Drop Anchor: 5 Seafood Spots We Love
From Pier W to Alley Cat Oyster Bar, here are our top five fave fish spots.
Why we love it: Zack Bruell’s waterfront restaurant stands out for its fusion of East Coast- and West Coast-inspired dishes. “You get the opportunity to get a selection from different states,” says chef and owner Bruell.
Try this: The shrimp-stuffed peppers ($12) are roasted and stuffed with rock shrimp, cilantro, soy sauce and onions and drizzled with mayo.
1056 Old River Road, Cleveland, 216-574-9999, alleycatoysterbar.com
Blue Point Grille
Why we love it: For 20 years, this Warehouse District staple has been serving fresh seafood from all over — Maine, Gulf of Mexico, Hawaii. “We are always trying to create new dishes and source out new seafood,” says culinary director Marc Standen.
Try this: The Nags Head grouper ($39) comes with lobster mashed potatoes, garlic spinach and a vermouth cream.
700 W. St. Clair Ave., Cleveland, 216-875-7827, bluepointgrille.com
Don’s Lighthouse
Why we love it: With a prime location near the Shoreway, this cozy restaurant boasts a traditional seafood menu — think crabcakes, shrimp scampi and scallops. “We’ve been here for more than 40 years,” says general manager Kraig Sternquist. “We have a very consistent product.”
Try this: The pretzel-crusted Great Lakes walleye ($29) comes with a whole-grain honey mustard aioli.
8905 Lake Ave., Cleveland, 216-961-6700, donslighthouse.com
Nauti Mermaid
Why we love it: Modeled after a Key West crab shack, this cozy, nautical restaurant offers a Caribbean-inspired menu with a well-stocked drink list. “Everything looks exactly like Key West,” says bartender Liz Arendt.
Try this: The lobster nachos ($16) are piled high with lobster meat, avocado, onion, queso and a spicy mango relish.
1378 W. Sixth St., Cleveland, 216-771-6175, thenautimermaid.com
Pier W
Why we love it: Known for its popular Sunday brunch buffet, Pier W was designed to resemble the hull of a cruise ship overlooking Lake Erie from a cliff. “It’s the only restaurant in Cleveland that is an old steamer that rests on Lake Erie,” says general manager Mark Kawada.
Try this: The bouillabaisse ($35) comes with clams, mussels, shrimp and crab in a tomato saffron broth.
12700 Lake Ave., Lakewood, 216-228-2250, pierw.com
