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 ($13) 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
Archie's Hough Bakery
Why we love it: Archie Garner Sr. and his team at this nationally known bakery have been making cakes, cookies, brownies and other goodies since he took over the business in 1994. “The brand and the product is what keeps people coming back,” Garner says. Try this: Locals order the white almond cake ($42.99) for family celebrations, Garner says. 3365 Richmond Road, Beachwood, 216-481-4188, archieshoughbakeries.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 meat $9; dark $8.50) with fresh fries is a tasty staple. 7815 Carnegie Ave., Cleveland, 216-426-8891, 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 ($11.99) 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 ($14.50) with six chicken strips, fresh-cut fries, coleslaw, two sauces, garlic butter toasts and a large drink. 5618 Woodland Ave., Cleveland, 216-331-4700, thecrispychick.com
Fawaky Burst Juice & Smoothie Cafe
Why we love it: Clevelanders in the know quench their thirst (and hunger) with a flavorful lineup of juices, smoothies and halal food from Fawaky cafes. Try this: The PB & J protein smoothie ($6) feels both indulgent and healthy, complete with fresh strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, bananas and almond milk. 1750 Ansel Road, Cleveland; 7021 Kinsman Road, 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 ($17), strips of beef sauteed 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 four eateries serve up delicious bowls of best-selling jerk chicken ($8.99). 4162 Pearl Road, Cleveland, 216-291-7488; 621 E. 185th St., Euclid, 216-350-6112; 16600 Chagrin Blvd., Shaker Heights, 216-678-2056,837 W. Market St., Akron, 330-333-9020, 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; 22382 Lakeshore Blvd., Euclid; 28242 Chardon Road, Willoughby Hills
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 ($9.50), says Moye. 1418 W. 29th St., Cleveland, theroamingbiscuit.com
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. The restaurant also opened inside of Re:bar. Try this: Test your own heat index with the Cleveland Hot Chicken Sandwich ($14.95) made with Kooling Sauce Chicken, tossed in house hot sauce, topped with house kale slaw and sprinkled with Sauce Fire Seasoning. Re:Bar location: 2130 E. Ninth St., Cleveland, 14480 Cedar Road, University Heights, 216-331-2624, saucethecitycleveland.com
Southern Cafe (Temporarily Closed)
Why we love it: Chef Tony Fortner’s innovative twists on traditional soul food excels at this unassuming Lakewood eatery. Try this: Who can say no to buttermilk fried chicken and red velvet waffles ($17) served with creamy low-country grits and three wings? 11817 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, 216-801-4535, southerncafeohio.com
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
UJerk Caribbean Eatery
Why we love it: UJerk offers fresh Caribbean cuisine that is spicy, modern and flavorful. Try this: The jerk chicken sandwich ($15) features a juicy, boneless Jamaican seasoned chicken thigh. 850 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, 216-675-0022, ujerknation.com
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, at its Madison avenue location, the bakery flaunts tasty creations that even carnivores wait in line for. Try this: Reminisce on cafeteria days with the Strawberry Shortcake doughnut ($3.25), a yeast doughnut topped with strawberry crunch, strawberry icing and fresh strawberries. 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 ($35). 20209 Harvard Ave., Warrensville Heights, 216-752-3960, facebook.com/whitmoresbbq
Zanzibar Soul Fusion
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 ($11.50), accompanied by onion and peppers marinated in Creole sauce, served on a bed of creamy grits. Multiple locations, 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
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