Auner's Smashburger ($10)
With two freshly smashed patties jammed into a buttery bun (along with two pieces of creamy, melted American cheese), this burger brings style and flavor. Part of bar manager Adam Auner’s weekly pop-up, the burger is only available midweek at Porco Lounge and Tiki Room. 2527 W. 25th St., Cleveland, 216-417-5987, porcolounge.com
Hako's Friend Pork Dumplings ($7.50)
Formerly downtown under the name Sapporo Sushi, this spot offers everything from udon to hand rolls, including one of the most extensive vegetarian sushi menus in town. But I recommend ordering at least two plates of the fried pork dumplings, which come four in an order, for good measure. 13603 Madison Ave., Lakewood, 216-273-7110, sushihako.com
Chatty's Pizzeria's Mushroom Roll ($10)
You never want to ruin comfort food by trying to make it healthier, but this take on the pepperoni roll offered the perfect crunch, followed by a flaky, chewy interior with roasted mushrooms, caramelized onions, spinach mozzarella and parmesan — a happy melee of flavors and textures without a whiff of regret. 28611 Lake Road, Bay Village, 440-471-4485, chattyspizzeria.com
Hola Taco's Mexican Ramen ($13)
Inject all the birria into my veins. If you spent all summer eating birria tacos, this explosion of beef broth, a soup of floating chunks of tender, pull-apart meat and wavy noodles, is the winter warm-up meal you need. Pro tip: Pass on the consomme dipping broth and dunk your tacos in this. 12102 Madison Ave., Lakewood, 216-801- 4666, hola-tacos.com
