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Entertainment | Food and Drink

TOP NEWS

First look:Jolene’s Honky Tonk brings flashy country vibes to downtown Cleveland (photos) 

Jolene's Honky Tonk is bringing Nashville-inspired country flair to East 4th Street with a four-story experience that includes the only public rooftop on the street. The flashy venue features Dolly Parton murals, swing seats instead of bar stools and specialty drinks served in plastic boots and disco balls, plus simple fried chicken fare. Alex Darus reports the Hangry Brands project occupies the former Greenhouse Tavern space and aims to be a go-to spot before or after downtown events.

Vinnie Cimino fulfills childhood dream at Swensons Drive-In

A culinary dream came true for Cordelia chef Vinnie Cimino, who finally worked as a Curb Server at Swensons Drive-In to celebrate the limited-time restaurant collaboration. Marc Bona highlights the unique menu between Cordelia restaurant and the 91-year-old drive-in, which includes special menu items like Cordelia's pimento cheese and Kool-Aid pickles on the Galley Boy. 

Guardians’ Slider part of ice cream helmet mascot bobbleheads

Guardians' mascot Slider is now available as a bobblehead figurine sitting in an ice cream helmet with a giant sundae. The hand-crafted collectible is part of a 12-team MLB series where mascots hold spoons ready to dig into chocolate-drizzled ice cream. Marc Bona reports the $50 bobbleheads are expected to ship by November 26 and can be purchased through Foco.

Cleveland's Top 10 barbecue restaurants revealed

Cleveland boasts an impressive array of barbecue restaurants, each offering a distinct culinary experience. Yadi Rodriguez and Peter Chakerian highlight Tripadvisor's top-rated BBQ spots, with Barabicu Smokehouse in Parma taking the number one spot. The list includes diverse options from traditional American barbecue to Korean and Chinese-style BBQ joints, showcasing the city's rich and varied food scene.

Abundance Culinary introduces decadent Chinese breakfast pastries

Cleveland Heights restaurant Abundance Culinary is expanding its morning menu with innovative Chinese-inspired baked goods. Paris Wolfe reports that chef Liu Fang and pastry chef Angela Lupica have created three distinctive items: a savory scallion cheese bun, an ube vanilla cream cheese bun and a sesame Sichuan cookie for the menu. The new breakfast offerings showcase traditional Chinese ingredients with creative twists.

Former Cleveland chef wins Food Network cooking competition

James Beard Award-winning chef Jonathon Sawyer has emerged victorious in the Food Network's "24 in 24: Last Chef Standing" competition. Paris Wolfe reports that Sawyer, who was once prominent in the Cleveland restaurant scene, won the grueling 24-hour culinary challenge, taking home a $50,000 prize and planning to use the funds to start The Sawyer Foundation.

Punk rock meets coffee: Green Day's caffeinated venture in Northeast Ohio

Green Day members Billie Joe Armstrong, Mike Dirnt, and Tré Cool have launched Punk Bunny Coffee, a specialty coffee brand produced in Northeast Ohio. Peter Chakerian writes about their collaboration with Caruso's Coffee Roasters and their commitment to organic, Fair Trade-certified coffee. The brand has already secured partnerships with Keurig Dr Pepper and 7-Eleven, expanding its nationwide reach.

Northeast Ohio's best deli selected by readers

Cleveland.com readers voted Davis Bakery & Deli as the top deli, capturing 32 percent of votes in a competitive race. Reporters Peter Chakerian and Yadi Rodriguez highlight the top 15 delis, with Gallucci’s Deli and Joe’s Deli and Restaurant rounding out the top three spots. The full list offers plenty of options for deli lovers across the region.

Cleveland Kitchen expands fermented food product line

Cleveland Kitchen has expanded its product lineup with gut-health focused items including Hot Honey Jalapeños, Pickle Bites in three varieties and new Everything Sauces. The new sauces - Kimchi Ranch and Dill Pickle Buffalo - contain beneficial bacteria from fermented foods and are available at select Whole Foods and Target stores, Paris Wolfe writes.

OPENINGS/CLOSINGS

STEAK restaurant expands to Chagrin Falls

STEAK, the popular Tremont restaurant, is opening a second location in Chagrin Falls early 2026. Alex Darus reports that Hangry Brands will transform the former Burntwood Tavern space into its funky steakhouse concept. The new location will feature the restaurant's signature neon signs, meat cleaver decorations and an intimate 90-seat dining room dubbed "The Meating Room".

Playhouse Square gets theatrical cocktail lounge

A new experiential cocktail bar called Encore is set to open in Playhouse Square this fall, promising to extend the theatrical experience beyond the stage. Paris Wolfe writes about the intimate 45-seat venue that will offer unique cocktails paired with fragrances and curated bar snacks. The lounge, located in the Lumen apartment building, aims to elevate Playhouse Square's nightlife and create a memorable post-show experience.

Gigi's Ristorante and Market brings homey Italian dining to downtown Kent

Downtown Kent will welcome a new Italian restaurant as Taproot Hospitality Group prepares to open Gigi's Ristorante and Market. Alex Darus reports that the restaurant will offer sit-down dining, a lively bar area and a market with takeout options like wine and Italian deli meats. The restaurant aims to provide an approachable yet elevated dining experience when it opens at the end of August.

Coyoacan Taqueria brings new life to Shaker Square with Mexican cuisine

A new Mexican restaurant, Coyoacan Taqueria & Brew, is set to revitalize the northwest corner of Shaker Square with a soft opening on June 10. Paris Wolfe reports that the restaurant will feature a customize-your-own line for tacos and burritos, along with craft beer, and will also resurrect the beloved Luchita's Mexican Restaurant. The space will offer both classic and innovative Mexican dishes in a vibrant blue and yellow decor. 

Mosaic Brewing Co. prepares to open in Cleveland's Tremont

A new brewery is set to transform a historic building in Cleveland's Tremont neighborhood, offering craft beer with a stunning city skyline view. Marc Bona writes that the four owners, including head brewer Caleb Brown, are targeting a September opening for their family-friendly brewpub. The location features a rooftop patio and plans to serve a variety of beers and local fare.

Never Ordinary Bourbon Society expands to Chagrin Falls

Alex Darus reports that the members-only bourbon club will open a second location in the former Paris Room Bistro space, accepting new applications for membership. The speakeasy offers access to over 100 bourbon bottles, craft cocktails and an upscale food menu. Kathleen D'Angelo of Taproot Hospitality Group plans to open the new location by early August.

EVENTS/TASTINGS

Marble Room to host 26-course molecular gastronomy experience

Marble Room Steaks & Raw Bar is set to host its second molecular gastronomy dinner, offering a unique 26-course tasting menu that blends science and culinary art. Marc Bona reports on the innovative event featuring extraordinary dishes like foie gras cream puffs, caviar sorbet and a pistachio-stuffed lamb jus "shooter". The extravagant dining experience will take place in the restaurant's vault on June 26. 

Champagne dinner set for June 16 at Poppy on Larchmere 

Poppy on Larchmere will host Amy Congrove, the business development manager of Champagnes and Châteaux, for a five-course wine dinner paired with Thiénot Family Champagnes. The dinner will be hosted outside, weather permitting, at 6 p.m. Monday, June 16, Alex Darus reports.

Local restaurant rewards program begins

Cleveland Independents launched a passport program last week that lets diners collect stickers from member restaurants. After gathering eight stickers by mid-July, customers can receive “The Deck” - a set of cards with about $500 in discounts at select local restaurants. One lucky participant will win five $100 gift cards, Marc Bona reports

Fieldstone Farm hosts annual Chefs Unbridled fundraiser

 Marc Bona writes about the upcoming fundraiser at Chagrin Valley Hunt Club Polo Field on September 13, supporting the farm's equine-therapy programs. The event will feature a tasting menu from chef Chris Hodgson, cocktails, wine pull, live music, and carriage rides. Fieldstone Farm, one of the nation's largest equine-therapy centers, serves 1,000 students annually with 35 horses and 15 certified instructors.

Cleveland’s Cordelia partners with Oberlin’s ThiNi Thai for dinner

Vinnie Ciminio, Cordelia’s James Beard-nominated chef, and ThiNi Thai’s chef Aon Krittathiranon will collaborate on a menu that features East Asian and Midwestern dishes for one night only on June 10, Alex Darus reports.

Autism fundraiser scheduled

Cleveland Chef Gala will be held July 31 at Hilton Downtown Cleveland to benefit Autism Speaks. The event pairs local chefs with individuals on the autism spectrum to create inspired dishes. Anthony Scolaro of 111 Bistro in Medina is among three honorees recognized for contributions to the autism community, reports Marc Bona.

Italian wine dinner coming up

111 Bistro in Medina has a five-course dinner planned for Thursday, June 12, featuring wines from assorted Italian regions. The event begins at 6:30 p.m. with doors opening at 6 p.m. at the Medina restaurant, according to Marc Bona's reporting. 

James Beard Award-winning author Samin Nosrat coming to Parma library

Paris Wolfe reports James Beard Award-winning cookbook author Samin Nosrat will speak about her new book "Good Things" at the Parma-Snow branch of Cuyahoga County Public Library on September 21. The Berkeley-based chef, known for "Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat," will discuss her new collection of 125 favorite recipes including comfort foods like ricotta custard pancakes and yellow cake with chocolate frosting. Tickets are $40 for general admission or $150 for VIP access with a pre-show reception. 

Taste of Black Cleveland 7.0 set

Taste of Black Cleveland 7.0 will return to celebrate the city’s Black-owned culinary scene on Thursday, July 31, at Rocket Arena, Marc Bona writes. The annual event features restaurants, caterers, food trucks and private chefs, with attendees voting for their favorites. Each year the tasting draws folks to try a variety of tasty appetizers.

2-day Crocker Park Wine Festival scheduled this summer

Crocker Park’s two-day Wine Festival is set for Sept. 12-13, via Marc Bona. The festival will feature more than 150 local, national and international wine producers, along with beer, spirits, local vendors, food vendors and live music. Attendees can stroll through Crocker Park while enjoying tastings. 

Gervasi Vineyard to hold wine dinner 

Gervasi Vineyard in Canton is hosting "Savor the Season," a five-course dinner paired with wines on Friday, June 13. Chef Ryan Bowen's menu includes spring gazpacho, lemon ricotta tortellini and rack of lamb, with live music by Rolando, Marc Bona reports. 

PICKS OF THE WEEK

Doinks Burger Joint

Who’s ever not in the mood for a smashburger? Doinks Burger Joint in Cleveland’s North Collinwood neighborhood is a casual spot serving some of the most mouth-watering burgers in town. The Bonn Mi is an instant classic, featuring jalapenos, cucumbers, kimchi and spicy Doinks sauce. The Sweet Heat is another crowd pleaser, topped with bacon, onion rings, house BBQ sauce and more. Don’t miss sides like onion rings or kimchi mac salad, and pair it all with one of the boozy house seltzers. Doinks is at 15519 Waterloo Road in Cleveland. – Alex Darus DETAILS

Fairport Harbor Creamery

With temps in the 70s and 80s this week, its ice cream season. Northeast Ohio has plenty of creameries, but some really stand out. Fairport Harbor Creamery, just uphill from Fairport Harbor Lakefront Park Beach, adds creative flavors that make it hard to decide. So, don’t. With their four-compartment sampler serving, you can select blueberry crumble, peanut butter Oreo, banana cream pie and plain ole’ vanilla. Or get a boozy milkshake. The creamery has a full liquor, wine and beer license, so they can spike your sweets. Consider tequila with mango Dole whip. Ice cream cookie sandwiches and homemade drumsticks are also tempting. – Paris Wolfe -- Details

SPOTLIGHT

Cleveland's ultimate patio guide reveals 80+ outdoor dining destinations

Northeast Ohio's summer dining scene offers an incredible array of outdoor experiences for food and drink enthusiasts. Alex Darus highlights the region's diverse patio options, ranging from rooftop bars with skyline views to hidden garden oases and waterfront dining spots. The comprehensive guide showcases over 80 essential patios, providing inspiration for locals seeking the perfect outdoor meal or cocktail.

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