Best Diners in Cleveland 2019 – Top Spots
The diner has a special place in American Culture. Is it me or does many of life’s major moments happen at diners or while going through a major milestone, a diner is a place that is visited? Graduation, weddings, funerals, promotion at work, meeting with friends and family after a long absence, etc. The diner is where you sit and reflect, enjoy good comfort food and have important conversations.
Diners have been the site of many moments of bonding for families in America since its inception. Breakfast with the family, Mother’s Day breakfast, lunch, and dinners happen at diners every year. The Civil Rights Movement started with integrating lunch counters and diners, and after a night of revelry, the diner is the last stop before going home.
Cleveland has many awesome diners. Selecting the best ones was not easy. Abby and I spent several weekends evaluating diners. The coffee, service, food, and atmosphere were meticulously analyzed. Perhaps analyzed meticulously is a bit overstated. We did take this assignment seriously and The Cleveland Leader readers will be proud of our line up.
Gus’s Diner 185
A longtime Lakeshore area breakfast destination. Gus’s Diner has great food and friendly service. My favorites are the gyro and corned beef omelets and the pancakes. I and my kids have had numerous mornings here. The coffee is always fresh too.
797 East 185th Street Cleveland, OH 44119
216-481-8781
Sidewalk Cafe
One of Euclid’s most popular Greasy Spoons, Sidewalk cafe is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Many regulars come for the free wifi and Uber and Skip the Dishes drivers make regular delivery stops for them. I love the gyros and corned beef sandwiches.
27101 Euclid Ave Euclid, OH 44132
216-289-1211
Shay’s Restaurant
One of the area’s most beloved diners, Shay’s Restaurant is where many people have the first and second meal of the day who work downtown or near downtown. I love the turkey sausage and pancakes.
4007 St. Clair Ave Cleveland, OH 44103
216-431-6339
Steve’s Diner
A Westside institution, Steve’s Diner has been a favorite for many years. Their egg and sausage breakfast sandwich look like something you would make at home. What makes it sweet is that it tastes BETTER than what you would whip up at the house. The full menu is chopped full of pure goodness.
6850 Biddulph Ave Cleveland, OH 44144
216-351-0200
Bill’s Coffee Shop
The epicenter of South Euclid for breakfast, Bill’s Coffee Shop has been a key destination for breakfast and lunch for many years. Friendly service, huge pancakes and great prices are a recipe for success and happy customers.
3954 Mayfield Rd South Euclid, OH 44121
216-381-6443
My Friend’s Restaurant
The hallmark of a great diner is having a diverse menu. My Friend’s Restaurant has an extensive menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The classic diner immediately conjures up images of breakfast food. Entrees such as Fresh Grilled Salmon. Steak an Shrimp, Pork Chops are vintage comfort foods. You can still enjoy a fine breakfast here. The Benedict Florentine, Blueberry pancakes, and Belgian Waffles are to die for.
11616 Detroit Ave Cleveland, OH 44102
216-221-2575
About Mike & Abby Sweeney
Mike & Abby Sweeney are our resident foodies. Their thought process on food is "to give everything a chance." Matt loves craft beers, Italian food, and any play on bar bites. Abby is into wine, cheese, and anything Asian. Together they form a dynamic duo eager to weigh in on any new restaurant!
