
Here is a List of "NEW" Cleveland restaurants, bars, breweries and cafes to try
Jul 11 , 2019
Start exploring the local food scene with this guide to some of the best new places that should be on your radar.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Meatballs, a mac 'n' cheese bar and Ohio's first craft certified organic distillery made a splash on the Cleveland dining scene in recent months. Plus, breweries, fast-casual and build-your-own eats continue to hold their own.
There's no shortage of places to try around town - from newcomers to names we've come to know and love that are expanding to other neighborhoods. The Dinerbar on Clifton makes its triumphant return and a Puerto Rican restaurant keeps a community legacy alive. There's vegan soul food, a chicken wing concept and sweet shops ready for you to indulge in.
Start exploring the local food scene with this guide to some of the best new places that should be on your radar.


Longtime fans of the Diner on Clifton were devastated when the neighborhood staple closed its doors in the spring of 2016. Two years later, it's been revived in a new, nearby location that draws on its classic, retro diner roots without shying away from its sleek modern updates.
The biggest addition: a round bar, where drinks can now flow. On the food side, you'll find an all-day breakfast menu with omelettes, sausage, eggs, home fries and English muffins. There's even a "hot Dinerbar favorites" section, with offerings like roast turkey, meatloaf, fish and chips, chicken pot pie and four-cheese mac 'n' cheese. You'll find hearty fare here, like spaghetti Bolognese, roasted herb chicken and parmesan crusted cod, along with healthier options like an Ahi tuna poke bowl. A full selection of sandwiches rounds out the menu.
11801 Clifton Blvd., Lakewood, 216-521-5003, facebook.com/DinerbarOnClifton


First came the popular Boca Loca Burrito Factory food truck, then came a brick-and-mortar in Berea. Now, Boca Loca's Heather Doeberling and Emily Moes are back with a second concept. Boss ChickNBeer is centered around locally sourced chicken and brews in a setting modeled after a diner, where you can watch your food made at the bar.
The small but mighty menu boasts chicken tenders and wings, which are brined for at least eight hours, baked for an hour, chilled and fried at the end. A handful of sides including slaw, queso mac 'n' cheese, mashed potato tots, avocado salad and salt-roasted sweet potatoes. Everything other than the mac 'n' cheese is made naturally gluten-free.
And as for the beer, they've partnered with their longtime friends behind Ohio City's Platform Beer Co. for their own signature drink, Boss Ale. Northeast Ohio-based brews round out the menu.
Read more: Boca Loca Burrito owners open Boss ChickNBeer in Berea
120 Front St., Berea, 216-659-8475, bosschicknbeer.com


Shawn Monday and Michael Schwartz's popular pizzeria debuts its third location at the new Pinecrest development in Orange Village. You'll still find a bar with an open view of your pies being made, but this time around, they've moved from one oven imported from Naples, Italy, to two to meet the rising demand. This outpost will also have signature items, including six signature pizzas, drink specials and an assortment of appetizers.
Read more: 3 Palms Pizzeria opens third location in Pinecrest
200 Park Ave., Orange, 216-450-1060, 3palmspizzeria.com


It's been four long years since Fat Head's set in motion its plans for a new Middleburg Heights brewery, taproom and production facility. The sprawling 75,000-square-foot project has finally come to fruition, and the gigantic, industrial-inspired dining room brings plenty of old favorites to the table. This menu also relies on the location's on-site smoker to stand out with more offer more barbecue options. There is also typically two dozen or more brews on tap, including their classic Head Hunter IPA and Bumble Berry Honey Blueberry Ale.
Want to see how they churn out 65,000 barrels annually? Self-guided tours take you behind the scenes.
Read more: Fat Head's massive beer hall and restaurant in Middleburg Heights ready for its grand opening
17450 Engle Lake Dr., Middleburg Heights, 216-898-0242, fatheads.com


Meatballs and craft cocktails is the name of the game at this new Rocky River restaurant. If the concept sounds familiar, it might be because its owners cultivated it from the kitchen of Ohio City tiki destination, Porco Lounge.
At its new permanent home, Polpetta takes the build-your-own concept to the next level with what they estimate to be around 4,000 possible combination. You can choose from 10 types of meatballs, 20 sauce options and 17 sides. And if that's not enough fun, the playful spot is completely enveloped in its theme, down to artwork where bowling balls and wedding rings are replaced by meatballs.
Between plates of customized eats, you can sip craft brews, wine by the class and more concoctions. Take a seat at the six-person chef's table to watch the magic happen.
Read more: Polpetta puts focus on meatballs, cocktails in Rocky River
19900 Detroit Road, Rocky River, 216-860-4474, primopolpetta.com


When Bowen and Lindsay Sun were students at Case Western Reserve University, they craved authentic Chinese food. So when Ninja City was planning to leave the bustling Uptown district, the couple quickly put in an offer on the location central to the campus. Bowen, a Cleveland native, already has years of restaurant experience from his time running Cincinnati sushi bars and eventually opening Szechuan Cafe in 2015 alongside his uncle.
You'll find soup dumplings, steamed and pan-fried buns, noodles, salads and spring rolls as some of most popular items here. Snacks like kebabs come in varieties like chicken, Chinese sausage, cuttlefish, tofu, lamb, mushroom and potato.
And if you'v been to Ninja City, the setting will feel familiar. Step inside and you're greeted with a bar with an emphasis on craft brews.
Read more: NuJoy bar and restaurant brings Chinese cuisine to Uptown
11311 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, 216-999-7016, facebook.com/nujoyofficial/


The Ohio City area is rich with breweries. But Bookhouse aims to be a bit less conventional. Located in a 19th century building that used to house Jacob Baehr Brewery, its owners marry the past and present. Books line the space, which includes reclaimed materials that pay homage to its history.
Bookhouse serves house-made beers crafted in its seven-barrel brewhouse, along with guest collaboration and homemade non-alcoholic beverages. The warm, cozy space is relaxed in a way that sets it apart from its surrounding bars, and includes an outdoor patio for the warmer seasons.
Read more: Bookhouse Brewing sets grand opening in Cleveland
1526 West 25th St., Cleveland, 216-862-4048, bookhouse.beer


After spending a decade in Tremont, Amanda and Josh Montague's sweet shop uprooted and moved its operation to Old Brooklyn this year. Expect the same intricately decorated treat adorned with designs like plaid, flowers and chevron. You'll also find rotating confections dreamt up on Amanda's whim, like "OMG Bars" and their take on "dough-nuts" (like a Snickerdoodle variety). If a "crunchy cluster" is more your style, get a punch of flavor with their Cherry Wink with cornflakes, caramel and red velvet chocolate cherry. "Cornflake mountains" - topped with nuts or fruits and dipped in chocolate - have become a runaway hit.
This location is a bit smaller, which puts the treats front-and-center. It gives anyone who steps inside a chance to see everything being made up close and personal.
Read more: Lilly Chocolates and Confections opens new Old Brooklyn shop
2032 West Schaaf Road, Cleveland, 216-771-3333, lillytremont.com


Take 50 taps and the popular "build-your-own" menu model, and Sauced Taproom and Kitchen owners Brent Pease and Geoff Mathias have a concept they're betting on having something for everyone.
Menus are divided into "Our way" and "Your way." "Our way," of course, is a selection of suggested dishes. "Your way" includes customizable pizza served by the slice, sliders, fries and salads.
Beer has an emphasis on regional varieties, with an ever-changing selection.
Read more: Sauced Taproom and Kitchen brings build-your-own menu, 50 beer taps to Lakewood
14701 Detroit Ave., Cleveland, 216-303-9213, saucedtaproom.com


Head to Cleveland's AsiaTown for a DIY experience at the new Rising Grill, which fills the former home of Seoul Hot Pot. Four barbecue-it-yourself tables invite you to get interactive with your food. "Order any of the Chef's Showcase Combination BBQs - including S2, like we did - and you will be served a vast platter of raw carnivorous joy. Sweetly marinated thick beef short rib and beautifully marbled beef rib eye, spicy pork tenderloin and pretty pink slices of chicken breast that will soften and sizzle before your eyes on your table top grill," says critic Beth Segal. Soups, sides and banchan also fill the tables.
Read more: Rising Grill Korean BBQ: Raising the bar on Korean food in AsiaTown
3709 Payne Ave., Cleveland, 216-465-3561, risinggrill.com


It's all about glamour, nostalgia and vintage pizzazz at this darling little coffee shop in Lakewood. You'll find a concise menu of sweet and savory crepes, Phoenix coffee and occasional other small bites like macarons at Chris Murphy and Joe Keppler's cafe. Expect a blend of traditional and creative crepes. Classics like Nutella and strawberry, as well as sun-dried tomato, basil and mozzarella remain some of the most popular.
A wall full of mirrors fills one side of the room, and shelves full of antiques, books and pearls are staggered to the right. This stylish, cozy newcomer invokes the retro spirit of influences like Iris Apfel. Look no further than the back lounge with a velvety love seat, florals and a light-up neon sign reading, "Oh, how marvelous!"
Read more: Crepes, coffee and chic vintage come to Lakewood at the new Brewella's cafe
16806 Madison Ave., Lakewood, 216-712-4907, brewellas.com


After Willeyville in the East Bank of the Flats closed, Brian Gresham stepped in to bring his vision for a club, restaurant and bar to life. Gresham, who's also the owner of the Warehouse District's Take Five Rhythm and Jazz, wants to add to the Flats party scene, inspired by the likes of FWD, Lago and Magnolia. That means bringing in DJs to light up the nightlife without shying away from the food side. The menu includes dishes like salmon sliders, flatbreads and a New Orleans barbecue shrimp plate to nibble on while sipping cocktails.
Read more: First look: True Cocktails and Bites to bring restaurant-club hybrid to Cleveland Flats
1051 West 10th St., Cleveland, facebook.com/truenightclubcle


John "Cav" Burens dreamed of opening a neighborhood bar. His new Tributary, located just east of Cleveland's bustling Gordon Square Arts District in a 1870s-built brick building, is just the right mix of a laid back local haunt and a refined, art-filled bar. The goal was to bring great drinks in an approachable atmosphere -- both PBR and craft brews alike are flowing on tap. You'll find great, unintimidating cocktails, including plenty of classics with Tributary's own twists.
Read more: A walk through the cocktails at Cleveland's Tributary
5304 Detroit Ave., Cleveland, 216-713-2946, tributarycle.com


When The Grocery first debuted in Ohio City in 2015, owner Rachel Kingsbury had a simple mission: To make it easy to find healthy local food. Its second location follows the same blueprints. It's stocked with farm-fresh produce and artisan food from more than 40 regional purveyors.
But this time around, Kingsbury has even more room to expand in the bigger space, which is attached to the new The Quarter apartments. It includes a coffee and smoothie bar, cold-pressed juice, a salad bar and a small build-your-own menu. With the expanded kitchen, expect to see The Grocery growing their catering footprint.
Read more: The Grocery brings local food, coffee, juice and more to second shop in Ohio City
2600 Detroit Ave., Cleveland, 216-303-9099, thegroceryohc.com


Take a trip to Akron to experience this brewery in the Cascade Valley Metro Park, near the main drag of West Park Street, that mixes old and new. "Trails wind through the area and its montage of historic buildings, rushing water and electrical towers," writes Cleveland.com's Marc Bona.
The building's owner, Tony Troppe, saved it from demolition. That was the impending fate of the former Swinehart Tire and Rubber Co. Now the century-old building is home to apartments.
Lock 15 has a Pilsner, Hefeweizen, IPA, Pale Ale, Porter, Stout and seasonals, as well as a full kitchen at the bar and restaurant.
Read more: Lock 15 Brewing Co. opens in Akron
21 West North St., Akron, 234-900-8277, lock15brewing.com


Lakewood is now home to Ohio's only craft certified organic distillery. Western Reserve Distillers is located in the 1915-built property of the former Fridrich Moving and Storage. And for anyone intrigued in the century-plus of history, you're in luck. Not only is the distillery visible from the street thanks to its glass windows, but Western Reserve also hosts weekend tasting tours.
The adjoining restaurant, Distill Table, is helmed by Eddie Tancredi, who made a name for himself at the Mediterranean-influence restaurant downtown, Adega. The menu featured Neapolitan pizzas, half a dozen pastas and sandwiches, elevated bar snacks and a handful of hearty entrees.
Read more: Western Reserve Distillers nears opening in Lakewood
14221 Madison Ave., Lakewood, 330-671-0347, distilltable.com


Three is the lucky number for Bomba Tacos, which recently opened its third location in Beachwood. The sister restaurant of the more upscale Paladar Latin Kitchen and Rum, its earned legions of fans as a stand-out in Northeast Ohio's boom of taco options.
You can expect the same classic and specialty tacos that have been a hit at the other locations. That includes seasonal varieties, like a wild mushroom, Vietnamese meatball and Jamaican jerk chicken. Snacks like tostones, empanadas and queso make for sharing. There's also the Bomba staple, build-your-own guac, which allows you to load it up with mix-ins like pickled jalapenos, chipotle honey, spicy peppers, corn, roasted garlic and cheese.
As for drinks, Bomba's Rum Bible came to life earlier this year. Page through and it you'll discover each rum's tasting notes and origins.
Read more: Bomba Tacos and Rum opens third location in Beachwood
2101 Richmond Road, Beachwood, 216-755-5907, bombatacos.com/beachwood-ohio/


Old Brooklyn is bursting with new artisan food and small businesses. So it's no surprise that now was the perfect time for longtime resident Tony Mellon to open his own bar. Mellon's no newcomer to the Cleveland culinary scene - his pedigree includes working for local mainstays like Lola, Johnny's on Fulton, Flying Fig and Caxton Café. Unlike the building's predecessor, Drink, the focus here isn't on fancy cocktails (though they'll certainly be more than willing to mix you a drink). You will find wine, brews on tap and small plates in a laid back but stylish space.
Read more: Opal on Pearl opens with wine, small plates and high hopes for Old Brooklyn
4250 Pearl Road, Cleveland, 216-417-2030, opalonpearl.com


When Julio Cesar "Cesi" Castro died last year at 81, the city mourned the loss of a champion of the Hispanic community. For more than five decades, he was the familiar face that greeted customers at his beloved Cesi's Caribe Grocery. Now the legacy of the late "Mayor of West 25th Street," who was known for supporting local entrepreneurs, lives on.
It's all part of the Las Tienditas del Mercado initiative by the Northeast Ohio Hispanic Center for Economic Development. The incubator program was launched to grow Latino-owned businesses so that they can eventually become part of El Mercado de La Villa Hispana, a forthcoming permanent, year-round market in Clark-Fulton.
Three new businesses now occupy the shared space: Pura Cepa, a Puerto Rican breakfast and lunch cafe; Cafe Social Latinoamericano coffee shop and bakery; and Ortiz Art Drafts Designs, which specializes in graphic design and marketing, nestled in the back.
Read more: Café, coffee and art give new life to bodega of late champion of Cleveland's Hispanic community
2886 West 25 St., Cleveland, facebook.com/somospuracepa

Read more: Luna Bakery and Cafe opens second location in Moreland Hills
34105 Chagrin Blvd., Moreland Hills, 216-672-3600, lunabakerycafe.com

Read more: Murano brings modern Italian to downtown Cleveland
1852 East 6th St., Cleveland, 216-716-8900, muranocleveland.com

Read more: Lobster and Pho at Rockside Corners opens its doors to the public
6901 Rockside Road, Independence, 216-525-0028, lobsternpho.com

Read more: Hatfield's Goode Grub grows with new downtown Cleveland shop and sweets truck
850 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, 216-713-0788, hatfieldsgoodegrub.com

Read more: Aurelia open in Chagrin Falls
16 North Main St., Chagrin Falls, 440-600-7770, aureliabistro.com

Read more: Il Venetian: Where ambiance matches exquisite menu in downtown Cleveland
100 St Clair Ave., Cleveland, 216-241-4800, ilvenetian.com

Read more: Macaron Tea Room is a sweet escape in Broadview Heights
203 East Royalton Road, Broadview Heights, 440-334-9119, themacarontearoom.com

Read more: Wild Eagle expands to bring rowdy restaurant and arcade to Broadview Heights
5001 East Royalton Road, Broadview Heights, 440-736-7707, wildeaglesteakandsaloon.com

13601 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, 216-226-5718, facebook.com/madmacslakewood

Read more: Long-awaited Metropolitan Coffee shop opens in Old Brooklyn
4744 Broadview Road, Cleveland, 216-860-4949, metropolitan.coffee
More openings
Urban Soul Grille is bringing vegan soul food to Mentor
Cleveland's Koko Bakery expands to add new cafe
Vintage Tea & Coffee to open second cafe in Midtown with expanded food menu
Can't decide where to go out this month? Our new Instagram account might be able to give you a little inspiration.
Follow @dinedrinkcle for restaurant news and delicious photos and videos.
Source: Expo Cleveland