Rocky River Brewing Company, 21290 Center Ridge Road, Rocky River, 440-895-2739, www.rockyriverbrewco.com: Several readers recommended Rocky River Brewing Company's adult spin on mac and cheese, the "Johnny Mac 'n' Three Cheeses." The casual eatery tops a big bowl of cavatappi noodles with a smoky three cheese mix, roasted red peppers, mild red onions and smoked Andouille sausage (or you can substitute grilled chicken or blackened shrimp). It's a smoky, ultra-rich success. Too rich for your blood? There's an option with just the cavatappi on the children's menu. "Very rich, we never finish a full order," praises reader hacksaw54. Angie's Soul Café, 3859 Superior Ave., Cleveland, 216-426-889, www.angiessoulcafe.com: For more than 25 years, Angie's has been the go-to spot for soul food in Greater Cleveland, and its macaroni and cheese doesn't disappoint. Served as a side or entrée ($3.95, $6), Angie's mac is made with elbow noodles, cheddar, a little cottage cheese, eggs and a lot of love. It was the perfect side to a baked chicken breast, dressing and greens – but it would have been just as good solo. Lolita Restaurant, 900 Literary Road, Cleveland, 216-771-5652, www.lolitarestaurant.com: Famed chef Michael Symon was one of the first to put a mature spin on the childhood favorite. His simply named Macaroni has a decidedly Mediterranean flavor, with chicken, goat cheese and rosemary ($16). Simple and wonderful. The South Side, 2207 West 11th Street, Cleveland, 216- 937-2288, southsidecleveland.com: What do you get when you mix pasta shells with roasted onions, red peppers, gruyere, white cheddar, cream and parmesan cheese – and maybe some Italian or Andouille sausage? One of the town's very best macaroni and cheese dishes, that's what ($12 to $15). It's a perfect dish to share near the fireplace at this mod Tremont bistro – that is, if you're willing to part with one delicious bite. Fahrenheit Restaurant, 2417 Professor Ave., Cleveland, 216-781-8858, www.fahrenheittremont.com: Another reader recommendation was the decadent, over-the-top Butter-Poached Lobster Macaroni & Cheese at this beloved Tremont mainstay. Really, what isn't better with lobster, or butter, or cognac reduction, chives, brie and goat cheese? A very adult, very delicious dish, made with rigatoni ($27). NOT from the new lo-cal Fahren"lite" section of the menu, BTW. The Lockview, 207 S. Main St., Akron., 330-252-5128, thelockview.com: This hip downtown Akron eatery brings out the child in everyone with its whimsical menu of grilled cheese sandwiches, tomato soup served with goldfish crackers, tater tots and even Pop-Tarts. So, it's no surprise its Homemade Macaroni and Cheese ($7.50) is among the area's best. Made with corkscrew noodles, the three-cheese mix is a creamy delight, topped with roasted red peppers, aromatic basil and parmesan cheese, plus -- surprise -- Velveeta. For a funkier taste, try the fried mac-and-cheese bites on the appetizer menu ($6), served with Sriracha ketchup. Cedar Creek Grille, 2101 Richmond Road, Beachwood, 216-342-5177, www.cedarcreekgrille.com: This sleek and chic East Side establishment offers a new unique take on mac and cheese -- it's made with smoked cheddar for a nuanced, very adult taste. The Smoked Cheddar Mac & Cheese ($6) is served as a side, but it's more than enough for a meal. This is not your mom's mac and cheese, but it's very, very good. Southeast Gears & Cheers, 23333 Aurora Road, Bedford Heights. 440-232-0029, segearsandcheers.com: This kid-friendly car and bike themed joint next to SouthEast Harley Davidson has one of the most kid-friendly dishes on our list – and they even add in a bit of healthfulness. The Veggie Mac and Cheese ($10) takes classic elbow noodles and cheddar sauce, then mixes in broccoli, cauliflower, tomatoes, green beans, zucchini, squash and spinach and bakes it some more. Veggies never tasted so good. Lucky's Café, 777 Starkweather Ave., Cleveland, (216) 622-7773, www.luckyscafe.com: Several readers praised the baked macaroni and cheese at this cozy Tremont eatery – they're not alone. Food Network star Guy Fieri also stopped and raved about its piping hit dish. Served with a side of delectable housemade applesauce, it's a decadent treat made with cheddar, brie, mozzarella, parmesan and cream, topped with brioche crumbs and baked to cheesy perfection!

