Inside: Flying Fig

Flying Fig touts itself as a “small eatery and bar.” For the casual observer, the world “small” denotes nothing but physical size—and appropriately so. There’s not much room to go around in this tiny restaurant located on Ohio City’s charming Market Avenue. But “small” has a different meaning as well. In this first-rate establishment, they do every little thing, the smallest of details, incredibly well. The presentation of the food, the little touches of service, the smart and stylish décor—all of it is top-notch, making for an experience that will leave a big, colossal impression.

Food: The Fig has arguably the best food in Ohio City—no small feat for a neighborhood bursting with some of the best culinary talent in Cleveland. Start small with one of the aptly-named savory starts (that’s appetizer to you and me). The tempura battered green beans are a particular delight. From there, you can go the way of variety with a trio of small plates, such as the seared scallops, crispy polenta cake or mouth-watering stuffed banana pepper, which is filled with homemade Italian sausage. The entrées, though more filling, are no less delectable. The grilled Ohio pork chop, for example, is served with apple bacon bread pudding, brussel sprouts and a Sherry reduction. Even the Ohio beef burger, which some might wrongly assume is a low-brow option, defies expectations. The sweet beef patty, buttermilk blue cheese, bacon and caramelized onions combine for a mouth-watering, melt-in-your-mouth taste of euphoria.

Libations: Fasten an expertly-mixed martini? The Fig’s resident mixologists have got you covered. They excel whether shaking an old-school classic like the Moscow Mule or more exotic fare like the Spicy Tomatini. The beer selection, while slightly limited, is no less impressive. Draft selections include the likes of Dogfish Head, Breckenridge Vanilla Porter, Left Hand Sawtooth Ale and Old Rasputin Russian Imperial Stout. The bottled selection includes a carefully selected roster of microbrews such as Stone Ruination, Brooklyn Lager and Great Lake’s seasons selection. The wine list is a bit more expansive, with an impressive array of whites and reds by the bottle or glass. And for those who like their spirits bubbling, the Fig also offers a handful of sparkling wines.

Décor: Stylish. Cosmopolitan. Sophisticated. The Fig’s décor is more befitting New York City than our humble ol’ Cleveland. And thank goodness for us. What a treat it is to eat while sitting in a high-backed booth or to share a cocktail in the free-flowing lounge. The space throughout is a bustling hive of activity, complemented by high ceilings.

Service: The servers here are decidedly hip. They’re also polished as hell. The result is a grade-A dining experience that never feels stuffy or cold. Whether you’re stopping in for a few cocktails or sticking around for a four-course dinner, this good-natured staff will provide attentive and professional service befitting of the stylish setting and exquisite cuisine.

Happy hour: For those looking to get a taste of the Flying Fig experience without footing the typically hefty bills (entrées will cost you about $25), happy hour is the way to go. Between 4-7 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and all day Sunday, the small eatery and bar offers samplings of its menu (remember those tempura green beans?) for only $5. The same goes for select drinks, including the martini of the day—a French raspberry sparkler and a happy hour beer.

Bottom line: If you’re looking for an excellent dining experience that's anything but small, look no further than the Flying Fig.