Midwest Getaways: The Top Ten Best Restaurants in Cleveland

Once I started with the post about What to Do in Cleveland I just couldn’t stop! Being quite the little piggy myself, I couldn’t not do a post about what I consider to be the best restaurants in Cleveland. Some are expensive and others are cheap eats! These are the places that over the years I keep coming back to! Cleveland has become an underrated sleeper town over the years filled with fabulous high quality restaurants!

1. Skyline Chili $
This Cincinatti original is a midwest classic. For just a few bucks you can taste this unique and legendary chili, which is served usually over a bed of spaghetti and covered in cheddar cheese. When I go back to Cleveland I make it a point to get here at least a couple times.

2. Melt $$
This wacky grilled cheese joint will melt your heart. The restaurant also has a gargantuan and impressive beer list to keep you busy while you most definitely will be waiting for a table. I highly recommend the Westside Monte Cristo, which as if it weren’t unhealthy enough is battered and deep-fried!

3. Crop $$$
The new location is stunning and fits this original and delicious restaurant. Dishes are inventive and utilize lots of local ingredients. Prices are pretty reasonable for a fancy restaurant but if you’re looking for a deal, check out the Sunday Supper.

4. Tommy’s $
Vegetarians will delight in this tasty restaurant where there are a variety of fabulous options for them. Carnivores though will also have plenty on the menu. It’s affordable and delicious. Be sure to get the mint-chocolate-chip shake before you go! You’ll thank me later.

5. Winking Lizard $$
This pub is a Cleveland staple. Even though its named after a caged iguana, which is a bit bizarre, it’s the perfect watering hole with great bar food. Stop at the downtown location before a Cleveland sporting event for some beers and good grub.

6. Lola $$$
Michael Symon, of Food Channel fame, put Cleveland on the map with this restaurant. It’s a foodie favorite and who can blame em, who wouldn’t want a fried bologna sandwich!?

7. Red the Steakhouse $$$
This restaurant is so cool that the first time I went here I said, “it doesn’t belong in Beachwood.” (the suburb I’m from). The steaks are outstanding and the sides are wonderful.

8. South Side $$$
Check out this swanky Tremont restaurant. The veggie Reuben and Kobe beef burger is where it’s at!

9. Yours Truly $$
This classic diner-like restaurant is a Cleveland institution. Get the notso fries and be sure to try the tango sauce!

10. Ken Stewart Lodge $$$

Runners Up: Cowell & Hubbard, Shuhei, Parallax, Hunan By the Falls, Lopez, and Johnny’s Downtown.