#CMWorld Attendee Level 5: Winning the Restaurant Game

Photo by: David Petkiewicz

Everyone has a vice. Mine is eating out. I like food. Whether I’m in my hometown or out traveling, I spend much of my time seeking out restaurants unique to the area.

My hunger for knowledge will be satisfied at Content Marketing World. But that hunger is unmatched by my craving for new tastes and experiences. I love to eat, especially the unexpected. I think it’s because I grew up knowing about odd Filipino delicacies. (I’ll leave it at that. But if you must know, Google at your own risk.)

So, are you ready to see the weirdest dishes I have found? Ready to venture out of your comfort zone? Then check out this list of wacky food you can order in Cleveland.

Note: if you’re not quite adventurous when it comes to food, scroll to the end to find more traditional options.

What:The Flamethrower
Where:Progressive Field, 2401 Ontario Street, Cleveland

No need to order a side of fries or chips because this burger includes Cheetos. It’s always fun to dump piles of toppings on a sandwich, and all Flamethrower is missing is the kitchen sink.

The Flamethrower. Pork belly and pulled pork sandwich topped with bacon jam, BBQ sauce, green apple slaw and Flamin’ Hot Cheetos pic.twitter.com/CbvqO5gI3i

— Ben Axelrod (@BenAxelrod) March 29, 2018

What: Beer-Infused Donuts
Where: Brewnuts, 6501 Detroit Avenue, Cleveland

This place takes donuts to a new level. It starts with craft beer – in the dough, in the glaze, or as a topping. It then serves up experimental flavors like pulled pork and maple bacon to strawberry basil. Feel free to pull up a stool at the bar and order a brew, artisanal coffee (in the morning) or a beer (at night).

Donuts Made with #CraftBeer?! SEE WHICH ONES: http://t.co/ErcVP9keWY #Cleveland‘s @Brewnuts Salivating Yet? #OHbeer pic.twitter.com/4SovBZSUAI

— PorchDrinking.com (@PorchDrinkingCO) May 20, 2015

What:Dyngus Dog
Where:Happy Dog, 5801 Detroit Avenue, Cleveland

This neighborhood corner bar and is a local hangout for live music, beer, and hot dogs. These hot dogs aren’t your average ketchup-and-mustard variety. We’re talking magical ingredients like “Everything Bagel” cream cheese, chunky peanut butter, and Froot Loops. PS Vegan sausage is available.

What:Chocolate Bar Pasta
Where:Chocolate Bar, 347 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland

This pairing makes absolutely no sense. But the folks at Chocolate Bar prove chocolate is not just for dessert. Their fresh pasta is tossed with white chocolate cream, white pepper, and white wine. Sweet and savory, this unusual dish is a chocoholic’s dream.

What: Cardiac Kid
Where:Progressive Field, 2401 Ontario Street, Cleveland

If we learned anything from the Flamethrower, it’s that Progressive Field does not serve up your typical stadium fare. Cleveland Pickle may sound like the name of a normal ballpark stand. But with one look at its menu, customers realize it’s far from ordinary. The Cardiac Kid is one of their most popular sandwiches, layering banana, peanut butter, Nutella, honey, and pickles on one bun. Not only is it delicious, but what’s a creative food list without something made with Nutella?

That’ll hit the sweet spot! Grab the Cardiac Kid from Cleveland Pickle in sec 158 to soothe your sweet tooth! pic.twitter.com/8VG4hn9LGq

— Indians Great Eats (@FeedYourTribe) May 7, 2016

What:The Impossible Burger
Where:B Spot, 20 Main Street, Westlake

What makes this burger impossible? Well, it looks like meat. And it tastes like meat. But it contains no animal products. Word on the street is that it tastes delicious. You build your burger any way you want it. I liked griddled onions with a trip to the B Spot pickle bar. (FYI this restaurant is located in the suburbs. But a burger that’s not a burger warrants a mention, right?)

.@chefsymon prepared his Polish Boy “impossible burger.” In addition to the Polish Boy, they also offer a Buckeye Burger, Patty Melt, Salisbury Steak and Thin Lizzy. Each of the plant-based burgers is offered exclusively at the various B-Spots.
Photos: David Petkiewicz pic.twitter.com/ZQyjiPiPTh

— clevelanddotcom (@clevelanddotcom) February 17, 2018

What: Pigshead
Where: The Greenhouse Tavern, 2038 East 4^thStreet, Cleveland

The roasted pig head is so good that Iron Chef Michael Symon calls it one of the top 5 dishes in Cleveland. (This is one of those look-for-yourself meals. So, if you must see the pig head, go ahead and click the link.)

Things getting a little too weird?

If these dishes are too bizarre, that’s ok. Cleveland has plenty of incredible food offerings. Many are close distance to the Convention Center. When I’m hungry, you can find me at any one of these places.

5-10 Minute Walk
Barrio, 503 Prospect Avenue, Cleveland
Heinen’s, 900 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland
Marble Room, 623 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland
Urban Farmer, 1325 East 6^thStreet, Cleveland

5-10 Minute Uber Ride
Collision Bend Brewery, 1250 Old River Road, Cleveland
Johnny Mango, 3120 Bridge Avenue, Cleveland
Luca Italian Cuisine, 2100 Superior Viaduct, Cleveland
Lucky’s Café, 777 Starkweather Avenue, Cleveland
TownHall, 1909 West 25^thStreet, Cleveland

Still can’t find great food in Cleveland? Tweet me. We can discuss it over dim sum.

Have a favorite Cleveland restaurant I didn’t mention? Let me know in the comments below. Not yet registered for Content Marketing World? Take a bite out of your registration fee and save $100 with code SM100.