Why we love it: The first branch of the popular build-your-own tacos and margarita purveyor is easy to find. Step inside and dine alongside the fun-loving black and white Day of the Dead skeleton wall art or enjoy the massive patio. Try this: Crunch into a two-layered Green Goddess taco shell filled with queso, guacamole, braised short rib ($6.75), and all the cheese, veggies and other toppings of your choice. 806 Literary Road, 216-999-7714, barrio-tacos.com
The Bourbon Street Barrel Room
Why we love it: This quintessential New Orleans-inspired restaurant, featuring chef Johnny Schulze’s Creole and Cajun menu, is complete with two bars and a second story overlooking the downstairs dining room. With the charm of the Big Easy, this is the spot to imbibe in all the libations you’d find on Bourbon Street. Try this: The beignets ($9.95) are fried fresh and doused in powdered sugar, served with fresh berries. 2393 Professor Ave., bourbonstreetbarrelroom.com, 216-298-4400
Why we love it: Stop by Dante Boccuzzi’s modern Japanese sushi gem, acclaimed by The New York Times, tucked downstairs beneath Dante. The former bank building showcasing a stunning colorful mosaic wall, for specialty sushi and shabu-shabu, with a modern cocktail selection. Try this: The beautiful spicy tuna sushi roll ($12) features masago, scallions and cucumber. 2247 Professor Ave. B, 216-274-1202, danteboccuzzi.com/ginko-restaurant
Why we love it: While earning a regular top mention for breakfast and brunch in Cleveland, the family-owned Tremont staple continues to serve up traditional morning and lunch eats in a homey, red-walled bistro atmosphere. Try this: Guests adore the eggs Florentine ($14) with spinach, tomato and mushrooms in hollandaise, topped with feta, over Cajun home fries. 2621 W. 14th St., 216-241-5025, grumpyscafe.com
Why we love it: “We’re big on building a sense of community here," says general manager Mark Bailey. "We’re
all about people putting their phones in their pockets and just engaging with what’s around them." Take your pick from duckpin bowling, live music, comedy nights and board game nights. Try this: Newer to Hi and Dry, chef Eric Rosado brings a new vision as to what is considered bar food in general.” Try the brined crispy bird ($13.50), a pickled brined buttermilk fried chicken sandwich, with waffle fries. 2221 Professor Ave., 216-566-9463, hianddrycleveland.com
Why we love it: Both a kitchen and bar, Lava Lounge brings a funky vibe. Red walls, plants, colorful murals and moody light fixtures surround an easygoing menu of beer, inventive cocktails, wings, nachos and other bar fare in the heart of Tremont. Try this: Stop for bar fare done right (with some elevated and vegan options), like the crispy chicken wings in buffalo sauce ($10). 1307 Auburn Ave., 216-589-9112, lavaloungetremont.com
Why we love it: Chef Ricardo Sandoval’s Fat Cats is all about farm-to-table new American and global Asian fusion cuisine, sustainability and all things local, including the colorful and sometimes offbeat bohemian-inspired artwork for sale on the walls of the eclectic bistro. Located in a former house, the spot is home to a neighborhood bar, walk-up window and dog-friendly patio Try this: Start with the pork banh bao steam buns ($10) made with pork belly, hoisin, jalapeño, pickled daikon, carrot and cilantro. 2061 W. 10th St., 216-579-0200, fatcatstremont.com
Why we love it: A mouthwatering blend of garlic, olive oil, salt and pecorino Romano on all the crusts, and a massive 32-by-32 inch “destroyer” slice, make this stone-walled building and scratch kitchen stand out. “Everything that we do is homemade,” says Mike Griffin, owner of this New York-esque pizza gem. Try this: “The number one go-to after all these years is the hot margherita pepperoni pizza” ($23) with confit garlic oil sauce, roasted tomatoes, crushed red pepper, smoked mozzarella, fresh basil and hand sliced pepperoni. 2258 Professor Ave., 216-583-0257, crusttremont.com
Why we love it: The sleek American gem housed in a former bank building, complete with a vault, pillars and chandeliers, focuses on modern cuisine. Michelin-starred chef Dante Boccuzzi's well-known flagship is a must-try. Try this: The wide cut handmade pappardelle Bolognese ($27) with a saucy red ragu of beef, veal and pork is a popular dish at the restaurant. 2247 Professor Ave., 216-274-1200, dantetremont.com
Why we love it: With beginnings 28 years ago at the start of the Tremont revival, this Irish watering hole is quintessentially Tremont. All the eclectic decor in the pub is made by Cleveland artists and craftsmen, including the majestic tree behind the bar crafted from welded steel tubes and wrapped in barbed wire, by late local artist Joe Scully. Don’t sleep on the bustling patio and killer pub fare. Try this: Despite being known for wings and American pub fare, the chicken pesto pizza ($17) with artichokes, feta and mozzarella is a crowd favorite. 820 College Ave., 216-696-2505, treehousecleveland.com
Why we love it: Inventive cocktails from a seasonally created theme book and unique vegan menu in a space with moody library vibes make Cloak & Dagger a popular intimate candlelit spot. Try this: This kitchen serves up in-house vegan eats that are convincing dupes for their meat and dairy counterparts. The bagels and lox ($10) are prepared with smoked carrot gravlax, cream cheese, black garlic, everything spice, caper and onion. 2399 W. 11th St., 216-795-5657, cloakanddaggercle.com
Why we love it: Tremont’s version of an izakaya, a casual Japanese bar concept with delicious snacks, is a must-visit. Dumplings, omakase grilled meat skewers, lots of yummy sauces and a range of whiskey and sake complement the low-key space with blond wooden booths and a brick-walled bar. Try this: Start with a shareable vegetable kakiage ($9), crispy golden deep-fried vegetable tempura fritters and a ponzu dipping sauce. 2173 Professor Ave., 216-713-1741, baroni-izakaya.com
Why we love it: Specializing in fresh Asian fusion, vegan eats, ramen and Hawaiian-style poke, this basic spot serves up vibrant customized rainbow-colored plates of fresh vegetables, fruits, sushi grade tuna and salmon purchased locally. Don’t miss the Asian-inspired dressings and array of fun fruit drinks, especially those featuring the popping boba.Try this: Build your own Hawaiian-style bowl ($11.99) at the poke station and choose from a base of sushi rice, midnight rice or mixed greens, a protein of choice, fresh cut vegetables and Asian-inspired dressings. 2391 W. 11th St., 216-713-1757,
corner11cleveland.com
Why we love it: Leavened stands out as one of the only bread bakers on the near West Side. “We make everything in house, and are a complete from scratch craft bakery,” says owner Ian Herrington. Stay awhile at the cafe for locally roasted coffee, pastries, sandwiches and soups, or order a rustic Neapolitan pizza to-go on Fridays. Try this: The owner recommends one of the simplest, yet best-selling items: the croissant ($3), “made with high-fat European style butter,” fermented for over 48 hours for a complex but delicate flavor. This light and flaky favorite comes in classic butter, chocolate, toasted nut and meat and cheese varieties.1633 Auburn Ave., 216-260-1666, leavenedcle.com
Why we love it: Clevelanders know Lucky’s as a legendary cafe and scratch bakery. The atmosphere and really good home cooking keep people coming back for food made with ingredients from local farms. Try this: Featured on Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives and Michael Symon’s The Best Thing I Ever Ate, the biscuits ($17.75) are the way to go: cheddar scallion biscuits topped with soft scrambled eggs and sausage gravy. 777 Starkweather Ave., 216-622-7773, luckyscafe.com
La Bodega
Why we love it: While this joint looks like a typical sandwich shop with colorful local art hung on the brick-walled interior, the quality of the sandwiches is anything but ordinary. Dine in the basic small dining room or grab the goods to go. Try this: Grab a massive, long sub on thick grilled fresh bread filled with all the meats. The Roast Beef #22 ($11) is piled with a perfect flavor combination of Havarti, horseradish, mayonnaise, tomato, lettuce and onion. 869 Jefferson Ave., 216-621-7075, labodega-tremont.com
Why we love it: Despite only having four seats at the counter, this newer breakfast micro diner is booming. “When people get a chance to sit at our counter you’re treated like a full-service diner,” says Chef Ryan Beck. The to-go favorite cures and grinds all its own meats, including smoked turkey breast, bacon and breakfast sausage. Try this: The sandwiches, especially the Doris ($12), made with homemade sage sausage, American cheese and fluffy square egg patties on a house made milk bun, with house-made Sunshine sauce. 2173 Professor Ave., 844-474-3568, marthaonthefly.com
Why we love it: Look for the neon “The Lit” sign in the window and cozy up in this intimate Midwest-style neighborhood bar. Enjoy a casual yet moody aesthetic, and a small area of banquettes and tables, centered around a friendly lit-up bar and comforting American eats. Try this: Inventive bar fare like the lamb Bolognese ($24) with white sauce, toasted parmesan, basil, pesto and pappardelle pasta stands out at this newer Tremont staple. 1031 Literary Road, 216-862-1916, literarytavern.com
Why we love it: “Prosperity Social Club is what you get when you marry nearly a century’s worth of tradition with a manic dedication to never resting on its laurels,” says general manager Jeffrey Siefer. Step inside to chestnut wood paneled walls, vintage beer memorabilia and black and white checkered floors. It’s also got an impressive whiskey and beer collection, original cocktails and a spacious dog-friendly patio. Try this: Regulars love the Hungarian style stuffed cabbage ($17), two pork and beef rolls with mashed potatoes, paprika sour cream and sauerkraut sauce. 1109 Starkweather Ave., 216-937-1938, prosperitysocialclub.com
Why we love it: This friendly no-frills pub once featured on Food Network’s Diners, Drive-ins and Dives has been serving up Cleveland-style comfort food since 1906, along with inventive offerings and decadent snacks like bacon-wrapped tots. Located just across the street from the A Christmas Story House museum, it feels like a homey neighborhood spot complete with a few arcade games. Try this: Grab a craft beer and opt for the best of both worlds with the kielbasa and pierogi dinner ($21) featuring two spicy Hungarian kielbasa, three four-cheese Pierogi Lady pierogies with sauteed onions and peppers, served over house-made kraut and sour cream. 1104 Rowley Ave., 216-795-5345, therowleyinn.com
Why we love it: Tandul brings a small, locally owned casual eatery feel, with bright walls and a wooden bar, but what stands out is the authentic Indian cuisine. Try this: Taste the fresh, flavorful seasoned chicken cubes marinated with yogurt, lime and fresh herbs in the popular chicken tikka ($18.99) dish. 2505 Professor Ave., 216-860-4530, tandulintremont.com
Why we love it: Comforting American eats and Southern-style specialties make The South Side shine. “We opened as a local pub for everyone, from the working-class teachers, nurses and steelyard factory men and women to city lawyers, doctors and college kids,” says chef Natasha Pogrebinskаya. Two decades after opening, this restaurant thrives. “We have grown up a lot since then, evolved, expanded, and always adjusted to our growing and changing community.” Try this: Pogrebinskаyа recommends the dinner meal deal ($24.99) with a choice of soup, salad or chili, and a choice of entree and a beverage. Entree choices vary, but the pierogies, made locally by the Pierogi Lady, are a hit. 2207 W. 11th St., 216-937-2288, southsidecleveland.com
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