Must Try Restaurants Near the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, OH
A visit to Cleveland’s always cool Rock & Roll Hall of Fame can take a few hours, so you and your crew will definitely want to plan a great place to snag a bite to eat before or after. Check out our list of the 11 best restaurants in downtown Cleveland that are just around the corner from the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame!
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published on August 11, 2023 and last updated on October 20, 2023. Please refer to restaurant websites and social media pages for the most up-to-date information.
For more recommendations on where to eat and drink around Cleveland, check out our city page.
1. 1330 On the River
1330 Old River Rd, Cleveland, OH 44113
(216) 544-4430
For a delicious meal with a waterfront view, take your group to 1330 On the River. A cool vibe sets 1330 apart from other dining destinations but the food is excellent enough to bring you back again and again. Some of our favorites here are the 1330 Sprouts, a fried Brussels sprouts appetizer, and the French Lamb Chops entrée.
2. Agave & Rye
1352 W 6th St, Cleveland, OH 44113
(216) 868-2899
This epic taco shop takes the humble compilation to new heights. Some of the best tacos at Agave & Rye are the Crown Jewel made with lobster and truffle oil and the Bomb, a shrimp and steak concoction topped with mac and cheese and spicy chili. But Agave & Rye is also known for its fun and funky interior, a must-see destination that pairs perfectly with the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
3. Butcher and the Brewer
2043 E 4th St, Cleveland, OH 44115
(216) 331-0805
This rustic industrial spot in downtown Cleveland offers tables, bar seating and even large communal tables perfect for a big group. Be sure to bring your phone with you though because all ordering takes place on your smart device to reduce server traffic in this already busy restaurant. Some of the best dishes to try at this meat-forward spot are the many “shared plates” offerings like Kimchini, the Spicy Patatas Bravas and the fun Corn Dogs that come with house-made ketchup and mustard for dipping.
4. Cordelia
2058 E 4th St, Cleveland, OH 44115
(216) 230-2355
Cordelia is a cozy spot in downtown Cleveland that is just as charming for a quick bite to eat as it is for a reserved place at its Chef’s Table. Cordelia’s not-to-be-missed offerings on its “modern grandma” menu include the Carrot Muhammara, Pork Belly and Hanky Panky pork and wagyu bites.
5. Double Nickel
1852 E 6th St, Cleveland, OH 44114
(216) 331-2261
When your visit to downtown Cleveland is in the morning, be sure to stop by the Double Nickel for its spectacular brunch and breakfast menu. Rich menu items like the 24K Pancakes and the Brioche French Toast actually arrive with a dusting of edible 24-karat gold while the hearty NY Strip Steak and Eggs are sure to fill up even the hungriest of guests.
6. Lulo Kitchen
1273 W 9th St, Cleveland, OH 44113
(216) 929-1053
For a luscious treat, we love to sip on Lulo Kitchen’s Violeta limonada while we decide between noshing on Empanadas, a Mango Salmon Bowl or Churrasco. And while Lulo is the perfect spot for lunch or dinner, you might miss the eating area at this speakeasy-style Latin American restaurant. It is hidden downstairs, and the spacious, glowing bar and dining room are accessed through the storefront’s inside staircase.
7. Mabel’s BBQ
2050 E 4th St, Cleveland, OH 44115
(216) 417-8823
For a taste of true local ‘cue, Mabel’s is the place to go. Celebrity chef Michael Symon helms the kitchen, and his staff turns out ridiculously delicious food like Brisket, Kielbasa, Pulled Pork and Pork Belly available by the ½ pound. Be sure to add a southern barbeque treat to your meal here like the Cracklin or Crispy Tails in addition to one of Mabel’s traditional side offerings like the Hot Greens or the Creamed Corn.
8. Noble Beast Brewing
1470 Lakeside Ave E, Cleveland, OH 44114
(216) 417-8588
This former steel warehouse now houses an industrial craft brewery that serves up delicious seasonal dishes from local Ohio farms and suppliers. Grab a seat in the main dining area or up on the small mezzanine and order a Bavarian Pretzel to share while you decide between tasty entrees like the Italian Wrap sandwich or the Togarashi Grain Bowl to enjoy along with their house-made beverages.
9. Nuevo Modern Mexican & Tequila Bar
1000 East 9th St, Cleveland, OH 44114
(216) 737-1000
This sleek waterfront dining spot offers modern indoor and comfortable patio seating to enjoy the rich Mexican flavors served up here. Nuevo’s menu offers delicious options like classic West Coast Shrimp Tacos loaded with Napa cabbage slaw and Mexican yum-yum sauce, Carne Asada and Birria Ramen, a beef short rib with an Asian flavor twist.
10. Taza A Lebanese Grill
1400 W 6th St, Cleveland, OH 44113
(216) 274-1170
Stepping into Taza’s dining space promises an exotic experience from the very first moment. And the Lebanese delicacies here really shine like Taza’s Tour of Lebanon, a shareable feast of shawarma, shish tawook, couscous, hummus and baba, perfect for a hungry table full of friends or family.
11. Winking Lizard
1300 E 9th St, Cleveland, OH 44114
(216) 297-4490
Even though Winking Lizard is a local chain with over a dozen locations around Ohio, it still has the feeling of a local watering hole. The bartenders know people by name and knows their usuals, and maybe someday they can know you too! They have a wide variety of wing flavors, from Cajun to Spicy Sesame and everything in between. Get a local beer or an imported favorite to pair with your wings, tots, and more. With no shortage of TVs, Winking Lizard is a killer spot for your game day!
For more recommendations on where to eat and drink in the city, check out our Cleveland, OH page, here!
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