Two of Cleveland’s more popular restaurants have recently gotten nation attention,as Bar Cento and Melt Bar & Grilled made it onto two major magazines’ “best” lists.
Food Network Magazine recently launched a search for the 50 best pizzas in America, and Cleveland was featured on the list. According to the editors, Bar Cento’s pie the Sunnyside is Ohio’s best. The dish features soft cooked eggs and thinly sliced pancetta baked with provolone and lots of black pepper on a thin crust. The only downside according to the magazine is that “Bar Cento doesn’t open until 4:30pm, so to eat this popular pie in the morning, stick around past midnight and chow down with the late-night regulars.”
Owner Sam McNulty said, “We’re honored and flattered, but not surprised.” He gives credit to his executive chef, Michael Nowak, saying, “(He is) a mighty and powerful force in the culinary scene, so I’m not at all surprised it’s up there as a winner.”
Meanwhile, ESPN the Magazine gave a nod to Melt Bar & Grilled, ranking it tenth on its “Best Sports Bars” list.
“Think watching the Cavs is hard to stomach? Try eating five pounds of grilled cheese and fries in one sitting,” wrote the editors, in reference to the restaurant’s daunting challenge to customers: a dare to finish one of its 13-cheese monster sammies with three slices of bread.
Bar Cento is located at 1948 West 25th St., Cleveland, while Melt Bar & Grilled has one branch at 14718 Detroit Ave., Lakewood and another at 13436 Cedar Road, Cleveland Heights.
