Warehouse District Mainstay Liquid to Close After 24 Years; Will Reopen as New Concept in Late Summer

by Douglas Trattner on June 21, 2018 at 12:27PM

“We are closing as Liquid for good after next Saturday and we’re taking the summer to gut, remodel, rebrand and rename the space,” says GM Eric Howe. “When it reopens it will be as an entirely new space and concept.”

Rising Grill Korean BBQ Opens in Former Seoul Hot Pot Spot

by Douglas Trattner on June 20, 2018 at 11:37AM

Chalk up another win for Cleveland’s Asiatown neighborhood. As of May 14, the space long occupied by Seoul Hot Pot – and briefly occupied by Hansol – has a new operator.

Daisy’s Ice Cream in Slavic Village to Reopen on the First Day of Summer

by Douglas Trattner on June 20, 2018 at 10:19AM

You couldn’t pick a more appropriate opening day for Daisy’s Ice Cream (5614 Fleet Ave., 216-727-1935) than the first day of summer. Walter Hyde, who purchased the iconic 40-year-old neighborhood ice cream shop in early spring, has been working hard to ready the shop for its grand reopening.

Swensons Drive-In Eyeing New Location in Strongsville

by Laura Morrison on June 19, 2018 at 1:40PM

The Cleveland-area cheeseburger news just keeps getting juicier, as Swensons Drive-in is considering opening yet another of its restaurants on the west side, this time in Strongsville. The Akron-based eatery (and LeBron James favorite) is eyeing a parcel of land on Pearl Road owned by Strongsville City Schools.

Celebrate the First Day of Summer with Free Ice Cream on Public Square

by Laura Morrison on June 18, 2018 at 5:00PM

Turns out that the state of Michigan wants you to come visit sometime this summer. So bad in fact that the Pure Michigan advertising campaign is passing out free ice cream in downtown Cleveland this Thursday in honor of the first official day of summer.

Trio in Tremont to Open in Former Bac Asian Bistro Spot on June 21

by Douglas Trattner on June 14, 2018 at 2:12PM

An early draft of the menu reveals seasonal, ingredient-driven items like roasted carrots with Romesco sauce and tarragon gremolata; rabbit rillettes with fig, apricot and giardiniera; a springy halibut with pea puree, asparagus and fingerlings; goat cheese agnolotti with peas, asparagus and lamb neck demi; and desserts like parsnip tiramisu made with mascarpone ice cream, coffee foam and shortbread. When Trio opens it will be dinner-only Monday through Saturday.

Popular Koko Bakery to Open Full-Service Café in Adjacent Space

by Douglas Trattner on June 12, 2018 at 10:01AM

As Cleveland’s Asian community continues to grow, so too does the number of authentic dining options in and around Asiatown. One of the newest comes courtesy of Koko Bakery (3710 Payne Ave., 216-881-7600), which has been serving up Asian delicacies for approximately a dozen years.

Hatfield's Goode Grub Express Now Open in Old Cleveland Pickle Spot

by Vince Grzegorek on June 11, 2018 at 4:30PM

Hatfield's Goode Grub Express opened its doors in the old Cleveland Pickle spot last week and is now serving up southern-infused sandwiches and sides from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Cleveland Summer Beerfest Adds Brews Cruise to Lineup This Weekend

by Laura Morrison on June 11, 2018 at 4:12PM

Cleveland just can't get enough beer it seems, and this weekend the summer version of the Cleveland Beerfest returns to Jacobs Pavilion at Nautica. Doubling its brewery participants this year, the event includes more than 100 breweries, including local favorites like Masthead and Market Garden.

Iconic Cleveland Bar Flannery’s Irish Pub Sold to New Local Owners

by Douglas Trattner on June 8, 2018 at 11:27AM

Since 1997, long before East Fourth Street was a bustling entertainment district, Flannery’s Irish Pub (323 Prospect Ave., 216-781-7782) has been providing good cheer in the form of beer, spirits and food to large and consistent crowds. It is a staple destination on St. Patrick’s Day and is stop number one for many bound for a Cavs or Indians game.

Tickets on Sale for Autism Speaks Chefs Gala Starring Michael Symon

by Douglas Trattner on June 5, 2018 at 10:52AM

This is an “on” year for the Cleveland Autism Speaks Chefs Gala, a biennial event at the Cleveland Museum of Art hosted by celebrity chef Michael Symon. The extraordinary affair features two dozen Cleveland chefs preparing and serving signature small plate items – and that’s just the appetizer.

The NBA Finals Visitor Guide to Cleveland Food

by Brett Zelman on June 4, 2018 at 6:16PM

Yes, we've heard, NBA writers, staff, Warriors' fans and everyone else descending upon our dear city for the Finals. You're sick of coming to Cleveland for the fourth year in a row.

Arcadian Space in Gordon Square Has Been Claimed by Blue Habanero Mexican

by Douglas Trattner on June 4, 2018 at 4:46PM

Cleveland diners watched for three long years as management methodically transformed the old City Grill at W. 65th and Detroit into Arcadian, a contemporary showpiece designed by local architect Robert Maschke. But after just four months in business, in a move that shocked even the staff, the restaurant abruptly locked its doors and ceased operating.

Tributary at Detroit Shoreway/Ohio City Border Opens Tomorrow, June 5

by Douglas Trattner on June 4, 2018 at 3:12PM

Back in January, we shared John Burens' plans to open a "neighborhood bar" in a former art gallery at the border of Detroit Shoreway and Ohio City. That bar, Tributary, opens to the public tomorrow June 5, at 4:30 p.m.

Mad Mac's Now Serving Up Hearty Mac and Cheese in Lakewood

by Laura Morrison on May 31, 2018 at 3:26PM

Chagrin River Diner to Join Downtown Willoughby Dining Scene on June 11

by Douglas Trattner on May 30, 2018 at 12:10PM

On Monday, June 11, the Chagrin River Diner (4099 Erie St., 440-527-8452) will officially join the downtown Willoughby dining scene. Partners Kirk Swanson and James Turcotte, both veterans of the hospitality industry, will operate a breakfast and lunch restaurant with a broad, approachable menu.

We All Win Free Taco Bell if Cavs Beat Golden State on the Road

by Laura Morrison on May 29, 2018 at 11:48AM

We can debate the merits of Taco Bell's Doritos Locos Tacos all day long (obviously, they're delicious though), because what's important is we'll soon be able to score some of the cheese-powdered snacks for free. Starting Thursday, the healthier-than-you-think fast food joint is bringing back its Steal a Game, Steal a Taco promotion in honor of the NBA Finals, which sees the Cleveland Cavaliers take on the Golden State Warriors for an unprecedented fourth time in a row.

After Seven Seasons, ABC’s The Chew Co-Starring Michael Symon Will Cease Production

by Douglas Trattner on May 23, 2018 at 3:06PM

It’s the end of the road for ABC’s The Chew. After seven seasons, 1,454 episodes, multiple Emmy nominations and two Emmy Awards, the popular talk show will cease production at the end of this season, but will continue to air as planned until September.

Ohio’s First Shake Shack to Open June 7 at Pinecrest in Orange Village

by Douglas Trattner on May 23, 2018 at 12:20PM

Well, Cleveland, the wait is nearly over for Shake Shack fans, as Ohio’s first location of the glee-inducing burger shop is just days from opening its doors. That will take place at 11 a.m. on Thursday, June 7.

Hard Rock Cafe to Sell 71 Cent Burgers on June 14

by Jeff Niesel on May 22, 2018 at 3:12PM

Two “music-loving Americans” who just wanted to “find a good burger” while living in London opened the very first Hard Rock Café in a former Rolls Royce dealership, and they sought to “combine music, memorabilia and delicious all-American fare for a one-of-a-kind guest experience.”