Editor's Note: This article was published in April 2023. Prices and menu items are subject to change.
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: Two words: Heavenly Biscuits ($8). “A must start for every table, every visit,” says Davin. “We make them from scratch every day.”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 ($8.95) 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: Your body will thank you for the A.M. Power Bowl ($16) with quinoa, roasted veggies, over-easy eggs, avocado and pumpkin seed granola. 2000 E. Ninth St., Cleveland, 216-357-2680, eatatbetts.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: Go for the wild mushroom and truffle pie ($16) made with a 900-year-old sourdough brick oven Neapolitan recipe. 2017 E. Ninth St., Cleveland, 216-331-6289, thecentrocleveland.com
Filter
Why we love it: Kyler Smith describes Filter as “visual dining” with
club-inspired modern design and Southern-American, seafood-focused fare. Try this: Head to Sunday brunch for shrimp and fried grits ($28) featuring marinated jumbo shrimp, seared over smoked gouda grit cakes, topped with a Cajun cream sauce. 740 W. Superior Ave., Cleveland, filterexperience.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 ($10) with scrambled eggs and spicy chorizo, tomato, onion and cheddar jack cheese, wrapped with a soft tortilla and topped with chipotle Baja sauce, served with hashbrowns. 4377 State Road, Cleveland, 216-661-5967, gussoldbrooklyn.com
(Photo courtesy Heck's Cafe)
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 ($14) stuffed with cinnamon walnuts and topped with honey-rosewater syrup,” says Daoud. Various locations, 216-861-5464, heckscafe.com
Inn on Coventry
Why we love it: This 40-year-old 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 ($7.99 for 3) pack a ton of flavor — as do most other specialty pancakes. 2785 Euclid Heights Blvd., Cleveland, 216-371-1811
Jaja
Why we love it: The whimsical Argentinian small plate, steak and cocktail haven cooks up elevated brunch plates. Try this: “Avocado 39,916,800 Ways” ($60) features sliced avocado, burrata, smoked salmon, Nueske’s bacon, prosciutto, Peruvian salsa criolla, Aleppo pepita crumble, whipped lemon goat cheese and more with toasted sourdough. 2050 Gehring Ave., Cleveland, 216-998-5353, jajacleveland.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 ($4) 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 signature biscuits n’ gravy ($11) with two cage-free eggs sunny side up is a 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. Also open late, Lago's brunch features fun twists like BLT Frittata ($14) and Italian Scotch Eggs ($14). Try this: The one-of-a-kind chicken parm pop tarts ($13) features chicken parm, puff pastry, provolone and marinara. 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. It's
currently undergoing a renovation and expansion. Try this: Say bonjour to the day with the vegetarian quiche ($13),
featuring Swiss chard, roasted red pepper and Cabot white cheddar. 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 ($9.95) 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 ($17.95) 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 savory short rib hash ($17) with gorgonzola cream sauce, home fries, spinach and two fried eggs. 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 Betty ($12) egg sandwich with thick cut house-made hickory smoked bacon stands out. 2173 Professor Ave., Cleveland, 844-474-3568, marthaonthefly.com
Pier W
Why we love it: Panoramic views of Lake Erie and Cleveland’s skyline meet a massive seafood and land fare (and
homemade dessert) buffet to make this brunch one of Cleveland’s most-coveted reservations. Try this: The Sunday brunch buffet’s ($59) made-to-order omelets, French toast and waffles, are a fresh favorite, says general manager Mark Kawada. 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 ($13) or the Breakfast Burrito ($13.50) and the restaurant donates $1 to charity. Try this: The classic steak and eggs ($19) — 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
(Photo courtesy Emanuel Wallace)
The South Side
Why we love it: For 20 years, two vast menus — one for Saturday, one for Sunday — have featured everything from Challa-Luja French Toast ($20.25) with fried chicken and eggs Benedict to salads and omelets. Try this: The Mother Mary ($25) created by chef Natasha Pogrebinsky includes owner Sherman DeLozier’s legendary house bloody Mary mix and garnishes, including a small Miller High Life beer, fried pickles, hard-boiled eggs and bacon-grilled cheese. 2207 W. 11th St., Cleveland, 216-937-2288, southsidecleveland.com
The Spot on Lakeshore
Why we love it: Whether it’s for brunch, lunch or breakfast, newish the Spot on Lakeshore whips up casual American fare (and cocktails) in a chic atmosphere. Offering both grab-and-go and dine-in experiences, Chef Zachary Ladner puts his fine-dining past to good use in the building where he launched his culinary career. Try this: The Spot’s braised coffee rubbed short rib hash ($13) stands out with caramelized onion and tomato jam, served with red skin potatoes. 7272 Lakeshore Blvd., Mentor, 440-510-8504, thespotonlakeshore.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 ($11.49) 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 Westside 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: A true Clevelander must try the pierogi melt ($13) with crispy golden pierogies and sauerkraut on grilled rosemary bread with melted Muenster cheese. Served with French fries.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. “By participating in their parents’ frequent dinners and parties, the Shibleys, three brothers and a sister, learned the importance of charm and hospitality,” says company president Dixie Singer. Signature omelettes, pancakes and more go great with Yours Truly signature coffee blend. Try this: “Favorite appetizers include our Flash Fried Artichoke Hearts ($8.90), which are hand battered and served with homemade fire ranch dressing, made from scratch in our kitchens,” says Singer. Various locations, ytr.com
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