What's the cure to that not-so-fun hangover? Brunch! With endless breakfast options, and overflowing marys and mimosas, brunch has become a necessary staple. So, grab your glass and toast to this list of Cleveland-approved East Side spots.
Before heading out, always be sure to check each location’s website or call ahead for individual business operating hours and safety procedures.
Shaker Heights: Shaker Square + Larchmere District
Northstar Café
The new (and sixth) Northstar location, in Shaker Heights, rounds out the Van Aken District scene with a bright, innovative café and bar featuring warm Buttermilk Biscuits, Cloud Nine Pancakes, cookies as big as your head and mimosas. If you’re going for healthy, you’ll love the Smoothie Bowl filled with fresh blueberries, cashews, homemade sunflower almond granola and toasted organic coconut.
Cleveland Breakfast Club
Finally, a restaurant that gives the people what they want: brunch every day. From the team that brought us Zanzibar Soul Fusion and Angie's Soul Cafe, Cleveland Breakfast Club at Shaker Square serves dishes that pair the freshest ingredients with mind-blowing Southern flavors, like Lobster, Shrimp & Grit Cakes, Quiche Louisiana and Pineapple Upside Down Pancakes. Those looking for something lighter will love their freshly prepared smoothies and bowls.
EDWINS Too
The newest concept from EDWINS founder, Chef Brandon Chrostowski, EDWINS Too in Shaker Square offers constantly evolving prix fixe dinner menus, takeaway lunches and now sumptuous brunch offerings on the weekends, all within sight of the flagship space that started it all. Nosh on sweet dishes like Strawberry Pie French Toast or the Waffle of the Week, or perhaps the savory Shrimp and Grits or Corned Beef Hash in a finer dining ambience.
Cleveland Heights: Little Italy + Coventry
Home Bistro
Chef Victor Morenz brought this cozy little concept with him from Chicago and returned to his hometown to set up this Little Italy eatery with his wife, Emily Gilbert. The dishes change weekly and draw from a variety of influences from Italian (Caponata) to Korean/Eastern European fusion. (Bulgogi & Spaetzle anyone?)
On the Rise Artisan & Bakery
If freshly baked bread and pastries are calling your name, then hit up On the Rise in Cleveland Heights. Go all in on their meticulously crafted sandwiches, like their Ham + Cheese slathered in gruyere, or their house-made signature, PB + J on French Pullman bread, perfect for the kiddos. And don’t sleep on the Walnut Sticky Buns.
Luna Bakery Cafe (Cleveland Heights)
Word about Luna Bakery and Café has quickly spread. No longer hidden, it’s still a local gem. The original pastry-style shop in Cleveland Heights still feels cozy despite two expansions to keep up with demand. (Feast on any number of savory or sweet crepes and paninis. Nibble on Nest Eggs, Steel Cut Oats or Avocado Toast alongside specialty coffee drinks and maybe a Macaron (or two).
Presti's Bakery and Cafe
In Little Italy, you'll find the legendary Presti's Bakery offering satisfying sweets and tempting breakfast sandwiches to devour in the café (or grab and go). Our fave is the classic bacon, egg and cheese on a croissant. Or fulfill your dreams of mouthwatering pastries, muffins, sinfully sweet cinnamon rolls, scrumptious pecan rolls and flaky croissants. You can't go wrong with this neighborhood institution.
Barrio (Cleveland Heights)
Cleveland's staple for tacos and tequila, Barrio offers their own unique twist on brunch. Choose a Hash Bowl with chorizo, Donut Hoyos or Avocado Tostada or try your hand at a brunch taco. Our fave is the BBT Taco (thick cut bacon, fried maple Brussel sprouts, egg). Down your meal with their Bloody Maria cocktail or other bev of choice.
The Inn on Coventry
Three words: lemon ricotta pancakes. This Coventry mainstay serves breakfast every day, so brunch is a no brainer for these folks. Get eggs any way you like, including creative culinary creations like the meatless Eggs Sausalito, Kentucky Scramble or Huevos Pan de Mais. Dig into a stack of Reese’s Cup Pancakes. Good news: Full liquor service is available.
Beachwood/Chagrin Falls/Pepper Pike/Orange
The Sleepy Rooster
This totally Instagrammable modern sunny spot in Chagrin Falls (Cleveland’s waterfall city) will blow you away with its from-scratch biscuits. (Get them with gravy, of course.) Le Cordon Bleu Institute of Culinary Arts graduate Chef Craig Fitzgerald strives to source as much of his celebrated foods locally as possible. If you’re feeling adventurous, you’ll love trying the Goetta, a German breakfast meat (beef, pork, steel-cut oats, onions and spices) at one of the only local restaurants to make and serve the specialty that perfectly complements eggs (done any way you like).
17 River Grille
As far as scenic brunch spots go, it's going to be hard to beat 17 River Grille. Overlooking the gorgeous waterfalls on the Chagrin River, this restaurant serves a classic brunch of delicious standbys. Try its signature 17 Benedict by with poached eggs, home fries, a petite tenderloin and a heavenly biscuit. Did we mention?!: Strawberry Mimosa.
Slyman's Tavern East
When you're craving the best corned beef Cleveland has to offer, look no further than Slyman's Tavern East. The Slyman's Breakfast Sandwich or the Corned Beef Hash and Eggs will get you that fix of the corned beef of your dreams. Munch it down with a Ruby Relaxer or a Tavern Bloody Mary in hand. We’re here for it.
Cedar Creek Grille
Craving classics? From the rich Belgian Waffle - decadently topped with whipped cream, berry compote and Ohio maple syrup - to the savory and spicy Cajun Shrimp & Grits and Chicken & Waffles, Cedar Creek Grille has options for you to get your brunch on in a classy and cozy atmosphere.
University Circle + Uptown
The Coffee House
Quaint and cozy, The Coffee House in University Circle is a treasure trove of delicious treats that will surely hit your sweet spot. Their selections include muffins - Decedent Delight is a top choice - along with croissants, scones and more, including salads and sandwiches. The classic hotspot is conveniently located near many quintessential Cleveland museums.
Euro Wafel Bar
Looking to nosh on classic Belgian Waffles right here in Cleveland? The Euro Wafel Bar offers that and more by giving you the option to choose your own waffle or crepe, then add on either fruity, sweet or savory toppings. (Grab a Bubble Waffle drenched in caramel and chocolate.) All the choices are truly Insta-worthy, and tasty, too.