Some Cozy Fall Dining Outings

There's something about comfort food and being cozy in the fall. Each person's definition of cozy undoubtedly has many different components, with some degree of variation. However, one thing holds true: there are a few universal elements of coziness that overlap and one of them is in dining. Settling in to a favorite haunt for favorite flavors always provides a thrill. Looking for quality food, libations, a warm atmosphere and good service? Then this autumn, slip on your softest shirt, warmest socks, and most comfy pants and try one of the following cozy Cleveland establishments.

Anatolia Café Turkish Cuisine 13915 Cedar Rd., South Euclid 321-4400

What makes Anatolia Café cozy is the atmosphere and the service. When you walk in you see this amazing warm orange on the walls that would normally crowd a small space but here is warms it up and creates an immediate sense of intimacy. One wall is mirrored reflecting the warmth as well as the traditional Turkish decorations on the opposite wall. The wait staff is Turkish and super friendly. I’ve had the same server a few times and he is pleasantly chatty and informative when trying to decide what to order; lamb kabobs with yogurt are lovely. Also, please have the Turkish coffee, sweet, you will not be disappointed. And perhaps someone can read your fortune while you are there.

Blazin Bill’s 12891 Main Market Rd. (Rt. 422) Troy Township 440-543-4999 or 440-834-1111; 200 Olive St., Grand River 440-639-7981

The coziness of Blazin Bills comes from my love of the pig in all of its glorious forms and the fact that I’ve been going to the east location from the time I could say pork chop. After two fires that destroyed the Blazin Bills buildings, the new building is large with a massive stone fireplace in the dining room and saddle seats at the bar. If you are dubious about eating at restaurants that provide kitchen towels as napkins make an exception here, you’ll need it because there is magic in the sauce and you will want more of on your ribs. My favorite item to order is the pulled pork sandwich with sweet potato fries and it has helped me celebrate many birthdays. The pork is tender yet crispy and the toasted roll holds up to the sauce well. Blazin Bills serves various other items such as, grilled chicken, burgers and there is a kids menu.

Melt Bar and Grilled 14718 Detroit Ave., Lakewood 226-3699

In my opinion, Melt should be renamed Melty Goodness because that is what you’ll find in every, cheesalicious bite of a grilled cheese sandwich. I confess I am biased; the grilled cheese is the ultimate in comfort food for me. But never in my life have I considered putting anything more that tomato or bacon on my grilled cheese. Here is where pierogi and chorizo are just as important as tomato on a grilled cheese. Each sandwich comes with peppery coleslaw and a heap of fries. There are many grilled cheeses to choose from on the old album cover menus and two favorites are the Parmageddon and the Kindergarten. If none of the grilled cheeses are what you want then you can build your own selecting from the daily bread and cheese choices. Melt’s atmosphere is a wonderful, warm and cozy bar that happens to serve bomber food with a seriously festive vibe. And they've got a cool new patio, too... break out the sweatshirt and hit that while you still can.

Der Braumeister Restaurant and Deli 13046 Lorain Ave., Cleveland 216-671-6220

Many times I go out to eat with absolutely preference as to what I want to eat. This ambivalence happened to strike on a slightly chilly summer evening with my babe in tow. Along we were driving, touring the neighborhood, when we arrived at Der Braumeister and decided to give it a try and I can not have been more delighted. The building is not that much to look at from the outside though there is a beer garden on Lorain. The interior is wonderful and the décor is exactly what one imagines a typical German restaurant to look like with the staff dressed traditional German costume. This is what made my dining experience fantastic: I received some of the best service in Cleveland and perhaps the best service I’ve had in years. Our server was friendly, knowledgeable and made good suggestions. For example, she helped me discover my love for Aventinus beer and the spaetzle at Der Braumeister is small in size, soft and buttery and mighty in taste.

The Original Pancake House 28700 Chagrin Blvd., Woodmere Ohio 292-7777

I was ecstatic when I found out the Original Pancake House was coming to the Cleveland area; I would finally be able to get that crazy lemony and powdered sugar pancake thing locally. If your idea of comfort food is breakfast and large amounts of food then you need to hurry up, get into your car and hit The Original. Than lemony pancake thing is called the Dutch Baby and is the size of a large serving bowl. The omelets are made of six to seven eggs plus generous amounts of any combination of veggies, cheese or breakfast meats. Along with an omelet you get three fluffy, buttermilk pancakes, three! It’s incredible and delicious. The pancake selection is huge and I recommend the chocolate chip. Be prepared to wait on the weekends, its totally worth it. One last thing, the bacon is thick, crisp and ordered on the side.

The Bier Markt W. 25th St., Cleveland 344-9944

The Bier Markt is easily the coziest place to go for drinks. First, it is dimly lit with cool lighting where it counts, over the bar and over tables. Second, there is a variety of seating to accommodate every type of group so everyone feels welcome. At the bar there are hooks underneath to hang a purse, a necessary feature that more bars should have. Lastly, there is an amazing variety of beer to choose from as well as a full bar and wine. I should also mention that the music is usually pretty good too and there is a snack menu. What is cool about the Bier Markt is that there is a space to the side where art shows are held and can also be rented out for a wide variety of occasions. Whatever function is going on there happily meshes with the regular Bier Markt crowd creating a great shared experience.

From Cool Cleveland contributor Erin Robinson erinhrobinsonATgmail.com
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