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Welcome to Main Gate Restaurant

Nestled at 3900 Orange Ave in Cleveland, OH, the Main Gate Restaurant is a beloved hidden gem that embodies the spirit of home-cooked comfort food. With a rich history dating back over 120 years, it offers a welcoming atmosphere reminiscent of cherished family gatherings. Diners rave about the generous breakfast portions, featuring delightful options like the Croissant Special and Emilio’s unique dishes. The genuine hospitality from owner and chef Emilio enhances the experience, making each visit feel like a warm embrace. Whether you're savoring the biscuity goodness or enjoying perfectly cooked eggs, Main Gate promises delicious moments that keep guests coming back for more.

LOCATIONS

Welcome to Main Gate Restaurant, a true hidden gem nestled at 3900 Orange Ave, Cleveland, OH. This charming establishment stands out for its remarkable offerings and warm atmosphere that warmly embraces every guest who walks through its doors. With its unique location, you might easily miss the entrance, but once inside, you'll discover a world of delightful culinary experiences that will keep you coming back.

This cozy spot is renowned for its heartwarming breakfast selections, each crafted with care and attention to detail. Signature dishes include:

  • Steak & Eggs: A hearty strip steak served with three eggs and home fries for just $16.99.
  • Croissant Special: A delicious combination of two eggs, cheese, and your choice of meat with toast and jelly, priced at $7.50.
  • Emilio's Special: Enjoy three eggs, your choice of meat, and home fries, all for $8.99, personally recommended by customers for its fulfilling taste.
  • Gyro Special: A savory mix of three eggs, home fries, toast, and gyro meat at $10.95—perfect for those craving a Mediterranean twist.

What makes Main Gate truly special isn’t just the food, but also the remarkable service. Guests are greeted like family, with special attention given to dietary needs. The staff is known for their kindness and attentiveness, making sure your coffee cup is never empty and your dining experience is memorable.

Customer reviews highlight the authenticity of the meals—no prepackaged nonsense here, just scrumptious home-cooked dishes. Whether it's biscuits and gravy, the mouthwatering Polish Boy, or the giant pancakes that evoke nostalgia, every dish promises satisfaction. As one patron noted, "This meal brought me back to my childhood Sunday mornings with my grandparents."

Moreover, the setting itself is steeped in history; it’s known to be the oldest restaurant in Cleveland, with a rich past reflected in its unique atmosphere. Guests often describe it as cozy and reminiscent of the beloved bar from 'Cheers', making it an excellent place to unwind and enjoy comfort food.

In conclusion, the sincerity of the kitchen, the warmth of the service, and the deliciously affordable menu make Main Gate Restaurant a must-visit destination for food lovers and families alike. Get ready to discover your new favorite spot—just remember to keep an eye out for its unassuming entrance!

START YOUR REVIEW OF Main Gate Restaurant
Mr. Turtle
Mr. Turtle

A diamond in the rough HOWEVER...GRRRREAT food, service, & prices. Had the days special, biscuits & gravy eggs(3!) & hash browns. .... DEEELICIOUS Don't be taken aback by it's location & appearance, well worth the hunt to find and the resulting meals. Note: they close early afternoon.

Kiersten Chambers
Kiersten Chambers

HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!! Please read! If you are looking for a cool cozy hidden gem this is the place! I'm going to start off with the service. Service was AMAZING! Our waitress was so ontop of everything! Chef even asked if we enjoyed our food and YES , YES WE ENJOYED OUR FOOD ALOT! I ordered the polish boy and my Partner ordered eggs,pancakes and bacon. The polish boy had coleslaw (slightly sweet) and BBQ sauce on it along with BBQ on the crispy airy REAL French fries. Pancakes were so tasteful and yummy so were the eggs and bacon. If you are a fan of the show 'CHEERS' this places gives off a familiar and cozy atmosphere similar to the restaurant/ bar in 'Cheers'. So cheap and so worth the drive! I provided a picture of the food. It is half eaten but we couldn't contain our selves. GIVE THIS PLACE A TRY! YOU WONT REGRET IT!

Allie Ashley
Allie Ashley

My fiance brought our daughter (10) and I in this morning for breakfast after delivering many platters of holiday cookies. I am So unsure how to put this in words, Emilio welcomed us in like family, coffees and hot chocolates were fresh and filled to the brim. When we explained our many food allergies Emilio sprung into action to accommodate. Between the three of us we had a few of the breakfast offerings, pancakes , omelette and Emilio’s own special. (Can I just say yum?!). This meal brought me back to my childhood Sunday mornings with my grandparents. Homefries & eggs cooked to perfection. The biggest Mickey Mouse pancakes my daughter has ever seen &an omelette the size of the plate. We will be back & plan on making this breakfast a bi monthly family affair as we are from an hour away. Salut Thank you Emilio.

Jeff Murray
Jeff Murray

A decommissioned loading bay. Plastic strips that harken back to the freezer cases you saw as a kid. Just beyond that, a few steps separate you from what is seemingly the most glorious pancake breakfast you've ever been to. It's a little off the beaten path, and maybe a little sketch [looking], but I'm telling you, this place is worth visiting. No corporate bullshit, no prepackaged nonsense, just a super good dude on a grill right in front of you, firing off some honest, and incredibly delicious food. I'm a huge breakfast person, anytime of day, so that's what I'm all about, but I hear the lunch is just as good. Find out why tons of people call it a hidden gem. You won't regret it.

E Wallace
E Wallace

Awesome service and delicious home cooked food. We had the salmon croquette special, eggs benedict, and a burger. All was excellent including the never ending coffee. If you want good food at good prices and kind service come here!

Ree * Pico's D.
Ree * Pico's D.

The food is very delicious and Hot fresh. The Blueberry Muffins are Big very mouthwatering. The Server was very nice and helpful. The cook is very nice and he can really cook.

MollyWannaCracker
MollyWannaCracker

If you're anything like me, you typically try to look for the mom and pop restaurants of any area that you go to, rather than going to big chain restaurants that litter most areas, upon walking up to the quaint industry style flap doors, you can just feel the history that this building alone holds with pride. The restaurant itself down the stairs is a utterly charming establishment with budget friendly homestyle foods that are guaranteed to have your mouth water If i'm in the area, I definitely would return and of course would suggest this spot to anyone else looking for good food and hearty spirit

Y H
Y H

Highly recommend this hidden gem! Food was done well, tasty, fresh and not greasy at all! Had their Reuben sandwich and corn beef sandwich, they were HUGE. Fries were fresh and SO good!! Note that it’s a local restaurant for truck drivers, you might easily miss the entrance(see pictures - owner was at the door saying goodbye ). Staffs were super nice and friendly. The owner/chef shared with us it’s the oldest restaurant in Cleveland and the building is over 120-year-old. Come here if you want good comfort food and support local business. Thank you for having us!