Aladdin’s Eatery
Why we love it: “Parents rave about the healthy options we provide their families, especially because our kids menu features things you don’t see at other restaurants,” says Samantha
Kauffman, marketing manager. Try this: “When people think Aladdin’s, they think hummus,” says Kauffman. “Guests love to pair it with our homemade hot sauce and fresh pita bread baked here in Cleveland.” Various locations, aladdins.com
Barrio Tacos
Why we love it: This growing regional build-your-own taco chain that started in Tremont can keep both kids and their grown-ups happy with black and white skull decor, casual vibes and some killer patios.
Try this: Crunch into a two-
layered “green goddess” (soft and hard shell) filled with queso and guacamole, with braised short rib ($6.75), and all the cheese, veggies and other toppings of your choice. Various locations, barrio-tacos.com
Bearden’s
Why we love it: With a menu “full of kid-friendly favorites, a train around the top of the restaurant and a staff who loves children,” says owner Jim Griffiths, this staple (since 1948) is known
for its retro decor, bear mascot, homemade milkshakes and famous hand-cut onion rings. Try this: “Our signatures are the never-frozen, single-source steak burgers, like the Peanut Butter Bear (steak burger with peanut
butter and pickle),” says Griffiths. 19985 Lake Road, Rocky River, 440-331-7850, beardens.com
Brewdog
Why we love it: This newer English-themed brewery slings adult “Hoppy” meals, delectable burgers and a massive fun-filled patio with yard games, river views and fire pits. And don’t forget the
28-taps pouring a mix of BrewDog and other craft beers on hot summer nights. Try this: The flavorful Cluck Norris ($18.45) sandwich stars buttermilk fried chicken, avocado, red onion and Cajun mayo. 1956 Carter Road, Cleveland, 216-367-2494, brewdog.com/usa/bars/usa/cleveland
Chatty’s Pizzeria
Why we love it: “It’s the quality of our food and the caring attitude of our staff that makes us stand out,” says owner Matt Harlan. “So many of us who work here
are parents and we’re just as invested in seeing kids have a good time as parents enjoying their time, as well.” Try this: The sweet meat pizza (pepperoni sausage, basil, Parmesan and homemade hot honey) ($17.50)
started out as a very successful special and came back as a mainstay. 28611 Lake Road, Bay Village, 440-471-4485, chattyspizzeria.com
(Photo courtesy Cocky's Bagels)
Cocky’s Bagels
Why we love it: Starting with its popular food truck, this bagel sandwich haven has both a casual suburban branch and a Flats restaurant and bar, rocking chic Boho nature-inspired decor, swing seats
and fun vibes fit for fun at all ages. Try this: Taste the delectable Buffalo chicken dip ($10) served with fried bagel chips. 26703 Brookpark Ext., North Olmsted, 440-455-1205 or 1127 Old River Road, Cleveland, 216-353-9400, cockysbagels.com
Dewey’s Pizza
Why we love it: Kids can watch the staff enthusiastically toss the dough through the glass picture window peering into the brick oven kitchen at this casual Lakewood pizza joint. Try this: Who said there’s anything wrong with pineapple? Order the Hawaiian (large, $25.25) featuring Canadian bacon and fresh pineapple. 18516 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, 216-228-2299, deweyspizza.com
(Photo courtesy Heidi M. Rolf)
Good Company
Why we love it: “Our menu couldn’t be more crowd-pleasing with chicken nuggets, cheeseburgers, French fries and milkshakes,” says general manager Jalyssa Alley Stringer. “We’ve got a plethora
of highchairs and booster seats and are always equipped with coloring sheets and pretty stickers to keep ‘em busy and fuss-free.” Try this: “Good Company has always been family-friendly — we serve the kind
of food your kids want, but ... you can feel good about what you’re feeding them,” says owner Will Hollingsworth. 1200 West 76th St., Cleveland, 216-331-0318, goodcompanycle.com
The Haunted House Restaurant
Why we love it: If kitschy-themed restaurants and spooky movies are your family’s thing, you’ll love all the details from the scary movie posters, popcorn machine, murals, decor,
inventive names for the comfort food menu items and themed cocktails for parents. Try this: Order up the Pennywise ($16.99) from the brinner menu: red waffle sandwich with fried chicken breast, eggs, pepper jack cheese, candied bacon
and haunted maple heat sauce. 13463 Cedar Road, Cleveland Heights, 216-862-5584, thehauntedhouserestaurant.com
Heck’s
Why we love it: Heck’s iconic juicy burger and fries is just the beginning of this casual yet cool classic American eatery with a kids menu full of options. Try this: You’ll love
the classic Burger Au Cheval ($17) with bacon, cheddar, fried egg and sour cream. Various locations, heckscafe.com/Cleveland
Hofbrauhaus
Why we love it: Inspired by the iconic 400-year-old original in Munich, Germany, this 24,000-square-foot microbrewery is home to a family-friendly dining room. Try this: Cleveland’s favorite
potato and cheese pierogis (made by Pierogis of Cleveland) are sauteed brown and topped with caramelized onions, sour cream and scallions ($17.99). 1550 Chester Ave., Cleveland, 216-621-2337, hofbrauhauscleveland.com
Li Wah
Why we love it: This AsiaTown institution for casual family meals with traditional Chinese decor serves up authentic cuisine and lunchtime dim sum on a white tablecloth. Try this: Experience an
authentic Chinese lunch with rolling dim sum trolley carts and order up the tasty steaming pork and shrimp dumplings for a medium ($5.75) and a large ($5.95). 2999 Payne Ave. #102, Cleveland, 216-696-6556, liwahrestaurant.com
Mama Santa’s
Why we love it: With truly old-world Italian charm and checkered tablecloths, this long-time classic pizza and pasta haven is a true mom-and-pop shop made for family gatherings. Try this: Go old school with Spaghetti Di Casa with meatballs ($13.95). 12301 Mayfield Road, Cleveland, 216-231-9567, mamasantas.com
Mabel’s BBQ
Why we love it: Maven Chef Michael Symon’s lively East Fourth Street exposed brick bi-level restaurant is a place where kids and adults alike will need a bib with all the juicy BBQ meats, kielbasa,
ribs, sandwiches and eastern European-inspired sides. Try this: Enjoy the beef brisket by the half-pound ($19) served with Tony Packo’s pickles, Cleveland Kraut and Mediterra rye bread. 2050 East 4th St., Cleveland, 216-450-1010, mabelsbbq.com
Melt Bar & Grilled
Why we love it: When the grilled cheese joint opened in 2006 in Lakewood, no one knew it was the beginning of Matt Fish’s tasty empire decked out in a kitschy kid-friendly
ambiance including Halloween blow molds. Come for comfort food that kids and their grown-ups crave (and a large selection of beer and fun cocktails). Try this: With a unique lineup of over-stuffed
grilled cheeses, it’s hard to choose just one. Indulge in the deep-fried goodness that is the Monte Cristo ($17.75) filled with honey ham, smoked turkey, Swiss and American cheese and berry preserves for dipping. Various locations, meltbarandgrilled.com
Merwin’s Wharf
Why we love it: Dine on the Cuyahoga River alongside wildlife at the Metroparks-run relaxed Southern-leaning comfort bar and grill that specializes in outdoor dining. Try this: Begin with a locally baked 1.5-pound soft pretzel Merwin’s Big Pretzel ($16) with wharf mustard, queso and Buffalo dip. 1785 Merwin Ave., Cleveland, 216-664-5696, clevelandmetroparks.com/parks/visit/parks/lakefront-reservation/merwin-s-wharf
(Photo courtesy Noble Beast Brewing Co.)
Noble Beast Brewing Co.
Why we love it: Locals love the family-owned and operated warm lively micro-brewery serving up creative, seasonal elevated bar food in an industrial brewery space. Try this: Try
something different and chow on the summer berry salad ($13) made with local seasonal berries, kohlrabi, cucumber, green goddess dressing, icicle lettuce and crispy wheatberries. You can also add chicken ($5). 1470 Lakeside Ave. E., Cleveland, 216-417-8588, noblebeastbeer.com
(Photo courtesy Ohio Pie Co.)
Ohio Pie Co.
Why we love it: Inventor of Ohio-style pizza featuring massive helping of toppings all the way to the edge, sauce swirl and square cut, Nick Robson’s popular original location is a “super
kid-friendly one with free arcade games.” Try this: Ohio Pie is known for its rotating selection of inventive special pies, but “a good pepperoni pizza ($18) is a perfect food,” says Robson. Stop by on the weekend
for brunch pies. 1315 1/2 Pearl Road, Brunswick, 330-741-4117, ohiopieco.com
Pinstripes
Why we love it: Decked out with family-friendly activities like bocce and bowling, showcasing Italian American fare and seasonal gelato, in a two-floor indoor-outdoor space, Pinstripes will keep everyone happy. Try this: Grab a slice of the barbeque chicken pizza topped with balsamic BBQ sauce, roasted onions, mozzarella, corn and calabrese ($19). 111 Park Ave., Beachwood, 216-415-8010, pinstripes.com/cleveland
Southern Cafe
Why we love it: What’s better than sharing delectable scratch-made soul food with family at one of Cleveland’s long-running staples? We’ll wait. Try this: “The
Cajun fried chicken breast ($12) deep is fried to golden perfection with lettuce, tomato and Bayou mayo atop Texas toast. 11817 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, 216-801-4535, southerncafeohio.com
Tommy’s Restaurant
Why we love it: Stop by the Coventry staple of 51 years for tasty American menu options for vegetarians, vegans, meat-eaters, gluten-free and the health-conscious, and enjoy the best milkshakes
east of the Mississippi, according to 1972 Rolling Stone, says owner Tom Fello. Try this: Opt for the famous Emily’s mocha milkshake prepared with local Pierre’s ice cream and Hartzler’s milk. 1824 Coventry Road, 216-321-7757 tommyscoventry.com
West Side Market Cafe
Why we love it: While you’re shopping from the quality purveyors in the historic 1912-built West Side Market, sit down for a homestyle meal. Try this: Munch on the corned
beef Reuben ($16.75) starring grilled corned beef, Swiss cheese, 1000 island dressing and slaw on grilled rye. 1979 W. 25th St., Cleveland, 216-579-6800, westsidemarketcafe.com
Winking Lizard
Why we love it: With a wide range of burgers, pizzas, ribs, sauce-drenched wings, a massive beer (and whiskey and bourbon) selection, and sports on the TVs, the Winking Lizard has become synonymous with
“casual bar eats” with its 15 Ohio locations. Try this: You can’t go wrong with a 10-pack of breaded boneless wings tossed in your favorite Lizard sauce ($11). There are 20-plus sauce choices. 15 locations in the state, winkinglizard.com
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