One thing I learned while in Cleveland: people from all walks of life enjoy heading out for a good breakfast. They frequent several noteworthy places, but Lucky’s Cafe’ is a beloved insiders’ destination in the Tremont neighborhood. It’s a laid back, hipster part of the city.
So, with such a free-spirited crowd, this isn’t going to be Pop-Pop’s favorite fried egg diner. Everything’s going to be done with a twist! They really know how to make it taste like Cleveland — they proudly obtain coffee, grains, produce, meats and dairy from local farms.
Lucky’s is one of those places in Cleveland — there are so many and so few meals in the day — that all the chefs and people in the know go to!
– Biscuits and Gravy, Reuben, & Granola | Food Network’s Diner’s, Drive-In’s & Dives, 2009
– Biscuit’s and Gravy | Food Network’s Best Thing I Ever Ate, 2011
– Lamb Burger & Sweet Corn Griddle Cakes | Food Network’s Diner’s, Drive-In’s and Dives, 2020
– Baked Mac N’ Cheese | Food Network’s Diner’s, Drive-In’s and Dives, 2020
They put together some interesting virgin cocktail type things for brunch. I tried a local apple cider with heavy cream poured over. When’s the last time you saw table presentation at brunch? It’s different and different can perk up your taste buds.
With those kind of accolades, I had to try the Baked Mac N’ Cheese and it did not disappoint! Al denta rigatoni gives a good texture and the cheese sauce was rich, creamy, savory and perfectly seasoned. This is not one of those stringy cheese mac and cheeses. Now, I’ve said it before: I do believe that it is against the law in Ohio to leave a restaurant hungry. This dish is most definitely shareable, even with hearty eaters.
So, as a side, I tried their pecan-crusted bacon. If you’ve been to Europe, you’ll understand that it’s thick-cut, much like Irish slab bacon. Then, it’s baked with lots of pecans. If you’re hankering for thin and crispy bacon, this is not that. This is a meaty course, rather than a snacky course.
Luxe & Down-Home Cuisine/Culture/Travel/Style 