Cleveland’s food scene tends to get overshadowed by those in other Midwest cities, but that shouldn’t stop you from trying some local specialties. Here’s our list of the five best food experiences in Cleveland:
Slyman’s. You’ll have to try the corned beef to understand why people wait down the block during lunchtime for a meal at this deli. It’s not the buttery, rich style of corned beef you might get in New York City, but rather a dry-style meat that’s best described as delicious.
Melt Bar & Grilled. This gourmet sandwich shop has several locations in the Cleveland area, and it specializes in all things gooey. You might think a grilled cheese can only go so far before you try one at Melt.
Summer clambake. The Northeast may have the market on clambakes, but we’ll let you in on a little secret: Northeast Ohio does it well, too. Restaurants and parties throughout the region throw clambakes in the late summer and early fall, filled with clams, corn, chowder and locally caught fish.
West Side Market. If you’re looking for kielbasa and pierogi or want stuffed grape leaves and hummus, you won’t have to travel to different stretches of the globe — this one-stop market has a slew of freshly prepared ethnic foods.
Great Lakes Brewing Co. Though its Dortmunder Gold is the award-winning brew, Great Lakes Brewing Co. produces other beers that are worth checking out — Burning River, Conway’s Irish Ale, Eliot Ness and Edmund Fitzgerald are all fine choices. If you’re here during the holidays, or for Christmas in July, the Christmas Ale packs a serious punch with a distinct blend of warm spices and a high alcohol level.
