Stevenson's Bar + Grill

Named the No. 1 best burger in Cleveland by Thrillist in 2019, Stevenson’s Bar & Grill had to make it onto my 2020 To Dine Challenge list. Did the burger live up to the hype?

Around since the 1920s (moved to current location), it's everything you want a classic dive bar to be: nondescript and even ugly from the outside, but charming with its obvious "regulars", an acceptable amount of grit everywhere, and features like a bar bowling machine. A good-sized parking lot is just to the left of the building and we had no trouble finding a spot even though the bar appeared busy. 

We called in a takeout order because we're not comfortable dining in anywhere yet, and I'm glad we did because this wasn't exactly COVID compliant. Spacing issues and no barriers in sight, some staff wearing masks but others not, and most masks worn were wearing them incorrectly. I watched patrons come out for a smoke and head back in, all while never putting a mask on. So clearly they are letting things slide there.

We took our "Lil Fella" ($6.50) of a single patty with lettuce, pickle, and a secret special white sauce to the park for a picnic. I also had Onion Rings ($4.75), and Mr. H had Jalapeno Poppers ($6).

The onion rings were perfect and even traveled the two miles in a Styrofoam container well. The poppers were cheddar cheese stuffed and a little small, but pretty standard and enjoyable for a frozen product. 

So...the burger. First, that bun was a really darn good bun. Buttered and toasted, it's exactly the type of bun I want with my burger. The patty was clearly not made in-house, as it was too perfectly formed. At 1/3 lb. per patty as the menu states, I thought the "Big Guy" double would be too large, but I'd order that next time. The meat was a little thin. The secret white sauce had no distinct flavor, so even with our best attempt to figure it out, we couldn't. I even asked a couple of folks that eat the burger regularly, and it's still a mystery. Overall, I'd say this burger is much better than your average dive bar burger. I can see why there's a loyal following. 

But "best burger" titles and awards in Cleveland? Not for me, at least. Those claims lie with Tremont Tap House, The Black Pig, and Tinman. It doesn't feel apples to apples in comparison. This one may fall closer to a Swenson's-style burger, but they'll always reign supreme in my book. However, I'd recommend this one. Who has your favorite burger in Northeast Ohio?

Stevenson's Bar & Grill
800 E 200th Street
Cleveland, OH 44119
(216) 999-7156

V's Gourmet Chicken

V's Gourmet Chicken has gotten the reputation for "best fried chicken" in Cleveland, so it had to make its way onto my 2019 To Dine Challenge list. But this is a takeout-only spot, so be prepared. A reader had tipped me off, and suggested waiting until summer and then taking it over for a picnic at Euclid Beach Park.

A free evening where we didn't feel like cooking just happened to take place right after Cleveland Metroparks unveiled the new Euclid Beach Park Pier.

The sunny, warm evening just begged for this excursion across town. But I had no idea we could expect Adirondack chairs and views of Downtown.

After deciding bringing back dinner to the park was a good plan indeed, we called ahead with our order (20 minute wait, everything is cooked to order) and then we headed there to pick it up after spending some time on the pier.

Look, it's not the best neighborhood, and you could easily drive right by this discreet corner shop, but it may just be worth a stop.

In addition to Fried Chicken with seven different types of seasoned breading, they have ribs, fish dinners, wings, sandwiches, salads, appetizers, and sides.

I had searched a couple of "foodie" Facebook groups I belong to in advance, and knew that many claimed the Seasoned and Honey Crisp were the best two for the fried chicken. We each got a 3-Piece Breast, Thigh and Wing and did some sharing.

I favored the Honey Crisp and Mr. H preferred the Seasoned. Just look at that gorgeous, crispy, golden breading!

The meal comes with two small sides and a corn muffin. I enjoyed the Mashed Potatoes and Gravy and Macaroni and Cheese. Both had spicy seasonings in them that I couldn't identify, but were unique. The sides were fine, but the fried chicken was clearly the star. The only thing I didn't care for was the corn muffin, as it was too dry. For $7, it was a lot of food, and I had plenty to take home as leftovers for lunch the next day.

I'm no fried chicken expert, but it was probably the best I've had in Northeast Ohio. Worth the drive over and the hassle of takeout only? Probably not for this west-sider, but I would happily pick it up again for a picnic at Euclid Beach Park or for a catering order.

I think the pup and Mr. H would agree that the evening was a near-perfect taste of what summer in Ohio will be.

Another one ticked off the To Dine list. Where should I head next, and who's joining me?!

V's Gourmet Chicken

15418 Lake Shore Blvd.
Cleveland, OH 44110