We all love the feeling of being 'in the know'. Being able to recommend a place no one has ever heard of, or take them somewhere totally unexpected is always a bit of fun, and these tiny restaurants in Cleveland are some of the best hidden neighborhood gems around. Soft-lit intimate dinner spots and elbow-knocking greasy-spoon breakfasts all make this list. But make sure to get there early, because many of them have a line half way down the street at peak times.

1. Borderline Cafe

A true hole-in-the-wall cafe, Borderline is easy - but such a shame - to miss. Tex-Mex infused brunch is the vibe, here. You might have to wait a while for a seat, but as anyone who's been there before will tell, you it's worth it. (Get the home fries with cheese - it will improve your whole day). Seats about 20-30. Address: 18510 Detroit Road, Lakewood, OH 44107

2. Little Polish Diner

The name says it all, here. It's little, it's Polish, and it's a diner. This place might just be the best reason to go to Parma (and the best reason to go out if you live there). The cabbage rolls are giant and delicious, the cheese blintz with strawberry topping is a game-changer. This is food that would make your Polish grandmother proud. Seats 15-20, with tables and seats around the tiny bar counter. Address: 5772 Ridge Rd, Parma, OH 44129

3. Thai Kitchen

Tucked away in this unassuming strip on Madison, Thai Kitchen was the first restaurant to bring Thai food into the neighborhood, and it's still the best. Flavorful, colorful, and downright delectable, their food is everything you want from Thai cuisine, and it's up there with the best (and cheapest!) Thai in the city. Find out why they won Yelp's 2015 Cle Eats Best Curry award. Seats about 30. Address: 12210 Madison Ave Lakewood, OH 44107

4. Charlie's Dog House Diner

Shaped like an actual dog house, and located on the edge of a parking lot next to a dollar store, this place is somehow exactly what you would expect. The sheer novelty of it would be enough by itself, with wacky regulars who have permanently reserved breakfast bar stools, and the women working there who who will literally remove the chair from underneath your butt if you sit in the wrong spot. But as an added draw, the food is great. Greasy-spoon fare at its best, with dogs, burgers, and breakfasts. They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner, but don't get caught out - they close at 3pm every day. And did we mention it's shaped like a dog kennel? This place has been around since 1952, and still only seats about 15 people. Address: 2102 Brookpark Rd, Old Brooklyn, OH 44134

5. Close Quarters Pub

This tiny place is an eclectic, slightly confusing, totally amazing little pub. Every single decoration and knick knack in here - and there are a lot - is a mystery. There's an alligator on the roof. The food is pure pub fare, and the hot wings are famous among those in the know. The owner has said he'd like to enter a wings competition, but the regulars aren't having it - there's just no room for more people! The official maximum occupancy is 32, but realistically (and comfortably), it's more like 20. Address: 31953 Lake Rd, Avon Lake, OH 44012

6. Etna Ristorante

Etna is a charming little Sicilian eatery in Little Italy which will blow your socks off. Everyone who's been there will recommend something different, because absolutely everything on the menu is the best thing to order. If there's a special (there's always a special), trust the chef and order it. They have a great bar with a good wine selection to complement every meal. Seats about 35, a few more at the bar with the amazing Eli to entertain and provide libations. Address: 11919 Mayfield Rd, Cleveland, OH 44106

7. The Cleveland Corned Beef Co.

An honest to goodness old-school lunch counter. The Cleveland Corned Beef Co. used to be Goodman's Sandwich Inn, but the change in name hasn't meant a change in quality. It's certainly no-frills, so if you expect five-star service and dining, this is not the place for you. It's a bit of fun, a bit of nostalgia, and a whole lot of food. Seats about 15-20 on bar stools along the service counter. Address: 5164 Pearl Rd, Cleveland, OH 44129

8. Le Petit Triangle Cafe

Located on a quiet side street, this place is the closest you'll get to France while you're still 4000 miles away. The food is classic French cuisine, with an American flair. That is, it's French food, but the portions are bigger - a true winner of cultural exchange. The inside dining area seats about 30 people, and the patio seats another 15 or so. Address: 1881 Fulton Rd, Cleveland, OH 44113

The problem with these tiny gems is that you'll always be torn between telling everyone about them and keeping them to yourself. But sharing is caring! What other tiny restaurants deserve to be on this list? Does your neighborhood have a hole-in-the-wall hidden gem that you just can't get enough of?