Cleveland may not be Ohio's largest city--that distinction goes to Columbus--but when it comes to dining out, Cleveland's offerings are myriad. Considerable Polish, German, Chinese, Italian and Korean populations ensure that the city has a range of ethnic offerings, but sometimes you just feel like a steak, or a steak with a side of lobster. Go on and spoil yourself. Cleveland is home to major chains such as Morton's and Hyde Park Grille, as well as some lesser-known steak restaurants. Whatever your mood, Cleveland can satisfy your craving for red meat.
XO Prime Steaks bills itself as a "modern steakhouse," and that it is in terms of the decor and some of Chef Scott Popovic's inspired entrees, such as five-pepper seared ahi tuna with an apricot soy glaze, or lobster gnocchi with caviar vodka cream sauce. The prime, aged steaks are classics--from a massive, 24 oz. porterhouse to a daintier, 8 oz. fillet--and are served with your choice of sauces such as bearnaise and peppercorn. Seafood lovers will be happy to find king crab and Australian lobster available at XO Prime Steaks.
XO Prime Steaks
500 W Saint Clair Ave.
Cleveland, OH 44113
216-861-1919
xoprimesteaks.com
This is Cleveland’s first churrascaria, a Brazilian dining experience that features roaming "gauchos" carving meat table side. Come to Brasa hungry because for $35 (in 2010) you can eat until you are full. Sixteen different types of meat are available, including filet mignon, sirloin, beef ribs, pork and lamb. As a lead-in to this meat frenzy, Brasa offers a "salad bar" featuring oysters, crab legs and shrimp. If that doesn't satisfy your yen for seafood, there is also a full sushi menu.
Brasa Grill
1300 West 9th St.
Cleveland, OH 44113
216-575-0699
brasagrillsteakhouse.com
For an interesting take on a regional fish, try Don's pretzel-crusted Great Lakes walleye with sweet corn succotash and whole-grain mustard aioli. You can order salmon, tilapia, tuna and sea bass simply grilled or pan-roasted, and served with chef Jason Reed's diverse selection of sides. Despite the fish focus, Don's doesn't give steak the short shrift. Two sizes of filet mignon, a New York strip and a Delmonico streak round out the menu.
Don's Lighthouse Restaurant
8905 Lake Ave.
Cleveland, OH 44102
216-961-6700
donslighthouse.com
