Cleveland Eats: Lucky’s Cafe. A Midwest Foodie's Brunch Paradise
Ahhh good old Lucky’s Cafe! Located in Tremont, Ohio which is just a small suburb literally steps away from downtown Cleveland. My husband and I found this gem back in 2012 while binging Guy Fieri’s show, Diner’s, Drive In’s and Dives.
We fell in love with the biscuits and gravy that was made on the show and put it on our “Must Try” food list to go to because I mean we are a foodie couple, that’s just what we do. It wasn’t until the November 2012 issue of the Cleveland Magazine came out and I get this picture sent to me via text with the cover of the most delicious waffle I have probably ever seen in my entire life, that I realized we need to make a trip here ASAP!
777 Starkweather Ave. I know this address down to the T because of how many times I have had to put it in my GPS. It’s a super small residential street with not much parking availability, so you really have to know the good days and windows of time to visit. But when you do, you will always see this legendary piece of art on the side of the building. It’s a pretty small joint on the inside, so if you are bringing a large party for breakfast or brunch, be prepared so a decent wait time on the weekends. I promise every second is worth waiting for.
If you aren’t a fan of tight spaces, don’t worry because there is plenty of seating in the outdoor seating area that is fully covered just in case it’s a super sunny day. There is seating without shade if the sun isn’t an issue for you as well.
Lucky’s Cafe is all about supporting local, community and freshness. If you can squint your eyes to look in the back of the patio area you will see their little small garden where they grow several items that belong inside some of your favorite dishes on the menu!
Our First “Lucky’s” Date November 2012
Not too long after we read that article in Cleveland Magazine, we were on our way to have our Lucky’s!
As you can see, this was the very first time the gingerbread waffle and me had met. The display was so beautiful that I didn’t even want to touch it! My hubby got the shipwreck, and of course we shared our meals the entire time.
So let me break it down for you, my meal consists of a gingerbread waffle topped with warm maple apples, honey infused whipped cream, drizzled with house-made caramel sauce and sprinkled with cinnamon sugar. Yeeeaaahhhhhh, let all that goodness set in as your mouth waters while reading the description. You can get a half order (1 waffle) or a full order which is (2) waffles, and let me just tell you to never under estimate that half order because this waffle is very filling. The only sad thing about this waffle is that it’s seasonal and not all year around. I could cry real tears the months this waffle isn’t in season, it seems to be the time I CRAVE it the most.
As for the shipwreck, it consists of a blend of hash browns, scrambled eggs, hash browns, seasonal veggies, bacon with cheddar cheese and served with house-baked Como toast and fresh fruit. All of this sounds delish, but you’re vegan or vegetarian? Get the Canowreck, its served with curry tofu and just ask for dry toast!
Present Day Waffle: Still a Hit and My Favorite Dish!
After moving back to Ohio from Maryland and missing Lucky’s for two whole years , we finally took our trip back to our favorite brunch joint.
Per usual we were greeted with amazing service, as always, and our favorite waitress was still there. The best news is it was her birthday and we had the lovely chance to introduce her to our new addition to the family since moving away.
I just love this place. It’s such a family feel that makes you feel welcomed every single time. I didn’t even have to say what I wanted to order because she knew already that I was here for the waffle, my usual order. I am someone who always has a case of a sweet tooth, so I always get some extra caramel sauce for a little guilty pleasure on the side.
Let’s have a moment to enjoy some close up pictures of the MOTHER of all waffles.
I truly hope that I have blessed your soul with introducing you to the gingerbread waffle, but being the fact that it’s seasonal, let me share some of my other favorite dishes we love to gobble on while visiting Lucky’s Cafe.
The Vanilla Bean Waffle Topped with Strawberry Rhubarb
This is the seasonal waffle during the spring and summer.
It’s a vanilla bean waffle topped with warm strawberry rhubarb compote, honey infused whipped cream, drizzled with house-made caramel sauce and sprinkled with turbinado sugar.
The Pecan Crusted Bacon
I’m not too sure the picture does it much justice, but it sure does fancy my taste buds. This tasty side dish consists of 3 slices of locally sourced, thick cut candied pecan bacon. The hubby and I literally fight over the last piece every time.
The Mac-n-Cheese
This deliciousness consists of Cheddar, Parmesan and Mozzarella cheeses baked with penne pasta and cream that is topped with brioche bread crumbs. On the side it is served with applesauce and sometimes grapes if they are in season. I must say I would have never thought in a million years to pair mac and cheese along with applesauce. It’s literally a party on my taste buds! The combination of flavors are just out of this world!
It gives you that balance of savory and sweet that you never knew you were missing in your life.
To close this post out, I am forever and always going to have Lucky’s Cafe close to my heart and my taste buds. I highly recommend if you will be in town visiting and you’re near downtown CLE during the breakfast and brunch hours.
Xoxo,
Britt