Stumbled across this hidden gem. In the basement of produce warehouse. Delicious breakfast. We loved the corn beef special and the vegetarian omelet. Staff, especially Nawal, were super friendly. The chef, Emilio, even came over and introduced himself. We got a sample of the daily soups and they were great. We look forward to coming back! Coffee cup was never empty! Tea served with a honey ginger mixture. Reasonable prices. Quirky decor but very welcoming!
Great food and great experience overall. It’s small and just a few people running the whole place. It was our first time in what felt like a restaurant full of regulars but didn’t feel out of place. We’ll be back.
Haven't been here since I was 17 just came by and I'm 43 food still taste awesome and I don't eat muffins but this one here is everything 🤤 ...
I love the food and dinning in is beautiful for a comfortable atmosphere, but their customer service could bet ten times better. Trying to call in for a pickup order the phone would ring with no answer then disconnect the line to stop calls that's highly unprofessional for a restaurant, they need to hire someone for phone orders or stop taking phone orders all in general. No one should have to call fourty times for someone to answer....
I walked into Maingate Restaurant this morning and ordered the pancake breakfast special. Nawal was the cook, and Emile was my server. I sat at the booth for a minute and asked for a menu. Emile pointed without saying a word as she wrote the specials on the board. No greeting, just a point. Being in the industry myself, I didn’t like that. She had a frown on her face, and honestly, the energy was off. I placed my order but stood up—I didn’t want to sit after being pointed at like that. Nawal noticed and kindly asked me to sit down. He was so nice, and we started talking. While we chatted, I asked Emile for water. She said, “Excuse me?” I repeated, “Ice water.” She brought it over and spilled some, then handed it to me anyway. I thought, “Damn, they just opened—who made her mad already?” But here’s the thing: I said to myself, “I don’t care how mad she is, I’m about to make her talk because this is what I do.” So we got to talking, and she actually opened up and told me what was wrong. And you know what? She ended up being a sweetheart. As we talked, she smiled more and more. The whole vibe shifted. The food? Absolutely great. Here’s what I learned from being in the industry: Never bring your problems with you. Smile even if it hurts, because you want people to return and feel welcomed. But I also learned something else today—you never know what someone is going through. Be patient. Talk if you can. Listen. I could have easily walked out and never come back. But I’m not that type of person. I try to figure things out so the outcome can be better. I’d rather heal you than hurt you. Great couple. Great food. Great experience once we connected. 5 stars. I will definitely be returning. Go check them out, and remember—kindness goes both ways. I pray you feel better, Emile. 💜💜💜💜💜
Great little place. The service was too notice. Most places you feel like just a number. This place though cares about you. They even gave us all a small cup of their soups to try. Table next to use was talking to the cook while he was making their food. Showing them the food and asking if he wanted anything else on it. The food was very good. For being just one guy cooking we even got our food very quickly.
This is little hole in the wall restaurant is a hidden gem. It will take you back to the dinners of old days. The entire staff is very friendly and give a family atmosphere. This rating does not do it justice. This location should have a 5 star rating, but there's always some petty people that you just can't please. I highly recommend stopping by and trying their Maingate chicken sandwich, it is delicious and I am very picky when it comes to coffee, and I have to say they have great coffee. I hope to come around again soon. I will definitely visit them again.
Highly recommend this hidden gem! Food was done well, tasty, fresh and not greasy at all! Had their Reuben sandwich and corn beef sandwich, they were HUGE. Fries were fresh and SO good!! Note that it’s a local restaurant for truck drivers, you might easily miss the entrance(see pictures - owner was at the door saying goodbye ☺️). Staffs were super nice and friendly. The owner/chef shared with us it’s the oldest restaurant in Cleveland and the building is over 120-year-old. Come here if you want good comfort food and support local business. Thank you for having us!