Unearth The Voyage
Looking for the Cleveland bar and grill that had Guy Fieri grinning on Triple D You found it across from the A Christmas Story House at the beloved Rowley Inn. This historic neighborhood spot has been serving regional bites and local brews since 1906, and it still feels like your favorite corner hangout. You get hearty plates, friendly service, and prices that respect your wallet. If you want the Cleveland comfort classics everyone is raving about, start here and come hungry.
Why Rowley Inn Became a Triple D Favorite
Rowley Inn earned the spotlight because it nails comfort food with a Cleveland soul. You taste the neighborhood history in every bite, from pierogies to kielbasa and peppered gravy. The vibe is casual and warm, and you immediately feel like a regular even if it is your first time.
Fans of the show love finding the exact dish Guy tried, and the menu makes it easy. When you sit down, the staff is quick with suggestions and a rundown of local favorites. You get that balance of hearty flavors and affordable prices that keeps the seats full all day.
It is not just hype either. Reviews praise the generous portions and consistent execution. Between the local beers and the comfort classics, you get a Cleveland experience that travels well beyond TV.
Location, Hours, and First Visit Tips
You will find Rowley Inn at 1104 Rowley Ave, Cleveland, OH 44109, right across from the A Christmas Story House. It is a bar and grill with an easygoing flow, so expect a short wait during peak meal times. Hours run most days 7 AM to 9 PM, with Friday to 10 PM and weekends 7 AM to 2 PM.
Weekday afternoons are your best bet if you want a quieter meal. If breakfast is your thing, come early for the Rowley Breakfast with kielbasa and bacon wrapped potatoes. Parking around the museum area is straightforward, and the walk across the street makes it a perfect double stop.
Prices sit in the sweet $10 to $20 range, and the staff can guide you to house favorites. Call +1 216-795-5345 if you have timing questions. The website lists seasonal specials and any updates you might want to catch.
The Dish Guy Fieri Ate
If you watched Triple D and thought I need that exact plate, you are in luck. The menu flags the dish Guy tried, and it is as bold and comforting as it looked on TV. Expect rich gravy, tender meat, and a Cleveland twist that leans into pierogies or kielbasa depending on the feature.
When you order it, pair with a local brew for a complete experience. The staff will suggest a beer that cuts through the richness without stealing the show. You get that perfect diner style satisfaction with a pub energy that feels right after a museum visit.
Reviewers call it a must order on a first visit. The portion size is generous, and leftovers travel well. If you are splitting plates, add a side of tots or a bowl of peppered gravy for dipping.
Loco Moski and Bacon Wrapped Tots
The Loco Moski is the kind of Cleveland comfort that keeps people coming back. Piled pierogies meet beef, onions, and savory gravy, landing somewhere between classic Eastern European and diner style indulgence. You get that stick to your ribs satisfaction without a fussy presentation.
Bacon wrapped tots are another crowd pleaser that nails the crisp salty bite. They pair with beer like they were made for it, and you will be tempted to order a second round. If you are sharing, this duo covers crunchy and saucy in one order.
Service tends to move fast even when the dining room is buzzing. Ask for extra gravy if you like your plate saucier. It is an easy way to sample the flavors that define Rowley Inn.
CLE Shrimp and Grits With a Twist
Rowley Inn’s CLE Shrimp and Grits wakes up classic comfort with regional flair. Creamy cheesy grits lay the base for peppers, onions, mushrooms, and slices of Hungarian sausage. On top, perfectly cooked shrimp and crispy bacon seal the deal.
The textures are spot on with velvety grits and a gentle crunch from vegetables. It is rich but balanced, and a local pale ale helps brighten each bite. If you love Southern plates with Midwest personality, this is a winner.
Portions run big, so consider splitting if you plan to sample dessert. Leftovers reheat nicely thanks to the saucy base. It is one of those sleeper hits that regulars love to recommend.
Rowley Breakfast and Morning Crowd
Morning hours at Rowley Inn bring locals grabbing hearty plates before work or a museum tour. The Rowley Breakfast stacks eggs, toast, kielbasa, and those craveable bacon wrapped potatoes. You get diner comfort with better ingredients and a neighborhood feel.
If you want things quick, sit at the bar and order coffee with your plate. The team moves efficiently, and refills arrive without asking. It is the kind of breakfast that sets you up for a full day of walking and sightseeing.
Gluten free adjustments are possible, including sandwich bread swaps. Just let your server know exactly what you need. For sweet tooths, keep room for bread pudding later in the day.
Pierogies Two Ways
Pierogies are a Cleveland staple and Rowley Inn treats them right. You can go classic with butter and onions or lean into loaded versions with corned beef and gravy. Either way you get tender dough, a golden sear, and fillings that stay creamy.
Reviewers rave about the corned beef option made in house. It brings a salty savory pop that plays well with a malty lager. If you are new to pierogies, this is a painless first step into the local food scene.
Order extra onions for sweetness and a side of peppered gravy for dipping. Share one plate and save space for a burger or shrimp and grits. It is an easy win for mixed groups.
Burgers, Steaks, and Pub Classics
If you want straight up pub comfort, the burger and steak game here is strong. Patties arrive juicy with a proper sear, and toppings lean creative without getting messy. Steaks are cooked to order with a confident hand and fair pricing.
Add fries or tots, then steal a bite of a friend’s pierogies. That mix feels very Cleveland in the best way. Portions run generous, so pace yourself if dessert is calling your name.
Ask your server about rotating specials or seasonal toppings. The kitchen is not afraid to riff, and those specials often sell out. Pair with a local IPA or a crisp pilsner to keep the meal balanced.
Bread Pudding and Sweet Finishes
Save room for dessert because the bread pudding has a following. It is rich without being heavy, with a soft custardy center and golden edges. A warm sauce ties everything together and turns the table quiet for a minute.
If you are sharing, two spoons are enough because the portion satisfies. Coffee or a dark beer makes a great pairing when you want something cozy. It is the kind of finish that keeps regulars loyal.
Ask about any rotating sweets as well. The kitchen occasionally plays with seasonal flavors that complement the core menu. Either way, dessert here feels like a hug after a hearty meal.
Drinks and Local Brews
The beer list highlights regional picks that fit the menu like a glove. You can lean malty with pierogies or go crisp and hoppy with richer plates. Cocktails keep it simple and classic, letting the food do most of the talking.
Servers are quick to suggest a pairing based on your order. If it is your first time, say you want a local favorite and go from there. Prices stay friendly so you can try a couple without breaking the bank.
Game days bring a lively bar vibe with TVs and conversation. It is social without being rowdy, especially earlier in the evening. Grab a stool, order tots, and you are set.
Gluten Free and Dietary Notes
Rowley Inn makes it straightforward to navigate dietary needs. You can request gluten free bread for sandwiches and keep cheese off without fuss. Staff is used to guiding guests through safe choices and kitchen handling.
For hearty eaters avoiding gluten, the kielbasa, eggs, and potatoes approach works well. Simple modifications keep flavors intact and portions generous. Make sure to confirm your needs clearly when ordering.
If you have multiple restrictions, call ahead to discuss options. The team is practical and honest about what they can do. It keeps the experience relaxed and enjoyable for your whole table.
Service and What to Expect
Most visits bring warm service, quick refills, and a friendly neighborhood feel. Reviews highlight staff who know the menu well and steer guests to the right plates. When it gets busy, communication stays clear and upbeat.
Like any bustling spot, not every interaction is perfect. If something feels off, a calm conversation at the moment usually fixes it fast. The broader team works hard to keep tables happy.
For a smoother experience, have your payment card and ID ready just in case. Some guests mention occasional ID checks to prevent fraud. It keeps things moving and avoids surprises at the end.
Across From the A Christmas Story House
One of the coolest perks is the location across from the A Christmas Story House and Museum. You can tour the movie home, then walk across for lunch and a pint. It turns a simple meal into a Cleveland mini adventure.
Families like the convenience since everyone finds something to eat. The menu welcomes kids, big eaters, and curious travelers equally. If you are planning photos at the house, time your meal to miss the tour rush.
During holidays, expect extra foot traffic and a lively street scene. Call ahead if you are with a group to avoid waiting. The neighborhood energy adds to the charm without overshadowing the food.
Pricing and Value
Rowley Inn hits that sweet spot where quality meets value. Most plates land between $10 and $20, and portions are generous. It feels like honest food priced for locals, not just tourists.
If you want to stretch your budget, share a starter and a main. The bacon wrapped tots with a hearty entree leaves enough room for dessert. Drinks stay reasonable, especially local beers on tap.
Tip well if the team makes your night, because they hustle. And do not skip the daily specials board near the bar. That is where some of the best deals hide.
Busy Times and Seating
It is a smaller bar and grill, so timing matters. Late lunch and early dinner often move fastest, while peak dinner can mean a wait. If you are on a schedule, arrive a bit off peak or grab a bar seat.
Tables space out enough to feel comfortable, not cramped. The staff handles groups with care even in a compact room. If your party is large, a quick call helps them prep a spot.
Arcade games and TVs add relaxed energy without turning it loud. You still get conversation without shouting. It is a neighborhood rhythm that rewards patience during rushes.
How to Plan Your Visit
Start by checking hours, then decide if you want breakfast, lunch, or dinner vibes. If you are visiting the museum, build your meal around your tour time. Bring a light jacket because Cleveland weather loves a surprise.
Look over the menu online so you can hit the ground running. Calling ahead for groups saves time, especially on weekends. If you are gluten free or have an allergy, mention it right away.
Finally, leave room for dessert or a second round of tots. Snap a photo of the featured Triple D dish for bragging rights. You will walk out full, happy, and already planning a return.
