Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Cleveland, United States
1. Cleveland-Style Polish Boy
A unique sandwich with kielbasa sausage, coleslaw, and French fries wrapped in a soft roll. Try it at the iconic Saucy Brew Works.
- Unique Ingredients: The combination of kielbasa sausage, coleslaw, and French fries is a Cleveland specialty.
- Iconic Food Spot: Saucy Brew Works is a popular brewery and restaurant in the city known for its delicious Polish Boys.
- Cultural Significance: The Cleveland-Style Polish Boy reflects the city's rich Eastern European heritage.
2. West Side Market Pierogi
Traditional Polish dumplings filled with various ingredients like potatoes, cheese, or sauerkraut. Don't miss them at the West Side Market.
- Authentic Experience: West Side Market offers a variety of authentic pierogi options.
- Historic Landmark: The West Side Market is one of the oldest and largest public markets in the United States.
- Cultural Diversity: West Side Market showcases Cleveland's cultural diversity through its numerous food vendors.
3. Lobster Mac and Cheese at Market Avenue Kitchen
A luxurious twist on a classic dish with creamy lobster mac and cheese. Enjoy it at Market Avenue Kitchen.
- Gourmet Experience: Market Avenue Kitchen offers high-quality, gourmet takes on familiar dishes like mac and cheese.
- Locally Sourced Ingredients: The restaurant prides itself on using locally sourced ingredients whenever possible.
- Elevated Atmosphere: Market Avenue Kitchen boasts a chic and upscale atmosphere, perfect for a special occasion or romantic dinner.
4. Buehler's BBQ Ribs
Tender, smoky ribs slow-cooked to perfection. Buehler's is a local institution for barbecue lovers.
- Slow-Cooked Tradition: Buehler's BBQ uses traditional methods of slow cooking ribs to ensure maximum flavor.
- Hometown Favorite: Buehler's has been a Cleveland favorite since the 1920s, offering classic barbecue dishes.
- Community Gathering Place: Buehler's BBQ is more than just a restaurant; it's a local institution that brings the community together.
5. Cleveland-Style Walleye
A lake-friendly dish made with tender walleye fish, served with French fries and coleslaw. Try it at Fahrenheit Restaurant.
- Local Fresh Ingredients: Fahrenheit Restaurant uses fresh, locally caught walleye fish.
- Lake Erie Specialty: Cleveland-Style Walleye is a popular dish thanks to the abundance of walleye in Lake Erie.
- Contemporary Atmosphere: Fahrenheit Restaurant offers a contemporary atmosphere with stunning views of Lake Erie.
6. Cleveland-Style Hot Dog at Jenuwine's
A classic hot dog topped with mustard, onions, and slaw. Jenuwine's serves up Cleveland's best.
- Iconic Topping Combo: Jenuwine's offers the classic Cleveland-Style Hot Dog with mustard, onions, and slaw.
- Neighborhood Eatery: Jenuwine's is a local favorite in the Tremont neighborhood, serving up delicious hot dogs since the 1960s.
- Historic Building: The restaurant is located inside a historic building, adding to its charm and character.
7. Cleveland-Style Chicken Parm at Fire Food and Drink
A mouthwatering dish featuring breaded chicken smothered in marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese. Try it at Fire Food and Drink.
- Gourmet Take on a Classic: Fire Food and Drink offers a gourmet take on the classic Chicken Parm dish.
- Local Seasonal Ingredients: The restaurant prides itself on using fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
- Modern Atmosphere: Fire Food and Drink boasts a modern, chic atmosphere that's perfect for a date night or special occasion.
8. Cleveland-Style Pizza at Zocalo
Thin-crust pizza topped with unique ingredients like pepperoni rolls and breaded eggplant. Try it at Zocalo.
- Creative Toppings: Zocalo offers creative pizza toppings that you won't find anywhere else.
- Neighborhood Eatery: Zocalo is a popular spot in the Tremont neighborhood, known for its delicious pizzas.
- Craft Beer Selection: Zocalo offers a wide selection of craft beers to complement your pizza.
9. Cleveland-Style Burger at The Greenhouse Tavern
A gourmet burger made with locally sourced ingredients and unique toppings. Try it at The Greenhouse Tavern.
- Gourmet Ingredients: The Greenhouse Tavern uses high-quality, locally sourced ingredients in their burgers.
- Modern Atmosphere: The Greenhouse Tavern offers a modern and sophisticated atmosphere for a unique dining experience.
- Craft Cocktail Selection: The Greenhouse Tavern offers a creative cocktail menu to complement your gourmet burger.
10. Pastrami Pretzel Sandwich at Saucery
A unique sandwich made with house-made pastrami served on a pretzel roll. Try it at Saucery.
- Creative Combo: Saucery offers a creative combination of pastrami and a pretzel roll in one sandwich.
- Neighborhood Eatery: Saucery is a popular spot in the Tremont neighborhood, known for its delicious sandwiches.
- Craft Beer Selection: Saucery offers a wide selection of craft beers to complement your sandwich.
11. Cleveland-Style Stuffed Cabbage at Sokolowski's University Hospital and Health Center
A traditional dish made with cabbage leaves stuffed with ground meat, rice, and tomato sauce. Try it at Sokolowski's University Hospital.
- Authentic Eastern European Cuisine: Sokolowski's serves authentic Eastern European dishes like stuffed cabbage.
- Historic Landmark: Sokolowski's is located inside a historic hospital building, adding to its charm and character.
- Cultural Significance: Stuffed cabbage is a dish that reflects Cleveland's rich Eastern European heritage.
12. Cleveland-Style Perogi at Sokolowski's University Hospital and Health Center
Traditional Polish dumplings filled with various ingredients like potatoes, cheese, or sauerkraut. Don't miss them at Sokolowski's University Hospital.
- Authentic Eastern European Cuisine: Sokolowski's serves authentic Eastern European dishes like pierogi.
- Historic Landmark: Sokolowski's is located inside a historic hospital building, adding to its charm and character.
- Cultural Significance: Pierogi is a dish that reflects Cleveland's rich Eastern European heritage.
13. Cleveland-Style Beef Stew at Sweet Moses
A hearty stew made with tender beef, root vegetables, and homemade noodles. Try it at Sweet Moses.
- Comfort Food: Sweet Moses offers comforting, homestyle dishes like beef stew.
- Craft Ice Cream Shop: Sweet Moses is also a popular craft ice cream shop, offering unique flavors and handmade waffle cones.
- Neighborhood Eatery: Sweet Moses is a charming spot in the Tremont neighborhood, known for its delicious stews and ice cream.
14. Cleveland-Style Vegan Chili at Happy Chicks
A hearty vegan chili made with a variety of vegetables and beans. Try it at Happy Chicks.
- Vegan Option: Happy Chicks offers delicious vegan options like their chili.
- Casual Atmosphere: Happy Chicks has a casual, comfortable atmosphere perfect for enjoying a meal with friends or family.
- Community-Focused: Happy Chicks is focused on creating a welcoming, inclusive environment for everyone.
15. Cleveland-Style Pizza at Angie's Homemade
Thin-crust pizza topped with unique ingredients like fresh fruits and vegetables. Try it at Angie's Homemade.
- Creative Toppings: Angie's Homemade offers creative pizza toppings that you won't find anywhere else.
- Neighborhood Eatery: Angie's Homemade is a popular spot in the Little Italy neighborhood, known for its delicious pizzas.
- Artisanal Bakery: Angie's Homemade also offers artisanal breads and pastries, perfect for a breakfast or lunch stop.