Posts filed under 'Tremont'
Props Again to Mod Mex
It’s safe to say that Momocho has easily become my favorite restaurant. I say that with some reservation only because there are so many great restaurants out there and Momocho deals in pretty specific cuisine. However, as of late, I can’t get enough of the place. It’s also become our go-to restaurant for entertaining out-of-town guests. We did just that a couple Saturdays back and we posed a decent challenge for the staff at Momocho: 6 adults and three kids under the age of 2. Two of which were in high chairs. The other still young enough to camp out in his car seat. Due to this visit, I felt the need to post again about it and give some major props to a great place.
I have to give a huge pat on the back to our waiter. I want to say his name was Kevin. I could be wrong on that, but regardless, he was fantastic. A lot of fun, enthusiastic and really interactive with the kids. The service was great, food was tasty as always and the rest of the staff was just as nice. What really surprised me though was just how happy the staff was to interact with the little ones. Maybe it was where we were seated? You couldn’t help but see us when coming up the stairs–we were right there, Grady on the end saying “hi” to anyone who walked by. But everyone from bussers, to waitstaff, to the guys in the kitchen couldn’t have been more friendly.
A little bit of the details: We made an early reservation for 5 p.m. and due to a perfect pace on food courses/drinks etc. we were finished up within the suggested 2 hour dining time (Whenever I’ve made weekend reservations there, that’s what they tell you. I think it’s pretty standard for busy places). That even included a couple diaper changes and smoke breaks for those who partake. I’ll also note here that we never felt rushed. It was a very easy-going dining experience and just goes to show you how being efficient doesn’t mean compromising a good time.
During our shuffling around to get seated, our waiter asked if we needed him to get another high chair from Johnny Mango. I’m assuming there must be only 2 high chairs at Momocho, only because I didn’t see any others being used. We didn’t need one (had the car seat and room for that in the booth), but I thought it was nice that he was willing to take the extra step.
Turns out there is a “super secret” kids’ menu as well. It’s not printed, but they offer things like chicken and rice, cheese quesadillas and chicken fingers at a lower price point for the kids. I wasn’t aware of that before this visit. Definitely good to know.
Again, I can’t say enough about how great the staff, in particular, was that night. While the food is definitely the draw at most places, and it’s fantastic here, a wonderful waitstaff is icing on the cake. If you still have yet to get to Momocho, do so ASAP! With or without kids, this place is a must eat.
1 comment October 6, 2008
Tremont Tap House Revisited
This past Sunday (August 10) we headed to the Tremont Tap House for brunch. I posted the details on TTP earlier, but just wanted to give an update.
High Chairs: Nope. But they do have at least one booster seat. Next time I’ll definitely bring the portable, as we did the first time we dined here. There is plenty of room to use them in the booths. Grady is a bit too curious to not be strapped in!
Changing Tables: Also no. One-seater bathroom with plenty of room to spread out for diaper changes or kid clean-up though.
Other notes: The brunch menu had a nice selection of offerings and the food was very good. I also noticed that they’re advertising some quality happy hour prices: $5 burgers and pizzas specifically. And the happy hour runs on Saturday afternoons from 12p-4p as well (Also M-F 5p-7p I believe). Nice touch for grabbing a cheap weekend lunch with the kids. We noticed that some larger groups were accommodated at high tops (pushed together) in the back and they have a gorgeous patio in case you’d rather be out in the open.
Add comment August 13, 2008
Let’s Grab Some Breakfast
I mentioned brunch in the last post, but here are a places we specifically like for breakfast and have become staples for us on weekends. The earlier you go, the less chance for waiting, but aside from one time we’ve never had much of a problem finding a seat. I’ll list them in order of size from small to…well, bigger.
Lucky’s Cafe
777 Starkweather Ave.
Cleveland, OH 44113
(216) 622-7773
Hours: Breakfast, lunch and brunch daily from morning to night according to the website. Breakfast starts at 9a; Lunch at 11a. Sat./Sun. brunch 9a – 2p.
Prices: Subject to change and they change with the seasonal menu. It’s a bit pricey for breakfast with plates running from $8–10, but I did get egg and bacon on a bagel for around $5. Plenty of pastries and breads for much less as well. We love the spot and the tasty eats so we think it’s worth it!
Reservations: No, but I’d get there early, or late because the place is small and the line gets long.
Date of visit: Multiple, but last one was Saturday, June 28, 2008
Called ahead: No
High Chairs: They had two that I saw. We were without Grady on this particular visit, however there were a couple of families there. Not all the tables are suitable to put a high chair next to them, but there were a number of spots that could work.
Changing Tables: Not sure–have to post back on this.
Kids plates: Sides can be ordered and the kitchen always seems friendly with special requests. Plenty of breads and pastries as well.
Other notes: While many probably couldn’t take their family of 5 there regularly for breakfast, the food and atmosphere is, in my opinion, worth the extra cash. Plus it’s a true gem in the renaissance that is Tremont. And we love to support local so we’ll keep coming back. Oh, and the homemade jam rocks!
West Side Market Cafe
1995 W. 25 St.
Cleveland, OH 44113
(216) 579-6800
Hours: Monday-Tuesday 7a–4p; Wednesday-Saturday 7a-9p; Sunday 9a-3p.
Prices: Breakfast, $2.50-11; apps and sides, $3-7; soup and salads, $1.75-8.25; sandwiches, burgers and wraps, $5-7.50; entrees, $8.50-11.50.
Reservations: No
Date of visit: Multiple but last was Thursday, July 31, 2008
Called ahead: No
High Chairs: Yes
Changing Tables: No
Kids plates: Kitchen always accommodates things like “one pancake and a sausage link.”
Other notes: Great breakfast food with fresh ingredients. It’s not a huge spot, but we always find room even when it seems pretty busy. Quick service, loud, but pleasant bustling which is always great eye-candy for the kids. And it helps when they decide to let out a little loudness of their own.
Grumpy’s
2621 W. 14th St.
Cleveland, OH 44113
(216) 241-5025
Hours: Monday 7a-3p; Tuesday-Thursday 7a-9p; Friday 7a-10p; Saturday 8a-10p; Sunday 8a-3p.
Prices: Breakfast, $3-8; starters, $3-8; lunch menu, $5-9; dinner menu, $5-14; brunch menu (Sunday for sure, don’t know about the rest of the week), $5-9.
Reservations: No
Date of visit: Multiple but last was on a Sunday in June.
Called ahead: No
High Chairs: Yes
Changing Tables: No
Kids plates: Another very accommodating kitchen for special requests.
Other notes: Plenty of room for larger groups. Food is great and inventive as far as the types of pancakes, omelets and breakfast plates offered. Grumpy’s really takes it to another level. Something to keep in mind: Parties of 6 or more are subject to a policy of ONE check and added 20% gratuity.
Add comment August 7, 2008
Let’s Start the List
To get rolling, and get to the point of this blog, here are a couple places that, in my opinion, should be featured first. The first restaurant was what gave me the inspiration to start this catalog, and the other has become a favorite that I’d love to go back to again and again. More to follow…
Tremont Tap House
2572 Scranton Road
Cleveland, OH 44113
(216) 298-4451
Hours: Monday-Saturday 4p-2a; Sunday 10a-2a (Dinner served M-Th 5p-1a; F/Sat 5p-2; Sun 4p-10p; Brunch served Sun 10a-4p)
Prices: Small plates and salads, $4-10; sandwiches, burgers and pizzas, $8-12; entrees, $12-19. Sunday brunch, $6-16.
Reservations: Yes, and recommended on weekends.
Date of visit: Winter ‘07…don’t recall the exact date
Called ahead: Yes
High Chairs: Not at the time, but they were getting them. They welcomed the portable and we hooked it to the table inside the booth we sat in. We were told that they would be starting Sunday brunches and were very much wanting a “families welcomed” atmosphere even though the feel of the place was very much “bar.” Very cool space though. Looks like the brunches are happening and we haven’t been back yet, but will be going back soon. You know how time flies! I’ll most likely call again to see what the status on the high chairs is though. Or if anyone knows, feel free to post.
Changing Tables: Not sure. Never used the bathroom while we were there.
Kids plates: None offered, but the food is great and I’d welcome Grady to try anything that we ordered off the menu. He was on solid food then and we gave him some of the mashed potatoes from my mom’s entree.
Other notes: They didn’t have a license to serve wine at the time. Just beer and liquor. I need to find out the status on that because they said they were in the process of getting the wine license. That’s my drink of choice, so added bonus if they offer it now.
Bar Cento
1948 W 25th St
Cleveland, OH 44113
(216) 274-1010
Hours: Sunday through Friday 4:30 p-2 a; Saturday noon-2a. The bar stays open one-half hour after closing every night.
Prices: Apps, $4-15; entrees, $6-17; desserts, $5. Daily Specials: $10.
Reservations: Yes, and recommended on weekends.
Date of visit: Multiple visits
Called ahead: No
High Chairs: Yes
Changing Tables: Yes *UPDATE* It’s in the back stall (larger, handicap accessible stall) and it’s literally a table. But it’s secure and there’s even a hand sanitizer dispenser above it.
Kids plates: None specific, but this is definitely a place to have your child try some fantastic food! And they will accommodate special requests.
Other notes: Tuesday night is “Cook Chefin’ night” where kids their parents make pizza with the chef and have dinner.
Add comment July 23, 2008
