Inside: Heck's Café

Located in a beautiful vintage-style townhouse in Ohio City, Heck’s Café draws in Clevelanders from all across the city in search of the restaurant’s legendary burgers. This tucked away, Ohio City favorite has been serving up burgers for more than 40 years, and although the restaurant has a range of other menu items, it’s the award-winning burgers that really draws in the crowds.

Food: Heck’s has 13 different burgers, ranging from the exotic Burger au Poivre (a burger with Worcestershire sauce, grilled onions, sour cream and crushed peppercorns), to the standard favorite, the Heck Burger (served with tomatoes, onions and pickles). My favorite is the Ohio City burger. Grilled with “herbs of all nations” and topped with mozzarella cheese, the burger has a full flavor and is served on a hand-kneaded roll. Heck’s also serves a variety of different entrées that run the gamut from steaks to Italian. I’m sure some people order these entrées, but from a look around the restaurant on my visit, burgers are king.

Drinks: Heck’s has a full bar, including an impressive wine list to go along with its fancier menu items. But since burgers are what most people come for, you can also find a variety of good beers to go along with your choice of sandwich.

Décor: There may not be a lot of space inside, but the restaurant makes the most of it with its cozy décor and small, charming tables and chairs. The narrow restaurant stretches far back, offering two different rooms for dining and a small bar area up front that serves more to display the liquor, rather than serve anyone drinks. The back part of the restaurant, “the garden room,” which looks like a restored greenhouse, houses the most tables and the most interesting décor, with a winding staircase with sparkling lights, fireplace and potted plants strung across the room.

Crowd: Everyone loves a good burger, so the restaurant draws in a wide range of diners from all across Cleveland. Its quaint décor and lack of space doesn't make it the best place for large groups, but the staff is welcoming enough to accommodate most any group.

Insider tip: The restaurant also serves up a popular brunch from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, with entrées like stuffed French toast and steak and eggs.

Bottom line: Get ready for pretty much the best burger you’ll find in Cleveland.

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