Head To Heck's Express For Gourmet Food On The Go

Clevelanders are feeling this fast-casual thing. It seems almost every new restaurant that emerges on the Northeast Ohio dining landscape embraces this quick, order-at-the-counter approach in favor of traditional sit-down service. Fadi Daoud, owner of the 40-year-old Heck’s Cafe, is tapping into the phenom by taking the best parts of his popular burger spots and fusing them with Mediterranean-inspired breakfast, lunch and dinner options at Heck’s Express. Since opening in September on Euclid Avenue, the space has been buzzing with downtown workers and residents looking to quickly grab a bite. From hefty breakfast sandwiches and just-as-filling smoothie bowls in the morning to salads and sandwiches come lunch, customers can easily find something to satisfy them. Fans of Heck’s Cafe won’t be disappointed with favorites such as the Rocky River Burger ($8), a towering stack of a grass-fed Ohio beef patty, mushrooms, bacon, Swiss cheese and sour cream. But don’t overlook other tasty takes, such as the steak sandwich ($9), layered with tender slices of shaved ribeye, cheddar cheese, grilled onions, arugula and a zesty chimichurri aioli that we could drink by the gallon. Even the tumeric chicken shawarma ($8), with its golden-hued pieces of poultry wrapped inside a flaky pita, manages to be comforting while we’re rushing through our lunch break. It may be our new hurried normal, but at least we have delicious choices. 515 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, 216-303-9494, heckscafe.com