Brian Nagele
Cleveland, Ohio, is a city with a rich culinary heritage, and its breakfast scene is no exception. In this bustling metropolis along the shores of Lake Erie, you’ll find a treasure trove of dining establishments that cater to every palate, from the classic diners serving up hearty stacks of pancakes to trendy cafes offering innovative and Instagram-worthy morning delights. As you navigate the city’s diverse neighborhoods, you’ll discover a destination for every mood and craving. Whether you’re a fan of traditional favorites like fluffy omelets, crispy bacon, and golden waffles, or you’re seeking a more health-conscious, plant-based, or international breakfast experience, Cleveland’s got you covered.
Grumpy’s Cafe
2621 W 14th St, Cleveland, OH 44113
216-241-5025
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The first place on this list that I recommend for the best breakfast in Cleveland is Grumpy’s Cafe, located in the Tremont neighborhood, blocks away from Lincoln Park. This casual, family-owned restaurant serves quality American comfort food for anyone craving an early-morning bite. Its interior is colorful and decorated with bold artwork. I recommend ordering their Jambalaya Omelet, Chocolate Chip Pancakes, Eggs Florentine, or Cinnamon Cran-Apple Walnut Oatmeal. These dishes taste great with a side of biscuits & gravy, Cajun home fries, or corned beef hash. They also serve salads, sandwiches, and specialty burgers if you stop by in the afternoon.
Inn On Coventry
2785 Euclid Heights Blvd, Cleveland, OH 44106
216-371-1811
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Next up on my list of restaurants offering the best breakfast in Cleveland is Inn On Coventry. It’s a few minutes away from Forest Hill Park. This family-friendly eatery has a rustic yet cozy atmosphere and serves delicious homestyle meals everyone can enjoy. Their Meat Lovers Omelet has the perfect blend of ham, cheddar, bacon, and sausage in every bite. If you’re interested in something different, try their Kentucky Scramble, Croissant Sisterhood, or Sausage Gravy & Biscuits with a side of grits or fresh fruit. Don’t forget to pair your hot breakfast with a refreshing raspberry iced tea, lemonade, or chocolate milk.
West Side Market Café
1979 W 25th St, Cleveland, OH 44113
216-579-6800
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You can find West Side Market Café near the historic Ohio City neighborhood and the Cuyahoga River. This casual, lively dining destination offers classic breakfast dishes prepared with fresh, local ingredients all day. My go-to breakfast option is The Hot Mess, an enticing dish made with Yukon gold home fries topped with scrambled eggs, cheddar cheese, bacon, and sausage gravy. Their Fried Egg Sandwich and Chorizo Wrap are excellent options for people who prefer something light. If you stop by on Saturdays or Sundays, you can also try their signature Kielbasa Hash. Don’t forget to pair your meal with a Vanilla Bean coffee cocktail or Bellini.
Al’s Deli
1717 E 9th St #101, Cleveland, OH 44114
216-589-9223
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Don’t know where to stop for breakfast in the Downtown District? Then, consider visiting Al’s Deli. This airy, family-owned Lebanese restaurant serves quality dishes for anyone passing through the neighborhood. In addition, they serve breakfast daily from 6:30 AM to 11 AM, making it an ideal dining option for early-risers. Although their menu is smaller than some of the previous entries on this list, you can find something to enjoy. Consider ordering their Everything Bagel with Cream Cheese, Green Pepper Onion Wrap, French Toast, or Pita Egg Wrap. They also have plenty of gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan sides to enhance any dish, like corned beef hash and seasoned home fries.
Lucky’s Café
777 Starkweather Ave, Cleveland, OH 44113
216-622-773
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Lucky’s Café is a hip New American breakfast and lunch eatery located west of the Industrial Valley neighborhood and Cuyahoga River. In the historic Tremont District. Its laid-back, house-like aesthetic gives the space an intimate touch. They also have an outdoor patio for open-air dining during the summer. Don’t miss out on their Vanilla Bean Waffles topped with strawberry rhubarb compote, whipped cream, caramel sauce, and turbinado, or Cheddar Scallion Biscuits topped with scrambled eggs and sausage gravy. If you want something sweet to pair with your breakfast, order their house-made lemon butter pound cake, hazelnut chocolate chip scone, coconut macaroon, or peanut butter cookie.
Slyman’s Restaurant and Deli
3106 St Clair Ave NE, Cleveland, OH 44114
216-621-3760
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Nestled in the heart of the New Chinatown neighborhood, overlooking Sterling Park, stands Slyman’s Restaurant and Deli, a laid-back, retro eatery serving the best corned beef in the city. I consider it a great option for visitors who prefer ordering their food to go if they have plans in the morning. Their best dishes are their Veggie Omelet, Egg and Cheese Breakfast Sandwich, Hotcakes, and Corned Beef and Cheese Omelet. I love sampling these dishes with a bagel or home fries on the side. Be sure to pair your corned beef or eggs with hot chocolate, juice, or coffee to give your meal a flavorful kick.
Yours Truly Playhouse Square
Playhouse Square, 1228 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH 44115
216-621-2700
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Another breakfast restaurant in the Downtown District you shouldn’t skip is Yours Truly Playhouse Square, located inside the historic Halle Building. This relaxed chain restaurant offers quality American comfort food for anybody craving the neighborhood’s best flavors before visiting The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Their all-day breakfast menu offers a wide selection of bold dishes. During my last few visits to Cleveland, I had their Griddled Corned Beef Hash with toast and two Eggs, Sedona Omelet, AM Wrap Up, and Eggs Bruschetta. These dishes go great with an Eye Opener Breakfast Shot or Mimosa. Yours Truly also has gluten-free and kid’s menus.
Big Al’s Diner
12600 Larchmere Blvd, Cleveland, OH 44120
216-791-8550
If you’re looking for somewhere to eat near the Buckeye Shaker and Woodhill Homes neighborhoods, stop by Big Al’s Diner for the best breakfast in Cleveland with fast service and hefty portions. Its casual and cozy ambiance make it a great place to eat breakfast or lunch with your family. I’m a fan of their Eggs Benedict, Steak and Cheese Omelet, Pecan Pancakes, and Sausage, Egg, and Cheese Breakfast Sandwich. They have plenty of side dishes to give your meal extra flair, from grits or blueberries to sausage gravy or canned beef hash. They also have plenty of kid’s menu options for children ages ten or under.
Corky & Lenny’s
27091 Chagrin Blvd, Woodmere, OH 44122
216-464-3838
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Located about half an hour southeast of the heart of Cleveland, in the Village Square Shopping Mall, Corky & Lenny’s is your best option for classic deli sandwiches. It has a cozy vibe ideal for grabbing a quick bite before exploring the city or going to work. Corky & Lenny’s also offers tasty bagel, sandwich, and assorted deli platters for people interested in their off-site catering services. Corky & Lenny’s offers their breakfast menu all week. Consider indulging in their Blueberry Pancakes, Onion Omelet, Tongue & Eggs, or Sturgeon with a side of turkey sausage, hash browns, or bacon. They offer fresh-squeezed orange juice if you want to quench your thirst.
The Place To Be
1391 Warren Rd, Lakewood, OH 44107
216-226-8783
If you’re interested in driving west of central Cleveland for the tastiest breakfast in town, consider treating your friends or family to a meal at The Place To Be, located blocks away from Lakewood Park. Its cozy, family-friendly atmosphere is a great setting to unwind before a busy day of sightseeing. Consider sampling their Mexican Skillet, Country Sausage Benedict, or Cinnamon Supreme French Toast with corned beef hash, turkey sausage links, or cottage cheese on the side. Their best drinks are grapefruit juice, hot tea, and chocolate milk. Kids ten and under can order pancakes, French toast, or eggs from their kid’s menu.
1890 Restaurant
420 Superior Ave East, Cleveland, OH 44114
216-776-4576
Nestled inside the Hyatt Regency Cleveland Hotel, 1890 Restaurant is another Downtown dining destination for the best breakfast in Cleveland. This relaxed, contemporary restaurant offers a lovely view of Cleveland Public Square and The Arcade Shopping Center. It also has a stylish lounge for enjoying craft beers and specialty cocktails if you want to stop by to eat later. My favorite dishes are their Egg White Omelet, Crunch French Toast, Bagel & Lox, and Buttermilk Pancakes. I usually pair these entrees with a Bloody Mary or Hyatt Regency Sunrise cocktail. Best of all, many of their menu options are gluten-free and vegan-friendly.
Borderline Cafe
18508 Detroit Ave, Cleveland, OH 44107
216-529-1949
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If you’re in the mood for an authentic Southwestern breakfast by the Rocky River, Borderline Cafe’s menu might resonate with your taste buds. It has a cozy yet bustling ambiance with warm lighting and colorful walls that draws in crowds eager to start their day right. Borderline Cafe also offers carry-out options for guests who don’t have time to stay. They serve the best Huevos Rancheros Carnitas, Banana Nut Stuffed French Toast, BBQ Pulled Pork Hash, and Philly Cheesesteak Benedict in the University Circle neighborhood. I prefer these dishes with a side of home fries with cheese or a fresh fruit cup.
The Cleveland Bagel Company
Multiple locations
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With locations in the Ohio City and Midtown neighborhoods, The Cleveland Bagel Company is your best destination for fresh Cleveland-style bagels. Their hand-rolled bagels are chewy yet crispy and bursting with flavor. This eatery has a casual and modern atmosphere that guests can see before taking their bagels to go. Their menu offers several sandwich and bagel options. I prefer ordering their Plain Bagel with a cheddar chive schmear, Bacon, Egg, & Cheese Sandwich, or Everything Bagel with butter. If you prefer testing your taste buds, you can also try a bagel with their rotating seasonal schmears, like garlic herb or cherry-goat cheese.
3730 Rocky River Dr, Cleveland, OH 44111
216-252-1741
Can’t find a place to enjoy breakfast in the Kamms Corner neighborhood? Since 1962, Gene’s Place To Dine has offered locals and tourists quality American comfort food in a relaxed, friendly setting. Its dining area has a vintage vibe, emphasized by its checkerboard flooring and walls decorated with photos of stars from the 1930s and 1940s. Don’t miss out on their Blueberry Crepe, Eisenhower Omelet, Strawberry Pancakes, or Jack Benny with an English muffin, country toast, or home fries on the side. Kids ten or under can order an egg, toast, and bacon combo or pancakes from their kid’s menu.
George’s Kitchen
13101 Triskett Rd, Cleveland, OH 44111
216-671-0430
Last but not least on my list of the top restaurants offering the best breakfast in Cleveland is George’s Kitchen, found within walking distance from Mohican Playground. It has a casual and cozy atmosphere for enjoying hefty portions of classic American comfort food. Their menu offers plenty of options for anyone who loves omelets, pancakes, and French toast. My favorite dishes are their Strawberry Stuffed Crepes, Chicken and Mini Waffles, Three-Egg Greek Omelet, and Country Fried Steak and Eggs paired with fresh orange juice. If you’re feeling extra hungry, add a side order of home fried potatoes, bacon, or biscuits to your meal.
Why Trust Us?
When it comes to local restaurant recommendations, we pride ourselves on being a reliable and trustworthy resource. Our suggestions are not just based on our personal experiences, ensuring a more authentic and well-rounded perspective, but also on extensive online research. We diligently searched the internet and reviewed 4 credible sites and blogs, including Cleve Scene and Four Square.
We compiled all the findings in one location and sorted them by the frequency of mentions to ensure you receive top-notch recommendations. We strive to present you with a curated list of establishments that truly stand out, allowing you to enjoy the best dining experiences possible.
Interested in the sources we consulted? Check out the list of all 4 sites we referenced below this paragraph, offering transparency and an opportunity for our readers to explore further. Our commitment is to deliver trustworthy and unparalleled recommendations, helping you make informed decisions on your culinary journeys.
https://www.clevescene.com/cleveland/33-vital-cleveland-breakfast-spots-worth-getting-out-of-bed-for/Slideshow/38343623
https://foursquare.com/top-places/cleveland/best-places-breakfast-food
https://www.cleveland.com/entertainment/2023/06/good-morning-america-names-best-breakfast-restaurant-in-cleveland.html
https://wanderlog.com/list/geoCategory/10789/best-breakfast-and-brunch-in-cleveland
