LAKEWOOD, Ohio — After embarking on our search to determine the best places to eat and drink in Lakewood, we came to one conclusion – the options are seemingly endless. From fine dining to dive bars, the West Side suburb offers a bit of everything for everyone, whether you’re a foodie looking to try something new, or just someone looking for a great place to get a beer after work. We asked and you answered – a lot. You still have until 5 p.m. on April 28, to let us know who should win the crown for the best restaurant in town. In the meantime, check out the top 25 places to eat and drink in Lakewood and see why each one stands out from the crowd. It also can provide as a good guide for all of the places that everyone must try in town. Angelo’s Pizza 13715 Madison Ave., Lakewood, OH 44107 (216) 221-0440 Sun – Thurs: 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. Fri. & Sat.: 11 a.m. – 1 a.m. Angelo’s Pizza has been an old reliable for so many folks in Lakewood since it first opened in 1981. It’s often a must-stop on the list for many expats during visits back to their hometown because of its consistency. Angelo’s crust is crispy on the outside, chewy on the inside and the brand has a signature, slightly sweet sauce that pairs with meatballs, banana peppers and beyond. Specialty pies like the Baked Potato or Deluxe are not to be forgotten, alongside other dishes like spinach artichoke dip. Around the Corner 18616 Detroit Ave., Lakewood,OH 44107 (216) 521-4413 Mon – Fri: 3 p.m. – 2 a.m. Sat.: 11 a.m. –2 a.m. Sun.: 9:30 a.m. – 2 a.m. Around the Corner has been Lakewood’s go-to dive bar since 1974. The expansive space has several bars and rooms with surprises everywhere. It’s a destination for game days, live music, themed events and, of course, its famous hermit crab races. Wings and pitchers of familiar beer is the unofficial meal at ATC. Plus, it turns into the Christmas Corner Bar every holiday season that’s the longest-running Christmas pop-up bar experience in Lakewood. 17900 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, OH 44107 (216) 785-9785 Closed Mon. & Tues. Wed. – Fri.: 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. Sat. & Sun.: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Artis is a recent addition to the Lakewood culinary scene that’s quickly become a local favorite. Owner/chef Andrew Mansour set out to do things different from the typical steakhouse, from its bright aesthetic to its inventive menu layout. Sharable plates like lobster bisque-filled dumplings, mustardy deviled eggs topped with fried shallot rings and a devilish sticky toffee date cake are just a few standouts on the menu. The brunch menu is as equally inviting, and we’d be remiss not to mention its stellar cocktail program. 15625 Detroit Ave.,Lakewood, OH 44107 (216) 303-9699 Mon. – Thurs.: 4 p.m. – 10 p.m. Fri. & Sat.: 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. Sun.: 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. Bar Italia is a modern bistro serving homemade sauce, fresh pasta and other classic Italian cuisine for brunch, lunch and dinner. The restaurant aims to transport its customers from Lakewood to the old-school red sauce joints in New York City. Spicy vodka rigate “Carbone Style,” grilled branzino and fritto misto are great places to start on the menu. An impressive wine list complements cocktails like bellinis and hand-crafted limoncello. Bar Italia also has a restaurant in Beachwood alongside two Florida-based locations. 12906 Madison Ave., Lakewood, OH 44107 (216) 221-8127 Tue. – Thur.: 4 p.m. – 9 p.m. Fri.: 4 p.m. – 10 p.m. Sat.: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. Sun.: 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. Barroco has remained a landmark on Madison Avenue for Colombian cuisines, especially arepas. When you enter the restaurant, you feel transported to the tropics thanks to the vibe, which is elevated if there’s live music that day. The restaurant probably serves the best mojito in town, which is only $8 on Mondays. Maduros (plantains) with queso fundido, Coca Cola fried rice and ropa vieja (braised beef) are other delicious menu options to pair with a margarita or pina colada. Birdietown Mini Golf + Lounge 12501 Madison Ave., Lakewood,OH 44107 (440) 857-2911 Tue. – Thur.: 4 p.m. – 10 p.m. Fri.: 4 p.m. – 12 a.m. Sat.: 12 p.m. – 12 a.m. Sun.: 12 p.m. – 9 p.m. Birdietown opened to major fanfare early this year during the coldest days of winter, and Lakewood locals couldn’t wait to escape in the upscale mini golf bar. The family-friendly concept isn’t the typical kid-centric course. It’s elegant, which matches the food and cocktails. The menu comes from chef Jill Vedaa, previously of Salt+, featuring upscale sharables like mushroom strudel and wagyu meatballs. The Dirty Bird cocktail epitomizes the creativity of its cocktails, featuring a peppered vodka infusion, three-brine house blend and celery essence. Buckeye Beer Engine 15315 Madison Ave., Lakewood,OH 44107 (216) 226-2337 Mon. – Thurs.: Noon – 11 p.m. Fri.: Noon – 1 a.m. Sat.: 10 a.m. – 1 a.m. Sun.: 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. Lakewood has no shortage of dive bars, but certain establishments like Buckeye Beer Engine stand out from the pack for its high execution of bar food. Rotating burgers of the month are always popular, as is its impressive Bloody Mary bar during weekend brunches. You basically can’t go wrong getting anything fried at the Beer Engine, from mac & cheese bites to green beans. The menu includes Rudy’s Strudel Pierogi and a sausage platter sourced from K&K Portage Market, which pair perfectly with a cold draft beer. Cleveland Vegan 17112 Detroit Ave., Lakewood,OH 44107 (216) 221-0201 Mon.: Closed Tues. – Sat.: 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. Sun.: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Since 2012, Cleveland Vegan has helped put Lakewood on the map as a haven for plant-based foodies looking for delicious grub. The scratch-kitchen executes both its daily café offerings and a robust catering menu. Sandwiches, brunches, bowls and café drinks are the base of the menu. Cleveland Vegan isn’t afraid to make nearly any dish, from a Reuben sandwich to tofu wings, with totally vegan ingredients. Superfood lattes with loads of healthy ingredients also make it a popular stop. Crumb & Spigot 15322 Detroit Ave., Lakewood,OH 44107 (216) 712-6992 Mon.: Closed Tues. – Thurs. & Sun.: 4 p.m. – 9 p.m. Fri. & Sat.: 4 p.m. – 11 p.m. Crumb & Spigot started out in Chagrin Falls before expanding to include a Lakewood location. Wood-fired pizzas are the anchor of the playful menu, featuring handhelds, appetizers and entrees. Wood-fired oysters, Medjool dates stuffed with chorizo and an elevated version of a sloppy joe also hold their weight. It’s inventive craft cocktail menu is also a reason alone to visit. Dang Good Foods 13735 Madison Ave., Lakewood, OH 44107 (216) 785-9321 Sun. & Mon.: Closed Tues. – Thurs.: 4:30 p.m. – 9 p.m. Fri. & Sat.: Noon – 3 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. – 9 p.m. Dang Good Foods brings the taste of Singaporean night markets to the center of Lakewood. Everything is good on the menu and worth ordering, so it’s best to go with a group and share. The Dang Good Wings, steamed bao buns, Spam musubi and stir-fried dishes are all stand-outs and so unique that you can’t find similar flavors at other Asian restaurants in the area. The humble restaurant may not look like much, but every menu item has enough flavor to transport you to Singapore. Georgetown Vosh 18515 Detroit Ave.,Lakewood, OH 44107 (216) 221-3500 Sun.: Closed Mon. – Thurs.: 4 p.m. – 10 p.m. Fri. & Sat.: 4 p.m. – 11 p.m. Georgetown Vosh is as much of an event center as it is a high-end restaurant. Many Greater Cleveland couples choose the picturesque patio as their ideal wedding location, complete with a reception space. Its menu has a bit of everything from small plates to pizza to entrees, and it’s all worth exploring. Georgetown also has one of the best happy hours in town, including its Wine and Dine menu including two salads, two entrees and a bottle of wine for $50. Immigrant Son Brewery 18120 Sloane Ave.,Lakewood, OH 44107 (216) 600-4483 Mon. – Thur.: 3 p.m. – 10 p.m. Fri.: 3 p.m. – 11 p.m. Sat.: 10 a.m. – 11 p.m. Sun.: 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. Immigrant Son Brewery brings traditional-style global beers to Lakewood in its brewpub space. Hungarian Pearl Kolsch, Socratic Method Coffee Saison and 56’er Rye Vienna Lager are a few styles on tap. The global inspiration extends to the comfort food menu. Korean sticky chicken fingers, bacon & cheddar curd poutine and loaded Langos, or Hungarian fried bread, are a few of many options. Immigrant Son owner Andrew Revy just opened Sofia’s Kitchen & Bar in the former Salt+ space with aims to bring an upscale casual eatery to town. India Garden 18405 Detroit Ave., Lakewood,OH 44107 (216) 221-0676 Daily: 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. & 4:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. In a town like Lakewood, where new restaurants seem to pop up on every corner, old reliable options like India Garden are what make it stand out. India Garden offers an all-you-can-eat daily lunch buffet that’s always busy during the lunch hour. Lamb or goat biryani, fresh naan and roti and tandoori-cooked proteins always pair well with homemade condiments like mango chutney or raita. 12301 Madison Ave., Lakewood, OH 44107 (216) 712-4692 Sun.: Closed Mon – Thurs.: 4 p.m. – midnight Fri. & Sat.: 4 p.m. – 2:00 a.m. LBM in Lakewood is a cocktail destination for a reason. You never know what you’re going to get when you order a drink at the edgy bar, and we mean that in the best way possible. Its rotating East Coast oysters always come with a fun, usually fruity, mignonette. Additionally, its loaded fries entrée comes in various flavors depending on the season and all of them are good. Black bean flautas, fried Brussels sprouts and its house burger are also no-brainer options. Mars Bar & Café 15314 Madison Ave., Lakewood, OH 44107 (216) 228-4500 Mon. – Fri.: 10 a.m. – 2:30 a.m. Sat., - Sun.: Noon – 2:30 a.m. Mars Bar is the intergalactic gateway on the corner of Madison and Mars Avenues that might be best-known for its famous gyros. The dive bar’s Mediterranean-style menu takes bar food to the next level. Don’t miss space-themed burgers like the Saturn featuring a jumbo onion ring or the Mercury topped with space jam and Spicy Sweet Chili Doritos. Lamb meatballs, spicy feta ravioli and spanakopita paninis are an entire level up from the average bar food. Molto Bene Italian Eatery 18401 Detroit Ave., Lakewood,OH 44107 (216) 273-7333 Mon.: Closed Tues. – Sat.: 4:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Sun.: 4 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Molto Bene looks like a humble home from the street, but that’s exactly the feeling the Italian restaurant’s classic menu conveys. It’s the ultimate date-night spot, especially thanks to its reasonably-priced entrees that are almost all under $30. Lobster ravioli in lobster cream and cognac sauce, Sacchetti with prosciutto in pink sauce and mussels in homemade pomodoro sauce are a few favorites, and you can’t miss the house gelato for dessert. Pachamama Kitchen & Garden 15027 Madison Ave., Lakewood,OH 44107 (216) 712-4494 Sun. – Tues.: Closed Wed. & Thur.: 5 p.m. – 10 p.m. Fri. & Sat.: 5 p.m. – 11 p.m. Pachamama Kitchen is a tapas restaurant dedicated to celebrating the freshness of locally grown produce. The menu is a fusion of South American and French cuisine. While dishes tend to change with the season, standouts include Choripan sliders, steak chimichurri flatbread and papas fritas. Cocktails featuring homemade hibiscus and blackberry syrups add to the refreshing vibe of the menu and atmosphere. Pepper’s Italian Restaurant 12404 Detroit Ave., Lakewood,OH 44107 (216) 226-6191 Sun.: Closed Mon. – Thurs.: 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. Fri.: 5 p.m. – 10 p.m. Sat.: 4 p.m. – 10 p.m. Peppers is another red sauce joint dedicated to bringing traditional hospitality to Lakewood locals. Pizza, pasta and wine make up the foundation of the corner spot, but that’s just the beginning. Hot peppers stuffed with sausage and smothered in cheese and house marinara are a tasty reminder of the neighborhood restaurant’s name. Daily specials can include a bit of everything, from lobster ravioli to racks of lamb. 12700 Lake Ave.,Winton Place, Lakewood, OH 44107 (216) 228-2250 Mon. – Fri.: 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. & 5 p.m. –9 p.m. Sat: 5 p.m. – 10 p.m. Sun.: 9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. & 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. When you think of sophisticated lakefront dining in Cleveland, Pier W is the No. 1 answer. Its dining room features massive windows to get the best views of Lake Erie and downtown, with plenty of nautical features to stick with the theme. Seafood is king at Pier W and there are certain dishes here that you must order at least once in your life. Seafood towers, build-your-own surf and turf and the jumbo lump crab cakes are a few examples, paired with exquisite wine, of course. 17001 Madison Ave., Lakewood,OH 44107 (216) 712-4506 Mon.: Closed Tues. – Thurs.: 4:30 p.m. – 9p.m. Fri. & Sat.: 4:30 p.m. – 10p.m. Sun.: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Rood Food and Pie has gone through quite a few phases since it first opened in 2017. The restaurant and dessert destination has seemingly found its stride since being acquired by Vessel Hospitality last year. Pastry chef Annabella Andricks of Dramatic Snax has elevated the pie menu that includes Rood favorites, like the salt & honey pie, with inventive new slices, like the matcha, strawberry and dark chocolate pie. Chef Josh Erickson debuts explosive flavor combinations in the small and large plates menu, with every ingredient from seafood to vegetables getting the star treatment. Plus, Rood just made its brunch permanent, so there’s more opportunities to visit. 17800 Detroit Ave., Lakewood,OH 44107 (216) 221-3224 Mon. – Wed.: 4 p.m. – 2:30a.m. Thurs. – Sun.: 11:30 a.m. –2:30 a.m. Another hole-in-the-wall bar that always seems to stay busy is the Rush Inn. Its daily specials keep it a weekday favorite, with discounted wing nights on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays and $10 cheeseburgers on Wednesdays. The kitchen stays open until midnight, so you can walk in nearly any time of the day and see someone sipping a draft beer and eating potato pancakes or fried pickles. The Rush Inn also has locations in Avon and Florida. Sarita a Restaurant 14523 Madison Ave., Lakewood, OH 44107 (216) 226-5200 Mon.: Closed Tues. – Thurs. & Sun:5 p.m. – 10 p.m. Fri. & Sat.: 5 p.m. – 11 p.m. Sarita a restaurant has grown to be a culinary cornerstone in Lakewood. The bistro and bar serves a comprehensive menu with upscale dishes like steaks and scallops alongside humble bar food like pizza and appetizers. Sarita always has an exciting list of specials worth exploring that rotate on a daily basis. It’s the kind of place to go with friends for a leisurely cocktail hour before ordering a little bit of everything to share. Bonus points for the chic patio dining once the weather in Northeast Ohio warms up. 13415 Madison Ave., Lakewood, OH 44107 (216) 226-4890 Mon., Wed. – Sun.: 4 p.m. – 9 p.m. Thai Thai has made Lakewood fall in love with Bangkok-style street food. Stir-fried noodles and bubble tea are the entry level orders for the small yet welcoming restaurant, but the menu offers so much more to explore. Larb (spicy minced chicken salad), roasted duck noodle soup and Thai curry all feel like a comforting hug in the form of food. Don’t forget to top everything with Thai Thai’s homemade hot sauce, but beware of the kick. Vintage India 14423 Detroit Ave., Lakewood,OH 44107 (440) 857-0639 Mon.: Closed Tues. – Sun.: 11:30 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. Another cozy Lakewood favorite providing the true taste of Indian cuisine is Vintage India. It’s good to go with a group a order a bit of everything – Gaprow spare ribs, tamarind tofu and marinated beef with macadamia nuts are a must. The classics like palak paneer, chicken vindaloo and goat curry round out the menu. Woodstock BBQ 13362 Madison Ave., Lakewood, OH 44107 (216) 226-8828 Mon. – Fri.: 4 p.m. – 10 p.m. Sat.: 12 p.m. – 10 p.m. Sun.: 12 p.m. – 9 p.m. It’s hard not to be in the general vicinity of Woodstock BBQ and not ask, “What’s that smell?” The humble barbecue joint offers real smoked barbecue nearly any way you can imagine. Sure, you can stick to ribs or brisket with sides like baked beans or mac and cheese with rib jam, but that’s just the beginning. Memphis-style barbecue spaghetti with pulled pork, a triple-meat sandwich, loaded baked potatoes with brisket or pork, stuffed smoked jalapeños – is your mouth watering yet? Alex Darus writes about food, dining and drinking for Cleveland.com, check out her latest posts here. You can reach her with story ideas at adarus@cleveland.com. Follow her on Instagram @alex_darus. 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