THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Hodge’s

THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Hodge’s Restaurant Review:

What started as a food truck has evolved into one of the city’s hippest upscale-casual eateries. Hodge’s, run by chef/owner/food truck pioneer Chris Hodgson, is located inside an expansive space in Cleveland’s Gateway district. A private dining room off the kitchen is home to a chef’s table --- dubbed The Hodge Podge --- where, by reservation, guests can enjoy a five to seven course private meal prepared by Hodgson. The restaurant menu features local farmers and other purveyors, too, so freshness and seasonality are always in play. For starters, we have three suggestions: blue crab hushpuppies; devils on horseback, stuffed with chorizo, as sweet as they are savory; the Cleveland smorgasbord basically featuring all the best meats and cheeses this town has to offer. In fact, you could easily enjoy these three starters and snacks and call it a meal. But if you’re craving a more traditional approach, the burger is juicy and served with tots that will make the kid in you jump for joy. The hanger steak is also notable. For dessert, the caramel apple hand pies are comforting and served with locally made Mitchell’s caramel sea salt ice cream. Drinks are well poured and interesting. Beers are generally craft and creative. Wines are serviceable. Service is spotty, but the food usually makes up for it.