All the Restaurants Offering Specials During Cleveland Taco Week (April 15-21) and What They're Serving

Cleveland Taco Week returns April 15-21 with dozens of your favorite Cleveland area restaurants offering deals and menu specials all week. Here's…

By Scene Staff

Twisted Taino Restaurant


Street Tacos + Street Corn Salad Combo for $10
3 Pork Carnitas Street Tacos: Topped with Chopped Cilantro and Onions served with Pico de Gallo, Avocado Habanero, Lime Wedge & Street Corn Salad
3 Chicken Street Tacos: Topped with Chopped Cilantro and Onions served with Pico de Gallo, Avocado Habanero, Lime Wedge & Street Corn Salad
3 Vegan Fajitas Street Tacos: Topped with Chopped Cilantro and Onions served with Pico de Gallo, Avocado Habanero, Lime Wedge & Street Corn Salad
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14 Cleveland Area Restaurants That Have Closed in 2024

Thankfully, the first quarter of 2024 has brought far more openings than closings, against recent trends. But Cleveland still said goodbye to…

By Scene Staff

 Toast
     1365 West 65th., Cleveland 
    
    Toast in Gordon Square called it a day on April 3 after 11 years in the neighborhood. Owner Jillian Davis told Scene: "It's not bittersweet — it's bitter mostly. Operating a full-service restaurant is not as fun as it used to be." The neighborhood wine bar and restaurant was beloved for its down-to-earth vibe, personal service, unique wines and seasonal small plates and entrees. Davis mentioned staffing challenges and changing dining habits as some of the reasons behind her decision to close.
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22 New Restaurants That Opened in the Cleveland Area This Year

The first quarter of the year tends to include its fair share of restaurant closures, but it also heralds a slew of…

By Scene Staff

Never Say Dive
4497 Broadview Rd.
Situated in a renovated classic 1920s-era tavern in Old Brooklyn, the buffed-up shot-and-beer bar features draft beers, housemade seltzers and cocktails and a fun selection of small plates from Chef John Hagerty, also of the Green Kitchen in Clark-Fulton. Those dishes, many of them vegan or vegan-ready, aim to match the high-low vibe of the bar. Guests can mix and match snacks like deviled eggs, pork rinds with whipped blue cheese, and spiced nuts. There’s a cheese board from across-the-street neighbor Old Brooklyn Cheese, Mexican charred corn and Killbuck Valley mushroom toast and a few larger plates including a double smash burger and udon noodle bowl.
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25 of the Best Italian Restaurants in Cleveland

We all love some hearty Italian food from time to time. Or, well, all the time. And lucky for us in Cleveland,…

By Allison Jack

 Bar Italia
15625 Detroit Ave., Lakewoo 

 Why we love it: Modeled after New York bistros, Bar Italia is a vibe, bringing house-made sauces and harder to find fresh pastas varieties to the table. Enjoy the minimalistic classy ambiance featuring large Italian art and mirror pieces and a center bar fixture at this trendy spot with a seasonally open front. Try this: The homemade Bolognese is the star menu item “due to its use of fresh ingredients, the unique choice of low acid New Jersey tomatoes, its rich and hearty flavor” and its role as the foundation of the restaurant’s concept, says director of operations Tim Davin. Try it in Chef Andy’s Bucatini Bolognese ($17), a classic fresh bucatini with house-made special meat sauce.
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Photos: The 17th Annual Winter Warmer Celebrated the Best in Ohio-Brewed Craft Beer at Windows on the River

The annual late winter Winter Warmer beer festival is presented by the Ohio Craft Brewers Association and is unique in that all…

By Emanuel Wallace

Winter Warmer Fest at Windows on the River
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Photos: Hundreds of Clevelanders Stuffed their Faces at the Mac 'n' Cheese Throwdown to Benefit W.A.G.S. 4 Kids

The Mac 'n' Cheese Throwdown is both a competition and fundraiser for W.A.G.S. 4 Kids. Local restaurants put up their best Mac…

By Emanuel Wallace

The 2024 Mac-N-Cheese Throwdown at The Madison
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25 of the Best Cleveland Brunch Restaurants

From classic egg-and-toast diners, to hip fine-dining establishments with inventive breakfast dishes, explore the best brunch spots in Northeast Ohio.

By Allison Jack

 Juneberry
3900 Lorain Ave., Cleveland

Why we love it: The comforting morning vibe and menu give a nod to the 12 years chef Karen Small (formerly of Flying Fig) spent in Appalachia. “I was inspired to create a small intimate place, that people could feel comfortable and nourished,” says Small. Try this: Everyone loves the cheddar and chive biscuits ($4) served with sorghum butter and jam.
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21 of the Most Romantic Restaurants in Cleveland

Cleveland's got you covered for date night no matter the occasion, price point, or side of town. From top-end steakhouses to charming…

By Allison Jack

Jaja
2050 Gehring Ave., Cleveland

Why we love it: “The room is a completely different room than any other room in this entire city,” says Chef Brian Whalen says of the whimsical, intimate Mediterranean- and Latin-inspired small plates and Argentinian steak hotspot slinging designer cocktails. The majestic retractable roof that opens the ceiling to the stars (seasonally), plant life whimsical animal elements, feminine lamp shades, mauve plush seating and the marble bar make this one a feast for the eyes and the mouth. “It’s kind of a sensory overload; there’s so much going on.” Try this: Chef Whalen recommends the balanced dish of raviolo ($18), crafted with handmade pasta (three ravioli), with herb ricotta filling. “We drop an egg yolk into the center of it and cut our own raviolis out and top with cacio e pepe compound butter and serve with a bright citrus gremolata (parsley, cilantro, shallot, garlic, zest and juice from oranges, limes and lemons)."
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All the Restaurants Dishing Up $8 Specials for Cleveland Pierogi Week (Jan. 29 - Feb. 4)

Cleveland Pierogi Week has arrived (Jan. 29 - Feb. 4) and not a moment too soon. Because seven days of comforting $8…

By Scene Staff

Das Schnitzel Haus
5728 Pearl Rd., Parma, OH 44129

Three Haus' made potato & cheese pierogi, served with grilled onions and sour cream.
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The Best Things We Ate in Cleveland in 2023

After dozens and dozens of meals out on the town, Scene dining editor Doug Trattner reflects back on the best dishes he…

By Douglas Trattner

Goat Biryani at Paradise Biryani Pointe
Multiple locations, paradiseindiancuisine.us
Rahul Gonuguntla opened Paradise Biryani Pointe because he couldn’t find the quality of Indian food that he grew up with back home. Now with four locations in Northeast Ohio, the restaurant specializes in Southern Indian dishes but offers a broad sampling of Indian cuisine. The showstopper is the Hyderabad-style goat biryani, an aromatic dish of perfectly steamed and seasoned basmati blended with tender bone-in goat.
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The Most Anticipated Restaurant Openings in Cleveland for 2024

While 2023 has been a tough year as far as restaurant closings goes, it wasn't all bad news. Some great new restaurants…

By Scene Staff

 Tricky Tortoise
4057 Erie St., Willoughby

Willoughby Brewing Company, which launched in 1998 by T.J. Reagan, helped spur the revitalization of downtown Willoughby while simultaneously making some damn fine craft beer. It closed in 2020, but will soon reopen as Tricky Tortoise, which will have most likely have a simple pub menu with items like wings, pizza, pierogies and pie, according to new owner Bobby Ehasz, who was in search for his next craft beer project (Ehasz, a career military guy, is a partner in Pompatus Brewing, a nano brewery in Bainbridge). Ehasz’ first major hire was Caleb Brown, a brewer who worked at Platform/AB and Thirsty Dog. Brown is inheriting a storied brewhouse – one that turned out award-winners like Peanut Butter Cup Coffee Porter and Railway Razz – but guests can expect Brown to start with mainly classic styles, albeit with his own twist.
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The 25 Best New Restaurants That Opened In Cleveland In 2023

It hasn't been all bad news on the Cleveland dining scene this year, though we did lose some beloved institutions. All around…

By Scene Staff

 Lao Sze Chuan
Pinecrest, Orange Village

 Lao Sze Chuan opened in Chicago’s Chinatown in 1998, where it made a big splash thanks to its stellar Sichuan cuisine. Aside from the dozen or so locations of Lao Sze Chuan in Greater Chicago, there are only four out-of-state locations of the iconic brand. This summer, that number climbed to five thanks to local operator Sheng Long Yu, who opened a location at Pinecrest. Diners familiar with the Chicago-based restaurant can expect a similar menu featuring traditional and elevated Szechuan food and a stylish interior. Yu is behind many local establishments including Shinto Japanese Steakhouse in Strongsville and Westlake, Kenko Sushi in University Circle and Kent, Dagu Rice Noodle in Asiatown, Ipoke near the Cleveland Clinic and Hell’s Fried Chicken in University Circle. He is also the force behind a new Asian food hall taking shape in Asiatown.
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The 10 Most Popular Scene Restaurant Reviews of 2023

Scene dining editor Doug Trattner ate and ate well once again this year. What were you most interested in? A mix of…

By Scene Staff

Poppy is a Big Test for the Salt Team. They’re Passing With High Marks So Far
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The Cleveland Restaurants That Closed in 2023

It's always hard to say goodbye, especially when you bid adieu to a beloved restaurant or shop. Unfortunately, this year the Cleveland…

By Scene Staff

Mitchell's Fish Market 
28601 Chagrin Blvd., Woodmere

It's hard to imagine Eton Chagrin Blvd. without Mitchell's Fish Market, but going forward that's precisely what shoppers at the Woodmere lifestyle center will have to do. The seafood restaurant announced this week that it was closing its Northeast Ohio location after 20 years. When Eton made its big debut in 2003, after developer Bob Stark completely reshaped the suburban shopping strip, Mitchell's Fish Market was just one of the many big food draws for diners. Launched by Cameron Mitchell in 1998, Mitchell's Fish Market grew to nearly 20 locations in a handful of states. Mitchell sold the chain to Ruth's Hospitality, which in turn sold it to Landry's. Following the closure of the Woodmere shop, the chain has trimmed to seven.
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37 Local Food and Drink Gifts Every Clevelander Will Love

Whether you're shopping for stocking stuffers or something to bring to a generous host who's invited you over, we've got you covered…

By Douglas Trattner

Hillson Nuts

A deluxe tin of mixed nuts like cashews, pecans, almonds, hazelnuts and Brazils from Hillson Nuts, an 87-year-old Cleveland company, is a holiday tradition.
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Meet Cleveland's Hot Ones: The Local Hot Sauces You Should Be Stocking to Kick Up the Flavor

In August of this year, chili pepper breeder Ed Currie secured the Guinness World Record for his latest creation, Pepper X, a…

By Douglas Trattner

Meet Cleveland's Hot Ones: The Local Hot Sauces You Should Be Stocking to Kick Up the Flavor
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The Highest-Rated Restaurants In Cleveland Right Now, According To Yelp

Sure, we love letting readers know about new places to eat around Cleveland, but sometimes you need to hear from someone else,…

By Scene Staff

 Opal on Pearl
4250 Pearl Rd., Cleveland

 “Opal is located in my home sweet home of Old Brooklyn, so it automatically scores right there. In the former Drink space, I recently went to happy hour. What a great menu! They have quite a selection, from little bites and salads to more substantial dishes, all at a great deal. But listen, the fries...you gotta try them. Coated in herbs and maybe breadcrumbs, I wasn't quite sure, they stayed crispy and delicious even cold! I wasn't even that hungry and we devoured them. For drinks I had a glass of Brut for $6 and a very refreshing wine sparkler, Vino Verede, $5. Three drinks, three dishes between two people, less than $30 tab. Very polite attentive and friendly service. I'm beyond happy to have this in my neighborhood.” Brittney H. on Yelp
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The Best Restaurants to Take Out-of-Towners to in Cleveland

When you've got visitors, you want to show them the best of Cleveland. From iconic mainstays to new additions, we've got you…

By Scene Staff

 Batuqui
12706 Larchmere Blvd., Cleveland and 17 East Orange St., Chagrin Falls

 Going on eight years strong in Larchmere and already dazzling out in Chagrin, Batuqui already feels like a natural part of the dining scene's fabric. With authentic Brazilian dishes like Feijoada and Moqueca Baiana, it's a place natives of the South American country have called one of the best in the U.S. Whichever location you pick — they are both intimate and built for the sort of warm, festive family and friends dinners you dream of — know you'll be diving into a Cleveland favorite.
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Photos From Cleveland Beer Week's Culture Yourself at Collision Bend Brewery

Copious amounts of beer, wine and cheese were all on hand for Cleveland Beer Week's Culture Yourself at Collision Bend Brewery on…

By Emanuel Wallace

Culture Yourself at Collision Bend Brewery
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All the Restaurants Where You Can Score $9 Pizzas During Cleveland Pizza Week (Nov. 6-12) and What They're Serving

Enjoy $9 From Cleveland's Most Popular Pizza Joints from November 6th-12th. Cleveland Pizza Week is seven days of paying homage to all…

By Scene Staff

 BrewDog Cleveland
1956 Carter Rd., Cleveland

 BrewDog is offering their 12” Spicy Meaty Pizza, with andouille, pepperoni, chili flakes, fresh red chilies, smashed Napoli tomatoes & mozzarella. Gluten free option available.
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The Hottest New Restaurants That Opened in Cleveland This Year

While it's been a difficult year in the Cleveland dining scene, losing beloved spots left and right, it hasn't been all bad…

By Scene Staff

 Patron Saint
2915 Detroit Ave., Cleveland

Open only since early June, Patron Saint feels like it’s been an essential part of this community for years. Owner Marie Artale tapped chef David Kocab to craft a farm-to-table regional Italian menu that leans light, wholesome, seasonal and satisfying. Patron Saint is the kind of place where “a quick glass of wine” can cascade into a tipsy two-hour feast. As an all-day café, Patron Saint transitions from early morning coffee service through early evening aperitivo hour. The 50-seat café boasts a window counter with lake views, comfortable banquettes, a standing rail, and bar seating. While not a traditional restaurant, Patron Saint’s all-day menu offers enough variety and heft to cobble together a lovely meal.
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Photos From Great Lakes Brewing Company's Christmas Ale First Pour

Great Lakes Brewing Company's First Pour is an annual tradition where hundreds of Clevelanders come by the Ohio City brewery to get…

By Emanuel Wallace

Christmas Ale First Pour
71 slides

Photos From Cleveland Beer Week's Night at the Hangar

Cleveland Beer Week closed out with their Night at the Hangar event at Signature Aviation, celebrating 15 years of pouring up beers…

By Emanuel Wallace

Cleveland Beer Week's Night at the Hangar
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Photos From Cleveland Beer Week's Offshore Pour Aboard Lady Caroline

Offshore Pour is one of Cleveland Beer Week's most popular events. This year the party moved from the Nautica Queen to the…

By Emanuel Wallace

Cleveland Beer Week's Offshore Pour
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All the Cleveland Restaurants That Have Closed in 2023

The first half of the year only saw a smattering of restaurant closings in the Cleveland dining and bar scene. Unfortunately, the…

By Scene Staff

Edison’s Next Door Pizza 
2365 Professor Ave., Cleveland

Edison's Next Door Pizza, which opened in the space next door to Edison's Pub two months ago, closed in late September. Not to be confused with Edison's Pizza Kitchen, which exited that space earlier this year after 15 years, Edison’s Next Door was operated by Pete LaGrange, son of property (and pub) owner Mark LaGrange. After decamping that space earlier this year, Edison's Pizza Kitchen planned to open a standalone pizzeria on Kenilworth, but that project is now dead. You can still find "the original Edison's pizza" inside some Lucky’s Market and Dave’s Markets.
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Photos: Cleveland Beer Week Continues With the Barrel Aged Bash at The Butcher and the Brewer

Cleveland Beer Week continues to roll on with the Barrel Aged Bash at The Butcher and the Brewer on East 4th. These…

By Emanuel Wallace

Barrel Aged Bash at The Butcher and the Brewer
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Photos From the Opening Weekend of Cleveland Beer Week 2023

Cleveland Beer Week kicked off this year's festivities with neighborhood crawls in Cleveland Heights and Kamm's Corners, along with a Pumking Poker…

By Emanuel Wallace

Cleveland Beer Week Opening Weekend
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The Most Anticipated Restaurants Opening in Cleveland the Rest of 2023 and Beyond

Sometimes it's hard to keep track of all the new openings that not only have already happened but all the good stuff…

By Scene Staff

 Agave and Rye
28601 Chagrin Blvd., Woodmere

 Agave & Rye opened its first Cleveland restaurant last summer in the former Bar Louie (1352 W. 6th St.) space in the Warehouse District. The Covington, Kentucky-based company is experiencing tremendous growth, with more than 15 restaurants scattered throughout five states. Today the company revealed its plans to open a second Northeast Ohio location, this one in the former Paladar space at Eton Chagrin Blvd. The new restaurant is projected to open next spring. Agave & Rye is billed as a modern tequila and bourbon hall that serves “epic tacos.” The restaurant is known for its double-shelled tacos, which feature crunchy corn and soft flour shells sandwiched together by beans, queso, pimento or guacamole.
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23 Cleveland Clambakes We Love

The weather getting chillier and the leaves changing shades means more than just apple picking and football season here in Cleveland. It…

By Scene Staff

 Teamz Restaurant & Bar
Where:  6611 Eastland Rd., Cleveland  
When: Daily through the season
Menu: Order a dozen clams as an appetizer or order the full clam bake. The clam bake begins with a cup of clam chowder, followed by a dozen clams, and is completed with your choice of half a chicken or steak, served with corn on the cob and a baked sweet potato.
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Photos From the 2023 Crocker Park Wine Festival

One of the region's late-summer staples is the Crocker Park Wine Festival, which transforms the bustling marketplace into a wine oasis. The…

By Emanuel Wallace

2023 Crocker Park Wine Festival
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