In December, on a day taken off for Christmas shopping, I popped into the new Granite City Food and Brewery at Legacy Village in Lyndhurst. 

Opened in November in the space formerly inhabited by Joseph-Beth Booksellers, the restaurant is part of a 30-location chain that started in St. Cloud, Minn., and now has a presence in 13 states. 

It was mid-afternoon, and I had eaten lunch not that long before, so I just bellied up to the appealing bar to try one of their beers, settling on the Broad Axe Stout. Described as having notes of chocolate and coffee, the oatmeal stout sounded great on the blustery day. I enjoyed the mellow atmosphere in the big, open place and did peek at the menu, so I was interested in coming back for a meal.

That opportunity presented itself on the first real day of the NCAA men’s college basketball tournament, aka March Madness. A buddy and I took a break from binge watching to fill up on food and, of course, a little beer.

Read more in Entertainment Editor Mark Meszoros' review Dining Out: Granite City Food & Brewery at Legacy Village pairs good beer, food for fine time.

I’ve been to a lot of restaurants. I’ve been to a lot of breweries. There might not be one brewery/restaurant more in my wheelhouse than Market Garden Brewery in Cleveland’s Ohio City neighborhood.

And I’m not sure when I’ll be back.

There is a lot to love — not “like,” “love” — about this spot, a stone’s throw away from the renowned West Side Market on West 25th Street. It’s a brewery with a clear focus on beer, yet one that has a near-ideal menu. It has a huge, beer garden-style patio with fireplaces, two big bars inside and a focus on local sources — both for food and drink. The atmosphere is awesome.

Unfortunately, the service, for the most part, was on the other end of the spectrum.

Read more of correspondent Mark Koestner's review at Dining Out: Service left sour taste on otherwise great dinner on Market Garden Brewery in Ohio City. 

Several of my co-workers and I frequent Willloughby Brewing Co. (4057 Erie St., Willoughby) for the happy hour specials of half-price appetizers and pizzas, and $2.50 pints of the brewery's own brews. I have difficulty deciding each time which appetizers I want because they are all. so. delicious. Seriously. So I have made my Top 5 list of my favorite menu items, which I would recommend trying next time you make it to the Downtown Willoughby establishment:


5. Milano (pizza)

"A classic combination of Italian sausage, pepperoni, provolone, zesty red sauce, and oregano."

The classic, Italian pizza is a good standby and a tasty choice if you can't otherwise decide what to have for dinner.


4. Old World Bavarian Pretzels

"Two freshly baked pretzels sprinkled with garlic salt. Served with both honey mustard and spinach con queso dip."

Better than your average soft pretzels and incredibly delicious in honey mustard.


3. Bruschetta (pizza)

"Garlic oil, tomatoes, red onion, garlic, basil, balsamic vinegar, provolone and fresh mozzarella cheeses."

I like this for the savory Italian flavor, without the bite of meat.


2. Buffalo Chicken Dip

"A blend of pulled chicken breast, hot sauce, spices, provolone, parmesan and cream cheeses served hot with tortilla chips and celery sticks for dipping."

Buffalo Chicken Dip might be my favorite dip ever, and it's kind of hard not to enjoy it when you don't have to make it yourself.


1. Buffalo Chicken Eggrolls

"Three of our signature eggrolls stuffed with chicken, zucchini, pepperoni, and cheese. Served with Louisiana hot sauce, crumbled bleu cheese and sweet chili sauce."

If you haven't had these, you must try them next time you are at the Willoughby Brewing Co. There's a reason these won Best Entree 2008 Taste of Cleveland.


Honorable mention:
Bruschetta Dip

"A creamy blend of parmesan, provolone and cream cheese with garlic, tomatoes, red onions and fresh basil. Served hot with tortilla chips and fresh bread."

Bruschetta pizza as dip.


California Pizza

"Garlic oil, cracked black pepper, artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, goat cheese and provolone."

Something different that I likely wouldn't try anywhere else.


Mashed Potato Pizza

"Roasted garlic mashed potatoes, bacon, green onions, and cheddar and asadero cheeses. Served with sour cream."

Potato skins on a pizza.


The beer menu changes, so it's best to check the website to see what's brewing. My favorites are the Wild Irish Red and Railway Razz.


--Cheryl Sadler
CSadler@News-Herald.com