Cleveland, like many cities, has a culture all its own. Over the years, a number of cultures have contributed to and shaped Cleveland’s unique milieu. So, too, has happenstance. The Great Depression, in particular, shaped Cleveland, especially when it comes to local cuisine. Ever heard of city chicken? Of course, you have – Cleveland is one of the few places in the Great Lakes region where you can enjoy this dish. Believe it or not, this chicken-free dish surfaced during the Depression as a cheap alternative to actual chicken, which was expensive and hard to come by at the time. Today, the dish remains popular in The Land… and you can still find Cleveland city chicken at some area restaurants and stores, though it is slowly disappearing from the local culture.
Editor’s Note: In 2020, Sokolowski’s made the difficult decision to close their doors. Whether or not this is a permanent closure is a matter of discussion amidst locals that only time will reveal the answer to. Until then, visit some long-standing places from Old Cleveland that tell of the city’s growth.
- Pinzone’s Market Fresh Meats
Pinzone’s Market Fresh Meats/Facebook
Pinzone’s Market Fresh Meats/Facebook Pinzone’s Market Fresh Meats opened their storefront back in 1995, and they’ve flourished ever since. Before their brick and mortar location was established, Pinzone’s was a coveted sight at the West Side Market. Both locations continue to serve quality meat to visitors, empowering them to create their own delicacies. While not a traditional restaurant, Clevelanders have long turned to this meat stand for ingredients to prepare city chicken in their own homes. That continues to this day… and so, too, does Pinzone’s superb quality!
Address: 6046 Broadview Road, Cleveland, OH, 44134
- Little Polish Diner
Little Polish Diner/Facebook Out in Parma, it doesn’t get more authentic than a trip through Polish Village! The Little Polish Diner is a fan favorite dining destination, and they frequently offer city chicken as a daily special. When paired with authentic European comfort food, city chicken is oh-so decadent. Little Polish Diner is laid back and comfortable, the perfect place to go if you’re craving city chicken or pierogis, another Cleveland classic.
Address: 5772 Ridge Road, Parma, OH, 44129
- Sokolowski’s University Inn
Sokolowski’s University Inn/Facebook
Sokolowski’s University Inn/Facebook Sokolowski’s has served Clevelanders for decades. Though they are primarily known for European-style comfort food, you can often find this Cleveland classic dish among their offerings. As rich and cozy as traditional comfort food, city chicken blends flawlessly with their cafeteria-style offerings. Plus, you’ll get a taste of local history during your visit – this destination has served Clevelanders since 1923!
Address: 1201 University Road, Cleveland, OH, 44113
- The Red Chimney
Google Maps There’s something enchanting about old-school Cleveland food, and this Slavic Village eatery captures that charm flawlessly. Since the 1970s, this local eatery has offered comfort food in a downright cozy atmosphere… and city chicken is among their offerings! You’ll find all the traditional offerings of Slavic Village including pierogis and schnitzel, in additional to all-American comforts you won’t be able to resist.
Address: 6501 Fleet Avenue, Cleveland, OH, 44105
- Fast Eddie’s
Fast Eddie’s/Facebook
Fast Eddie’s/Facebook At Fast Eddie’s, Wednesdays are all about city chicken. This dish is offered as a Blue Plate Special, so it comes with mashed potatoes and green beans. As usual, this dish consists of breaded fried pork with gravy. Ready to experience a Cleveland classic in a fast-casual setting? Fast Eddie’s is perfect for you!
Address: 7729 W Ridgewood Drive, Parma, OH, 44129
- Giant Eagle
Google Maps Believe it or not, you can now buy this hard to find Depression-era dish at Giant Eagle, of all places! While it may or may not be at a store near you, you can always order city chicken online. While this dish may be a challenge to come by, at least it can be found at the local grocery store.
While this classic Cleveland dish is fading in popularity, it can still be found at a few places of interest. What places would you add to this list… or do you just prepare city chicken in your own kitchen?
Pinzone’s Market Fresh Meats/Facebook
Pinzone’s Market Fresh Meats opened their storefront back in 1995, and they’ve flourished ever since. Before their brick and mortar location was established, Pinzone’s was a coveted sight at the West Side Market. Both locations continue to serve quality meat to visitors, empowering them to create their own delicacies. While not a traditional restaurant, Clevelanders have long turned to this meat stand for ingredients to prepare city chicken in their own homes. That continues to this day… and so, too, does Pinzone’s superb quality!
Address: 6046 Broadview Road, Cleveland, OH, 44134
Little Polish Diner/Facebook
Out in Parma, it doesn’t get more authentic than a trip through Polish Village! The Little Polish Diner is a fan favorite dining destination, and they frequently offer city chicken as a daily special. When paired with authentic European comfort food, city chicken is oh-so decadent. Little Polish Diner is laid back and comfortable, the perfect place to go if you’re craving city chicken or pierogis, another Cleveland classic.
Address: 5772 Ridge Road, Parma, OH, 44129
Sokolowski’s University Inn/Facebook
Sokolowski’s has served Clevelanders for decades. Though they are primarily known for European-style comfort food, you can often find this Cleveland classic dish among their offerings. As rich and cozy as traditional comfort food, city chicken blends flawlessly with their cafeteria-style offerings. Plus, you’ll get a taste of local history during your visit – this destination has served Clevelanders since 1923!
Address: 1201 University Road, Cleveland, OH, 44113
Google Maps
There’s something enchanting about old-school Cleveland food, and this Slavic Village eatery captures that charm flawlessly. Since the 1970s, this local eatery has offered comfort food in a downright cozy atmosphere… and city chicken is among their offerings! You’ll find all the traditional offerings of Slavic Village including pierogis and schnitzel, in additional to all-American comforts you won’t be able to resist.
Address: 6501 Fleet Avenue, Cleveland, OH, 44105
Fast Eddie’s/Facebook
At Fast Eddie’s, Wednesdays are all about city chicken. This dish is offered as a Blue Plate Special, so it comes with mashed potatoes and green beans. As usual, this dish consists of breaded fried pork with gravy. Ready to experience a Cleveland classic in a fast-casual setting? Fast Eddie’s is perfect for you!
Address: 7729 W Ridgewood Drive, Parma, OH, 44129
Believe it or not, you can now buy this hard to find Depression-era dish at Giant Eagle, of all places! While it may or may not be at a store near you, you can always order city chicken online. While this dish may be a challenge to come by, at least it can be found at the local grocery store.
Did you grow up in Cleveland? You’ve probably had some of these other classic Cleveland dishes.
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