Eat, drink, explore: Check out the top 6 spots in downtown Cleveland

Eat, drink, explore: Check out the top 6 spots in downtown ClevelandLola | Denna M./Yelp
Hoodline
Published on May 18, 2018

Heading downtown, or just looking to better appreciate what it has to offer? Get to know this Cleveland neighborhood by browsing its most popular local businesses, from upscale restaurants to a microbrewery.

Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the top places to visit downtown, using both Yelp data and our own secret sauce to produce a ranked list of neighborhood businesses. Read on for the results.

1. Lola

Photo: Sherri C./Yelp

Topping the list is Lola, celebrity chef Michael Symon's flagship restaurant. Open for two decades, the iconic New American spot at 2058 E. Fourth St. is the highest rated business in the neighborhood, boasting four stars out of 937 reviews on Yelp.

The fine-dining restaurant has earned numerous awards over the years — from Zagat, the James Beard Foundation and others — and was recently named the best downtown restaurant by Cleveland Magazine. 

Standout menu items include the bone marrow and calves' heart appetizers, the braised lamb shank, bacon-wrapped sturgeon and the cheesy polenta with mascarpone and honey. Create the perfect pairing with one of the dozens of global wines. 

2. Masthead Brewing

Photo: Adam S./Yelp

Next up is Masthead Brewing, situated at 1261 Superior Ave. in the historic Bryant Building. With 4.5 stars out of 123 reviews on Yelp, the taproom and microbrewery has proved to be a local favorite.

Stop by to try barrel-aged brews, Belgian-style ales and house beers like the raspberry espresso stout or the Smoked Helles, a crisp lager brewed with German malt. Hungry? Wood-fired pizzas, salads, sandwiches and shareable plates of Brussels sprouts and goat cheese-stuffed dates are on the menu.

3. Blue Point Grille

Photo: Even M./Yelp

Blue Point Grille marked its 20th anniversary this year and has been named one of Cleveland's best restaurants by ZagatYelpers give the upscale seafood restaurant, located at 700 W. St Clair Ave., Suite 200, four stars out of 279 reviews.

Blue Pointe Grille, which features lofty ceilings, grand columns and two floors of dining, says it "serves the absolute freshest and highest-quality seafood available anywhere."

Start off with chilled or hot appetizers like the oyster sampler or calamari with garlic aioli. House specialities include the seared ahi tuna, Nags Head grouper with lobster mashed potatoes and lobster Bolognese. And for a mere $125, there's the Grand Seafood Tower, which includes two Maine lobsters, oysters, shrimp cocktail, smoked mussels, king crab and more. 

4. Ontario Street Cafe

Photo: Mengxi L./Yelp

Ontario Street Cafe, a bar and traditional American eatery that offers sandwiches and more, is another much-loved neighborhood go-to, with 4.5 stars out of 80 Yelp reviews. Head over to 2053 Ontario St. to see for yourself.

The casual spot, with a mahogany bar and old-school vibe, features sandwiches piled high with freshly sliced meats. Try the pastrami, corned beef or chicken salad on a roll or rye bread, served with a pickle and chips.

5. Helio Terra Vegan Cafe

Photo: Sara P./Yelp

On the hunt for healthful fare? Helio Terra Vegan Cafe, which has earned 4.5 stars out of 69 reviews on Yelp, has you covered. You can find the counter-service vegan and vegetarian spot at 619 Prospect Ave. E.

Look to the chalkboard menu for a wide assortment of sandwiches, wraps, burgers, bowls and desserts. Popular items include the black bean and quinoa burger, the faux grilled cheese sandwich made with cashew red pepper dip and a rotini bake featuring a creamy tofu sauce and walnut crumble. Wash it all down with one of the fresh-pressed juices or smoothies.

6. Pho Thang Cafe

Photo: Mark L./Yelp

And then there's Pho Thang Cafe, a local favorite with four stars out of 205 reviews. Stop by 815 Superior Ave E. to hit up the Vietnamese spot next time you're in the neighborhood. 

The lengthy menu features bánh mì sandwiches with pork or vegetarian ham, beef and chicken phở, vermicelli dishes and more. Don't skip the drink list, which includes beer, hot tea, bubble tea and Vietnamese iced coffee.

Yelp reviewer King M. has high praise for the casual restaurant, saying, "After eating at numerous Vietnamese phở restaurants in Cleveland, I have come to the conclusion that Pho Thang is the best."