Since nothing about Cleveland jumps out and screams “interesting” or “different,” I imagine lots of people passing through fail to explore it. It’s a big mistake, because I’ve found Cleveland has a surprising variety of interesting and unique things to try, especially when it comes to dining. So the next time you’re in town on business, skip the Red Lobster or Olive Garden and check out some of these great local food finds. The best part is that you will eat well and still keep your expense account in control. Here is a list of a few of my recent favorites.
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B-Spot
Chef Michael Symon takes the basic burger upscale, complete with a variety of table side sauces that work as beautifully as dips for your fries as they do on the burger itself. The food is great and the atmosphere is hip and cool. There is only one caveat with B-Spot -- if you’re the kind of burger aficionado that likes to build your own burger, find one elsewhere. Mr. Symon is pretty adamant about how his combinations go together and they specifically note their policy of no substitutions on the menu. But if you like the combos as is, order a bacon infused cocktail and get down to business.
Paladar
The concept at Paladar is attractive rum bar with Cuban-style food. Mojitos are a must to start (I highly recommended the pomegranate ginger variety), then order one of the homemade guacamole choices. If you’re feeling adventurous, get the chef’s choice and prepare to be surprised. You can’t go wrong with anything else on the menu -- the hardest part will be choosing just one entree.
Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse
It doesn’t look like anything special from the outside, but inside Hyde Park is a classic, elegant steak house filled with dark wood, banquettes and tuxedoed waiters. During regular dinner hours there is nothing innovative about the menu, but if you get there early your wallet will thank you. Hyde Park has an "Early Night" special that will get you a small Fillet Mignon, soup or salad and a side for under $30 -- suitable for even the stingiest expense limit. If you have a generous boss, go for broke and enjoy the full steak house experience.
Corky & Lenny’s
I love a good deli and there is none better in Cleveland than Corky & Lenny’s. The pastrami is an instant classic and the chicken noodle soup nursed me through a cold 17 years ago on my very first visit to Cleveland. Nothing has changed in their 55 years of doing business and it doesn’t need to -- everything is perfect as is.
Steak & Shake
Yeah, it’s a chain so it’s not unique to Cleveland, but since I tried my first Wisconsin butter burger there I’ll always think of it as a Cleveland joint. Add bacon and it’s a whole new level of fat and flavor.
What About Bob’s
Bob’s is a great little sandwich place in an old fashioned downtown strip of Willoughby, Ohio -- also know as America’s Most Polite City. If you’re craving a great lunch stop for burgers, melts and subs this is the place. I can personally recommend the turkey melt (pictured below). You won’t go back to work hungry.
Melt
I have never tried this place but it’s on the list for my next visit based on a rave review from a co-worker. According to their website, "Melt opened in September 2006 with one goal: To provide gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches and as many beers as possible in a cool and comfortable environment." What's NOT to like there? They just opened their fourth location so they must be doing something right.
Winking Lizard Tavern
Seventeen years ago I visited this iconic joint with a group of co-workers during a training assignment on my first big corporate job. The “newbie” right of passage at the time was eating the Lizard’s “911” hot wings and having your face survive to tell the tale. I only had one and tasted it for 3 days, although I did take a menu home as a memento of the experience and still have it. If burning your lips off your face isn’t appealing there are plenty of other wing varieties to try -- and plenty of beers to wash them down.
Malley’s Chocolates
A friend that grew up in Cleveland introduced me to Malley-Ohs! years ago and my Malley’s addiction began. Now I pick up a box to take home on every trip, along with whatever other treats look tasty -- which is basically everything in the store. You can see the pink painted plant where they have been making all that chocolaty goodness since 1935 as you’re flying over the city, so stop at one of their retail stores and grab a sweet taste of Cleveland to remember your foodie adventures.
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