Agave & Rye
Why we love it: If a posh, kitschy land of Mexican street fare (and an impressive tequila lineup) with decor like diamond chandeliers, poodle statues and colorful abstract murals is your thing, head over to West Sixth Street. Try this: Grab a drink in a quintessential skull glass like the OG Margarita ($14) made with silver tequila, triple sec, lime juice and simple syrup. 1352 W. Sixth St., Suite 152, Cleveland, 216-868-2899, agaveandrye.com
Amba
Why we love it: Multidiscplinary creative Kelley Schaffer turned this historic Hingetown machine shop into a dramatic and sophisticated restaurant and lounge. The latest venture from Chef Douglas Katz and Todd Thompson serves showstopping, Indian-inspired shareables. Try this: The paneer cheese ($18) features locally-made cheese, dal (lentil stew), curry leaves and mustards seeds. 1430 W. 28th St., Cleveland, 216-417-6718, ambacle.com
Barroco
Why we love it: Enjoy arepas ($18) and mojitos ($13) in a vibrant atmosphere decked out with Christmas lights, graffiti, unique murals, Latin flavor and live music. Westlake and Willoughby each have a unique look, but the flagship Lakewood location is the OG. Try this: The pernil arepa ($18) is a house-made tortilla stuffed with roasted pork, chimichurri fresco, pickle slaw and mozzarella. 12906 Madison Ave., Lakewood, 216-221-8127, barrocoarepabar.com
Bartleby Cleveland
Why we love it: Escape to the moody space featuring vaulted ceilings, tapered candles, whimsical wallpaper, and even a charming tree inside one of Ohio City’s newest spots located in a (formerly Crop Bistro’s) stunning historic building. Try this: Devour some classic steak frites with rosemary jus ($44), alongside other American fare. 2537 Lorain Ave., Cleveland, 216-417-2224, bartlebycleveland.com
The Bourbon Street Barrel Room
Why we love it: Laissez les bon temps rouler — let the good times roll — at this stunning, two-story Tremont staple that looks straight out of the Big Easy. Try this: It’s not NOLA without piping hot, fresh beignets ($8.95). (The Category 5 Hurricane ($8.50) ain't bad either.) 2393 Professor Ave., Cleveland, 216-298-4400, bourbonstreetbarrelroom.com
Bright Side
Why we love it: An airy, inviting space made complete by a rose gold disco ball. Try this: Grab the pommes frites ($14) with black garlic, curry and gochujang chili aioli and ketchup.1948 W. 25th St., Cleveland, 216-274-1010, brightsidecle.com
Cent’s Pizza + Goods
Why we love it: Pink neon eminates from Vincent Morelli's Ohio City pizzeria. Shop elevated nicknacks and tees before settling into a modern interior where movies dance overhead to a killer soundtrack. Sip natural wine under the string-light patio. Try this: The star of the show is the fresh-baked puffy Wonder Bread ($6) with sea salt and the most amazing house butter. 5010 Lorain Ave., Cleveland, 216-862-6427, centspizza.com
Cloak & Dagger
Why we love it: “We wanted the space to be dark, cozy and mimic the aesthetic of an author’s study, with the edge of an alternative cocktail lounge,” says owner Cory Hajde. Try this: The Rabbit’s Foot ($15), a tequila-based drink with pineapple, ginger, lemon and cayenne is a best seller at this newer Tremont spot. 2399 West 11th St., Cleveland, 216-795-5657, cloakanddaggercle.com
Emperor’s Palace
Why we love it: Stained glass windows, gold foil wallpaper, tile ceilings and red tassels create an elegant Chinese dining experience. Try this: The breaded sesame chicken in a sweet honey sauce ($17.95) keeps us returning. 2136 Rockwell Ave., Cleveland, 216-861-9999, emperorpalacecleveland.com
Harlow’s Pizza
Why we love it: This American Southwest-themed bungalow centers around a pizza oven dispensing simple, high-quality pies. Stop by in the summer to visit the lush patio with a floating “ceiling” of white paper lanterns. Try this: Cheese lovers unite for the bianca pizza ($18): cheeses mozzarella, extra virgin olive oil, garlic, fresh basil and sea salt. 14319 Madison Ave., Lakewood, 216-712-6502, harlowspizza.com
Il Venetian
Why we love it: Marble Room's lesser-known sister restaurant brings elegance and intrigue. Try this: House-made pastas like the gnocchi alla vodka ($23) are a menu must-try. 100 St. Clair NE, Cleveland, 216-241-4800, ilvenetian.com
Jaja
Why we love it: One of the latest Ohio City concepts features Mediterranean- and Latin-inspired small plates in a lush, whimsical, intimate dining room at this Argentinian steakhouse known for its inventive cocktails and retractable roof. “It’s the attention to detail when you look at things you might not notice off the bat,” says Dan Whalen, president of Harbor Bay Ventures. Try this: “Our halibut ($28) is among the best dishes,” Whalen says. The fish has a potato-crusted top with caramelized leek, seasonal mushrooms and salsa verde. 2050 Gehring Ave., Cleveland, 216-998-5353, jajacleveland.com
JaJa
JoJo’s Bar
Why we love it: Classic, like when the word steakhouse meant something. Marble dresses up classic wood paneling. Meanwhile, its Backyard patio is a green summer oasis. Try this: In the meantime, Wagyu bucatini Bolognese ($25) with house-made meat sauce and burrata comforts and warms. 87 West St., Chagrin Falls, 440-394-8120, jojosbar.com
LBM
Why we love it: Lasers and heavy metal music meet Norse-themed decor in this viking ship from the future. Gastropub bites, like a burger ($16) sourced from nearby TJ Butcher's Block, and colorful craft cocktails look just as good as the decor. Try this: The Upside Down ($13) combines 100 proof whiskey blend, house amaro blend, house dry vermouth, angostura and orange bitters for a well-balanced libation. 12301 Madison Ave., Lakewood, 216-712-4692, lbmbar.com
Le Petit Triangle
Why we love it: You could hop on a plane to Paris, or you could head to Ohio City and devour the atmosphere (and the authentic French fare) at Le Petit Triangle. The current set-up features a small bistro with a chandelier, but plans are in the works for the restaurant to expand. Try this: The croque monsieur ($12) with egg dipped on challah, ham, comte, bechamel and roasted potatoes runs cheaper than a ticket to Charles de Gaulle. 1881 Fulton Ave., Cleveland, 216-281-1881, lepetittriangle.com
Lindey’s Lake House
Why we love it: With a massive deck on the Cuyahoga River, Lindey’s is a lake house-themed restaurant on the East Bank of the Flats. Try this: Fresh seafood and steak fill the menu, but you must star with the famous Heavenly Biscuits ($7.90), baked from scratch, topped with honey butter. 1146 Old River Road, Cleveland, 216-727-0158, lindeyslakehouse.com
Lulo Kitchen & Juice Bar
Why we love it: Downtown electricity and sunlight stream into this cafe decorated with eclectic art and exposed brick. Sneak downstairs to the basement speakeasy. Try this: Go light with fresh juices and smoothies ($9-$12) or dig in for latin dinners like the Mango Salmon ($22). 1273 West Ninth St., Cleveland, 216-929-1053, lulocleveland.com
Marble Room Steaks & Raw Bar
Why we love it: “Marble Room blends the glamorous, historic past with a vibrant, modern vibe,” says owner Malisse Sinito. Try this: ““Our prime beef ($75) is the star of the show at Marble Room.” 623 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, 216-523-7000, marbleroomcle.com
Market Avenue Wine Bar
Why we love it: Sip from an extensive collection of wines (and enjoy some locally sourced small places) at this cozy gem across from the West Side Market. Think candles, floor-to-ceiling drapes and sparkling chandeliers. Try this: Share the baked pastry-wrapped brie wheel ($15) served with fresh fruit. 2521 Market Ave., Cleveland, 216-696-9463, marketavenue.wine
Pier W
Why we love it: No matter how many time's you visit Pier W, its skyline view across wows and stuns. The summer is nautical, and the winter is like a snowglobe. The quirky building is designed to resemble the hull of a cruise ship, truly transportational. Try this: Locals rave about the Sunday brunch buffet ($59) featuring fresh seafood, prime rib, desserts and live piano music. 12700 Lake Ave., Winton Pl., Lakewood, 216-228-2250, pierw.com
Pier W
Pins & Needles
Why we love it: The new cocktail lounge in the basement of Mahall's 20 Lanes is a '70s throwback. While extreme winter weather caused water damage and closed the bar, we're drinking at the upstairs bar until it reopens. Try this: The Golden Cadillac ($12) with creme de cocoa, galliano, orange and cream is groovy. 13200 Madison Ave., Lakewood, 216-521-3280, pinsandneedlescle.com
Porco Lounge & Tiki Room
Why we love it: Complex and tropical defines more than just the tiki concoctions at this hideaway drenched in rum and Americana kitsch. Try this: The Planet of the Apes ($18) is a delectable banana and pineapple indulgence. 2527 W. 25th St., Cleveland, 216-802-9222, porcolounge.com
Quintana’s Speakeasy
Why we love it: Just a working barber shop and spa? Think again. In a century-old colonial, guests uncover a secret bar that's charming and classy behind a door disguised as a bookshelf. Try this: This is the kinda place you're going to want to go for that old school vibe, which a martini can give you. The Bijou ($16) is comprised of gin, sweet vermouth, chartreuse and orange bitters. 2200 S. Taylor Road, Cleveland Heights, 216-421-8380, qbds.net
Sora
Why we love it: What started as a sushi ghost kitchen and pop-up transitioned into a posh world of Asian fusion from the group behind next-door neighbors Lago East Bank. The walls feature pop art with samurai imagery, and everything centers around a flowered tree with long branches of pink petals that stretch across the ceiling. Try this: Your own fresh-crafted sushi take-out Sora Box ($50) full of favorites like the spicy tuna crispy rice roll, salmon and avocado roll and salmon, tuna, yellowtail, striped bass nigiri, with edamame and all the accompanying sauces. Yes, please. 1121 W. 10th St., Cleveland, 216-294-1800, eatatsora.com
Strip Steakhouse
Why we love it: Under vaulted wood cielings, chef Ron Larson makes a restored two-story historic barn at Olde Avon Village feel welcoming, chic and fun. From the open kitchen, Larson serves up top-quality lobster bisque, cocktails, soft pretzel bread and prime-graded steaks. Try this: Go big or go home (with some leftovers) with the Cowboy ($59), a 22-ounce bone-in ribeye. 36840 Detroit Road, Avon, 440-934-9900, stripsteakhouse.com
Vault
Why we love it: Walking into the century-old historic bank vault under the Cleveland Trust Rotunda transports guests into a lavish cocktail lounge with shareable small bites. The experience is lux, elegant and transformative. Try this: Bring your friends for a bambino board ($18) starring fan favorites like salami, prosciutto di Parma, fresh mozzarella, pecorino and caponata. The 9, Level B1, 2017 E. Ninth St., Cleveland., 216-239-1200, vault9cle.com
Zhug
Why we love it: The light to Amba's dark, chef Douglas Katz’s Mediterranean mezze concept feels just a bit communal thanks to banquet seating that wraps around the airy dining room. The small-plate experience on Cedar Fairmount centers around a spicy green condiment. Try this: Curried lamb and apricot hummus ($16) is a fresh, unique plate exemplifies the best of what this gem has to offer. T12413 Cedar Road, Cleveland Heights, 216-862-2508, zhugcle.com
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