Hodge’s
Why We Love It: Hodge’s adds global flair to comfort food by using modern ingredients in nostalgic dishes. “We try to take dishes people know of and put a fun twist on them,” says co-owner Scott Kuhn. Try This: The fried chicken entree (lunch $13, dinner $19) comes with creamy, Southern white cheddar grits, cornbread and jalapeno slaw. 668 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, 216-771-4000, thedriftwoodgroup.com
Lucky’s Cafe
Why We Love It: Chef and owner Heather Haviland takes classics such as biscuits and gravy and makes us fall in love with them even more. “I would call it ‘luckifying’ a dish,” says Haviland, “using the best ingredients we could get our hands on and making every part of it from scratch.” Try This: The Reuben ($14.95) with corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese and Thousand Island dressing. 777 Starkweather Ave., Cleveland, 216-622-7773, luckyscafe.com
Melt Bar & Grilled
Why We Love It: The iconic grilled cheese is No. 1 here. “I realized I could take any entree that people are used to seeing, and I could put it inside the sandwich,” says owner Matt Fish. Try This: The Monte Cristo ($12.50), a battered and deep-fried sandwiched that’s layered with honey ham, smoked turkey, and Swiss and American cheeses. Various locations, meltbarandgrilled.com
Sokolowski’s Univeristy Inn
Why We Love It: This cafeteria-style restaurant boasts family recipes such as stuffed cabbage and pierogies that keep the lines out the door. “They are recipes that were passed on to my mother from her mother for three generations,” says co-owner Bernie Sokolowski. Try This: The Salisbury steak ($8.95) is grilled and baked in its own gravy for an hour and a half. 1201 University Road, Cleveland, 216-771-9236, sokolowskis.com
The Standard
Why We Love It: This bistro features a menu full of tastes-like-mom-made-it favorites such as stroganoffs, paprikashes and spaetzles. “Comfort food is something that’s familiar, something that’s special,” says chef Martin Pond. Try This: The short rib stroganoff ($12), braised in red wine, mushrooms and onions. 779 E. 185th St., Cleveland, 216-531-9643
