-417-8588, noblebeastbeer.com

Saucy Brew Works
Forget New York and Chicago, we’re all about Saucy Brew Works’ New Haven-inspired “apizza.” The Neapolitan-style pie’s Connecticut cousin has a charred-but-not-burned crust with a chewy inside. Stay regional with the Little Neck ($14, small), topped with littleneck clams and fresh lemons on a buttery white pizza that mimics the classic clambake. “It’s got that weird, sweet clam taste and then the salty, ocean brininess,” says owner Eric Anderson. “That’s the classic New Haven pie.” 2885 Detroit Ave., Cleveland, 216-666-2568, saucybrewworks.com