I will be spending a week in Cleveland beginning Saturday and am looking at various restaurants. Most of them seem to be quite expensive (entrees beginning at $28 and up). Does anyone have any recommendations for eating places that are a bit more reasonable? I will be staying in downtown, but will have a car. Places in walking distance would be ideal, but not absolutely necessary.
As for cuisine, we like Italian, American, and most other ethnic types.
Am looking mostly for price range of entrees roughly between $17-25.
I hope I get a few responses before I leave.

DISCLAIMER - I don't live in Cleveland, but have been there quite a few times

From the Chicago Tribune: http://archives.chicagotribune.com/2...elandfoodjan16

Check out the West Side Market as well

Fat Cats in Tremont
Fire at Shaker Square
Maxi's in Little Italy
Sokolowski's is Total Cleveland--homemade pierogies, cabbage rolls, etc. served cafeteria-style.

The Velvet Tango Room. This has become a destination in itself for anyone who is serious about their cocktails.

Lola and Lolita are two places owned/run by Michael Symon, they are both great and different dining experiences. Lola is downtown, Lolita is in Tremont

Bar Centro, Tremont Tap House,Melt, Beer Engine are a few non ethnic places that come to mind that are terrific. Just about every place in Tremont is terrific from the humble Sokolowski's for Polish food to Lolita's, Parallax, and Fahrenheit (on the mid to higher ends). Lucky's Cafe has the best brunch.

For pizza, you have to go to Little Italy (near University Circle) - Mama Santa's stands out from the rest. While you are in Little Italy check out Presti's Bakery.

Downtown, east of 9th street there is a great little diner, the Diner on East 55th Street Diner. Great food, very clean.

The Blue Point Grille in the warehouse district is nice. Also Cleveland Chop House.

For Mexican food, Luchita's - they have several locations but I think the original one is on W.117th.

Live in Cleveland....

Don't miss Lola's - it's the best Cleveland has to offer. Lolitas is good - more casual.

XO Prime Steaks - outstanding steaks

Lots of places inside Tower Center

Cleveland Chop House - can be pricey

Blue Pointe Grille - Hands down best seafood - although you'll pay for it.

Tremont is a fun place to go for some different places (that's where Lolita is located).

Legacy Village is on East Side; Crocker Park is on the West side in Westlake - lots of places to eat in both places.

Frank & Pauly's - Italian

aliska - thanks for the link to the newspaper article - I got several good ideas and even made a reservation at the Flying Fig.

tknechtges - your recommendations were super also. I have heard of most of these places and although rather pricey, I think we will try 1 or 2.

We leave this Saturday for a drive of over 400 miles. Will pop in some favorite CDs, put on the cruise control and enjoy the scenery. Looking forward to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame!!

Agree that restaurants in Cleveland can be pricey. Try the Little Italy area (Maxi's is good) and Ohio City (Bar Cento) for some more reasonably priced eateries. Almost everything downtown is going to be in the $30-ish per entree range.

Just got back - ate at Flying Fig (outstanding), Lolita (also great), Mallorca (wonderful), Guarino's in Little Italy (poor to fair), and a cute sports bar called Winking Lizard (fun with good food).

Thanks to everyone! Cleveland has a lot to offer and we saw and did a lot. And while we were there the Cavaliers won 2 more games - there is definitely basketball fever in the streets!!