Cleveland Chop // At first glance, you may not think things have changed at this Warehouse District spot. Sure, the name got clipped from Cleveland ChopHouse to Cleveland Chop thanks to new owners who opened the updated restaurant in May. The space remains familiar: Dark mahogany booths, exposed ductwork and brick walls provide a cozy, yet industrial feel. Of course, there's steak on the menu. But the biggest change here is the approach as Chop caters to a busy lunch crowd and swanky dinner clientele. So you'll find a list of inventive appetizers such as steak "cigars" ($10) — a play on a Philly cheesesteak — in handy egg roll wrappers. You can also order salads, Neapolitan-style pizzas, tacos, burgers and a double mac and cheese with a potato chip crust. For an unexpected surprise, we suggest trying the sweet corn and blackened shrimp gnocchi ($17). Paired with cherry tomatoes, asparagus and butter sauce, the sauteed gnocchi sets it apart from other pasta dishes we've tried. If you just want to warm up on a cold day, opt for the whiskey braised beef short ribs ($21) with white cheddar mashed potatoes and green beans. The bold whiskey sauce will get your blood flowing and make you give Cleveland Chop a second look.
Cleveland Chop, 824 W. St. Clair Ave., Cleveland, 216-696-2467, clevelandchop.com