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Brel's Restaurant & Bar at Playhouse Square serves well-crafted American dishes with an emphasis on fast, friendly service and a diverse drink menu featuring craft cocktails, wines, and beers.
Located inside the Crowne Plaza Cleveland, it’s a convenient spot for pre-theater dining with indoor and outdoor seating. Reservations are recommended for dinner, ensuring a smooth experience before or after shows. Expect varied menu highlights like steak, gnocchi, and their famed Bananas Foster dessert.
What to Expect:
🍽 Seasonal American cuisine
🥂 Craft cocktails and extensive wine list
🎭 Ideal for theater outings
Important Information:
Booking: Dinner reservations recommended
Service: Table service with attentive staff
Accessibility: Fully wheelchair accessible entrances, restrooms, and seating
Parking: Paid garage, valet, and lot available; parking can be challenging
Whether for a solo meal, group dinner, or a night before a show, Brel's offers consistent quality with a casual yet upscale vibe.
Haley's Pick 🍽️
You probably know her as @milehighandhungry. Each week, Haley shares the one place she’s obsessed with right now. From hidden gems to hot new openings, if she picks it, it’s worth the hype.
Haley's Review of Riot BBQ
Riot BBQ on South Delaware feels like a backyard cookout run by a Top Chef, because it is. Chef Manny Barella and pitmaster Patrick Klaiber have teamed up to blend Monterrey flavors with Texas-style smoke, and the results are seriously craveable.
The brisket steals the show: tender, deeply smoky, and finished with Barella’s bold spice rub. Get it solo or wrapped in buttery Raquelita tortillas. The pulled pork brings heat with ancho, guajillo, and morita chiles, and the al pastor ribs are sticky, sweet, and slightly charred in all the right ways.
Even the sides are insanely good! Think crunchy pepita-macha slaw and banana pudding served in a jar that tastes just like childhood (but better). Every bite feels intentional.
It’s barbecue with heart, history, and just the right amount of heat. Riot BBQ isn’t just a meal, it’s a moment worth lining up for.
– Haley @milehighandhungry
📍 Local Insights
🎭 Pre-Theater Favorite: Ideal spot to dine before shows at Playhouse Square, but allow extra time as the kitchen can get busy.
🍌 Must-Try Dessert: Guests rave about the tableside Bananas Foster prepared fresh by the chef.
🍸 Ask for Star: Many reviews celebrate Star, the server known for friendly, attentive service and the best espresso martinis.
🚗 Plan Parking Ahead: Valet and paid garages are available but parking downtown can be tough, so plan additional time.
⏰ Hours
Monday: 6:30 AM–10:30 AM, 5:00 PM–10:00 PM
Tuesday: 6:30 AM–10:30 AM, 5:00 PM–10:00 PM
Wednesday: 6:30 AM–10:30 AM, 5:00 PM–10:00 PM
Thursday: 6:30 AM–10:30 AM, 5:00 PM–10:00 PM
Friday: 6:30 AM–10:30 AM, 5:00 PM–11:00 PM
Saturday: 7:00 AM–11:00 AM, 4:00 PM–11:00 PM
Sunday: 7:00 AM–11:00 AM, 4:00 PM–10:00 PM
👉 Best For
Pre-theater dinners, groups, casual upscale dining, cocktail lovers
Brel's Restaurant & Bar at Playhouse Square (Formerly Ghost Light)
1260 Euclid Ave
,
Cleveland
,
OH
44115
Review Sentiment
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Based on the 50 most recent Google reviews
Brel's delights many with attentive service, strong cocktails, and a comfortable atmosphere near Playhouse Square. Positive reviews highlight standout dishes like steaks and Bananas Foster, and server Star often receives praise. However, some guests report inconsistent food quality, slow service during busy times, and occasional overcooked items. Despite mixed food feedback, the welcoming staff and convenient location make it a favored pre-theater dining spot.
Last updated on
November 9th, 2025
MOUNTAIN MAP
From The preserve
Standout Dishes
Mountain Stats
The Selection
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Angler’s Offerings
What You'll Find
Steak, Salmon, Gnocchi, Bananas Foster, Brussels Sprouts, Espresso Martini, Old Fashioned, Pretzels, French Onion Soup, Crab Cake Sandwich, Fish and Chips, Calamari, Cobb Salad, Chicken Dishes, Dessert Specials
📆 Best Times to Visit
Visit midweek evenings or Sunday brunch to avoid busy tables; book Friday and Saturday dinners early due to popular pre-theater dining.
Accessibility
Fully wheelchair accessible entrance, parking, restrooms, and seating areas ensure inclusive dining for all guests.
Reservation Policy
Dinner reservations recommended; walk-ins accommodated subject to availability
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