Avo Modern Mexican's Arepas Are The Star Of The Menu

Gabriel Zeller had four potential restaurant concepts at the ready when he stumbled on the former Bakersfield Tacos spot in Ohio City. Rather than shake things up completely, the co-owner of Char Whiskey Bar & Grille in Rocky River decided to double down on providing upscale modern Mexican cuisine with Avo Modern Mexican. With a menu replete with avocado-forward entrees and appetizers, everything made by chef Steve Clarkson is ripe for the picking.

The arepas ($12) for instance are house-made corn cakes flash-fried and topped with slow-roasted barbacoa that’s elevated with 15 spices. It packs an unforgettable heat when paired with slaw, watermelon radishes and avocado crema. “You’re eating fresh at Avo,“ says Zeller. “All of our braised meats are cooked between six and eight hours.” 2058 W. 25th St., Cleveland, 216-331-6961, avo-ohiocity.com