/ Ohio City /
THE NEWBIE // TownHall
While you may come here for its extensive beer list, you will stay for its innovative vegan and gluten-free options that fill the menu.
THE GAME CHANGER // Market Garden Brewery
Sam McNulty proves that he's the city•s beer kingpin with the opening of his third venue on West 25th Street — this one focused on making really good brews.
THE HIDDEN GEM // Touch Supper Club
You might have to walk a tad to get here, but it's worth it for its great happy hour specials, live music scene and amazing weekend brunch.
THE PIONEER // Great Lakes Brewing Co.
More than 25 years ago, brothers Pat and Dan Conway crafted a space for beer and food — and we can't imagine our lives without Dortmunder and Christmas Ale.
/ Tremont /
THE NEWBIE // NEXT DOOR
With two other Dante Boccuzzi-owned restaurants to its right, this casual spot offers up wood-fired pizzas for lunch and hearty brunch on weekends.
THE GAME CHANGER // FAHRENHEIT
It wasn't long after Michael Symon opened Lola down the street that Rocco Whalen followed suit in 2002 with his eclectic American restaurant.
THE HIDDEN GEM // BARRIO
Come here for cheap tacos, inventive margaritas and a never-ending supply of great chips and salsa. Stay for the cozy patio that overlooks Literary Road.
THE PIONEER // LOLITA
When Michael Symon opened this spot as Lola in 1997, it helped turn the area into a culinary destination. Though he renamed it Lolita in 2006, Mediterranean favorites such as the macaroni with chicken, goat cheese and rosemary remained.
/ East Fourth Street /
THE NEWBIE // Red, the Steakhouse
Prime steaks and a prime location go hand in hand at this steakhouse's second Northeast Ohio location, which also serves fresh seafood and more than 15 sides.
THE GAME CHANGER // The Greenhouse Tavern
This eco-friendly restaurant led by bearded, elfinlike chef and mastermind Jonathon Sawyer has been hopping with hipsters and foodies alike since 2009.
THE HIDDEN GEM // Saigon
Don't overlook this Vietnamese restaurant, tucked next to Erie Island Coffee Co., with plenty of authentic dishes such as charbroiled pork bún and crispy spring rolls.
THE PIONEER // LOLA
If Michael Symon is the Big Bang of our dining scene, the ultra-hip Lola with its gourmet bistro menu has been the sun at the center of the East Fourth dining scene since 2006.
/ Shaker Square /
THE NEWBIE // Edwins Restaurant
Part rehabilitation program, part French-inspired restaurant, this spot offers an extensive wine list and gourmet food prepared and served by former felons.
THE GAME CHANGER // Fire Food and Drink
Douglas Katz is among the trailblazers of the local food movement, but he still manages to bring a worldly flair to this white-tablecloth restaurant he opened in 2001.
THE HIDDEN GEM // SASA
Next to Shaker Square Cinemas, the intimate, modern design of Scott Kim's Asian-inspired restaurant is a great place to dine on sushi after a date-night flick.
THE PIONEER // Balaton
An East Side staple for 50 years, this restaurant — which moved here in 1998 — is big on Old World charm and Hungarian comfort food, such as paprikash and schnitzel.
