Gordon Square's Best Restaurants

Neighborhood lines can be subjective, so we've grouped restaurants by their commonly recognized dining districts. For Gordon Square, we followed the district's official footprint along Detroit Avenue from West 58th Street to West 78th Street.

Blue Habanero

Why we love it: Owner Rafael Ayala’s choice to break away from the family business, Tres Potrillos, and open his own spot paid off at this hub for tacos, burritos, fajitas and margaritas. Try this: The Tacos Huitlacoche (pronounced wheet-la-KO-chay) ($15) center around the “Mexican truffle” but also features corn, tomatoes, avocado, queso and a house-made spicy sauce. 6416 Detroit Ave., Cleveland, 216-465-1818, bluehabanerocleveland.com

Brewnuts

Why we love it: This Gordon Square favorite pairs craft beer and doughnuts in playful, Cleveland-coded fashion, with a lively, neon-lit space that feels more like a hangout than a quick stop. “It’s more than just a doughnut corner shop that you would just hit up on the way into work,” says co-owner Shelley Pippin. Try this: Rotating flavors, from maple bacon bourbon ale to coffee porter-inspired doughnuts, sell out fast. 6501 Detroit Ave., Cleveland, 216-600-9579, brewnutscleveland.com 

Happy Dog

Why we love it: Cleveland’s neighborhood bar has a live performance lineup that ranges from punk to podcasts. Try this: Build your own hot dog ($8.75) with fruit loops, macaroni and cheese and more, but don't forget the tots ($6.75) with dozens of dipping sauces. 5801 Detroit Ave., Cleveland, 216-651-9474, happydogcleveland.com

Gypsy Beans & Baking Co.

Why we love it: Just minutes from Edgewater Beach, Gypsy Beans & Baking Co. is the perfect stop before or after a day on the lake, offering cozy comfort in every cup and bite. The menu leans into crowd-pleasing staples, from warming soups and chilis to grab-and-go options like stromboli and hand pies. “The biggest thing we try to do is have something for everybody,” says owner Nicole Gillota-Brichacek. Try this: —-  6425 Detroit Ave., Cleveland, 216-939-9009, facebook.com/GypsyBeans

La Playa Fresh Seafood

Why we love it: La Playa transports guests to a bright coastal oasis, with sea-blue tones, colorful furniture and a sprawling outdoor beach bar inspired by a Mexican seaside town. The menu brings a fresh take on seafood from Puerto Vallarta, but it’s the viral soft-serve margaritas that have helped put the spot on the map. “It’s a new take on seafood from the area of Puerto Vallarta and Mexican food,” says owner Rafael Ayala. Try this: The whole fried red snapper ($30) is lightly breaded and perfectly crisp, served with fries and sauteed vegetables, and ideal for building your own tacos. 6410 Detroit Ave., Cleveland, 216-331-2757, laplayafreshseafood.com 

Local West

Why we love it: Specializing in sandwiches galore, this bistro serves up some of the neighborhood's favorite burgers, Italian beef, Cubanos and more. Try this: Loaded with sliced sirloin, grilled portobellos, onions, provolone and mayo on a crusty baguette, the cheesesteak sandwich ($17.50) is a hearty favorite. 7400 Detroit Ave., Cleveland, 216-417-7001, localwestcleveland.com

Luxe Kitchen and Lounge

Why we love it: Luxurious but not pretentious was the aim, and Luxe is game with its upscale, modern take on Italian and Mediterranean dishes. Try this: The pork chop ($32) is a must-try, served with garlic mashed potatoes, grilled peaches, green beans, blue cheese and a Tabasco beurre blanc. 6605 Detroit Ave., Cleveland, 216-920-0600, luxecleveland.com

Ninja City

Why we love it: Ninja City's unique concept combines Asian cuisine, bar food and a full-service bar with urban street art murals coating the walls. Try this: The steam buns ($16) are soft and pillowy, layered with pickled carrot and daikon, jalapeno, fresh herbs and chili aioli, with your choice of BBQ pulled pork, lemongrass chicken or tofu. 6706 Detroit Ave., Cleveland, 216-862-7200, ninjacity.com

Ready Set Coffee Roasters

Why we love it: This Gordon Square café pairs small-batch roasting with a laid-back, design-forward space, offering globally sourced beans and a range of drinks from classic espresso to creative specialties. It’s an easy spot to linger, whether you’re meeting up or settling in with a cup. Try this: The Cloudburst ($6) blends nitro cold brew or espresso with oat milk, agave and cocoa powder. 7306 Detroit Road, Cleveland, 216-736-8601, readysetcoffee.com

Rincon Criollo

Why we love it: For 20 years, the Ruiz family has offered homespun recipes and made-from-scratch Puerto Rican cuisine. Try this: The El Famoso Jibarito ($6.50) is a sandwich with protein (chicken, pork, fish or ham), tomatoes, Swiss cheese, lettuce and mayo between two crispy fried green plantains. 6504 Detroit Ave., Cleveland, 216-939-0992, rinconcriollocle.com

XYZ the Tavern

Why we love it: With 24 craft beers on tap and more than 100 whiskeys and bourbons on the shelf, don’t get fooled into thinking this is just a tavern. A backyard smoker kicks out barbecue platters and sandwiches. Try this: The smoked salmon BLT ($21.25) comes with a hunk of pork belly. 6419 Detroit Ave., Cleveland, 216-706-1104, xyzthetavern.com

For more updates about Cleveland, sign up for our Cleveland Magazine Daily newsletter, delivered to your inbox six times a week.

Cleveland Magazine is also available in print, publishing 12 times a year with immersive features, helpful guides and beautiful photography and design.