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February
23
23
The 10 Best Burger Joints in Cleveland, Mapped
It's no secret that Cleveland is home to an incredible dining scene. It has long been a topic of conversation among publications like the Los Angeles Times and Thrillist, and while local haunts like Sokolowski's University Inn and new hot spots like Lola typically garner all of the attention, we'd like to give some love to the burgers.
In this city, there is no shortage of burger options. You can go simple at an old-school drive-in, or step it up a notch at a locavore eatery with a rooftop view. Either way, the beef is likely sourced from right here in Ohio, and the flavors mix together just right.
Next time you're smacked with a burger craving, check out these 10 incredible joints around town!
Heck's Cafe
2927 Bridge Avenue, Cleveland OR 35514 Detroit Road, Avon Heck's Cafe has two Cleveland locations — one in Ohio City and one in Avon. The Ohio City spot is tucked into a historic, 120-year-old townhouse with indoor garden seating, and the Avon restaurant features a new warehouse setting with an industrial feel. And although the atmosphere is second to none, locals flock here for the gourmet burgers and locally sourced fare. Keep it simple with the Heckburger, or take it up a notch with the Market Burger, which features braised short ribs, bearnaise sauce and arugula.Johnny's Little Bar
614 Frankfort Avenue, Cleveland Johnny's Little Bar is a secret spot tucked just around the corner from the more upscale Johnny's Downtown, and features a no-frills atmosphere, neon lights, a jukebox, and burgers worth bragging about. The restaurant veers away from bells and whistles, offering just the essentials on a half-pound burger with cheese alongside house-made chips.Burgers 2 Beer
1938 Euclid Avenue, #100, Cleveland and several other locations
Photo courtesy of Burgers 2 Beer
Burgers 2 Beer brings burgers to life with creative ingredients, adventurous recipes and delicious grass-fed beef. There are 26 different burger options on the menu, and each is more clever than the last. For instance, the Luther, one of the restaurant's most popular burgers, is served on a glazed donut and topped with bacon and cheese, and the Like Butta Baby is drizzled with truffle butter and topped with bacon, Cajun brie, crispy fried onion straws and caramelized balsamic onion jam. Are you hungry yet?B Spot
28699 Chagrin Boulevard, Woodmere and two other Cleveland Locations B Spot is owned by The Chew host and Iron Chef star Michael Symon, so you would naturally expect the burgers here to be at the top of their class — and you would be right. There is a lot of hype surrounding B Spot, which features bologna, brats, beer, bourbon and (of course) burgers! The award-winning Fat Doug features coleslaw, pastrami, swiss cheese and Cleveland's favorite Stadium Mustard. If that doesn't strike your fancy, there are 12 more to choose from, as well as a build-your-own option.Hot Dog Diner
5494 Pearl Road, Parma Don't let the name fool you — there's more than just dogs at the Hot Dog Diner! In fact, the pierogi burger is the reason we come back to this spot again and again. The perfectly seasoned burger comes topped with grilled onions, cheese and a full pierogi — all of which is stacked on a fluffy and lightly toasted bun. It truly is a little bite of heaven, and it rings in at an easy $4.99.Swensons
14510 Cedar Road, University Heights and seven other locations
Photo courtesy of Swensons
Swensons is actually known as basketball star LeBron James' favorite burger joint in town, and we're not surprised in the least. The old-school drive-in eatery serves a simple menu of burgers, fried dishes, sides and shakes, and although the venue doesn't take itself too seriously, the food is nothing to scoff at! Grab the Galley Boy, which is an award-winning double cheeseburger topped with two special sauces.Stevenson's Bar & Grill
800 E 200th Street, Cleveland This laid back, no-frills sports bar has long established itself as a neighborhood hangout. Locals might come for the cocktails, draft beer and multiple tvs screening current sporting events (go Cavs!), but we suspect the popularity comes from the burgers. The patties come single or stacked, and are topped with grilled onions, melted american cheese, tomatoes, pickles and lettuce — the usual suspects.The Greenhouse Tavern
2034 East 4th Street, Cleveland
Photo courtesy of the Greenhouse Tavern
The Greenhouse Tavern is conveniently located downtown right on the pedestrian strip, and is a fantastic place for an easy dinner or lunch at any time of day. The upscale spot boasts a gorgeous rooftop patio and inventive new American fare. We like to start our meal off with the foie gras and clam appetizer before moving onto the lamb burger, which features a luxe cheese fondue, champagne shallot mignonette and tangy yogurt sauce. Yum.Bar Cento
1948 West 25th Street, Cleveland Nestled in the heart of historic Ohio City, Bar Cento features a European-inspired menu focused on local, seasonal and sustainable ingredients. The Ohio Beef Burger features — you guessed it — local grass-fed beef! The patty is beautifully sandwiched in a warm griddled bun, and topped with caramelized onions, port salut cheese, lettuce and tomato. There isn't much to it, but with flavors this good, it's best to keep it simple.The Rail
400 Great Northern Mall, North Olmsted and four other locations
Photo courtesy of The Rail
This local chain is all about supporting local. Everything from the beer to the burgers is sourced from right here in the state, and the staff celebrates the local community by hosting "beer school" classes in collaboration with local breweries at the restaurant. We're fans of the Local Yokel burger, which features Swiss cheese, local thick-cut bacon, and a fried local egg atop a 100% local beef burger and toasted bun. All menu items can be substituted with a veggie burger or chicken burger for no additional cost!
February
23
23
How to Spend a Weekend in Ohio's Amish Country
In the heart of Ohio, you'll find a little slice of heaven. Ohio's Amish Country is tucked between Cleveland and Columbus, and features gently rolling hills, captivating morning mist, colorful sunsets, charming farms and magnificent homes. The area itself is certainly idyllic, and the residents here appreciate their natural surroundings by living the old-fashioned way — celebrating their heritage by spending their time crafting artisanal products, gardening, and farming.
But while the Amish enjoy a more simple way of life, it is far from boring. There are so many things to see, do and eat in Amish Country, and it is certainly worthy of a weekend getaway. Come dine in the cozy farm-to-table restaurants, get lost on the back roads, take a tour of a cheese factory, and stay overnight in one of the warm, hospitable inns. We guarantee you will gain a new appreciation for this beautiful country — an appreciation that...
February
23
23
10 Cincinnati Garden Shops and Greenhouses that Will Make You Wish You Had a Green Thumb
The snow is melting, the flowers are blooming, and warm-weather days are becoming more common. Spring is finally here, which means it's finally time to get those gardens started and ready for the sunshine! Nothing melts away the winter blues quite like a trip to your local greenhouse, so we rounded up our 10 favorites in Cincinnati.
All of these garden centers offer a large selection of bedding plants, succulents, vegetable plants and more. And even if you weren't graced with a green thumb, most of these spots are family owned, and the staff is happy to help guide you to success! Happy planting!
A.J. Rahn Greenhouses
February
16
16
The 9 Best Places to Get Hot Chocolate in Cleveland
When you're craving something soul-warming and sweet, hot chocolate is the obvious choice. The simple beverage can be made in thousands of different ways, but whether you choose spiked or virgin, fun flavors or a large dollop of fluffy whipped cream, it's bound to be delicious. We rounded up our favorite hot chocolate spots in Cleveland, so next time the craving hits, you can skip the research and get right to sipping. Enjoy!
Civilization
2366 West 11th Street, Cleveland
Website | Facebook
The Mexican hot chocolate at Civilization is flavorful, decadent, and worth coming back for again and again. The traditional bevvie is amped up a notch with notes of cinnamon and almonds. Enjoy sipping it in the gorgeous Flandermeyer Drug Building in the historic Tremont neighborhood, and make sure to order a pastry while you're there.Sweet Moses
6800 Detroit Avenue, Cleveland
Website | Facebook | Instagram
Photos courtesy of Sweet Moses
Sweet Moses, a charming old-fashioned soda shop located in Gordon Square, is perhaps the ultimate spot for sweet treats — and the hot chocolate here is no exception. The shop uses a traditional recipe from 1911, and the mug is topped off with your choice of a large homemade marshmallow or a dollop of whipped cream.Phoenix Coffee
1700 East 9th Street Cleveland (and five more locations)
Website | Facebook | Instagram
When Phoenix opened more than 25 years ago, it established itself as a destination for coffee lovers. The shop has since expanded to include five cafés around the city, as well as its main roastery on Clair Avenue. Hot chocolate lovers should not miss the chance to stop in, as all of the chocolate syrups are made in-house using organic ingredients!Blackbird Baking Company
1391 Sloane Avenue, Lakewood
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Blackbird serves up hot chocolate that is both decadent and light at the same time. The perfect balance is achieved by adding two kinds of dark chocolate to the bottom of the mug and covering it with frothy, steamed milk. Once the concoction is stirred, it's a little cup of heaven.
The Root Cafe
15118 Detroit Avenue, Lakewood
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The Root Cafe, located just a short drive away in Lakewood, is a favorite among vegans and vegetarians. All of the ingredients are organic and sourced from local farms and community gardens, which means that the flavors are way above standard! Accompany your meal with a warm cup of Mexican hot chocolate — made with cinnamon, cayenne and a bit of vanilla, the bevvie achieves a perfect balance of spicy and sweet.The Chocolate Bar
347 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland
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We couldn't leave the Chocolate Bar off this list. As the name suggests, the restaurant specializes in anything chocolate related, including an impressive lineup of desserts. But the drinks are reason enough to give this place a chance. The hot chocolate menu alone includes more than 12 options with innovative flavor combinations. One of our favorites is the spiked orange chocolate — rich dark chocolate with a hint of orange extract and orange liqueur. And don't worry, there are non-spiked options too.Dewey's
13201 Shaker Square, Cleveland
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Located in the heart of Cleveland's Shaker Square, Dewey's serves up locally roasted fair trade coffees alongside fresh soups, salads, sandwiches and pastries. People flock here for the friendly service and brilliant flavor combinations! Take the Irish hot chocolate, for instance. The shop's already decadent hot chocolate recipe is taken to the next level with a splash of Irish cream.Erie Island Coffee Company
2057 East 4th Street, Cleveland
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Erie Island Coffee Company might just have some of the best coffee in Cleveland, but it would be a shame to overlook the hot chocolate! Sip yours in the charming space in downtown, which boasts friendly staff, a comfortable atmosphere, and views of city life through the windows.
Prosperity Social Club
1109 Starkweather Avenue, Tremont
Website | Facebook
Hot chocolate isn't just for kids — adults need a sweet treat every now and then too! For those occasions, head over to Prosperity Social Club. This eclectic bar and tavern serves the usual suspects (wine, beer and craft cocktails) but also a fabulous winter warmer called the Hot Chocolate Social. The creation is a house-made cocoa recipe spiked with Godiva white chocolate liqueur, Stoli vanilla liqueur and Grand Marnier. And it's all topped with whipped cream, of course. Happy sipping!
February
16
16
11 Essential Brunch Spots in Akron and Canton
When the weekend rolls around, nothing resolves the stresses of the previous week like brunch. It's the best time to gather with loved ones to catch up and enjoy a delicious plate of food while you're at it. As a matter of fact, brunch might just be our favorite meal of the day — who's with us?
We gathered up our favorite brunch restaurants in the Akron and Canton area for your next morning outing. With heaping plates of hash, buttery biscuits and gravy, stacked eggs Benedict, and mimosas galore, these local hot spots never disappoint. Happy brunching!
Akron Area
Burntwood Tavern
2291 Riverfront Parkway, Cuyahoga Falls
Facebook | Instagram
Photo courtesy of the Burntwood Tavern
The Bloody Mary bar at the Burntwood Tavern is the stuff of legends. First, choose a Tavern-infused vodka (jalapeño, garlic, bacon, and the like), and then bolster it with your choice of mixers, hot sauces, horseradish and accoutrements. Once you've made your dream bevvie, enjoy brunch classics with a modern twist. Standouts include the prime rib eggs Benedict, the smoked bacon crepes and the nutella-stuffed French toast.The Blue Door Cafe & Bakery
1970 State Road, Cuyahoga Falls
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The Blue Door Cafe & Bakery is a longstanding favorite in Cuyahoga Falls, and there's no mystery as to why it's so popular. The cozy bakery offers a wide array of freshly baked pastries, farm-fresh fare, coffee drinks, morning cocktails and more. Standouts include the Ricotta Cheese Pancakes, the chocolate-rubbed rack of lamb, and the fried chicken with a jalapeño cheddar buttermilk waffle.Bomba Tacos & Rum
3900 Medina Road, Akron
Facebook | Instagram
Photo courtesy of Bomba Tacos & Rum
Located in the Montrose Center Plaza, this colorful spot serves up authentic Mexican street food in chic, modern digs. For brunch (weekends from 11 am to 3 pm), enjoy huevos rancheros, breakfast tacos, carne asada hash and more alongside an impressive lineup of coffee and breakfast cocktails (jalapeño paloma, anyone?).Bricco
1 West Exchange Street, Akron
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The vast brunch menu at Bricco is enough to make anyone hungry. Here, you'll find interesting and flavorful items like breakfast pizza (complete with scrambled eggs, gravy, bacon, tomatoes, hashbrowns and cheese), fried pickles, risotto balls, eggs Benedict, burritos, breakfast sandwiches and more. You can enjoy all of it in the chic dining room, located in the heart of downtown Akron.Honeymoon Grille
3458 Manchester Road, Akron
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Open daily for breakfast and lunch, Honeymoon Grille never fails to impress with its flavorful dishes and friendly service. The restaurant opened its doors in 2013, and became an instant sensation in the Portage Lakes neighborhood. Locals flock here for the no-frills breakfast specials, which are filling, cooked to perfection, and served with a smile. Canton AreaThe Twisted Citrus Cafe and Bakery
1649 N. Main Street, North Canton
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Photo courtesy of the Twisted Citrus Cafe
This bright and airy locale is the perfect place for a relaxed weekend brunch! The menu is globally inspired, but still includes all of your favorite breakfast classics — with a twist. We are particularly smitten with the corned beef hash, the Maui Waui French toast (topped with piña colada compote), and the deep south omelette with sausage gravy, but you can't go wrong with anything on the menu!The Fieldcrest Estate
1345 Easthill Street Southeast, North Canton
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Complete with a custom omelette making station, a meat carving table, a waffle bar, bbq ribs, fresh seafood, mac & cheese, pastries, and a salad bar, Sunday brunch at the Fieldcrest Estate is not just a meal — it's an event. You are guaranteed to leave with a satisfied smile and a full belly.Samantha's Restaurant
4954 Portage Street NW, North Canton
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Gluten-free brunch-lovers will find solace at Samantha's Restaurant. While there are plenty of brunch classics (think: omelets, Benedicts, loaded bagels and more), there is also an entire gluten-free menu with lots to love. The food is always flavorful and served piping hot, and the atmosphere is friendly and bright.Cultured Coffee & Waffles
309 Cleveland Avenue NW, Canton
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Established in 2013, this cozy little concept brings a bit of brightness to downtown Canton. Here, you'll find flavorful, fair trade coffee drinks, but the real standout here is the waffles. These creations are fluffy and decadent, topped with a wide variety of ingredients both sweet and savory. If you come a bit later in the day, you can also experience the waffle burgers — a delicious patty sandwiched between the famed waffles. Are you hungry yet?
Pete's Restaurant
4223 Tuscarawas Street West, Canton
John's Bar & Grille
2749 Cleveland Avenue Northwest, Canton
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This family-owned restaurant comes complete with charming, old-school decor, a friendly atmosphere, and a delicious breakfast menu crafted with locally sourced ingredients. You can grab a simple breakfast with eggs cooked any way you like them, but we recommend branching out to try some of the Greek-influenced dishes, like the gyro omelet or the Grecian spinach fries.
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