A little diner with huge portions and a melting pot near the Cleveland-Shaker Heights border, Big Al's looks unchanged in almost 20 years and has inspired decades of loyalty in its regulars. Order This: Two eggs, biscuits covered with sausage gravy and home fries ($7.99). 12600 Larchmere Blvd., Cleveland, 216-791-8550
The former 24-hour diner shut down in 2000, but its 2009 revival came with more traditional hours. The inexpensive prices and the egg-shaped menu remain. Order This: 2 X 4 Breakfast of two eggs, two sausages, two pieces of bacon and two pancakes ($3.99). 5107 Detroit Ave., Cleveland, 216-281-1600, bigegg2009.com
Courtney Bonning's charming Ohio City restaurant is not even two years old, but she's changed up her brunch-style menu five times, keeping us on our toes and our bellies full. Order This: Breakfast nachos ($10). 2549 Lorain Ave., Cleveland, 216-458-9225, bonboncleveland.com
There are few chefs in town as committed to the morning meal as Heather Haviland. Head to Tremont for a tasty menu full of dishes created with house-made ingredients. Order This: Canoewreck, curried vegetables and tofu served with toast and fruit ($12.95). 777 Starkweather Ave., Cleveland, 216-622-7773, luckyscafe.com
Cartoon-covered walls, big portions and a friendly vibe make this a must-visit Ohio City breakfast spot. Need another reason? Kona coffee is the house blend. Order This: Three eggs any style, three pieces of bacon or sausage links, toast and house-made hash browns or grits ($3.59). 4116 Lorain Ave., Cleveland, 216-631-7757
Since opening its first location in 1974, this local chain dishes out more than 12 flavors daily, plus shakes, malts and sundaes. Various locations, honeyhut.com
Two brothers started crafting ice cream using farm-fresh ingredients in 1999. Today, they still make single batches of more than 20 varieties. Various locations, mitchellshomemade.com
It looks like the classic ice cream stand: walk-up orders only, a few benches outside. But what's going on here is not your average soft-serve cone: More than two dozen flavors make it a treat. 4401 Bridge Ave., Cleveland, 216-631-8727
Keith Logan has had a stream of loyal followers since the 2011 opening of his shop known for its gourmet french fries and artisanal ice cream. 2307 Lee Road, Cleveland Heights, 216-932-2300, sweetiefry.com
From the ice cream sodas served out of a restored 1940s soda fountain to the 10 ice creams churned in the back, this Gordon Square spot is a nod to a bygone time. 6800 Detroit Road, Cleveland, 216-651-2202, sweetmosestreats.com
Try this: Fired Up chimichanga
Try this: PBLT slider
Try this: Thai basil chicken
