Academy Tavern On Larchmere
Why we love it: “We are one of the oldest drinking establishments in Northeast Ohio, serving cocktails after Prohibition in 1939,” says owner Christopher Butler, who preserved original building features of this casual hotspot. Try this: The Academy Burger ($15) featuring bacon, Academy Sauce, Swiss cheese and American cheese sauce with fresh-cut fries is a highlight. 12800 Larchmere Blvd., Cleveland, 216-229-1171, academytaverncle.com
Angie’s Soul Cafe
Why we love it: After getting her start in soul food cooking in 1970s Cleveland, chef Angie Jeter in 1986 opened the first of several scratch soul-food kitchens that now span 25 years and three generations. Try this: The fried chicken sandwich (white or dark meat $10.50) with french fries is a tasty staple. 7815 Carnegie Ave., Cleveland, 216-426-8890; 16906 Harvard Ave., Cleveland, 216-295-7685; 23041 Emery Road, Cleveland, 216-438-3289, angiessoulcafe.com
Beckham’s B&M Bar B Que
Why we love it: Tasty authentic barbecue and from-scratch Southern cuisine crafted from family recipes are two reasons why this long-running (since 1958) restaurant and its second location are must-visits. Try this: The two wings, two ribs and fries ($13.99) meal can’t be beat. 21921 Miles Road, North Randall; 23840 Broadway Ave., Cleveland, gotribsbbq.com
Bratenahl Kitchen
Why we love it: The storefront of this authentic Caribbean takeout spot in Collinwood may be small, but the cuisine packs big flavor. Try this: Take home the spicy chicken curry ($12). 14002 Lakeshore Blvd., Cleveland, 216-383-1874, bratenahlkitchentogo.com
The Crispy Chick
Why we love it: This female-owned business focuses on chicken cooked up with wholesome locally sourced ingredients served with delectable homemade sauces and seasonings. Try this: The Mega Meal ($15.50) with six chicken strips, fresh-cut fries, coleslaw, two sauces, garlic butter toast and a large drink. 5618 Woodland Ave., Cleveland, 216-331-4700, thecrispychick.com
RELATED: Behind The Crispy Chick's Community-Focused Fast Food
Fawaky Burst Juice & Smoothie Cafe
Why we love it: Clevelanders quench their thirst (and hunger) for wellness with a flavorful lineup of juices, smoothies and halal food from Fawaky Burst cafes. Try this: The PB&J protein smoothie ($6-$8) feels both indulgent and healthy, complete with fresh strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, bananas peanut butter and almond milk. 1750 Ansel Road, Cleveland; 13010 Larchmere Blvd., Cleveland, 216-438-3289, fawakyburst.com
Filter
Why we love it: “Filter is an Instagramable moment and place. It feels like something Cleveland hasn’t had in a long time,” says owner and creator Kyler Smith of the experiential American and seafood restaurant that opened in March. Try this: Customers have been lining up for the blackened honey chipotle salmon ($30) with fried rice and mango salsa, says Smith. 740 W. Superior Ave., Cleveland, 216-415-5481, filterexperience.com
The Four Bistro and Wine Bar
Why we love it: Delicious comfort food (like savory Cajun grits or the chicken wing dinner) makes this casual restaurant and watering hole a must-visit. Try this: The Alfredo pasta with shrimp ($16) is a customer favorite. 4450 Mayfield Road, South Euclid, 216-860-0364, instagram.com/the4bistro
Goodfellas BBQ
Why we love it: Darryl Rugley’s team excels at mouthwatering soul food, barbecue and seafood. Try this: Devour the rib dinner ($22) with two sides of your choice (like the mac and cheese, baked beans or coleslaw). 5156 Wilson Mills Road, Richmond Heights, 440-421-9640, instagram.com/goodfellasbbq
Habesha Ethiopian and Eritrean Restaurant
Why we love it: Locals enjoy the tasty authentic Ethiopian eats in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere in Cleveland's Kamm's Corners neighborhood. Try this: Spice lovers dig the awaze tibs ($18), strips of beef sautéed in seasoned butter, red peppers and onions in awaze paste. 16860 Lorain Ave., Cleveland, 216-400-6539, habeshacle.com
Irie Jamaican Kitchen
Why we love it: Cleveland's favorite fast-casual, build-your-own Jamaican spot is growing into a mini empire. “Irie is for everybody. I see a lot of lovely different people coming together and loving the food and vibe,” says chef and owner Omar McKay. Try this: The five eateries serve up delicious bowls of best-selling jerk chicken ($9.99). 4162 Pearl Road, Cleveland, 216-291-7488; 621 E. 185th St., Euclid, 216-350-6112; 16600 Chagrin Blvd., Shaker Heights, 216-266-0184; 13804 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, 216-712-4489; 837 W. Market St., Akron, 234-571-5322, iriejakitchen.com
Kim’s Wings
Why we love it: Since 1975, Kim and family have been serving up savory ribs, shrimp, fish, Polish Boys, homestyle sides and wings at three locations beloved by their neighborhoods. Each dish showcases the restaurant's signature sauce, a ketchup- and vinegar-based barbecue sauce. Try this: Grab five wings ($8) with homestyle backyard barbecue sauce. 14909 St. Clair Ave., Cleveland, 216-681-6644; 22382 Lakeshore Blvd., Euclid, 216-731-3202; 28242 Chardon Road, Willoughby Hills, 440-278-4874, kimswingscle.com/
The Roaming Biscuit
Why we love it: Formerly CLE Biscuitheads pop-up, the Roaming Biscuit creates the same biscuits, sammies and other baked goods at its Hingetown location. “We love what we do and have fun while doing it,” says owner Shawnda Moye. Try this: The star menu item is the smoked brisket, egg and cheese biscuit sandwich ($10), says Moye. 1418 W. 29th St., Cleveland, 216-452-6035, theroamingbiscuit.com
RELATED: Shawnda Moye of Roaming Biscuit Shares Her Favorite Brunch, Date Night, More: Word of Mouth
Sauce the City
Why we love it: Chef Victor Searcy Jr., aka “Chef Vick,” developed his own signature line of sauces as a student at Kent State University and grew the business through local markets, fairs and festivals before opening the restaurant with show-stopping juicy chicken sandwiches. Try this: Test your own heat index with the Cleveland Hot Chicken Sandwich combo ($14.95) made with Kooling Sauce Chicken, tossed in house hot sauce, topped with house kale slaw and sprinkled with Sauce Fire Seasoning. Be sure to pick your side option of either onion rings or fries to complete the meal. 3915 Carnegie Ave., Cleveland, 216-242-6222, saucethecity.com/
Related: Victor Searcy of Sauce the City Dishes on His Favorite Pizza, Dessert and More: Word of Mouth
Taste of Jamaica
Why we love it: No frills — just tasty, spicy, authentic Jamaican eats produced with fresh ingredients. Try this: Enjoy the much-loved oxtail stew ($20, large) coupled with two sides of choice, rice and vegetable. 5104 Mayfield Road, Lyndhurst, 440-565-7230, tasteofjamaica5104.com
Why we love it: UJerk offers fresh Caribbean cuisine that is spicy, modern and flavorful. Try this: The jerk chicken sandwich ($16) features a juicy, boneless Jamaican seasoned chicken thigh. 840 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, 216-675-0022, facebook.com/UJerkNation/
The Vegan Doughnut Co.
Why we love it: When sisters Kharisma and Kyra Mayo ventured into veganism and noticed a lack of local vegan doughnut options, they couldn't have imagined that they would eventually perfect their own recipe. Yet in 2018, the sisters opened the first all-vegan doughnut shop in Ohio. Today, the bakery flaunts tasty creations that even carnivores wait in line for. Try this: The raspberry strudel doughnut ($4) is a pop of fruity flavor. The yeast raised doughnut is filled with a seedless raspberry jam and topped with a vegan cream cheese icing, reminiscent of the classic toaster strudels. 14811 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, thevegandoughnutco.com
Whitmore’s Bar-B-Que
Why we love it: Chef Vance Whitmore and his family have been barbecuing since 1942. Try this: Go for the juicy, flavorful full slab rib dinner ($36) that comes with a side fries and coleslaw. 20209 Harvard Ave., Warrensville Heights, 216-752-3960, facebook.com/whitmoresbbq
Why we love it: With a vibrant history dating to 1985, this trio of casual traditional soul food hotspots cooks up delectable Southern cuisine. Try this: Start with the grilled shrimp and grits ($13), accompanied by onion and peppers marinated in Creole sauce, served on a bed of creamy grits. 13225 Shaker Square #2314, Cleveland, 216-752-1035; 627 Prospect Ave. E, Cleveland, 216-862-5772, zanzibarohio.com
Zoma Ethiopian Restaurant
Why we love it: Stop by Zoma for appetizing authentic Ethiopian fare in a cute African-inspired atmosphere. Try this: Save room for some sweet baklava ($5). 2240 Lee Road, Cleveland, 216-465-3239, zomacleveland.com
Bite into the Cleveland dining scene by signing up for our free weekly CLE Food & Drink newsletter — your guide to food and drink throughout The Land. Arriving in your inbox every week, this coverage fills you in on everything from mocktails to shareable plates — and more. Click here to subscribe.
