Openings
Allure
Chef Nick Kustala takes the reigns of the downtown Willoughby favorite as it transitions from Lure Bistro into Allure Bistro. With several tasty nods to the original business, Allure’s menu is centered around seafood and steaks. Also new is the Allure Passport, a transitional space that features various regional dishes, and a full liquor license for customers to take advantage of on the spacious, year-round patio. 38040 Third St., Willoughby, 440-306-8226
Betts Restaurant
Find your new go-to spot at Betts Restaurant with its homey atmosphere and fresh, all-American fare. Located in the Kimpton Schofield Hotel, menu items like the keto-friendly margarita and the house veggie burger are easy to indulge and also perfect for a health boost. 2000 E. Ninth St., Cleveland, eatatbetts.com
Domo
Sushi rolls, yakitori and okonomiyaki are just some of the Japanese street-style dishes offered at the new Van Aken Market Hall restaurant. The small eatery, while originally set up as a unique yakitori bar with 20 seats and counter service, is only operating at 25% capacity due to social distancing guidelines. Until seats open up, get your fill of longtime sushi chef Carmen Paponetti’s cuisine through carryout. 20119 Van Aken Blvd., Shaker Heights, 216-316-5534
Hako (Aug. 11)
Brought to you by the chefs and owners of Ohashi and now-closed Sapporo comes this all-new sushi experience in Lakewood. In addition to traditional sushi and rolls, check out the pan sushi, a popular Hawaiian meal that combines layers of rice, fish, roe and special sauces. 13603 Madison Ave., 216-273-7110, sushihako.com
Lox, Stock, and Brisket
Lox, Stock, and Brisket fans rejoice. After a two-month hiatus, the popular sandwich eatery and delicatessen has finally reopened. Now located in the Van Aken District, customers can find their usual lunch and dinner favorites from chef Anthony Zappola, such as the Lincoln Park buttermilk chicken schnitzel sandwich. Look out for some new breakfast menu additions in the coming weeks. 3441 Tuttle Road, Shaker Heights, 216-471-8175, loxstockandbrisket.com
Sauce the City
Sink your teeth into Cleveland’s best chicken sandwich once more at Sauce the City, back in business at its former Ohio City Galley location. The slightly expanded menu offers familiar hits and more, from the signature hot chicken sandwich to the fire-roasted corn. With a new floor plan and more outdoor seating, there’s plenty of room to social distance here. 1400 W. 25th St., Cleveland, 216-795-5033, saucethecitycleveland.com
Twisted Taino
Sauce the City gained a new neighbor on Aug. 3 as Twisted Taino moved into the Ohio City Galley. Created by catering chef Jose Miguel Melendez, the concept will pull strongly from his Latin roots with cuisine inspired by Puerto Rican, Colombian, Mexican and Cuban dishes. Be sure to try the Twisted Fries, tater tops topped with guajillo pork roast, or the tropical fruit frappes. 1400 W. 25th St., Cleveland, 216-310-5880, facebook.com/twistedtaino
Reopenings
Angelo’s Pizza
July 23 was a sad day for pizza lovers when Angelo’s in Lakewood reverted their dining services back to delivery and curbside pickup only. But within a few weeks, the beloved pizza joint has now reopened again with new hours: 11 a.m. until 10 p.m. Delivery and curbside hours remain the same. 13715 Madison Ave., Lakewood, 216-221-0440, angeloslakewood.com/menu
Der Braumeister Restaurant
This folksy German restaurant and biergarten opened its doors again in late July after taking several months to renovate the almost century-old spot. Some new changes include a streamlined menu — though the authentic flavors customers love remain in popular dishes such as the build-your-own schnitzel — new brews, and COVID-19 procedures including highly encouraged reservations for the patio and bar seats. 13046 Lorain Ave., Cleveland, 216-671-6220, derbrau.com
LBM
Cleveland’s own friendly neighborhood cocktail bar is back with its apocalpyse-themed food and drink menu. Before you go, make sure you’re prepared to comply with the new safety guidelines of mandatory masks, temperature checks at the door, hand sanitizer stations and more. Call ahead if you want a guaranteed spot inside or on the patio at this long-awaited reopening. 12301 Madison Ave., Lakewood, 216-712-4692, lbmbar.com
Prosperity Social Club
What better way to welcome Prosperity Social Club back onto the scene than with a fish fry. In addition to the award-winning haddock and house-made tartar shop — now featured every Friday for dine-in, takeout or curbside pickup — grab a picnic pack on the weekends or other treats as its full menu comes back into business. Social distancing guidelines such as masks, safe spacing and Plexiglas bar dividers are enforced. 1109 Starkweather Ave., Cleveland, 216-937-1938, prosperitysocialclub.com
Tabletop Board Game Cafe
Employees at this Ohio City favorite are cautious, but eager to let game night continue once again. Not only will customers have to wear masks and comply by the social distancing rules in the cafe, but reservations are required. It will be worth it, though, to have your choice of more than 1,000 different games and food options such as flatbread pizza and paninis. 1810 W. 25th St., Cleveland, 216-512-3053, tabletopcleve.com
Reclosings
Forest City Brewery
Forest City’s parting words on July 22 as they temporarily closed again urges all people to wear masks and follow the safety procedures so that restaurants and businesses around the state can operate safely. The employees and owners want to welcome customers back for more than just the current limited hours for growler fills and pickups of their specialty Euro-brews, but are willing to wait as long as it takes to ensure complete safety. 2135 Columbus Road, Cleveland, 216-228-9116, forestcitybrewery.com
Great Lakes Brewing Co. Brewpub
It’s not a goodbye, just a see you soon from the Ohio City brewpub. After opening in June and going above and beyond with safety measures, the recent spike in COVID-19 cases led to Great Lakes closing its doors once more on July 29. Citing the safety of their employees and customers as the most important, they are eagerly working on new plans to fit the changing health scene. Don’t worry, though, the gift shop is still available for merchandise, packaged beer, and growlers-to-go. 2516 Market Ave., Cleveland, 216-771-4404, greatlakesbrewing.com
Closings
Chicago’s Chicken and Waffles
The sister shop of two popular eateries in the Windy City has officially closed. After two years of serving all-day dishes centered around delicious waffles, the announcement comes on the heels of months of reduced traffic downtown and in the Playhouse Square district.
Sapporo Sushi
After 15 years of being a downtown sushi hot spot, Aug. 1 ushered in the end of an era as Sapporo Sushi shuttered its doors for good. Known for its sushi, sashimi, and noodle bowls, the closing comes on the rise of a new sushi shop, Hako, coming to Lakewood.
New Spots to Watch Out For
Hola Tacos’s Larchmere location
Hola Tacos plans to come to the East Side, taking the spot of chef Juan Vergara’s Barroco Arepa Bar on Larchmere Boulevard. After wowing customers in Lakewood with killer tacos and bright salsas, the menu at the new location will be the same, but with an additional liquor license, large bar, and front and rear patios. While no official opening date is announced, the spot is expected to be ready in a few weeks. 12718 Larchmere Blvd., Cleveland, hola-tacos.com
