Once upon a time, The Flats was a rather unsavory area. In fact, thus was its reputation for decades, and the area has only recently recovered from it. The area serves as a shipping powerhouse and, since the 1980s, a bustling entertainment district. But what was once a crime-ridden region is now chic, full of quirky restaurants right on the water’s edge. You see, the Cuyahoga River carefully cuts this area in two, creating a unique environment that cannot be rivaled anywhere else in Cleveland. If you would like to experience the flavors of this quirky area, you must check out these delectable restaurants:
- Alley Cat Oyster Bar, 1056 Old River Road, Cleveland
Steven B./Yelp
Caroline M./Yelp There is something irresistible about enjoying seafood right on the shore. Of course, the Cuyahoga River is not even home to many of the sea-dwelling critters that grace plates at the Alley Cat, but it certainly sets an incredible atmosphere. Plus, the food’s also pretty incredible. Enjoy classics like clam chowder, or try something more adventurous like the Seafood Quesadilla or Surf-n-Turf Burger.
- Luca Italian Cuisine, 2100 Superior Viaduct, Cleveland
Charla D./Yelp
Olivia A./Yelp The ever-charming West Bank is the perfect destination for this chic Italian eatery. The views offered from this restaurant are incredible, but not quite as incredible as their unique menu. Want to be blown away? Try the Sacchetti Al Tartufo Bianco, a dish of practically mythical flavors. Don’t forget to wash your meal down with a cocktail, and definitely save room for dessert. Trust me, your tastebuds will thank you later.
- Bold Food & Drink, 1121 W 10th Street, Cleveland
Travis E./Yelp
Akiko I./Yelp Now, we’re taking this virtual tour across the river to the East Bank, where American classics are served up with a flair for the dramatic. Their menu features steak, seafood, and everything in between. Try something memorable like the Maine Lobster Nachos, pictured above.
- Harbor Inn, 1219 Main Avenue, Cleveland
Carl A./Yelp
Jim F./Yelp Anyone in the mood for bar food? There’s no better place to grab quick eats and sample a few drinks than Harbor Inn, which boasts of being Cleveland’s oldest dive bar. Don’t forget to play a few of the fun bar games before you leave!
- Flipside, 1050 W 10th Street,Cleveland
Aerial A./Yelp
Michelle K./Yelp Bring on the burgers! At Flipside, a plethora of mouthwatering options await fans of American classics. But these burgers aren’t quite your traditional burger. These are hand-crafted, utilizing the finest ingredients, like local beef, to create a surprising flavor that will delight your palate.
- Dante’s Inferno Flats, 1059 Old River Road, Cleveland
Dante’s Inferno Flats/Facebook
Willainia S./Yelp What self-respecting Clevelander doesn’t love a good pizza? At Dante’s, you’ll actually encounter the best pizza in The Flats, and you’ll have the opportunity to get a bit adventurous with your order, too. Choose a pizza piled high with seafood or goat cheese, or stick to traditional classics like pepperoni or sausage.
- Mulberry’s, 2316 Mulberry Avenue, Cleveland
Mulberry’s Cleveland/Yelp
Collin S./Yelp Come for the food, stay for the fun. That’s what attracts locals to this hidden gem of a sports bar, which features over 6,500 square feet for fun activities. Warm up with a bowl of chili (pictured), or chow down on a thick-crusted pizza. During the warmer months, a volleyball league utilizes the site for an epic game followed by an unforgettable meal.
- Lago East Bank, 1091 West 10th Street, Cleveland
Joan C./Yelp
Lago East Bank/Yelp Looking for a spectacular ambiance in addition to unforgettable entrees? Look no further than Lago, which features Italian and American classics with a bit of seafood thrown in the mix. Don’t forget to finish off your meal with tiramisu!
- Thirsty Dog East Bank, 1075 Old River Road, Cleveland
Thirsty Dog East Bank/Facebook
Manuel V/Yelp Sometimes, nothing tackles cravings quite like pub grub. Craft brews pair perfectly with burgers and other pub classics, making Thirsty Dog perfect for a quick bite or a casual dinner in a unique atmosphere. Want to try something unforgettable? Order a veggie burger for flavor that can’t be beat.
The Flats has enjoyed decades of entertainment, but it only recently underwent a transformation that brought it from drab to fab. Today, this waterfront district features incredible dining, unforgettable live music shows, and a beautiful city backdrop where memories can be made. What is your favorite restaurant in The Flats?
Steven B./Yelp
Caroline M./Yelp
There is something irresistible about enjoying seafood right on the shore. Of course, the Cuyahoga River is not even home to many of the sea-dwelling critters that grace plates at the Alley Cat, but it certainly sets an incredible atmosphere. Plus, the food’s also pretty incredible. Enjoy classics like clam chowder, or try something more adventurous like the Seafood Quesadilla or Surf-n-Turf Burger.
Charla D./Yelp
Olivia A./Yelp
The ever-charming West Bank is the perfect destination for this chic Italian eatery. The views offered from this restaurant are incredible, but not quite as incredible as their unique menu. Want to be blown away? Try the Sacchetti Al Tartufo Bianco, a dish of practically mythical flavors. Don’t forget to wash your meal down with a cocktail, and definitely save room for dessert. Trust me, your tastebuds will thank you later.
Travis E./Yelp
Akiko I./Yelp
Now, we’re taking this virtual tour across the river to the East Bank, where American classics are served up with a flair for the dramatic. Their menu features steak, seafood, and everything in between. Try something memorable like the Maine Lobster Nachos, pictured above.
Carl A./Yelp
Jim F./Yelp
Anyone in the mood for bar food? There’s no better place to grab quick eats and sample a few drinks than Harbor Inn, which boasts of being Cleveland’s oldest dive bar. Don’t forget to play a few of the fun bar games before you leave!
Aerial A./Yelp
Michelle K./Yelp
Bring on the burgers! At Flipside, a plethora of mouthwatering options await fans of American classics. But these burgers aren’t quite your traditional burger. These are hand-crafted, utilizing the finest ingredients, like local beef, to create a surprising flavor that will delight your palate.
Dante’s Inferno Flats/Facebook
Willainia S./Yelp
What self-respecting Clevelander doesn’t love a good pizza? At Dante’s, you’ll actually encounter the best pizza in The Flats, and you’ll have the opportunity to get a bit adventurous with your order, too. Choose a pizza piled high with seafood or goat cheese, or stick to traditional classics like pepperoni or sausage.
Mulberry’s Cleveland/Yelp
Collin S./Yelp
Come for the food, stay for the fun. That’s what attracts locals to this hidden gem of a sports bar, which features over 6,500 square feet for fun activities. Warm up with a bowl of chili (pictured), or chow down on a thick-crusted pizza. During the warmer months, a volleyball league utilizes the site for an epic game followed by an unforgettable meal.
Joan C./Yelp
Lago East Bank/Yelp
Looking for a spectacular ambiance in addition to unforgettable entrees? Look no further than Lago, which features Italian and American classics with a bit of seafood thrown in the mix. Don’t forget to finish off your meal with tiramisu!
Thirsty Dog East Bank/Facebook
Manuel V/Yelp
Sometimes, nothing tackles cravings quite like pub grub. Craft brews pair perfectly with burgers and other pub classics, making Thirsty Dog perfect for a quick bite or a casual dinner in a unique atmosphere. Want to try something unforgettable? Order a veggie burger for flavor that can’t be beat.
Still in the mood for Cleveland adventure? Explore the best of Little Italy.
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