Visited on a pleasant and quiet Saturday afternoon in March. The diner wasn't very busy, and we were seated immediately. The family-run staff was friendly, attentive and fast. Large breakfast selection on the menu, very good food, slightly pricey though. Surprisingly, the cream of chicken and rice soup with my daily special order ended up being my favorite item! The coffee was also delicious. We parked on-street right outside the front door on this visit but there aren't many spots, there is however a close pay to park area behind the building, this could be a challenge during busier times. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Bonus: A cute, tiny little park next door literally attached to the building.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Highly recommended for a quick bite! read more

The Place To Be - The Place To Be - Main Entrance - Diners Near Me - Lakewood, Ohio

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I had never heard of The Place to Be, but I'm so glad I know it exists now. They have my favorite kind of classic diner-style French toast, which is always a win in my book. The service was good without being overbearing, and you can tell from all the regulars that this diner is well loved. When my sister and I went, we were definitely the youngest people there, nothing wrong with that at all, just an observation. [[HIGHLIGHT]]And they're aptly named, because on a Sunday morning it truly is the place to be, the place was packed![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]Good food and good vibes all around.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

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[[HIGHLIGHT]]A small restaurant/diner located in Lakewood.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] There is parking in the back. We were able to get a table, no wait. We did get breakfast, which was delicious. I was very impressed with the food. My eggs were cooked perfectly and they were fluffy, which I like. Our waitress was very friendly and helpful and prices were very reasonable. read more

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I can't believe I have never left a review for The Place to Be! This has been my number one favorite breakfast spot for over 10 years! I started coming here when I moved out to Lakewood in 2014. This was always my treat after a long work week when I was working night shift but I have since come once in a while for breakfast on the weekends. I am a huge fan of their pancakes and waffles. They make excellent omelettes and their hashbrowns are always cooked to perfection. But my number one favorite menu item has to be their country fried steak. It is absolutely delicious and I always get it with sunny side up eggs and extra crispy hash browns. The staff is always friendly and warm - they make you feel like you're part of their family. This is your typical local diner and they finally take credit/debit card! My favorite fact about this restaurant is that it is a family owned and operated business and the owner is a woman who also works as a waitress! She is so lovely! read more

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Love a good diner meal, this place was just what we were looking for. Great breakfast, quick service, incredibly kind staff. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Workers were so kind to our kids and will definitely be back![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

[[HIGHLIGHT]]The table was clean[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]], the service was friendly, and the food and coffee were fresh and delicious. I had a Greek omelette and a side of fruit and I'd recommend both! read more

The best keto breakfast ever! I got the Turkey Florentine omelette. I asked that the turkey sausage to be switched to the pork links. No problem and no extra cost. Then I got sliced tomatoes in place of the hash browns. They were so good! I got an English muffin and only ate half which is 6 carbs. Excellent service and excellent food. read more

The Place To Be - Turkey Florentine omelette with tomatoes instead of hashbrowns. - Diners Near Me - Lakewood, Ohio

The best breakfast spot. Great food, great service, great prices. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The space is clean and neatly kept.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The staff is quick and very nice. Will be returning probably weekly! The coffee is also great! A must try! read more

Please be aware that they pad the checks here. We were given a quick handwritten bill with no details. Someone's entree was $23? It was breakfast! We ordered five things and nothing was over $15 on the menu. We were rushing to leave and with cash only, it was confusing. We ended up paying $135!!!! which was double the menu prices. Our fault for not questioning it but it felt like making a scene and we didn't want to stand there and go over every line item. Basically criminal. read more

Excellent food and personalized, friendly service. Cash and cards now accepted for payment. [[HIGHLIGHT]]I used to live in Manhattan and The Place To Be reminds me of many of their excellent and comfortable diners.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

Still going strong. Such amazing pancakes. They always cook my eggs perfectly and are so welcoming.

Food is very good and fast. Pork chop breakfast special was a great value and did not disappoint

This is such a gem of a restaurant. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The place is immaculately clean[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]], the. food delicious, the waitstaff so nice....CASH only, so don't be caught with no cash. This is one of the best places anywhere around here for breakfast or lunch...it might be our go to restaurant from now on. read more

one word... AMAZING. service is amazing. food is amazing. [[HIGHLIGHT]]atmosphere classic diner.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] loved everything about this place will definitely be back. read more

Overpriced inedible food. Potatoes looked like they never touched the pan. Dry cheap toast, weak coffee. None of us ate hardly any of our food. For the life of me I can't figure out why anyone would eat here. We definitely won't be back. read more

My wife and I enjoy our,going out for, Sunday breakfasts and "The Place to Be " did not disappoint. If I was to say anything as a cons to the place it would be (1) that our waitress was a bit pushy ( you can't read an entire menu in a couple minutes) and (2) the coffee is like they dropped a bean of coffee in some hot water. Other than that the food is really good and nothing , bacon included, wasn't greasy. read more

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Came here with my Aunt and reminded me of California! Food is amazingly great & ambiance;yet one waitress just need a smile in her face... Love the "Florentine Eggs benedict".. Definitely; "The Place To be!".. read more

Food was delicious and service was excellent. I had the western omelette with cheddar cheese. The portion was more than I could handle. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The atmosphere was very comfortable.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Only one complaint is the coffee. It's probably the worst coffee I can remember. It tasted like dirt or something worse. I'm not sure what brand it was. Also cash only so that cost me an extra $6 in atm fees. Conveniently they have an ATM read more

Service was incredible as was the food. The food came out so quickly my friend and I were shocked (in a fantastic way). Our server was kind, friendly, and efficient. [[HIGHLIGHT]]And we felt no rush to leave (of course we did leave in a timely manner to make sure we weren't taking up a table).[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]It was inviting and somehow made us feel like regulars even though it was our first time there.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Highly recommend for that classic, delicious breakfast diner experience. read more

This is most definitely the place to be for breakfast, brunch or lunch. Walking into this place made me instantly fall in love with it. Located in the heart of Lakewood this hole in the wall is a must try. The staff is so nice I almost felt like family. The breakfast and lunch options almost seem end less and they have enough options that you'll feel like just one meal isn't enough. I went with the Breakfast Special #4 Submarine Sandwich which came to the table almost as fast as I ordered it. The sandwich comes with either bacon, sausage links or sausage patties and either a coffee, grapefruit juice, orange juice or cranberry juice. This is so good that it doesn't even need to be open all day. From 6:30am to 3:00pm you have the great opportunity of enjoying a home cooked, filling meal. Everything about this place wants me to come back for more. Don't be shocked if you see me become a local here. read more

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Good food good services good little diner People are friendly and has lots of smiles There food tast like mom's cooking read more

Long live family style, classic diners! I'm a huge fan of locally owned and run places like 'The Place To Be', 'Genes Place', 'Georges Kitchen', etc. The servers are legends in and of themselves, and the food is delicious and less expensive than the 'chain restaurants'. Many of these diners have taken a hit due to the pandemic changing everything. I had a Greek omelet and a short stack of hotcakes, and the coffee was piping hot, with a few refills. Everything was great! read more

Lovely service and delicious food. The prices have definitely gone up and paying in cash can be frustrating, but this place makes up for it in other ways. Truly THE place to be! read more

Good spot for breakfast and lunch. Good daily specials. Fair prices. No frills decor. Bring cash, otherwise you'll have to withdraw cash from the onsite ATM. read more

My younger daughter and I needed to be in the area on a Sunday morning, and I had been wanting to give this place a try...so this was our chance! We were seated near the back (in a booth) in this lively little spot on the side of Detroit Avenue. Wow...what a great find! They have great breakfast fare with a huge menu of items to choose from and/or customize to your heart's content. It appears that many (if not all) the servers, counter-folks and kitchen staff are related and the family vibe shows through in theor comfortable demeanor. I ordered a breakfast platter with eggs, choice of meat and pancakes. I am not usually a pancake guy, but a little voice inside my head told me to do it, and boy am i glad i listened to that little voice! Their pancakes are malty and perfectly moist with a slight sweetness (before butter and syrup) that totally hit the mark. The bacon was cooked crispy (just the way I ordered it), along with two runny / gooey over easy eggs. And their coffee was not too shabby either (and kept on flowing!). I know others have mentioned it here, but be aware that they are a CASH ONLY establishment, so come prepared. So glad we finally got here to give them a go, and I can assure you it will not be our last! read more

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Read about this restaurant on yelp and decided to try for breakfast . Service was quick and super friendly! Kept the coffee mugs topped off as well. Good basic breakfast fare. Had the Irish skillet and corn beef hash. Both delicious. Eggs cooked perfect. We were told the cooks had been there 42 years. They certainly have breakfasts number!! read more

USED to be the place to be. Now they're prices are insane for the quality of food and service. Better off going to the fanciest breakfast place in town cause it'll cost the exact same but you'll get better food, atmosphere and service. Make sure you bring at least $40 for two people and don't forget it's cash only. read more

It truly is what the name claims. On a rainy Monday morning, we stumbled upon it, as it was the only spot full with people. The host and waitress both kindly welcomed us and got our order in quickly. The Veggie Omelette was amazing and came with potatoes and toast, and I ordered pancakes as well. It was too much food for one person, but I ate as much as I could and love every bite. Definitely a good, simple breakfast spot. read more

The Place To Be - Diners Near Me - Lakewood, Ohio

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Great little dinner for breakfast or lunch. The staff is friendly and the food is reasonably priced. We were recently there with 3 adults and 2 kids (one in a high chair), and our waitress was amazing with the kids! She encouraged them to finish their meals and even brought a basket of prizes for them to choose from (candy and trinkets) once they were done. *Note this restaurant is CASH ONLY, so make sure you're prepared. Also, parking on the street in front is free on the weekends. read more

I'm torn. On the one hand, the food is good. On the other, they're definitely sketchy. Cash only and we have been overcharged both times we went. The price varies depending on who you get. When we asked for an explanation of the prices, they gave us a hand-written receipt. Up to you if you don't mind the risk for good, be it overpriced, breakfast food. read more

The Place To Be is definitely a place you might want to be for brunch and lunch. With reasonably priced options and friendly service, this place is definitely a great spot for brunch. I went with a few friends on a Sunday for brunch and even coming at around 10:00, there were plenty of tables available (although there was a slight wait when we left after 11:00 AM). We were given plenty of time to study the extensive menu and our orders were taken efficiently allowing for separate checks without issue. The place is cash only, so do be aware of that when arriving. Our food arrived promptly and was quite good for a diner and at the price points given. Our coffees were always full and I'm not sure it even went below a half cup with the numerous servers coming by. Bottom line, if you're looking for a good diner, The Place To Be definitely marks off the expectations with reasonable prices, good food, and friendly service. Don't expect to be absolutely blown away, but hey... for what you get, this is definitely at least one place you would want to be. read more

Always drove past this place and wanted to see what the place to be was. We came for breakfast and found it to be easy, quick, friendly, and a very tasty breakfast! I got the croissant breakfast sandwich, was delish! Coffee was very good also, I typically enjoy espresso beverages but here I did enjoy the regular coffee very much. Seems like a spot where locals and regulars come which is always a good sign. We will definitely be back! read more

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We went for breakfast during the week. We were told it was overpriced for what you get. Good diner coffee and service, but would have to agree on the pricey tab. read more

Place to be is a lakewood staple, while the inside shows its wear the food is not to be passed up. My two eggs bacon and wheat bread was made extremely quickly, fresh and hot. If you are looking for a true diner experience this is the place to be. Insider note: One thing to be aware of is this is a cash only establishment. read more

We were in the area and stopped in for breakfast. We got a gyro omelette and biscuits and gravy. The omelette was quite average, but presentation was good and it was cooked appropriately. The B&G had almost no sausage and no flavor, only ate one of them. Both meals came with buttered potatoes, again absent of any flavor. Service was fast and they kept the coffee filled. Probably wouldn't come back for $40. read more

My vote for the best diner in Cleveland. Fantastic breakfast especially. I moved about 30 minutes away, and I make a point to get back there as often as I can. read more

This by far is the best breakfast place in Lakewood. It's been around for 38 years and for all 38 years everything is homemade. They cook and make their own it hash browns from scratch. They cook and make their corned beef from scratch. They have poached eggs and know how to cook them. they have regular breakfast if that's what you want they also have skillet breakfast if that's what you want and they have some breakfast and in bayou holiday sauce whether it's the Irish eggs benedict, using homemade corned beef hash for the regular eggs benedict, using wonderful Canadian bacon. It's a great place, kid-friendly they're always welcome! Their the service is very fast. Most everyone in the restaurant who works there is related or Greek the chefs the busboys the waitresses and many have been there many many years. It's busy but they really try to accommodate and turn people in and out as quick as they can. We also have a haunter which is a great place for singles so it's a classic breakfast place but at the same time they have wonderful sandwiches if you want a lunch there their corned beef as I said is homemade so they have a wonderful corned beef sandwich. They also have gyros on the spit so if you want to get gyros you're going to get the real kind with plenty of lamb. Of course they have rye toast and use real butter. I can't say enough positive things about this local institution did I used to go to many many years ago with my father and still do with my brother when I'm in Cleveland. They carry on the tradition I'm going every Saturday with the guys for breakfast. read more

The Place To Be - The old Greek guy's cooking up breakfast - Diners Near Me - Lakewood, Ohio

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This place got the job done. We left full and happy after eating a chicken sandwich, veggie omelette, and pancakes. The server was very nice and friendly and we were in and out in under an hour. The outside of the building is a bit dated and the bathroom was almost too small to enter, but the overall experience is four stars. read more

The Place To Be - Chicken sandwich - Diners Near Me - Lakewood, Ohio

The best service, the best skillets! The Greek skillet is my favorite breakfast in Cleveland!

This is one of the best breakfasts in Lakewood! Everything done perfectly. Coffee is delicious. Biscuits and gravy are homemade. Nice crispy bacon and hash. Full breakfast menu. They also make large beautiful fresh salads. I wasn't too crazy about the burger, that was a frozen patty. It wasn't bad but there are many much better burgers in town so I would order something else. Other sandwiches are wonderful here! read more