The Place To Be Menu

  • Appetizers
  • Salads
  • Chicken
  • Dell Sandwiches
  • Wraps
  • Desserts

Healthy Meal suggestions for The Place To Be

  • Appetizers
  • Salads
  • Chicken
  • Dell Sandwiches
  • Wraps
  • Desserts
  • Rachel B.

    Since moving to Lakewood I have been very pleased with the number of diners I've been able to try in the area. First George's in West Park, then Michael's in Rocky River, and now The Place to Be. All were similar in that they served better-than-average breakfast fare at lightening speeds with exceptional service. The Place to Be stands out, unfortunately, in only one way from the others, and that is that it is cash only. Hence the four stars instead of five. Coffee wasn't bad, but non-dairy creamer always freaks me out a little bit. I will visit again! Probably to try the Greek omelette (with gyro meat) or the corned beef hash. Today I ordered the vegetable omelette with American cheese and it was really good. Interior was a bit depressed looking and dingy. But it has character.

    (4)
  • Sarah S.

    The Place To Be lives up to its name. If you go on a Saturday or Sunday, it's packed with people, but they get you seated pretty quickly. The food is great by diner standards; cheap, greasy and yummy! I had the Ultimate Skillet. It was very full of flavor and delicious. The service was very good. I love that it's a family-owned and run restaurant and how most of the workers speak Greek to each other. It is cash only, so make sure to leave your credit cards at home.

    (4)
  • Meredith W.

    The Place to Be is a small diner in Lakewood. You can tell right from walking in that it is a family owned restaurant and the staff takes great care in remembering who it's regulars are(in fact, they might have found a couple new regulars in my boyfriend and I with our recent visit). We went for breakfast, I had just got done working night shift so I was very hungry, and we were not disappointed. We were seated right away and given menus, and they were very extensive menus. I chose the pancakes and some hashbrowns and my boyfriend chose one of the skillets. It didn't take long for our food to come. They gave me a big container of warm syrup for my pancakes. I was surprised that the pancakes were rather yellow when I cut into them, but looks aside, they were absolutely delicious. I could get a strong taste of vanilla when I bit into them. They were a very generous portion (I was starving after my shift so I was able to eat ALL of it). The hashbrowns weren't bad, I just think they could have used a little more seasoning. The service was perfect, they weren't too overbearing. They showed up just the right amount to ask us how our meals were and to refill drinks. Sometimes that's a better service approach because it allows you to enjoy your meal a little bit more The only thing that's keeping me from giving this place a five star review is that they only accept cash payments. I'm not sure if there are certain logistics of being able to accept debit/credit card payments, but that's not enough to keep me from coming back.

    (4)
  • Sam M.

    There are very few good old fashioned diners that get it right. This one does. Fast, friendly, traditional breakfast. Unpretentious, and really clean. The only downfall is the meh coffee, although it's always hot and your cup never goes dry. Give it a go unless your a pretentious food snob who doesn't know what diner dining is all about.

    (5)
  • J K.

    I really like TPTB. I've only tried the breakfast there, but it's always been tasty. Last time I was there I had the Greek Skillet, gyro meat was well seasoned and tender. Fair prices and a nice family run atmosphere. Service had always been on point for me. Only thing keeping it from 5 stars is that they don't take cc...It's 2015 people

    (4)
  • Tim O.

    Went here when my go-to breakfast place was closed. It's a great mom and pop diner. There is lot parking right behind it or you can drive North on Warren a bit and park along the street. You get a great amount of food for the price. The food came out within 5 minutes of ordering. The diner wasn't too busy, but it had enough people that I expected it to be a longer wait. The omelet I had was the perfect amount of peppers, onions, ham, and cheese. Got a lot of hash browns with it, too. My buddy ordered the cinnamon french toast. It was nice and thick bread, and it had the perfect amount of cinnamon. The waitress was around constantly filling up our coffee. Definitely gonna come back here.

    (4)
  • Bill S.

    The Place to Be is hands down the best traditional breakfast spot in NE Ohio. My familly has been coming here since 1989 and we've never been disappointed. My personal favorite are any of their omelets, the Greek being my favorite. They have added skillets as well as various eggs benedicts all which are stellar in execution. Try them, you will not be disappointed.

    (5)
  • Jesco D.

    I've been here a few times for breakfast in the last couple weeks and have yet to be disappointed. The server we have had, wish I knew the name, has always been fantastic. She isn't too overbearing, and she isn't too absent despite usually being the only server very early in the morning. She is always on point with refills and checking back with you even when it's busy. As for the food, it has great taste and value. I tried the pancakes my gal-pal got and they were awesome. So awesome I had to come back a few days later just to order them specifically. They are really filling even if you get a short stack. The batter is crazy, I get this taste of vanilla or something that's added to it that really makes it taste awesome. Always gotta get the home fries with ketchup. Besides that, I've really only gotten that one where you get eggs, home fries, a meat, toast and juice for like 8$ or something. Tastes great and came out quick. Definitely would like to have an omelette next time. So yeah. Cash only, but you can get quite a bit of quality made food for a good price. I'm leaving it at a very high 4 for now with a 5 pending when I stop in for lunch one of these days and try some other stuff. The turkey bacon club has been calling my name lately....

    (4)
  • Phil K.

    Biscuits and gravy, eggs over easy & bacon. Enough said! Great little dinner with amazing service and atmosphere. Definitely "the place to be" for breakfast in Lakewood.

    (5)
  • Donna W.

    Just went there for the first time. My nail tech Shelly told me about this place that has been there forever but we are new to this area.Super nice staff very welcoming. Good price good food. We wil go back.

    (5)
  • J. R.

    If I had to chose only one place for breakfast in Cleveland-- this is my pick. The Place to Be isn't full of surprises, there is no hollandaise or kale lurking anywhere and the hashbrowns are plain jane-- but it is reliable, fast, friendly, reasonably priced, and always serves good diner breakfast fare. Really... that simple.

    (4)
  • Jean S.

    Great place for Breakfast! My favorite is the Spinach & Feta Omelet. Served with home fries and your choice of toast. Large generous portions. All home made good. Moderate pricing. A Lakewood favorite. My uncle comes every Sunday all the way from Pepper Pike to savor the cuisine! Always busy and worth the wait. Friendly and professional waiters & waitresses!

    (4)
  • Alyssa G.

    I came here a few weeks ago with a friend after a Saturday night at the bars and this was exactly what I wanted! A place that isn't going to judge you for how you look and is going to treat you like you have been family for years. For going during a prime breakfast rush we were lucky enough to get a table right as we walked in, right by the window to watch people outside and it was perfect. I ordered one of their 'breakfast specials' with eggs, hashbrowns, sausage and a pancake on the side and my friend ordered an Omelet and we had no complaints, and demolished it all. Everything was done exactly how it would be at home and the staff is extremely friendly. With my meal I got a coffee and a juice but I only ordered coffee and my friend got juice so she was nice enough to include her juice as part of my meal. It's the quick service, homemade breakfast you crave every morning when you don't want to cook it for yourself. I will definitely be back and do suggest everyone give it a try. I came after someone recommended it to me for fabulous biscuits and gravy, while that is not my meal of choice I would expect them to be nothing but amazing!

    (5)
  • Orrie B.

    Cool little place. I've been here a few times and everything tastes like a home cooked meal. The wait staff could be a little more attentive with refills and stopping.by to drop off your check as the last time I was there we had to wait about 20 mins to get our check (which is the only thing holding me back from 5 stars). It is cash only but they have an ATM on site and you pay for your food at the register (just an FYI to avoid the awkward stage of waiting on them to pick up your payment)

    (4)
  • Chad D.

    Great little diner. It had a great feel to it. It's tucked away on a side street right off of Lakewood's downtown main drag, Detroit. The first thing you notice when you walk in is how clean the place is. Right away I felt great about it because of the cleanliness factor. It's always the best first impression! The menu is the perfect size. They have all the basics, regular breakfast plates, omelettes, skillets and benedicts. I chose the country biscuit and eggs with choice of meat. The biscuits and gravy were awesome. That alone would be a satisfying meal. The biscuit isn't dry (I've had some that are dry even covered in gravy) you could tell they're made fresh. The gravy was thick and creamy with huge chunks of sausage. You also get two eggs any style and a choice of meat. They had everything from bacon to turkey sausage to ham steak. We went at 9:30 and was able to get a booth right away. I'm not sure how busy this place gets but it's a great local spot for breakfast. Before you go: CASH ONLY! However, there is an ATM on site in case you forget.

    (5)
  • Danielle S.

    Always good food. When it comes to breakfast food, you can't go wrong. The menu is gigantic. They also have a giant lunch menu, but why bother when you can eat breakfast at any time of day. Amazing omelette, great skillets, even the wheat toast is delicious and smothered with butter. Ultimate comfort food. Service is alright, hit or miss, not always the friendliest. They are fast though for the most part, even when it's crowded, which it usually is on a weekend morning. It's cash only, so remember that. And you pay at the register, not at the table.

    (3)
  • Samantha F.

    The Place To Be is a local diner in the Lakewood area that people have been going to for years. I went last Sunday prior to church with my beau and his dad. I'd never been before and I can't say I've been missing much. The diner is old, while clean, it is old. Service was prompt and your typical diner gal service, "What can I getchya?". Coffee is crap (not unexpected) and the menu boasts traditional diner fare. I ordered 2 eggs, toast, and bacon. It came with hash and I was happy and satisfied with what I ordered. Toast comes out prior to your meal, so if you prefer it warm & with your meal, ask when you order for it to be brought with your meal. Prices are to be expected and I couldn't complain. Would I go again, sure. Would I make a special trip, nah. I wasn't impressed overall and I can get diner food closer to home.

    (3)
  • Dan B.

    So if you were asked to look up iconic Lakewood eatery, you will find your search takes you to The Place to Be. The Gyro is legendary as evidenced by the girl at the end of the counter who spent about 3 minutes parsing her food in an attempt to roll the pita closed and eat it like it was just any ol' gyro... She eventually gave in and picked up the knife and fork to eat it the way a true veteran already knows is the proper protocol for such an epic sandwich. The corned beef hash is in my opinion waaaayyyy better than the world famous hash from Big Al's in Shaker Hts., but you have to ask for an egg on top for a fair comparison. You won't be disappointed with anything you order related to breakfast, corned beef or gyro. As for the rest of the menu, I can't really say as I don't stray too far from the tried and true. (And don't worry, they won't slap you if you mispronounce Gyro!)

    (5)
  • Mike B.

    Having a place to go for cheap good food is a rarity. Having a place that has been around for my entire life, is impossible. While I no longer live in Lakewood, I do frequently visit family in the area. The Place to Be is always a favorite breakfast stop. Large portions of delicious breakfast goods at a decent price. It's a perfect morning ending to a night of Lakewood bar crawling. I've never had a cup of coffee that was ever less than half full. I've never left hungry. I've never spent more than $15 a person.

    (5)
  • Shane K.

    Great service, great food, wonderful atmosphere. Perfection.

    (5)
  • koa h.

    Prices are what this place has going for it! A close second is the food, it's not bad folks!

    (4)
  • Josh M.

    This was my favorite diner when I lived in Cleveland for 2 years. Their breakfasts come out quick and are always extremely good. Their egg white omelettes are some of the best I have ever had and the service is great.

    (5)
  • Milos M.

    I've been to this diner quite a few times, it's your average American diner and plus more. It's not the prettiest of places but don't judge a book by it's cover because it certainly gives you great service, food, and hospitality for it's prices. The servers that work there certainly do seem to care about what they do and will always serve you fresh coffee when your out, tell you about the specials, soup of the day, and desserts. All the food is rather excellent for the price you are paying for. I order the Gyro Salad or the Greek Salad all the time, it's really delicious served with a side of tzatziki, large portions, so you better come hungry. Great place, I'll always be coming in whenever I can.

    (4)
  • Liz W.

    Wow! I love little family owned diners, they always have the greatest breakfast and always cheap, but this is a new favorite. Place To Be has cooks that can actually cook an egg correctly, I know it seems simple but I order over-medium and never get it. This place is clean, service is fast and friendly... Breakfast is my favorite but they have great lunch/dinners to offer as well.

    (5)
  • Mary M.

    I come here every other week and have never been disappointed. I have tried many different breakfast dishes and they all have been delicious. My servers have all been courteous and friendly and always refresh coffee unless they are extremely busy. Weekends are busiest. Weekdays you get faster service because there are fewer customers. Go on a weekday and enjoy yourself with the newspaper and relax. They will always take good care of you!

    (5)
  • Charlie H.

    I come to this place at least once a week for breakfast. The good is pretty good. The prices are fair. I usually get the Belgian waffle and a cup of coffee (good coffee). The staff is friendly for the most part. My only real qualm with the place are that I can't pay with my credit card.

    (4)
  • Elizabeth M.

    Gyro platter is where it's at. The place looks a little sketchy from the outside and I probably wouldn't have tried it without he recommendation of others. I'm really glad I did! Cheap eats and decent coffee make this a place I keep going back to. The service is always good and quick, even when I do takeout.

    (5)
  • J O.

    Great service I mean this lady goes above and beyond doing her job ! I think it's why I keep coming back plus food is so good ! Haha yummy breakfast !! Thanks guys!!

    (5)
  • Levi O.

    Wonderful little old-school diner, very nostalgic vibe to it and a great menu, plus all day breakfast. The waitresses/waiters are great as well. Only actual downside is that they are cash only, however there is an ATM inside. (At a $2.50 cover fee.)

    (4)
  • Melissa W.

    This place is a favorite for my family and I when we come visit Ohio. Family-owned, fast service, large portions and great customer service. They conveniently have an ATM, so people who forget to bring cash can still pull some. Their breakfasts are great! Haven't tried their lunch menu aside from the grilled cheese special they had... So good! We will be back again and will be happy to see the family who owns this place again.

    (5)
  • Joe T.

    Love this Little Jem here in Lakewood! Awesome Food and Awesome Servers! ! Try it out you will not be disappointed.

    (4)
  • Jayme K.

    Love coming here for Breakfast in the center of Lakewood. Portions are huge and very filling. Prices are extremely reasonable, but beware- CASH ONLY and be prepared to wait for a table on weekend mornings.

    (4)
  • Lilly S.

    Love this place! Cash only but it's such a good breakfast joint. Very basic, nothing mind blowing or super unique, but it's a solid product for a very low price. The staff is always very nice and pleasant. I've never been disappointed by this place.

    (5)
  • Jennifer R.

    Great greek diner food. I had a giant chef salad and my mom had a huge tuna sandwich. Great prices, big portions, good food. Fast service, but be sure you bring cash, they don't take credit cards.

    (4)
  • Rachel W.

    I come to The Place to Be whenever I'm in town. Delicious corn beef hash and quick service. I only wish they had sourdough toast. I have never been to Melt, because why would I go there when there's The Place to Be?

    (4)
  • Brooke G.

    Quick, good, classic breakfast food. They give a good portion for the cost. Many servers who are very attentive. Only downfall is cash only.

    (4)
  • Samuel W.

    Best Breakfast and Diner in Lakewood! Not the sexiest place, but its a diner, its not suppossed to be. Quick and Friendly Service and they keep the coffee flowing.

    (4)
  • Georgia C.

    I've been coming here with my boyfriend probably about once a month for years, and before that I've been coming pretty regularly for most of my life. I'll never stop coming to this diner! I've only ever really had their breakfast food, and it's fantastic. I love the pancakes and the omelettes. The service is fantastic and friendly. They're very good at what they do. There are lots of breakfast places in Lakewood, and while I do enjoy going to many of them, I keep coming back to The Place to Be.

    (5)
  • Dan S.

    This is your typical greasy spoon serving up huge portions of food for a great price. The service is extremely fast. The menu is filled with standard diner fare like omlettes, gyros, country fried steak, etc. This is my go-to place for an omlette.

    (4)
  • Chris M.

    The Place To Be has been around forever and the service is good! Our waitress refilled the coffee even before it was half empty, every time. The food is just okay, though. Bland and just not that great. I order the Gyro, which comes with a small bowl of soup. Although I order it every time I go in, neither were anything to write home about (unless Yelp is home). That's bad. Okay.... Sit down with the expectation that you're eating in a small, old Lakewood diner and you'll be happy enough. At least it's a nice change of pace from the chains and burger joints.

    (3)
  • Jillian P.

    An A-OK place (good diner food, but it's not wowing me) with an extra star because the service is great. Cash only.

    (4)
  • Andrew P.

    No credit cards. As just about everyone else has said. Parking is metered till 6pm. Not a good place to take the kiddies, if they are of diapering age. No changing tables in the bathrooms. Other than that. I have been coming to this place for about 15 years now. And love the gyro platter. Soooo much for so little. One order is more than enough for 2 people. We usually order one, and get an extra pita bread. Have to take a star for canned gravy for biscuits and gravy :(

    (3)
  • Lauren S.

    The Place to Be is my jam. It's the default breakfast for me and my boyfriend, we're never disappointed, as we enjoy the price point and the flavor of good ol' fashioned diner food. Pretty good-sized menu/selection, and the belgium waffle is ridiculously good. The wait staff is friendly, while often a bit rushed. If you like diners, you'll like it =)

    (4)
  • Carli L.

    Both take-out and dine-in are a good experience! I'm a fan of the chocolate chip pancakes, but their Belgian waffles are also amazing. We like this place enough that we walked there in a blizzard! Pretty enjoyable overall. They don't accept credit cards, so be prepared.

    (4)
  • Emily P.

    Totally solid diner, with a diverse menu, but the Greek stuff is the best. It is cash only, which is good to know before you get there. I had the Greek skillet, which was amazing. I'd recommend it if you're in the area!

    (4)
  • Jon S.

    The absolute BEST place for breakfast in Lakewood. Omelets are fantastic and portions are large. Worth the wait on weekend mornings!

    (5)
  • Jesse D.

    Fun cheap and pretty good Diner Restaurant... Great nice staff. USed to sit for hours drinking coffee with my best friends! how great!

    (4)
  • Will K.

    This really is the Place to Be. I personally hit this place up on Sunday's after a hard night of drinking, for a few reasons... 1. The Food - It's just what you need to soak up booze, and it's cheap! 2. The Staff - Lets face it.. when you are hungover you don't want to be seen or talk to people.. you want to sit down, get your coffee and eat. That's what happens here, the staff doesn't want to talk much either. 3. The Location - It's tucked right on the side of Detroit, very close to downtown, and depending where you were the night before might be near where you left you car.. not that I'd ever do that.... Important to Note - Doesn't take cards! You need cash. There is an ATM inside but for some reason it refuses my card every time.

    (4)
  • Jim M.

    It's a diner. Great diner food without hip pretensions and gimmicks. This place does it right with breakfast all day along with the regular menu. Service is professional. The servers are people who are over 21 and aren't more concerned with how cool they look than whether your coffee cup is full. Thankfully no changing tables in the restrooms. I don't want to smell it or even imagine it in my eating place. Diners aren't for infants. Find a Chuckie Cheese. The prices don't make you wince in pain. It ain't The Four Seasons and doesn't try to be, so get your nose out of the air and enjoy classic American comfort food at reasonable prices.

    (5)
  • Thomas V.

    Great place use to live down the street and would always go there on the weekend for breakfast. Great food well priced and fast service. So don't worry if there is a line out the door.

    (4)
  • James H.

    Consistently good food. Cheap. And I think one of the gals there is crushin on me.

    (4)
  • Colleen P.

    Cash only, ehhh....Well I went here in the afternoon for breakfast food. Corned beef hash was a tad salty, but decent portions. Small diner, nothing fancy by any means. The burgers looked good though!

    (3)
  • Alan S.

    I really love this little, homey, unpretentious place. Went back for another breakfast and had a gyro omelette (!) and homefries. Both were just outrageously good. Can't wait to go back again and again.

    (5)
  • Evol R.

    My grandfather took me when i was 5years old and we kept going well until he passed away. I still go there from time to time for the memories and the good inexpensive food. The gyro platters are amazing.

    (5)
  • Bob O.

    Great service, great food, and a reasonable price, what's not to like. The corned beef sandwich is excellent, as are the gyros. The breakfast menu is massive. The Place to Be has been doing it right for years.

    (4)
  • Mike C.

    Cool little diner/restaurant in the middle of Lakewood. Great place for breakfast; it's always served well and quickly. They are Greek-owned and have a number of menu items featuring gyro meat. Service has always been great with rapid refills on coffee.

    (4)
  • Haywood J.

    What a refreshing change from the chains. A delightful little place with really good, home cooking. I had an italian sausage sub that was superb. Family also reported having had great food. All the sandwiches are very reasonably priced and come with fries and home made soup! Pies looked really good but we were all too full to get any. The waitress was a very charming greek grandma who was terrific with the kids.

    (4)
  • Kimberly K.

    tucked in a little corner of downtown lakewood where you'd probably miss it if you weren't looking, the place to be sits and waits for you to take notice. this is a homey breakfast stop. families come here, regulars come here, and you should too. cheap eats for breakfast, and the food isn't super greasy. good eggs. filling hash browns. and if you're weird like me and like to eat breakfast food at other times in the day...they serve breakfast all day. it's kinda small, and they pack 'em in on the weekends. ...that's what she said. snuck that one in there. but check this place out.

    (4)
  • P W.

    This is yet another classic diner in Cleveland. You get a real feel for the genuine people of the city at this spot. The gyro is great and it is usually my go to. It is very filling and almost too much to eat at once. Breakfast is good there also. A hidden gem and a good choice if the wait at Melt is the typical 4 hours to be seated. Matter of fact, bypass Melt and just go to The Place To Be! Melt is the place not to be! Unless you want to tell everyone how cool you are because you ate at Melt.

    (4)

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Map

Opening Hours

  • Mon :6:30 am - 3:00pm

Specialities

  • Takes Reservations : No
    Delivery : No
    Take-out : Yes
    Accepts Credit Cards : No
    Good For : Breakfast
    Parking : Street
    Bike Parking : Yes
    Wheelchair Accessible : No
    Good for Kids : Yes
    Good for Groups : Yes
    Attire : Casual
    Ambience : Casual
    Noise Level : Average
    Alcohol : No
    Outdoor Seating : No
    Wi-Fi : No
    Has TV : No
    Waiter Service : Yes
    Caters : No

The Place To Be

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