Eat it! Beachwood, Ohio
# A Foodie's Pilgrimage: The Ultimate Guide to Beachwood, Ohio's Diverse Dining Scene
Nestled within the vibrant fabric of Cleveland's eastern suburbs, Beachwood, Ohio, presents a culinary landscape that is as diverse and dynamic as the community itself. Far more than just a retail paradise, this city is a destination where global flavors, homegrown comfort, and innovative concepts converge. For the discerning foodie, a journey through Beachwood is a tour of tastes, textures, and atmospheres. From sizzling Indian-inspired bowls to legendary corned beef, and from craft cocktail lounges to neighborhood coffee havens, let this be your detailed guide to ten essential Beachwood dining experiences.
### 1. **Hello Bistro: The Art of the Customizable, Fresh-Faced Salad**
**Location:** 2101 Richmond Rd Suite 821
Step into **Hello Bistro** and breathe in the crisp, green aroma of possibility. This isn't your average salad bar experience; it's a theater of freshness where you are the director. The bright, modern space hums with the energy of healthy indulgence. The concept is brilliantly simple: choose a base (from romaine and spinach to kale and quinoa), then embark on a journey past a dazzling array of over 50 fresh toppings, cheeses, proteins, and house-made dressings.
**What to Order:** The true magic lies in customization, but for first-timers, consider the **Hello Cleveland** signature salad if available, or craft your own masterpiece. Start with the **Kale & Romaine blend** for a sturdy base. Add **grilled chicken** or **blackened salmon** for premium protein. Then, go for texture and flavor contrast: **roasted corn, dried cranberries, candied walnuts, crumbled goat cheese, and sliced strawberries**. The crowning glory? The **Pomegranate Vinaigrette**—a perfectly balanced sweet-tart elixir that ties everything together. Don't overlook their **freshly baked pretzel bun** for a warm, salty counterpoint to your cool, crunchy creation.
### 2. **Oak And Embers Tavern - Pinecrest: Rustic Heart & Smoky Soul**
**Location:** 311 Park Ave, Pinecrest
Tucked within the chic Pinecrest development, **Oak And Embers Tavern** is a warm embrace of rustic charm and smoky aromas. Exposed wood, ambient lighting, and the faint, sweet scent of burning oak immediately signal this is a place for substantive dining. The vibe is upscale-casual—perfect for a business lunch, a celebratory dinner, or a hearty weekend brunch. The star here is the kitchen's mastery over wood-fired cooking.
**What to Order:** Begin with the **Tavern Wings,** which are smoked and then flash-fried, offering a profound depth of flavor that sauce-only wings can't match. For the main event, you cannot—you *must not*—leave without trying the **Baby Back Ribs**. Slow-smoked over oak and hickory, they are fall-off-the-bone tender with a caramelized bark that sings with flavor. The **Dirty Burger**, topped with smoked pork belly, cheddar, and a fried egg, is a glorious mess of indulgence. Pair it all with a local craft beer from their curated selection or a bold glass of red wine.
### 3. **Bomba Taco + Bar: A Fiery Fiesta of Fusion**
**Location:** 2101 Richmond Rd
**Bomba Taco + Bar** is a vibrant, energetic splash of color and flavor in the Beachwood Place mall area. With its neon signs, lively music, and bustling open kitchen, it feels like a trendy taqueria teleported from a coastal hotspot. This is not purely traditional Mexican fare; it's creative, chef-driven fusion where unexpected ingredients meet classic formats, resulting in tacos that are both familiar and thrillingly novel.
**What to Order:** The taco menu is your playground. The **OG (Old School Ground Beef)** is a delicious homage to classic Tex-Mex, but venture further. The **Crispy Boom Boom Shrimp** taco, with its sweet-spicy sauce and crunchy slaw, is a fan favorite for a reason. For something truly unique, seek out the **Korean BBQ** taco, featuring bulgogi-marinated steak, kimchi, and gochujang crema—a perfect East-Meets-West bite. Order them in trios to mix and match. Complement your tacos with an order of **Queso Fundido** and a **Bomba Margarita**, expertly balanced and dangerously smooth.
### 4. **W XYZ Bar: Sky-High Sips & Social Bites**
**Location:** Aloft Hotel, 1010 Eaton Blvd
Perched inside the trendy Aloft Hotel, **W XYZ Bar** is Beachwood's cocktail-centric social hub. The atmosphere is sleek, modern, and buzzing with a cosmopolitan energy, especially on weekend evenings. Floor-to-ceiling windows, low-slung seating, and a central bar that acts as the stage make this the ideal spot for a pre-dinner drink, a late-night rendezvous, or a casual networking meet-up. The focus is squarely on inventive craft cocktails and globally-inspired small plates meant for sharing.
**What to Order:** This is a place to experiment with drinks. Start with their signature **W XYZ Martini** or ask the bartender for a seasonal creation. The food menu is designed for grazing. The **Tuna Poke Bowl** is a fresh, bright option with high-quality ahi. The **Short Rib Sliders** are richly satisfying, and the **Artisan Cheese & Charcuterie Board** is perfect for a group, offering a curated selection of meats, cheeses, and accompaniments. It’s less about a full meal and more about the experience of sophisticated sips and social flavor exploration.
### 5. **Nordstrom Grill: The Department Store's Delicious Secret**
**Location:** Nordstrom, 26200 Cedar Rd
Tucked away on the second floor of the Nordstrom department store, the **Nordstrom Grill** is a serene oasis away from the shopping frenzy. With its white tablecloths, comfortable seating, and surprisingly elegant atmosphere, it feels like a proper restaurant that just happens to be adjacent to a shoe department. The service is consistently polished and attentive, offering a classic, upscale-casual American dining experience.
**What to Order:** This is a haven for classic dishes executed with high-quality ingredients. The **French Dip** is legendary—tender, thinly sliced roast beef piled high on a freshly baked baguette, served with a rich, savory au jus for dipping. The **Grilled Salmon Salad** is a go-to for a lighter yet fulfilling meal, featuring perfectly cooked fish atop fresh greens. And you simply cannot skip dessert: the **Trio of Cream Brulee** (vanilla, chocolate, and seasonal flavor) is a decadent, shareable finale that has achieved cult status among regulars.
### 6. **Yours Truly Beachwood: The Quintessential All-Day Diner, Refined**
**Location:** 25300 Chagrin Blvd
**Yours Truly** is a Northeast Ohio institution, and the Beachwood location perfectly captures its timeless appeal. It’s a diner, evolved. The space is warm, friendly, and buzzing with families, friends, and solo regulars at all hours. The menu is vast, covering breakfast, lunch, and dinner with an emphasis on quality, consistency, and comfort. It’s the place you go when you want a fantastic meal that feels like a hug, whether it's 7 AM or 7 PM.
**What to Order:** For breakfast, the **Skillet Hash**—a sizzling cast-iron presentation of potatoes, veggies, cheese, and your choice of protein—is a masterpiece. At lunch or dinner, the **Famous Chicken Salad** served in a fresh cantaloupe half or on a croissant is a refreshing classic. Their **Y.T. Burger** is a benchmark for a perfect, juicy pub burger. And no visit is complete without a slice of their **Famous Peanut Butter Pie,** a cloud-like, impossibly rich slice of nostalgia.
### 7. **Slyman's Tavern - Orange: A Legendary Legacy, Reimagined**
**Location:** 4009 Orange Pl
While the original Slyman's downtown is a lunchtime legend, **Slyman's Tavern** in Orange (just over the Beachwood line) brings that iconic name into a full-service, contemporary tavern setting. The space is spacious and modern, with TVs for sports and a lively bar area, but the heart and soul remain the same: famously colossal, melt-in-your-mouth corned beef.
**What to Order:** You have one mission: **The Corned Beef Sandwich**. Piled impossibly high on fresh rye bread with just a smear of mustard, this is the stuff of Cleveland dreams. Each slice is tender, lean, and bursting with savory, briny flavor. If you're not in the mood for a mountain of meat (though why wouldn't you be?), the **Reuben** is a glorious, cheesy, sauerkraut-laden alternative. Start with the **Tavern Chips**—house-made potato chips served with a divine blue cheese fondue for dipping.
### 8. **Choolaah: A Colorful Carnival of Indian BBQ**
**Location:** 27100 Chagrin Blvd
**Choolaah** is an explosion of color, aroma, and flavor. The fast-casual format belies the incredible complexity of its food, which is inspired by the traditions of Indian clay oven (tandoor) cooking. Watch as skewers of marinated meat and vegetables sizzle in the open kitchen's fiery tandoor ovens. The vibrant, bustling atmosphere makes every meal feel like a festive occasion.
**What to Order:** The **Create Your Own Bowl** is the best way to experience Choolaah's range. Start with a base like **Basmati Rice** or **Baby Spinach**. Choose a protein—the **Tandoori Chicken** is succulent and smoky, and the **Malai Kofta** (vegetarian spiced cheese balls) are a revelation. Then, select two **Signature Entrees** like the rich **Butter Chicken** or the spiced **Chana Masala**. Top it all with **Mango Chutney**, **Raita**, and **Crispy Onions**. Don't forget a side of their **Freshly Baked Naan**, blistered and chewy, perfect for scooping.
### 9. **Nervous Dog Coffee Bar: The Neighborhood's Caffeinated Heart**
**Location:** 2101 Richmond Rd
In the morning rush or the afternoon lull, **Nervous Dog Coffee Bar** is Beachwood's community living room. The vibe is cozy, eclectic, and unpretentiously hip. Local art adorns the walls, the hum of conversation blends with indie music, and the rich scent of freshly ground coffee fills the air. It’s the perfect spot to work, read, or catch up with a friend.
**What to Order:** This is about the bean. Their coffee is expertly roasted and brewed. Try a classic **Cappuccino** with perfect microfoam, or a smooth **Cold Brew** on tap. For something sweet, the **Caramelicious latte** is a crowd-pleaser. Pair your drink with a **freshly baked pastry**—their scones and muffins are excellent—or a hearty **breakfast sandwich** on a flaky croissant. It’s less a meal and more a ritual, a essential pause in the Beachwood day.
### 10. **Cafe Fresh Express: The Quick, Quality Fuel Stop**
**Location:** 26300 Cedar Rd, Beachwood Place
Located conveniently in Beachwood Place mall, **Cafe Fresh Express** is the unsung hero for shoppers and workers needing a quick, delicious, and surprisingly healthy bite. It’s a counter-service spot with a focus on fresh ingredients, soups, salads, and sandwiches made to order. The atmosphere is clean and efficient, a calm port in the retail storm.
**What to Order:** The **Create Your Own Salad** station is robust and fresh, rivaling dedicated salad bars. Their **homemade soups**—like a classic chicken noodle or a creamy tomato basil—are reliably comforting and flavorful. For a solid sandwich, the **Turkey & Avocado** on multigrain is always a fresh, satisfying choice. It’s the definition of good, fast food that doesn't compromise on quality.
### The Beachwood Bite: A Culinary Mosaic
From the smoky whispers of oak at a rustic tavern to the vibrant *chaat* of an Indian-inspired feast, Beachwood offers a culinary journey that reflects its sophisticated, diverse community. Each of these ten establishments provides not just a meal, but a distinct experience—a memory flavored with innovation, tradition, and genuine hospitality. So come hungry, explore boldly, and let Beachwood’s dining scene surprise and delight you, one unforgettable plate at a time.
Nestled within the vibrant fabric of Cleveland's eastern suburbs, Beachwood, Ohio, presents a culinary landscape that is as diverse and dynamic as the community itself. Far more than just a retail paradise, this city is a destination where global flavors, homegrown comfort, and innovative concepts converge. For the discerning foodie, a journey through Beachwood is a tour of tastes, textures, and atmospheres. From sizzling Indian-inspired bowls to legendary corned beef, and from craft cocktail lounges to neighborhood coffee havens, let this be your detailed guide to ten essential Beachwood dining experiences.
### 1. **Hello Bistro: The Art of the Customizable, Fresh-Faced Salad**
**Location:** 2101 Richmond Rd Suite 821
Step into **Hello Bistro** and breathe in the crisp, green aroma of possibility. This isn't your average salad bar experience; it's a theater of freshness where you are the director. The bright, modern space hums with the energy of healthy indulgence. The concept is brilliantly simple: choose a base (from romaine and spinach to kale and quinoa), then embark on a journey past a dazzling array of over 50 fresh toppings, cheeses, proteins, and house-made dressings.
**What to Order:** The true magic lies in customization, but for first-timers, consider the **Hello Cleveland** signature salad if available, or craft your own masterpiece. Start with the **Kale & Romaine blend** for a sturdy base. Add **grilled chicken** or **blackened salmon** for premium protein. Then, go for texture and flavor contrast: **roasted corn, dried cranberries, candied walnuts, crumbled goat cheese, and sliced strawberries**. The crowning glory? The **Pomegranate Vinaigrette**—a perfectly balanced sweet-tart elixir that ties everything together. Don't overlook their **freshly baked pretzel bun** for a warm, salty counterpoint to your cool, crunchy creation.
### 2. **Oak And Embers Tavern - Pinecrest: Rustic Heart & Smoky Soul**
**Location:** 311 Park Ave, Pinecrest
Tucked within the chic Pinecrest development, **Oak And Embers Tavern** is a warm embrace of rustic charm and smoky aromas. Exposed wood, ambient lighting, and the faint, sweet scent of burning oak immediately signal this is a place for substantive dining. The vibe is upscale-casual—perfect for a business lunch, a celebratory dinner, or a hearty weekend brunch. The star here is the kitchen's mastery over wood-fired cooking.
**What to Order:** Begin with the **Tavern Wings,** which are smoked and then flash-fried, offering a profound depth of flavor that sauce-only wings can't match. For the main event, you cannot—you *must not*—leave without trying the **Baby Back Ribs**. Slow-smoked over oak and hickory, they are fall-off-the-bone tender with a caramelized bark that sings with flavor. The **Dirty Burger**, topped with smoked pork belly, cheddar, and a fried egg, is a glorious mess of indulgence. Pair it all with a local craft beer from their curated selection or a bold glass of red wine.
### 3. **Bomba Taco + Bar: A Fiery Fiesta of Fusion**
**Location:** 2101 Richmond Rd
**Bomba Taco + Bar** is a vibrant, energetic splash of color and flavor in the Beachwood Place mall area. With its neon signs, lively music, and bustling open kitchen, it feels like a trendy taqueria teleported from a coastal hotspot. This is not purely traditional Mexican fare; it's creative, chef-driven fusion where unexpected ingredients meet classic formats, resulting in tacos that are both familiar and thrillingly novel.
**What to Order:** The taco menu is your playground. The **OG (Old School Ground Beef)** is a delicious homage to classic Tex-Mex, but venture further. The **Crispy Boom Boom Shrimp** taco, with its sweet-spicy sauce and crunchy slaw, is a fan favorite for a reason. For something truly unique, seek out the **Korean BBQ** taco, featuring bulgogi-marinated steak, kimchi, and gochujang crema—a perfect East-Meets-West bite. Order them in trios to mix and match. Complement your tacos with an order of **Queso Fundido** and a **Bomba Margarita**, expertly balanced and dangerously smooth.
### 4. **W XYZ Bar: Sky-High Sips & Social Bites**
**Location:** Aloft Hotel, 1010 Eaton Blvd
Perched inside the trendy Aloft Hotel, **W XYZ Bar** is Beachwood's cocktail-centric social hub. The atmosphere is sleek, modern, and buzzing with a cosmopolitan energy, especially on weekend evenings. Floor-to-ceiling windows, low-slung seating, and a central bar that acts as the stage make this the ideal spot for a pre-dinner drink, a late-night rendezvous, or a casual networking meet-up. The focus is squarely on inventive craft cocktails and globally-inspired small plates meant for sharing.
**What to Order:** This is a place to experiment with drinks. Start with their signature **W XYZ Martini** or ask the bartender for a seasonal creation. The food menu is designed for grazing. The **Tuna Poke Bowl** is a fresh, bright option with high-quality ahi. The **Short Rib Sliders** are richly satisfying, and the **Artisan Cheese & Charcuterie Board** is perfect for a group, offering a curated selection of meats, cheeses, and accompaniments. It’s less about a full meal and more about the experience of sophisticated sips and social flavor exploration.
### 5. **Nordstrom Grill: The Department Store's Delicious Secret**
**Location:** Nordstrom, 26200 Cedar Rd
Tucked away on the second floor of the Nordstrom department store, the **Nordstrom Grill** is a serene oasis away from the shopping frenzy. With its white tablecloths, comfortable seating, and surprisingly elegant atmosphere, it feels like a proper restaurant that just happens to be adjacent to a shoe department. The service is consistently polished and attentive, offering a classic, upscale-casual American dining experience.
**What to Order:** This is a haven for classic dishes executed with high-quality ingredients. The **French Dip** is legendary—tender, thinly sliced roast beef piled high on a freshly baked baguette, served with a rich, savory au jus for dipping. The **Grilled Salmon Salad** is a go-to for a lighter yet fulfilling meal, featuring perfectly cooked fish atop fresh greens. And you simply cannot skip dessert: the **Trio of Cream Brulee** (vanilla, chocolate, and seasonal flavor) is a decadent, shareable finale that has achieved cult status among regulars.
### 6. **Yours Truly Beachwood: The Quintessential All-Day Diner, Refined**
**Location:** 25300 Chagrin Blvd
**Yours Truly** is a Northeast Ohio institution, and the Beachwood location perfectly captures its timeless appeal. It’s a diner, evolved. The space is warm, friendly, and buzzing with families, friends, and solo regulars at all hours. The menu is vast, covering breakfast, lunch, and dinner with an emphasis on quality, consistency, and comfort. It’s the place you go when you want a fantastic meal that feels like a hug, whether it's 7 AM or 7 PM.
**What to Order:** For breakfast, the **Skillet Hash**—a sizzling cast-iron presentation of potatoes, veggies, cheese, and your choice of protein—is a masterpiece. At lunch or dinner, the **Famous Chicken Salad** served in a fresh cantaloupe half or on a croissant is a refreshing classic. Their **Y.T. Burger** is a benchmark for a perfect, juicy pub burger. And no visit is complete without a slice of their **Famous Peanut Butter Pie,** a cloud-like, impossibly rich slice of nostalgia.
### 7. **Slyman's Tavern - Orange: A Legendary Legacy, Reimagined**
**Location:** 4009 Orange Pl
While the original Slyman's downtown is a lunchtime legend, **Slyman's Tavern** in Orange (just over the Beachwood line) brings that iconic name into a full-service, contemporary tavern setting. The space is spacious and modern, with TVs for sports and a lively bar area, but the heart and soul remain the same: famously colossal, melt-in-your-mouth corned beef.
**What to Order:** You have one mission: **The Corned Beef Sandwich**. Piled impossibly high on fresh rye bread with just a smear of mustard, this is the stuff of Cleveland dreams. Each slice is tender, lean, and bursting with savory, briny flavor. If you're not in the mood for a mountain of meat (though why wouldn't you be?), the **Reuben** is a glorious, cheesy, sauerkraut-laden alternative. Start with the **Tavern Chips**—house-made potato chips served with a divine blue cheese fondue for dipping.
### 8. **Choolaah: A Colorful Carnival of Indian BBQ**
**Location:** 27100 Chagrin Blvd
**Choolaah** is an explosion of color, aroma, and flavor. The fast-casual format belies the incredible complexity of its food, which is inspired by the traditions of Indian clay oven (tandoor) cooking. Watch as skewers of marinated meat and vegetables sizzle in the open kitchen's fiery tandoor ovens. The vibrant, bustling atmosphere makes every meal feel like a festive occasion.
**What to Order:** The **Create Your Own Bowl** is the best way to experience Choolaah's range. Start with a base like **Basmati Rice** or **Baby Spinach**. Choose a protein—the **Tandoori Chicken** is succulent and smoky, and the **Malai Kofta** (vegetarian spiced cheese balls) are a revelation. Then, select two **Signature Entrees** like the rich **Butter Chicken** or the spiced **Chana Masala**. Top it all with **Mango Chutney**, **Raita**, and **Crispy Onions**. Don't forget a side of their **Freshly Baked Naan**, blistered and chewy, perfect for scooping.
### 9. **Nervous Dog Coffee Bar: The Neighborhood's Caffeinated Heart**
**Location:** 2101 Richmond Rd
In the morning rush or the afternoon lull, **Nervous Dog Coffee Bar** is Beachwood's community living room. The vibe is cozy, eclectic, and unpretentiously hip. Local art adorns the walls, the hum of conversation blends with indie music, and the rich scent of freshly ground coffee fills the air. It’s the perfect spot to work, read, or catch up with a friend.
**What to Order:** This is about the bean. Their coffee is expertly roasted and brewed. Try a classic **Cappuccino** with perfect microfoam, or a smooth **Cold Brew** on tap. For something sweet, the **Caramelicious latte** is a crowd-pleaser. Pair your drink with a **freshly baked pastry**—their scones and muffins are excellent—or a hearty **breakfast sandwich** on a flaky croissant. It’s less a meal and more a ritual, a essential pause in the Beachwood day.
### 10. **Cafe Fresh Express: The Quick, Quality Fuel Stop**
**Location:** 26300 Cedar Rd, Beachwood Place
Located conveniently in Beachwood Place mall, **Cafe Fresh Express** is the unsung hero for shoppers and workers needing a quick, delicious, and surprisingly healthy bite. It’s a counter-service spot with a focus on fresh ingredients, soups, salads, and sandwiches made to order. The atmosphere is clean and efficient, a calm port in the retail storm.
**What to Order:** The **Create Your Own Salad** station is robust and fresh, rivaling dedicated salad bars. Their **homemade soups**—like a classic chicken noodle or a creamy tomato basil—are reliably comforting and flavorful. For a solid sandwich, the **Turkey & Avocado** on multigrain is always a fresh, satisfying choice. It’s the definition of good, fast food that doesn't compromise on quality.
### The Beachwood Bite: A Culinary Mosaic
From the smoky whispers of oak at a rustic tavern to the vibrant *chaat* of an Indian-inspired feast, Beachwood offers a culinary journey that reflects its sophisticated, diverse community. Each of these ten establishments provides not just a meal, but a distinct experience—a memory flavored with innovation, tradition, and genuine hospitality. So come hungry, explore boldly, and let Beachwood’s dining scene surprise and delight you, one unforgettable plate at a time.
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