Dining Guide: Chardon’s 18 Best Restaurants

(Christina Rufo)

Beans Coffee Shop & Bistro 
Why we love it: This cozy cafe in the heart of Chardon Square fosters a warm, homey vibe through every detail, from the stained glass tree in the front window to the wood-topped tables, white tile ceiling, bookshelves and board games near the entrance. “It’s all about the community,” says owner Sylvia McGee. The front patio offers a relaxing spot to sip your coffee outside, and the warmly lit interior makes it easy to settle in. Try this: Beans serves up small-batch Solstice Roasters coffee along with a bakery case and a surprisingly large breakfast and lunch menu featuring fresh garden-picked vegetables. The maple oat milk latte ($4.75-$5.95) offers rich flavor with Geauga County maple syrup and feels like a warm hug. The “Not just the same old grind” is more than a motto here; it’s the reason locals keep coming back. 121 Main St., Chardon, 440-279-4230, beans-coffee.com

(Courtesy Brown Barn Tavern)

Brown Barn Tavern    
Why we love it: Just down the road from Alpine Valley ski resort, this gastropub pairs elevated American comfort food with a casual, country-chic vibe. Inside, soaring 30-foot ceilings, dark wood finishes and rough-hewn beams give the space an open yet inviting feel, with ski slope views that shift beautifully with the seasons. The deck patio, perched about 30 feet high, offers an outstanding dinner backdrop in Geauga County. Try this: Brown Barn has been voted Best Brunch by Cleveland Magazine two years running, thanks to dishes like its signature French toast bake and hearty breakfast skillets. For dinner, entrees like the crab-stuffed salmon ($27) and seafood risotto ($30) — with seared scallops, shrimp, mushrooms and asparagus — round out the menu with a more refined touch. 10700 Mayfield Road, Chardon, 440-279-4747, brownbarntavern.com  

Chardon Buckeye Chocolate Cafe
Why we love it: This charming cafe and drive-thru offers a warm, contemporary space that blends cozy seating and convenience with a showcase of gourmet sweets. Wood‑tone floors under pendant lighting are perfect for lingering over espresso or dessert, and the spacious patio allows for additional outdoor seating. Try this: The menu is filled with locally sourced vendors such as JT's Bagels, Sage’s Apples and Miller’s Country Jams. The lemon arugula toast ($8.50) features a bright burst of flavor with fresh avocado, arugula, pickled onion, lemon vinaigrette, salt, pepper and red pepper flakes atop a slice of toasted multigrain bread. 510 Water St., Chardon, 440- 286‑5282, buckeyechocolatecafe.square.site/chardon-cafe

Congin’s Pizza
Why we love it: A Chardon favorite for hearty, homemade pies, Congin’s has been slinging slices in Northeast Ohio since 1983. This no-frills, take-out-only pizza joint is all about comfort food done right with thick-crust deep-dish, melty calzones and saucy pasta dinners. Whether you're grabbing a personal pan pizza or ordering a full sheet for the family, it’s hard to go wrong. Try this: The Congin Sub ($9) is a stacked cold-cut classic with turkey, ham, roast beef, cheese, tomato, lettuce and Miracle Whip on a roll. Honorable mention: The deep dish pizza ($16+) is worth the experience. 104 South St., Chardon, 440-286-1260, conginspizza.com

Cremona Scratch Italian
Why we love it: Tucked into Chardon Square, Cremona delivers scratch-made Italian cuisine in a warm, elegant atmosphere. The restaurant was a family-built labor of love, featuring a cherry-wood bar made from a tree that once stood in owner Alex Lenk’s father’s front yard and walls painted by hand. Black tablecloths, soft cream-yellow and blue walls, chandelier lighting and a granite bar anchor the decor. The vibe continues outside on a spacious, flower-filled patio with string lights, lush greenery and a second bar. Try this: The tagliatelle short rib pasta ($20-$30) comes with red wine-braised beef and caramelized onion tossed in a mushroom and cream sauce. 109 N. Hambden St., Chardon, 440-286-1173, cremonachardon.squarespace.com

Element 41   
Why we love it: Housed in a former smokehouse on Chardon Square, Element 41 is where rustic meets refined. Tin ceilings, local art, a sleek black bar and garage doors that open to a small patio create a welcoming environment for all guests. Chef-owner Paul Mendolera leans into comfort food with clever twists, using Ohio grass-fed beef, standout ingredients and house sauces like maple balsamic and hot maple. Come for Sunday brunch, stay for Second Saturday live music. Try this: The burnt ends ($14) feature sweet potato gnocchi, house-smoked brisket and a brown sugar apple cider reduction topped with scallions. 141 Main St., Chardon, 440-214-9011, element41chardon.com

(Courtesy Eleventhree Brewing Co.)

Eleventhree Brewing   
Why we love it: Opened in 2023 by a husband-and-wife team, this stylish brewery blends boho-chic charm with craft beer precision. The space is bright and airy with custom tables made from 100-year-old basketball gym flooring, French bistro-style chairs and murals that nod to local Chardon landmarks. The culinary approach to beer shows in its hazy IPAs, fruited sours and small-batch stouts, often infused with real fruit, New Zealand hops or fresh vanilla beans. The Neapolitan pizzas, fired in a blazing-hot oven and made with 24-hour rested dough, are cooked in just 90 seconds. Outdoor seating and a counter-service setup make this a relaxed but elevated local hangout. Try this: Brighten up your taste buds with the Limone Bianca ($23) topped with garlic oregano extra virgin olive oil, fior di latte, stracciatella, piped ricotta, Mike’s Hot Honey, pickled fennel, lemon zest and Maldon sea salt. 211 Cherry Ave., Unit 3, Chardon, eleventhreebrewing.com

El Patron Mexican Grill & Cantina   
Why we love it: Nestled on Center Street since 2006, this welcoming spot brings lively Mexican and Tex-Mex flavors to Chardon. The interior showcases warm wooden booths, tiled walkways and a rustic bar lined with TVs and stonework. Colorful decor and soft lighting give it a celebratory but laid-back atmosphere, perfect for family dinners or a casual night out. Try this: The extensive menu is loaded with crowd-pleasers like classic enchiladas, carne asada and flavorful margaritas. The Fajitas Patron ($20.99) features a sizzling serving of steak, chicken, shrimp, grilled vegetables, rice, beans, tortillas and all the fixings. 301 Center St., Chardon, 440-285-0702, elpatronchardonoh.com

Hayashi Mayple
Why we love it: This modern Japanese spot tucked into Maple Leaf Plaza surprises with its sleek interior, colorful bar and an impressive range of sushi, hibachi, noodles and bento boxes. Try this: The Chardon Roll ($16.45), made with spicy tuna, crab, avocado, wrapped in soybean paper and topped with jalapeno sauce, is a house favorite. 540 Water St., Suite 204, Chardon, 440-286-1313, hayashi-mayple.restaurants-world.com 

Joey’s Italian Grille 
Why we love it: Rooted in a deep love for the local community, Joey’s Italian Grille has spent nearly 20 years serving up hearty, scratch-made Italian fare in a warm, family-first setting. A year-round, enclosed patio with garage doors adds charm, and wood-paneled walls, Amish-made tables and brick pavers enhance the rustic vibe. Try this: Nearly everything is made in house, from the dough and dressings to the sausage and more. The meatball sub ($14.50) is oven-baked with meatballs, fresh marinara sauce and provolone cheese on a toasted sub bun. 209 Center St., Chardon, 440-279-0031, joeysitaliangrille.com/chardon

The Hambone 
Why we love it: This revamped local spot blends easygoing country charm and upgraded amenities into a spacious, low-key neighborhood hangout. Red brick walls, wood tables, a mountain mural and an electric fireplace fill the interior. With three bars and a sprawling patio, there’s always a place to pull up a seat. Expect a blue-collar crowd, friendly staff and a packed calendar including trivia, wing specials and live music most weekends. Try this: The blackjack burger ($15.99) comes highly recommended by staff and is topped with bacon, jalapenos, pepper jack cheese and Cajun mayo on a brioche bun, all served with a side of fries. 13960 Rock Creek Road, Chardon, 440-286-6661, thehambone.com

(Christina Rufo)

The Lodge at Bass Lake
Why we love it: This hidden gem just outside of Chardon Sqaure feels like a rustic country club combined with a cozy cabin retreat. Inside, the space is warm and inviting with wood-paneled walls, exposed brick, ambient lighting and plenty of natural textures. The massive indoor and outdoor bars and fireplace give it true lodge energy, and the 12-room inn adds to its stay-and-unwind appeal. Outside, patio seating with a firepit offers views of Chardon Lakes Golf Course and calls for total relaxation. Try this: The salmon entree ($28.99) comes highly recommended for good reason. It's served with a citrus glaze, three cheese risotto and chef’s vegetables. 426 South St., Chardon, 440-285-3100, lodgebasslake.com 

Maple City Taps
Why we love it: Set inside an 1850s trading post with original hand-hatched wooden beams, this spot blends small-town charm with serious barbecue. Opened in 2012, the restaurant prides itself on hand-blended smoked meats that are paired with showstopping sauces crafted from Geauga County maple syrup. It's the perfect place for meeting friends and watching the big game. Try this: Get the best of both worlds with the rib and pulled pork barbecue combo ($24), which comes with two original sides and a cornbread waffle. 1095 Chardon Road, Chardon, maplecitytaps.com

(Gavin Tennyson)

Noce Gourmet Pizza     
Why we love it: Owner John Tomlinson has always had a passion for pizza that inspired his concept of Noce nearly 18 years ago. With the open kitchen where you can watch the dough fly, the exposed brick wall interior is filled with old family photos. “We are a farm-to-table pizza shop. That sets us apart from other restaurants,” says Tomlinson. Get some grab-and-go slices at lunchtime or stay for full-service dinner in the evenings. Try this: Grab a slice of the Rustica Roma ($4.50) topped with Roma tomatoes, artichoke hearts, Kalamata olives, feta, mozzarella, garlic and olive oil. 125 Main St., Chardon, 440-279-0303, nocegourmetpizza.com

Sluggworth’s
Why we love it: In connection with Sweets on the Square, Sluggworth’s serves up nostalgic comfort food. Grab corn dog nuggets, Chicago-style dogs, waffle fries, slushees, freeze-dried candy and more in a laid‑back atmosphere decorated with local art. The counter-service setup and casual seating make it perfect for families and passersby looking for a quick, delicious snack. Try this: With 15 hot dogs to choose from, the Hilltopper ($2.99) is a fan favorite and comes topped with maple syrup, barbecue sauce and bacon. Pick out one of 30 wacky novelty sodas, add a side of fries and make that a combo meal for $7.99. 105 South St., Chardon, 440-214-9969, sweetsonthesquare.com/sluggworths

Spinner’s Good Time Diner 
Why we love it: Step back into a vibrant 1950s-style diner. The space pops with retro flair, red-and-white checkered floors, bright red vinyl booths, oldies tunes and walls adorned with vintage signs, personal records and classic Americana decor. Menu items are named after cars and old celebrities like Marilyn Monroe and James Dean. Despite only being open for breakfast and lunch, Spinner’s draws in a crowd of die-hard regulars. “We want you to feel that this is yours, and that you’re part of our family,” says owner Kim Seredich. Try this: With a menu that’s four pages long and full of classics like burgers, meatloaf and pierogies, it’s nearly impossible to just pick one item. Seredich prides herself on the biweekly corned beef special that comes with its own separate menu. The Red Skeleton corned beef hash ($13.99) is served with a side of two eggs and toast. 602 South St., Chardon, 440-286-1186

(Christina Rufo)

Square Bistro
Why we love it: This warm, modern spot brings bold flavors and a thoughtful vibe to the heart of town. The new American menu reflects a balance of creativity and comfort, built around seasonal ingredients and relationships with local farms like Bonner Farms and Wild Patch Greens. The main floor features a glowing honey onyx bar, tall tin ceilings and earthy tones, while a spiral staircase leads to a sleek, industrial-style basement bar with original sandstone walls and a speakeasy feel. Upstairs, a loft-style dining area overlooks the action below. Try this: The pork ribeye ($21)  features an 8-ounce char-grilled Berkshire Pork steak, brown sugar maple rub, roasted peach chutney and pomegranate molasses paired with the chef’s choice of starch and vegetable. Make Wednesday feel like a weekend with the Date Night special ($35): a three-course, a la carte experience built for two. 205 Main St., Chardon, 440-279-0101, square-bistro.com 

Yangtze Chinese Restaurant
Why we love it: Yangtze offers a peaceful break from the everyday hustle and bustle. Inside, it’s calm and quiet, with red carpet, exposed brick, floral paintings and a tranquil vibe. Family-owned and welcoming, this longtime staple is known for hospitable, quick service and all the Chinese-American favorites such as orange chicken, wonton soup, crab rangoons and more. Try this: The lo mein ($8-$9.45) is stir-fried with fresh vegetables and a choice of protein (chicken, shrimp or beef) for a satisfying meal. 133 Main St., Chardon, 440-285-3739, yangtzechardon.weebly.com

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