CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Barbecue and hot pot made a splash, and the LeBron James-produced television show, "Cleveland Hustles," gave us new eats. There's been no shortage of places to explore since we last filled you in on recent additions to the food scene. From fast casual to markets and cafes to upscale dining, the last year has seen the openings of plenty of new options for Cleveland food lovers.

And don't forget the drinks. Hansa Brewery's long-awaited opening graced Ohio City, Euclid Brewing Company opened its doors and Western Reserve Meadery finally launched its tasting room. Artisan food companies like Old Brooklyn Cheese Company and Cleveland Jam both planted brick-and-mortars. And don't forget the tacos: Camino, El Taco Macho and Taqueria La Loma all provided new outlets for the craze. Donning the chef's apron more your style? New markets like Nature's Oasis, Ohio City Provisions and Ipanema Brazilian Market all let you take the tastes home.

This guide takes you through some of the most exciting recent openings in the greater Cleveland area. Let us know where you're most looking forward to trying out.

Nikki Delamotte, cleveland.com

35 best new Cleveland restaurants, cafes and markets to try in 2017

By Nikki Delamotte

cleveland.com

Jan. 10, 2017

Over the last year, there has been no shortage of openings in the Cleveland dining scene. From barbecue to hot pot to coffee shops, this guide leads you through the new must-try additions to the city.

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Nikki Delamotte, cleveland.com

At a glance: Highlights of the best new restaurants

Looking for a snapshot of the year's excitement? Before you dive into the complete guide, let this video take you on a visual tour of some of the highlights.

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(Courtesy 3 Palms Pizza)

Nikki Delamotte, cleveland.com

3 Palms Pizza

By now, Shawn Monday has established himself as the name behind some of Cleveland’s favorite restaurants – from One Red Door to the venerable burger chain Flipside. His 3 Palms Pizzeria began in Hudson, but recently planted an outpost in Crocker Park.

These wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas are all cooked up in an Italian-built brick oven. They come in traditional styles, such as Margherita, along with being topped with meatballs, pork sausage, shrimp and more. But don’t expect just pizza. There are also meatball and cheese plates. Fresh baked breads, pastries, gelato and other desserts are also up for grabs.

281 Main St., Westlake, 330-342-4545, 3palmspizzeria.com

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(Courtesy Astoria)

Nikki Delamotte, cleveland.com

Astoria Cafe and Market

Travel down Gordon Square’s Detroit Ave. and you’ll see a bright newcomer. The 5,000-square-foot Astoria shares the best of both worlds: one-half is a market specializing in Mediterranean imports, the other half a bar and restaurant serving morning through evening. The market is stocked with a refined selection of gourmet cheese, charcuterie, oil and vinegars, pastas and more. Expect to see many of the same items put into action on the menu, which includes tapas, pizzas, sandwiches and salads.

More on Astoria on cleveland.com.

5417 Detroit Ave., 216-266-0834, astoriacafemarket.com

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(Courtesy Barabicu)

Nikki Delamotte, cleveland.com

Barabicu Smokehouse

You could say Jon Ashton has a little experience with crowd pleasing menus: As a former contestant on Food Network’s “The Great Food Truck Race,” he traversed across the country with his team’s ride, “Let There Be Bacon.” At his Parma eatery, it’s barbecue that steals the spotlight. Ribs, brisket sandwiches and other meaty main courses are served straight from the smoker out back.

More on Barabicu on cleveland.com.

5767 Ridge Rd., Parma, 440-481-3057, facebook.com/BarabicuSmokehouse

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(Courtesy Bouche Bakery)

Nikki Delamotte, cleveland.com

Bouche Bakery

Laura Marconi and her daughter, Elyssa Clare, weren't going to let their gluten intolerance force them to settle. Together, they're launching Bouche Bakery, a gluten-free takeaway shop in the former Helvetica Juice Bar and Cafe storefront in Lakewood.

In addition to sweets like cheesecake, brownies and cookies, Bouche just began serving pizza. Dairy-free cinnamon rolls and pepperoni rolls also grace the menu. Clare also has a flair for bright, less common ingredients, meaning expect treats like passion fruit and guava-filled cupcakes.

More on Bouche Bakery on cleveland.com.

11823 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, 216-904-5688, facebook.com/BoucheBakery

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(Courtesy Camino)

Nikki Delamotte, cleveland.com

Camino

The taco craze continues (not that you’ll hear any complaint from us). Add some tequila to the mix and you have a match made in heaven. There’s more than a dozen taco options here, from meat-centric varieties like wild boar and short rib to vegetarian spinach and ricotta to vegan avocado.

You’ll also find the traditional platters like enchiladas, fajitas and empanadas. Burritos come wrapped up with chicken, beef, carnitas or an eggy breakfast variety.

More on Camino on cleveland.com.

1300 West 9th St., 216-621-8226, caminocleveland.com

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(Courtesy Chicago's Home for Chicken and Waffles)

Nikki Delamotte, cleveland.com

Chicago's Home of Chicken and Waffles

Chicago’s soul food favorite planted roots on Prospect Ave. with its own chic, upbeat ambiance. Chicken and waffles are a longstanding favorite, but rarely do we see them remixed the way we do at this downtown eatery. Banana berry waffles with chicken sausage? Three varieties of catfish and waffles? The possibilities are endless.

For those who want to eschew the specialty but still indulge in soul food, there are biscuits and gravy, grits, mac and cheese and cornbread. Oversized omelets come stuffed with all the fixings.

More on Chicago's Home of Chicken and Waffles on cleveland.com.

1144 Prospect Ave., 216-600-8600, chicagoschickenandwaffles.com

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(Courtesy Cleveland Bagel Co.)

Nikki Delamotte, cleveland.com

Cleveland Bagel Co.

It’s hard to consider Cleveland Bagel Co. any sort of “newcomer” when we’ve been devouring their “Cleveland”-style bagels at coffee shops, flea markets and other events for the last few years. But when they landed on LeBron James-produced reality show "Cleveland Hustles," they had the chance to turn their dream of a brick-and-mortar shop into a reality.

Now the bagelry serves up their chewy goods fresh. You can load them up with their signature schmears that come in flavors that range from thyme-black-pepper-and-horseradish to sweet-brie-honey-and-toasted-walnut.

4201 Detroit Ave., 216-600-5652, clebagelco.com

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(Courtesy Cleveland Jam)

Nikki Delamotte, cleveland.com

Cleveland Jam

Jams and jellies are booze-infused at this Old Brooklyn conservancy dedicated to the power of the grape. Owner Jim Conti began as a winemaker looking for a way to recycle the leftover sediment. Enter wine jellies, which range from the subtle "Dynamite" white zinfandel jelly to the "Rock and Roll" merlot with a more prominent wine aroma.

But his best-selling variety isn’t made with wine, but with Great Lakes Brewing Company’s Burning River ale. It’s used to craft the popular pepper jam that lends itself to savory dishes, like meatballs smothered in barbecue sauce.

Conti plans to continue planting vines this year in hopes of one day turning the conservatory into a full-fledged winery.

More on Cleveland Jam on cleveland.com.

1300 West Schaaf Rd., Old Brooklyn, 440-390-1170, cle-jam.com

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(Photo: David Moss)

Nikki Delamotte, cleveland.com

Cultivate

The owners of Chagrin Falls’ popular takeaway shop Hungry Bee felt that when it comes to food, people shouldn’t have to choose between healthy and convenient. So they created Cultivate, a nutrition-focused fast-casual eatery. Its main component is a build-your-own bowl with a rainbow of choices.

For those who want to stray from the bowl concept, they also serve light fare like avocado toast and bone broth.

524 East Washington St., Chagrin Falls, 440-394-8662, cultivate4life.com

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(Courtesy El Taco Macho)

Nikki Delamotte, cleveland.com

El Taco Macho

Tucked away in an unsuspecting plaza is Painesville’s newest taco spot. El Taco Macho opened its doors this winter and has been relatively quiet. That doesn’t stop Macho from serving up traditional and original tacos, burritos, quesadillas and other favorites. In addition to its set of casual booths, this laidback eatery also has a small bar to wash it all down.

1613 Mentor Ave., Painesville, 216-694-1103, eltacomacho.com

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(Courtesy Euclid Brewing Company)

Nikki Delamotte, cleveland.com

Euclid Brewing Company

Euclid Brewing Company and Tap Room is a small but mighty operation. You can see the brewing system from behind the bar. Though this isn’t your average brewpub with bar food offerings, you can order up a meal from the neighboring Great Scott Tavern, Euclid Beach Club or Paragon. The brewery also recently launched the appropriately-named “Tap Talks” lecture series with speakers from around the city.

21950 Lakeshore Blvd., Euclid, facebook.com/EuclidBrewingCompany

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(Courtesy Fawaky Burst)

Photo: Courtesy of Fawaky Burst

Fawaky Burst

Look no further than Fawaky Burst’s giant, wall-sprawling mural of fruits and veggies to know what this South Euclid juice shop and café is all about. As far as beverages, Fawaky’s cold pressed juices are all up for grabs, but they’ll also make you a refreshing smoothie. You’ll also find light meals, like soups, salads and sandwiches. It’s worth hanging around for the tropical ambiance.

More on Fawaky Burst on cleveland.com.

4441 Mayfield Rd., South Euclid, 216-438-3289, fawakyburst.com

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Nikki Delamotte, cleveland.com

The Fix

Chef Eric Rogers found success with his gourmet sandwich shop in the Cedar-Lee district after it opened in the corner space once occupied by Sweetie Fry. So much success, in fact, that he expanded to a full-fledged restaurant just a bit further down the street.

Soul food and Creole takes the reigns here. Andouille-stuffed “soul rolls” and deep fried sweet corn coated in decadent creole butter are among the starters. Buttermilk fried chicken and “NOLA” pasta with Cajun marinated chicken are among the entrees, along with Creole salmon and tilapia.

More on The Fix on cleveland.com.

2195 Lee Rd., Cleveland Heights, 216-383-8130, thefixbistro.com

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(Courtesy Fluffy Duck)

Nikki Delamotte, cleveland.com

Fluffy Duck Cafe

Bright, fresh and fun is the aim of the game at this playfully-named new bakery and café near the University Circle area by the Cleveland Clinic campus. Fresh baked artisan bread, pastries and coffee are all available for grab-and-go or for lounging.

Try quiches and pizzas made with Ohio City Provisions ingredients and wash it down with an orange and cardamom latte. Breads range from baguettes to small loaves of banana bread.

More on Fluffy Duck on cleveland.com.

10001 Chester Ave., 216-218-9447, fluffyduckcafe.com

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(Courtesy Greedy Girl)

Nikki Delamotte, cleveland.com

Greedy Girl

Indian and Greek food lovers can rejoice in this Cedar-Taylor newcomer. The two cultures shine at this small eatery on the east side. Though the dishes aren’t a fusion, you can mix things up, such as choosing an Indian-inspired main with Greek-inspired sides.

For breakfast, try a Belgian baklava waffle, which is dripping with honey syrup. On the Indian side, explore the frankie, Bombay’s classic street food, ground lamb kabobs and boti. Get Greek with a gyro sandwich, grape leaves and Greek-style meatballs. Throw in an order of okra fries on the side.

More on Greedy Girl on cleveland.com.

2158 South Taylor Rd., Cleveland Heights, 216-465-9877, facebook.com/GreedyGirl.Cleveland

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(David Petkiewicz/cleveland.com)

Nikki Delamotte, cleveland.com

Hansa Brewery

This Ohio City import shop recently added its long-awaited brewpub, which comes with a concise and affordable menu of European fare that leans heavy on German eats. That means Schnitzel and Sauerbraten galore.

Have raznici (pork) and cevapcici (slightly spicy sausage) plucked fresh off the grill. Beer is overseen by Corey Miller, formerly of Forest City Brewery. His beers include Kolsch, Weissbier, India Pale Ale, Doppelbock, Schwarzbier and others. Pro tip: Try a flight of four for $5.

More on Hansa Brewery on cleveland.com.

2717 Lorain Ave., 216-631-6585, hansabrewery.com

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(Courtesy Ipanema Brazilian Market)

Nikki Delamotte, cleveland.com

Ipanema Brazilian Market

From the founders of Batuqui comes this Brazilian marketplace in the Larchmere district. Look no further than the stylish crates along the wall for the finest hand-selected imports and takeaway eats prepared by Batuqui. Never had a Brazilian cake? Try them in chocolate, pineapple and coconut. If you can’t travel to the street markets in Rio, Ipanema will bring you the crispy “pastels” in meat and cheese varieties or taste a bite-sized empadinha. Frozen and dry goods like Yuca, the popular Brazilian cut of meat Picanha, Catupiry cheese, Brazilian coffee and more all line the shelves.

More on Ipanema Market on cleveland.com.

12602 Larchmere Blvd., Larchmere, 216-465-1422, facebook.com/ipanemamarket

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(Courtesy Kintaro)

Nikki Delamotte, cleveland.com

Kintaro Sushi and Hot Pot

Few words are as tempting as “All you can eat sushi and hotpot” and Kintaro offers such an enticement. Order up a bowl of simmering broth and spend your night dunking chicken, dumplings, pork and a plethora of veggies. When it comes to sushi, try taking the “Mazda” and “BMW” for a drive.

7325 Northcliff Ave., Brooklyn, 216-459-8862, kintarooh.com

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(Courtesy Krav)

Nikki Delamotte, cleveland.com

Krav Street Food and Catering

For the last five years, Kathy Swearingen and Todd Berry's truck, Krav, has earned a following for its comfort-food fusion of Mediterranean cuisine with accents of Latin and Korean flavors. This winter, they made the jump to a brick-and-mortar in Avon Lake.

The quick-serve eatery with around 40 seats serves up many of the classic Krav favorites, like their Cleveland cheese steak with sauteed ribeye and Korean Polish boy made with smoked polish sausage. Smaller bites like sandwiches and gyros pepper the menu, while fuller entrees, like the grilled lemon chicken with fresh orzo salad or Korean pork loin with kimchi Asian slaw and smashed avocados round it out.

More on Krav on cleveland.com.

33688 Walker Rd., Avon Lake, 440-930-2557, Facebook

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(Courtesy Lala Custom Cake)

Nikki Delamotte, cleveland.com

Lala Custom Cake

It’s late night and you need a sweet snack. The rising trend of dessert shops open late comes to Lakewood with this little bakery. Cupcakes come in flavors like lemon blueberry, caramel raspberry, lime and cookie dough. Mini cakes and special occasion cakes are also sold here. With a block occupied by an ice cream shop, chocolatier and more, this little corner of the city has become its own little dessert district.

More on Lala Custom Cake on cleveland.com.

15301 Madison Ave., Lakewood, 216-553-8619, lalacustomcake.com

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(Photo: Casey Ward)

Nikki Delamotte, cleveland.com

Merchant Street Eatery

Becoming a full-service operation was always the goal for Merchant Street Provisions and Eatery, which has operated as a market with grab-and-go items and made-to-order sandwiches since opening months earlier. This December, it began serving in its sleek, warm and sophisticated new dining room.

The cozy space is as chic as one would come to expect from owner John McDonnell, formerly of The Fulton and most recently Tartine Bistro. Merchant Street keeps the menu equally as elegant with a selection of entrees with a Mediterranean and European flair. Dishes such as wild mushroom flatbreads, cured salmon on jalapeno corn cake and roasted cod appear alongside vegetarian items such as stuffed winter squash. Cheese boards sourced from the West Side Market with charcuterie handmade by the head chef are also a highlight.

More on Merchant Street Eatery on cleveland.com.

2391 West 11th St., Tremont, 216-415-5865, facebook.com/merchantstreettremont

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(Courtesy Nature's Oasis)

Nikki Delamotte, cleveland.com

Nature's Oasis

Half market, half café, this new Lakewood shop is made for just picking up items to stock your fridge or unwinding with a sandwich or salad or powering up with a smoothie and other quick bites. Load up on fresh baked breads from Breadsmith of Lakewood, Hartzler Dairy products, Red Lotus spreads and more. The bright, wood-paneled space is laidback and fun, including a checkerboard table and window-ledge seating.

More on Nature's Oasis on cleveland.com.

15613 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, 216-505-5333, shopnaturesoasis.com

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(Courtesy Ohio City Provisions)

Nikki Delamotte, cleveland.com

Ohio City Provisions

Cleveland has come to expect straight-from-the-farm goodness from Travis Clatterbuck, who’s long run the consumer supported agriculture subscription program Fresh Fork. He’s teamed up with local top chef Adam Lambert to launch this all-local grocer and butcher. Fresh cuts of meat, cheeseboards and more come sourced directly from Ohio farms.

More on Ohio City Provisions on cleveland.com.

3208 Lorain Ave., 216-465-2762, ohiocityprovisions.com

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Nikki Delamotte, cleveland.com

Old Brooklyn Cheese Company

Above ground, Old Brooklyn Cheese Company looks like your classic cheese storefront. Local cheesemakers are displayed among upscale imports. But below ground, this new shop has something else cooking up entirely.

OBCC will not only sell cheese, it will make it in its basement kitchen and age it to keep it in tip-top flavor in its aging caves. The shop hopes to make a hard Parmigiano, a gouda and an aged cheddar. A twist on English cheddar will become "Old Brooklyn Cheddar" by dipping bandages in bacon fat instead of butter.

More on Old Brooklyn Cheese Company on cleveland.com.

4138 Pearl Rd., Old Brooklyn, 216-860-4000, facebook.com/obcheese

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(Courtesy Ohio City Libations)

Nikki Delamotte, cleveland.com

Old City Libations

Like Cleveland Bagel Co., Old City Soda was a beloved local staple long before entering the ring of the "Cleveland Hustles" television show. But like the other winners who earned a storefront in Gordon Square, its brick-and-mortar business – named Old City Libations – has catapulted it into even more of a household name.

These sodas manufactured in Cleveland come in fizzy flavors like hibiscus, ginger and cinnamon. As you can guess, they’re transformed into tasty cocktails at this colorful new bar that happens to share a wall with fellow "Cleveland Hustles" winners, the leather makers Fount. Old City also recently expanded its food menu to add more cheap eats like pierogi that come in varieties like chicken paprikash, pretzels and more.

More on Old City Libations on cleveland.com.

6706 Detroit Ave., 216-303-9292, oldcitysoda.com

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(Courtesy Ribsticks)

Nikki Delamotte, cleveland.com

Ribsticks BBQ

There’s no question about it, barbeque was big this year. University Heights’ Ribsticks threw its hat in the game with a own small eatery. The twist: meats here are prepared by sous vide. Even with the new-school approach, you’ll find plenty of the old-school BBQ favorites. Pulled pork, beef brisket and kielbasa all make appearances. Seasonal sides include mac and cheese, bourbon peaches, quinoa, coleslaw and bread pudding.

More on Ribsticks BBQ on cleveland.com.

13892 Cedar Rd., University Heights, 216-202-4105, facebook.com/ribsticks

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(Nikki Delamotte/cleveland.com)

Nikki Delamotte, cleveland.com

Scratch

As the name not-so-subtly implies, everything at Scratch is made from, well, scratch. The small diner is one of Independence’s hidden gems. It balances quaint with trendy, offering a down home, rustic feel and sleek, retro presentation for its breakfast and lunch fare. Even better: Nearly all breakfast items clock it at under $10. House made biscuits and gravy are a menu favorite, as is a breakfast burrito rolled up with smoked pulled pork, eggs, salsa verde and more.

Lunch offers options like a burger, chicken tacos, a Cubano and latke sliders, among other options. Keep your eyes peeled for regular specials that offer the same level of creativity.

More on Scratch on cleveland.com.

6595 Brecksville Rd., Independence, 216-312-2190, scratchrestaurant.com

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(Courtesy Square 22)

Nikki Delamotte, cleveland.com

Square 22

This Strongsville bar and restaurant is a chic slice of nightlife for the area. Its urban flair is coupled with a diverse menu that ranges from comfort food favorites to more adventurous fare.

You don’t always expect the selection of hearty entrees at a place with such a gastropub vibe. But Square 22 has a full menu of steaks, seafood and meaty dishes like chicken and grits and pork chops. There are also soups, salads and creative flat breads topped with the likes of pork belly, brie, Prosciutto and more. Shareables go above and beyond traditional bar nibbles, opting instead for the likes of Ahi tuna poke and pork belly skewers.

More on Square 22 on cleveland.com.

13485 Pearl Rd., Strongsville, 440-268-8322, thesquare22.com

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(Courtesy The Smith)

Nikki Delamotte, cleveland.com

The Smith

At the helm of Georgia-born chef William Burke, the Smith is as warm and welcoming as you’d expect with his southern roots. Meats served straight from the smoker are a specialty here. You’ll also find traditional favorites like chicken and dumplings, fried chicken and their signature Carolina pulled pork.

Don’t forget the greens – they’re, naturally, one of the many comforting sides here. Others include buttermilk biscuits, mac and cheese, slaw and seasonal veggies.

14608 West Park St., Burton, 440-273-8039, thesmithohio.com

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(Courtesy Western Reserve Meadery)

Nikki Delamotte, cleveland.com

Western Reserve Meadery

As part of the Forest City Brewery project, Western Reserve Meadery has their own hand in making the old new again. Their fermented honey-based bevvies have already won an award from WineMaker magazine in 2014. Now, the long-awaited meadery is open for business and selling their signature creations. Expect varieties such as strawberry basil, spiced cranberry and honey cherry. Step into the Duck Island tasting room for a taste of Western Reserve’s unique flavors.

More on Forest City Brewery on cleveland.com.

2135 Columbus Rd., 216-716-2500, facebook.com/westernreservemeadery

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(Courtesy Woodstock)

Nikki Delamotte, cleveland.com

Woodstock BBQ

Peer over the daily rotating menu of Lakewood’s Woodstock BBQ and there’s bound to be a palate pleaser. The casual joint serves all the barbecue favorites, especially smoked meats like chicken wings and pork. Meaty sandwiches and ribs are flanked by shareables like barbecue nachos. Tacos are also loaded up with the likes of brisket, jerk chicken and pork. This place even does barbecue spaghetti topped with, what else, pulled pork.

13362 Madison Ave., Lakewood, 216-226-8828, facebook.com/woodstockbbq

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(Courtesy Ushabu)

Nikki Delamotte, cleveland.com

Ushabu

Shabu-shabu and small plates fuse at this petite, long-awaited Tremont restaurant. The restaurant offers a variety of takes on the hotpot dish, a type of Japanese fondue in which diners cook thinly sliced meat and vegetables in boiling water and then dip them in different sauces.

Choose from a concise selection of small plates featuring the likes of ginger salmon, squid, five spice chicken, scallops and tofu, among others. Or to build your own shabu-shabu, choose your soup base from ginger chicken, spicy miso and kombu, then pick from a menu of proteins such as Ohio wagyu beef, Australian lamb, Berkshire pork or seafood.

More on Ushabu on cleveland.com.

2173 Professor Ave., 216-713-1741, ushabu.com

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(Courtesy Zoma)

Nikki Delamotte, cleveland.com

Zoma Ethiopian

Step into this Cleveland Heights nook and you’ll be surrounded by traditional hut décor. The colorful flavors of Ethiopia are served here with a side of injera, the spongy bread used to scoop up pieces of the meal. Stews and platters are served communal-style, so come prepared to share.

Coffee, of course, is a specialty here. The Ethiopian coffee ceremony, which involves beans pan-roasted to order, is an after-dinner treat.

More on Zoma on cleveland.com.

2240 Lee Rd., Cleveland Heights, 216-465-3239, facebook.com/zomacleveland

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(Courtesy Sugar and Slice)

Nikki Delamotte, cleveland.com

Sugar and Slice

It’s hard not to find something to love when a restaurant’s main eats are built around pizza and donuts. Akron’s Sugar and Slice navigates the two food groups deliciously. On the sweet side, build-your-own donut (yes, the popular BYO concept now extends to these doughy rounds) with sauces and toppings. On the savory side, pizza comes in the traditional favorites along with more creative options, such as BBQ and Greek-inspired pies.

625 Grant St., Akron, 330-222-6061, Facebook