CLEVELAND — Cleveland is known for serving up great Polish, Hungarian and Irish eats thanks to the city's rich history in the heritages. But there are so many other culinary veins running through this city that don't often get the same kind of love. This week, try one of these Latino-based restaurants in the Greater Cleveland area to switch things up a bit. Your taste buds will thank you! This special food feature is part of the ongoing "Save our Sauce" campaign from 3News, which is being done to support Northeast Ohio restaurants amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Rincon Criollo Restaurant - 6504 Detroit Avenue
Rincon Criollo is owned by a husband and wife duo, who own two locations now in Cleveland. Just as rich as their family lineage is the restaurant's hefty servings of Puerto Rican classics like tostones, mofongo, and great chicken and rice dishes.
View their extensive menu, here.
Quisqueya Latin Cuisine - 2317 Denison Avenue
When it comes to Latin food- Quisqueya Latin Cuisine serves up some great Dominican dishes. You can get everything from fried snapper here to delicious flan that will have you considering dessert twice over. Just ask Jose Ramirez, he's been known to frequent the spot and bring his fellow Indians players along for the meal.
Follow this link to order ahead.
Cleveland Mofongo - 11621 Lorain Avenue
Cleveland Mofongo has been serving up the Latin dish in town since 2017, and was one of the original test kitchens at Quicken Loans Arena. Mofongo is a Puerto Rican culinary staple, made with fried green plantains. And there is no better place to get it than at this spot. Stop in to try your first dish today.
Learn more about the restaurant, here.
Caribe Bake Shop- 2906 Fulton Road
Welcome to Caribe Bake Shop on Cleveland's west side. The restaurant started off as a bakery, turning out loaves of that crisp-crusted, airy white bread for Puerto Rican home cooks and restaurants. And now, it offers even more like coconut pudding and some of the best Cubano sandwiches. They are open for carry out and pick up, and would love for you to visit.
Check out their full menu, here.
Tapatias Taquieria- 12501 Lorain Avenue
This spot specializes in authentic street tacos and jumbo margaritas...with extra tequila!
Twisted Taino Frappe Bar and Grill- 1400 W 25th Street
The story of how Twisted Taino came to be, with Chef Jose Melendez at the forefront, is just as incredible as the food tastes. Chef Melendez went from having nothing, to having a Best Cleveland 2020 award for his restaurants. There are two locations, a stand-alone spot in Parma and as part of the food hall on West 25th Street. They're not only cooking authentic Puerto Rican food, but frappes, brunch, and other things like salads!
View all they have to offer, here.
Pupuseria La Bendicion - 3685 W 105th Street
The food at Pupuseria La Bendicion is about as authentic as it gets. This west side favorite sells Salvadoran and Colombian faire like chicken and rice dishes and hearty tamales. Stop in on a sunny day for a tall glass of ice horchata.
View their profile on yelp for more information.
Maya Restaurant –368 W Bagley Rd, Berea
It's not quite Cleveland, but Maya Restaurant in Berea is worth the drive. Stop in for some sizzling fajitas or perfectly wrapped flautas, and great hospitality. Pair it all with a jumbo margarita, and you have yourself a meal.
Check it all out, here.
Half Moon Bakery LLC- 456 W 25th Street
This semi-new, humble cafe and bakery is a favorite of Metro Health employees since its right across the street. Half Moon Bakery is serving up not only Latin desserts but great grab-and-go lunch items like sandwiches, and you can order-ahead for beautiful cakes.
View their Facebook page to learn more!
Blue Habanero - 6416 Detroit Avenue
Many people flock to Blue Habanero restaurant in Gordon Square on a Friday night, and you should too. This place not only has great food but really creative cocktails and margaritas. Come for the margarita flights, and stay for the great patio.
View it all on their website.
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