While exorbitant restaurant wait times can deter the hungriest (and most impatient) among us, there are Cleveland area spots actually worth those long lines. Twelve, to be exact, by our count. If possible, we always recommend making reservations, OR showing up early, otherwise, put your name on the list and pull out some reading material. It may be awhile.
10 Cleveland Restaurants Always Worth The Wait
By Scene Staff on Fri, May 12, 2017 at 10:37 am
While exorbitant restaurant wait times can deter the hungriest (and most impatient) among us, there are Cleveland area spots actually worth those long lines. Twelve, to be exact, by our count. If possible, we always recommend making reservations, OR showing up early, otherwise, put your name on the list and pull out some reading material. It may be awhile.
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Alley Cat Oyster Bar
1056 Old River Rd., ClevelandAlley Cat Oyster Bar in the Flats offers up the freshest seafood and equally delectable views of Lake Erie. Take in the scenery and kick back some oysters while planning out your summer getaway.
Photo via Scene Archives
Alley Cat Oyster Bar
1056 Old River Rd., 216-574-9999It might sound like a truism to state that oysters are best enjoyed in places that sell bushels of oysters, but fast-moving inventory is easy to taste, and that’s exactly what you get here. Bring on the long wait times!
Scene Archives Photo
Lucky’s
777 Starkweather Ave., 216-622-7773Getting lucky at this Tremont gem means scoring a weekend table without much of a wait. Our pro tip? Hit this place up Monday through Friday when the same delicious food comes without the lineup. After all, there's no rule that says brunch can only happen on Saturday or Sunday.
Photo via itskenton/Instagram
Lucky’s
777 Starkweather Ave., 216-622-7773This cozy little café offers simple all-day breakfasts, a roundup of lunchtime sandwiches, and bounteous weekend brunches, including several options just right for the meat-free crowd.
Photo via Juu_ventura/Instagram
li wah
2999 Payne Ave., 216-696-6556This Asiatown mainstay often comes to mind when discussing dim sum, and rightfully so, because that’s what you should be willing to wait for.
Photo via msmayas/Instagram
li wah
2999 Payne Ave., 216-696-6556But to ignore the restaurant for other meals would be a shame. The breadth and depth of the menu is staggering, but it rarely suffers the fate of similarly sized tomes in the execution department. From noodle soups to roast pork, there is something for every taste and preference.
Photo via chefsawyer/Instagram
Mabel’s
2050 E. 4th St., 216-417-8823There is almost always a line leading into Michael Symon’s 110-seat restaurant. But do not be discouraged: Speedy service, rapid-fire execution by the kitchen, and a semi-loud soundtrack of high-energy tunes do a good job of keeping the tables turning.
Photo via bbqmabels/Instagram
Mabel’s
2050 E. 4th St., 216-417-8823And for a mere taste of that Cleveland-style barbecue at Mabel's, you should be willing to wait for days.
Photo via Dustin.arnett/Instagram
Slyman’s
Multiple locationsIf you have the strength to pass on the signature class though, you're a better eater than we.
Scene Archives Photo
Soho Chicken + Whiskey
1889 W. 25th St., 216-298-9090Put "chicken" in your name and you better do it right, and SoHo does. Perfectly fried thighs and breasts (mild or hot) are served up with a variety of sides in combinations that track the day, from Sunrise, dished up with sausage and an egg, to Late Night, which comes with mac and cheese and collards.
Photo via Shazmoc/Instagram
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