After brunch and art earlier in the day, it was time to head back out for dinner. I was in the mood for pizza and I heard a great spot for that was Harlow’s Pizza in Lakewood. The cozy bar and restaurant offers wood-fires Neapolitan pies along with a small selection of beer, wine, and liquor.
I was able to get a seat towards the end of the counter which seats around 10 people. The prep area and wood-fired oven are in full view. I ordered a glass of Red Wine and the classic Margherita. The owner, John Sweeney, is behind the counter making each 12-inch pie individually himself.
The pies are made with fresh ingredients and no substitutions are allowed. Sweeney wasted no time in assembling my pizza then popped it into the 800-degree wood-fired oven. It only takes 60 to 90 seconds for each pizza to cook before its taken out, cut, and served hot.
The Margherita was wonderful. Made with San Marzano tomatoes, mozzarella, fresh basil, extra virgin olive oil, and sea salt, its simplicity was perfectly executed. The crust was outstanding.
Dinner at Harlow’s was great. The Neapolitan pizza was really good, service was spot on, and I enjoyed the intimate space where you can watch your personal pizza being made.
After some yummy pizza and wine, I stopped by Porco Lounge and Tiki Room for a couple drinks. The exotic Tiki Bar serves award-winning Polynesian-inspired cocktails using the finest spirits, fresh squeezed juices, and house made syrups and mixers.
The place was packed, the decor was colorful, and the drinks were strong. It was another solid day in Cleveland. I was looking forward to breakfast and baseball the next day!
Harlow’s Pizza
14319 Madison Ave
Lakewood, OH 44107
(216) 712-6502
Website
Porco Lounge & Tiki Room
2527 W 25th Street
Cleveland, OH 44113
(216) 802-9222
Website
