It's the question that warrants a thousand answers: "What do you want to eat?" And now that you've had enough time to get through this list, we thought we'd top you up with some more Cleveland favorites to try! The foodie scene in Cleveland is becoming more and more diverse, and making things more and more interesting with challenges, fusions, imports, and homegrown legends.
1. The Melt Challenge at Melt Bar and Grilled
We'll kick this list off with something a bit fun. Some people push their bodies and minds to the limit by running a marathon, or climbing a mountain. And some people push themselves with the Melt Challenge! It may look unassuming, but this 5 pound monster is packed with 13 different kinds of cheese and three slices of bread. You also have to eat all the fries, slaw and pickles. There are prizes to be awarded, but the real prize is knowing that you just climbed the Everest of sandwiches. Address: 13463 Cedar Rd, Cleveland Heights, OH 44118
2. West Side Burger at the Buckeye Beer Engine
From this west side favorite comes the West Side burger. It's a loaded cheeseburger - the secret ingredient? Pierogis! What's more Cleveland than that? Wash it down with a beer from one of the best selections in the city. The fried pickles are also to die for! Address: 15315 Madison Ave, Lakewood, OH 44107
3. Cleveland Bagel and Schmear at the Cleveland Bagel Co.
I'm going to say it: these are better than New York bagels. Catapulted to fame by LeBron James's hit series 'Cleveland Hustles', the Cleveland Bagel Co. has recently opened their storefront in Gordon Square. They were already well known in Cleveland, but now you can buy their bagels direct from the source! Each bagel is hand made on site, and their schmears are creative and delicious. Just make sure you get in early - they've sold out almost every single day since they opened! Address: 4201 Detroit Ave, Ohio City, OH 44113
4. Margherita Pizza at Citizen Pie
Ask an Italian and they'll tell you that the real test of a pizzeria is the margherita. It's classic and simple, and it shows off the most important things: the taste and texture of the base, the richness of the marinara, and the quality of the cheese. Basically, if the humble margherita makes you say "Mmm", you know that everything else on the menu will blow your socks off. This is the case with Citizen Pie: there's not a bad choice on this menu! Address: 15710 Waterloo Rd, Collinwood, OH 44110
5. Chicken and Waffles at Southern Cafe
Southern Cafe is a relative newcomer to the scene, but it's already been called the best Southern food in Cleveland. The real draw is the buttermilk fried chicken wings with red velvet waffles and low country grits. All for under $10! The chicken is juicy and perfectly crisp, the waffles just the right level of sweetness, and the grits are buttery and delicious. They serve breakfast from 8am until 11am (Sundays 11am until 1pm). Address: 11817 Detroit Ave, Lakewood, OH 44107
6. Falafil Warp Fully Loaded at Maha's Falafil
The best falafil in the city with all the trappings. Want fries with that? Why not put them right in the wrap with your falafil? The addition of pickled turnips and hot sauce is a flavor game changer. Located at the back of the West Side Market, Maha's is Cleveland's worst kept wrap secret. In case you've somehow never made it to the West Side Market, the address is: 1979 W 25th St, Ohio City, OH 44113
7. Beef Pho at Superior Pho
It's the ultimate comfort food. Cooling when you're hot, warming when you're cold, with just the right amount of salt and spice from white pepper. Superior Pho was the first pho restaurant in Cleveland, and it's still the best. Sliced beef pho is the Vietnamese and now worldwide standard. Take flavor into your own hands with lime or mint, then spice it up with Sriracha or chili, and add some crunch with fresh bean sprouts. Wash it all down with some refreshing green tea, and enjoy! Address: 3030 Superior Ave #105, Cleveland, OH 44114
8. The Dessert Taster at Dante
I'll admit it: the dessert taster is kind of a cheat's way of not choosing just one dessert. Because every dessert here is amazing. Rich and creamy chocolate creme brulees, or reinvented childhood favorites like root beer float parfaits. There isn't a wrong choice on this menu, so Dante offers a tasting plate of three desserts. It's the ultimate sweet tooth indulgence. Address: 2247 Professor Ave, Tremont, OH 44113
9. Pig Head at the Greenhouse Tavern
Okay, hear me out. A pig's head might not be the most appetizing thing in the world. But this one? Is downright delicious. It's part of the Greenhouse Tavern's nose-to-tail philosophy, which aims to lessen food waste. (Did you know: the US is the world's #1 food waster!)
But it also introduces you to new and fun things to eat, and chef Jonathan Sawyer is dedicated to making you want to eat them again. Address: 2038 E 4th St, Cleveland, OH 44115
So, what do you want to eat?
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