We all have days when we need an excuse to go out to eat. The good news is we don’t have to go far to find great food at very reasonable prices. These locally owned Lorain County restaurants have ongoing specials that have become crowd-pleasers.
Monday
Midway OH Boy, Chicken Paprikash, $8.99
Don’t let the fact this hamburger joint is best known for burgers or that Iron Chef Michael Symon introduced its Hillbilly Hotdog on Food Network dissuade you. Midway OH Boy is all about chicken paprikash on Mondays. Dave Disbrow, the owner for the past 25 years, tells us the restarant uses his cook’s special recipe. But it’s not just the food that keeps people coming back. “It’s good service, good food and good help,” says Disbrow. 6620 Lake Ave., Elyria, 440-324-3711, midwayohboy.com
Tuesday
Rino’s Ristorante Italiano & Pizzeria, Spaghetti & Meatballs, $8.99
When the winds roll off the lake, there’s nothing quite as comforting as a piping hot bowl of pasta. Rino’s Ristorante Italiano & Pizzeria serves oversize portions of spaghetti and meatballs. The sauce and the meatballs are the Nanut family’s recipes. As owners of this upscale, dress-casual restaurant for the past 10 years, they have been serving Italian favorites, including calzone and stromboli as well as traditional Italian chicken, veal and seafood dishes and stone-oven pizza. The rave reviews continue. 5630 Oberlin Ave., Lorain, 440-960-2500, rinositalian.com
Wednesday
Stubby’s Pub & Grub, 10 oz. Steak Special, $6.99
If it’s Wednesday, it’s got to be steak night at Stubby’s Pub & Grille. Its can’t-be-beat 10 oz. sirloin steak special includes choice of french fries, redskin potatoes or sautéed vegetable. At this price, a lot of Lorain County Community College students stop by for a great meal. 114 Antioch Drive, Elyria, 440-365-7882, stubbyspub.com
Thursday
Bullfrogs Sports Café, Mussels, $.10 each (typically sold in units of 10)
Bullfrogs Sports Café is celebrating its first anniversary, and owner Hugh McQuillan is definitely flexing his mussels. Thursday night, it’s an all-you-can-eat mussel extravaganza there. Wash them down with any of the 30 beers on tap (including craft and imports) and hang out to hear the on-stage entertainment. 33137 Center Ridge Road, North Ridgeville, 440-327-3764, bullfrogssportscafe.com
Friday
Smitty’s Place, Lake Perch Dinner,
$12.50, Lake Perch Sandwich, $7.25
Being a Northeast Ohioan means knowing about fish fry specials. Father-and-daughter restaurant owners Steve Frank and Stephanie Forthofer offer lake perch dinner and sandwich specials. Locals know it’s always lake perch (not always from Lake Erie) and can’t get enough of either option. The dinner includes four filets, french fries and choice of cole slaw, applesauce or Smitty’s salad. The sandwich is two filets on a six-inch sub bun with the same side options. 368 East Bridge St., Elyria, 440-323-9708, smittyselyria.com
Saturday
Jake’s on the Lake, Prime Rib Dinner, $12.95
Saturday night is date night, and that is when Jim DePaul and staff feature an 8-10 oz. hand-cut, slow-roasted prime rib dinner. Although DePaul cautions the restaurant is on Lake Road, not overlooking Lake Erie, he assures everyone this converted house is a great place for a casual dinner. The prime rib special includes choice of potato and vegetable. Soup or salad may be added for $1.95. 32485 Lake Road, Avon Lake, 440-933-8304, jakesonthelake.com
Aces Grille, 32650 Lorain Ave., North Ridgeville, 440-327-3333. Family-friendly restaurant offering everything from jumbo potato skins to burgers and steaks. A,DS,M,V • $
Agave Burrito Bar & Tequilaria, 19 W. College St., Oberlin, 440-774-7336. Vegan and vegetarian with lots of toppings. Chipotle brownies. Live music. DS,M,V • $
Aroma Ristorante Italiano, 33481 Lake Road, Avon Lake, 440-933-4360. Italian fare including fresh seafood. Weekend reservations recommended. A,M,V • $$$-$$$$
Bubba’s-Q World Famous Bar-B-Q & Catering,
820 Center Road, Avon, 440-937-7859. Southern-style barbecue with baby-back and St. Louis-style ribs. Owner is former Cleveland Brown Al “Bubba” Baker. A,DS,M,V • $$$
Dervish, 35840 Chester Road, Avon, 440-937-0733. Authentic Mediterranean and Turkish cuisines with Halal meats and seafood. A,DS,M,V • $$
Diner 254, 4950 Transportation Drive, Sheffield Village, 440-934-3888. Retro diner serving comfort food and American classics. Breakfast served all day. A,DS,M,V • $$
Diso’s Bistro, 4286 Oberlin Ave., Lorain, 440-282-1195. Sophisticated yet casual atmosphere with a variety of ethnic offerings. A, DS, M, V • $$
Fiesta Jalapenos Mexican Grill, 35051 Center Ridge Road, North Ridgeville, 440-327-1431. Authentic Mexican food and a fun, relaxed atmosphere. Large menu and several vegetarian options. A,V,M,DS • $$
Fratello’s, 32085 Electric Blvd. at Lear Road, Avon Lake, 440-871-3054. Hearty seafood, chicken and pasta entrees. Extensive wine list. Catering and carryout. A,DS,M,V • $$$
Fujiyama Steakhouse & Sushi Bar, 35840 Chester Road, Avon, 440-937-3888. Entrees range from chicken fried rice to filet mignon, plus appetizers, fresh sushi and sashimi. A,DS,M,V • $$$
Harry Buffalo, 3619 Midway Mall, Elyria, 440-324-3116. Featuring a menu of specialty bison and beef burgers, sandwiches, appetizers and pizza. A,DS,M,V • $
Jackalope Bar & Rotisserie, 301 Lakeside Ave., Lorain, 440-288-2051. Steaks, seafood, chops and pasta. Free dockage for boating diners. Reservations recommended. A,M,V • $$$
Legacy Restaurant and Grill, 750 Jaycox Road, Avon Lake, 440-930-5570. Fine dining in a casual atmosphere. Weekend reservations suggested. A,DS,M,V • $$$
Luchita’s Mexican Restaurant, 1134 N. Abbe Road, Elyria, 440-365-0094. Authentic Mexican cuisine created with highest quality ingredients in a lively atmosphere. A,V,M,DS • $$
Moosehead Grille, 7660 Leavitt Road, Amherst, 440-985-7429. Deluxe sandwiches, steaks, seafood, pasta and burgers. A,DS,M,V • $$
Moss’ Prime Rib & Spaghetti House, 525 Broad St., Elyria, 440-322-8611. An Elyria landmark of nearly 50 years. A,DS,M,V • $$
Mr. D’s Restaurant and Pub, 1825 Lorain Blvd., Holiday Inn Elyria, Elyria, 440-233-7465. Steaks, chicken, fish and pork. Privately catered meals. A,DS,M,V • $$
Mulligan’s Pub & Grille, 38244 Colorado Ave., Avon, 440-934-6666. Lighter fare and a pub-style menu featuring burgers, wings and wraps. Known for its service. A,M,V • $$
Nancy’s Main Street Diner, 426 Main St., Grafton, 440-926-2462. Partially housed in a restored and relocated diner car that was once home to Boston’s Big Dig Diner, Nancy’s serves family favorites, comfort food and huge desserts. DS,M,V • $-$$
Nemo Grille, 36976 Detroit Road, Avon, 440-934-0061. American and Continental fare in the historic Alten House. Reservations recommended. A,DS,M,V • $$$-$$$$
NINE bistro, 665 U.S. Grant St., Greyhawk Golf Club, LaGrange, 440-355-4844. Seasonally updated menu with generous portions. View of 18th green. A,DS,M,V • $$-$$$
Nino’s, 32652 Center Ridge Road, North Ridgeville, 440-353-9580. Italian cuisine, including homemade sausage, huge meatballs and a pound of pasta per entree. M,V • $$
Quaker Steak & Lube, 4900 Transportation Drive, Sheffield Village, 440-934-9464. Barbecue wings, famous Louisiana Licker sauce and a 15,000-square-foot patio. A,DS,M,V • $
Red Tail Golf Club, 4400 Lear Nagle Road, Avon, 440-937-6018. Fine eclectic and traditional cuisine. Restaurant open to nonmembers. A,M,V • $$$
Rose Café, 1800 W. Erie Ave., Lorain, 440-233-7272. Views of Lake Erie and a menu with gourmet sandwiches. M,V • $$
Rubin’s Restaurant & Deli, 616 Leona Drive, Elyria, 440-324-3666. 312 Chestnut Commons Drive, Elyria, 440-366-0607. Casual deli known for its sandwiches, including its specialty corned beef. M,V • $$
Smitty’s Place, 368 E. Bridge St., Elyria, 440-323-9708. Dining place known for its burgers and drawing regulars. D,M,V • $
Sorrento’s Ristorante Italiano, 108 Antioch Dr., Elyria, 440-366-6620. Popular eggplant Parmesan, authentic pasta and pizza. Generous portions. A,V,M,DS • $$
Strip Steakhouse, 36840 Detroit Road, Avon, 440-934-9900. Meat-focused menu with a la carte steaks, plus made-for-two sides and creative appetizers. A,DS,M,V • $$$-$$$$
Stubby’s Pub & Grub, 114 Antioch Drive, Elyria, 440-365-STUB. Featuring burgers, sandwiches and entrees. A,M,V • $$
Sugarcreek Restaurant, 15196 Detroit Road, Elyria, 440-934-5059. American food with an Amish twist. A,DS,M,V • $$
Tree House Gallery and Tea Room, 36840 Detroit Road, Avon, 440-934-1636. 1850s century home/antiques shop with soups, sandwiches, wraps, quiche and homemade desserts. A,DS,M,V • $$
The Unicorn Restaurant & Pub, 423 N. Main St., Grafton, 440-926-2621. Prime rib, flame-broiled steaks, Lake Erie perch, seafood and Gaelic specialties. A,DS,M,V • $$
Weia Teia, 9 S. Main St., Oberlin, 440-774-8880. Creative Asian-fusion cuisine in a trendy atmosphere. A,DS,M,V • $$-$$$
Winking Lizard Tavern, 32045 Detroit Road, Avon, 440-937-7612. More than 100 kinds of beer, plus pizza, burgers, sandwiches and creatiive entrees. A,DS,M,V • $$
Wolfey’s Bistro & Pub, 1069 E. Broad St., Elyria, 440-365-9002. Featuring 90 kinds of beer and an innovative menu of creative burgers and gourmet pub favorites. A,DS,M,V • $$
Wood and Wine, 38790 Chester Road , Avon, 440-934-9663. Italian wood-fired pizzas, pastas and seafood. plus a wine bar with an American and Italian wine list. A,DS,M,V • $$
Ziggy’s Sports Bar & Grille, 193 Parke Ave., Amherst, 440-985-3663. Entrees, sandwiches and pizza. Official viewing location for the Browns Backers Club. A,DS,MV • $$
