Interesting lunch spot near I-80/I-90 between Cleveland and Toledo

December 19, 2017 5:29 PM

I'm thinking to make the 12-hour annual pilgrimage from Murland to the midwestern homeland this Saturday in a single day, and would like to find a wortwhile/interesting place for a leisurely lunch somewhere in and/or between south of Cleveland and Toledoish. I'm willing to deviate up to 20 minutes or so off the interstate but not farther than that and definitely not into downtown Cleveland. No dietary restrictions.
posted by drlith to Food & Drink (7 answers total)

I like Balance in Toledo, near the corner of Dussell and Ford just off the turnpike (exit Reynolds and go west). I wouldn't put it at the very top of your list in terms of super interesting restaurants, but it's a fun, quirky little Asian fusion place with lots of healthy options and a youthful vibe. The only good boba in Toledo, too.
posted by aquamvidam at 5:57 PM on December 19, 2017

Nettie's Chili Dogs just outside of Lakeside. If you can get into Lakeside itself (I don't know if it's open this time of year), Sloppy's Pizza is really good.
posted by kevinbelt at 6:35 PM on December 19, 2017

Well, it's downtown Cleveland, but The Greenhouse Tavern is incredibly worth the trip. Like one of the better restaurants in the country worth it.
posted by so fucking future at 7:35 PM on December 19, 2017 [1 favorite]

I had basically the same question last year. After some Internet scouting, I selected Das Schnitzel Haus in Parma, Ohio, which was relevant to our interests, quite convenient to our route past Cleveland, and not disappointing.
posted by Mothlight at 8:38 PM on December 19, 2017 [1 favorite]

If you want to go a little past Cleveland, Retro Dog is a great hot dog and milkshake drive in.

Edit: past meaning east of Cleveland.
posted by slogger at 7:06 AM on December 20, 2017

Maumee Bay brewpub in Toledo, was a good lunch spot when we did a cross country brewery tour.
posted by brent at 7:56 AM on December 20, 2017

Schmucker's in Toledo is a perennial Roadfood favorite and is known for their pies.
posted by DRoll at 4:58 PM on December 20, 2017