Don’s Pomeroy House holds a special place in the hearts of many, and for me, it marks my first foray into the world of fine dining. My family’s Christmas Eve brunch here introduced me to the delights of Eggs Benedict and the charming ambiance of booths lined with books. Overlooking Strongsville’s town square, Don’s Pomeroy House is more than just a restaurant; it’s a landmark with a rich history, even rumored to have been a stop on the Underground Railroad.
Original Don's Pomeroy House exterior photo showcasing the historic mansion in Strongsville, Ohio
This beautifully restored mid-19th century mansion stands as a testament to Cleveland’s south side culinary scene. It’s renowned as a premier dining destination in Northeast Ohio, celebrated for its commitment to the freshest seafood, steaks, and chops.
Elegantly restored mid-19th century mansion of Don's Pomeroy House, a premier dining destination near Cleveland
For those seeking a more relaxed atmosphere, Don’s Pomeroy House offers The Pub, nestled in the basement, and a delightful patio for summer dining. Having experienced all three settings, I find it difficult to pick a favorite – each has its own unique appeal. Notably, the patio menu draws from both the main dining and pub offerings, providing ample choice.
My recent lunch visit led me to the cozy library area, warmed by a fireplace. I opted for the house salad paired with the French onion soup and French dip lunch duo. The house salad was a refreshing mix of fresh greens, mandarin oranges, and strawberry slices, complemented by a tangy poppy seed dressing. The French onion soup delivered on cheesy richness and was generously filled with caramelized onions and dark bread.
Cozy library dining area with a fireplace at Don's Pomeroy House, serving fresh house salad and French onion soup
However, the French dip was a bit of a letdown. The baguette, unfortunately, lacked the desired texture and became soggy when dipped in the au jus. A sturdier, proper baguette would have been a better choice to hold the roast beef and provolone cheese.
French dip sandwich from Don's Pomeroy House, featuring roast beef and provolone on a baguette
My companion’s baked salmon entree, a special featuring a lemon thyme glaze over spring pea, asparagus, and Asiago risotto, was a resounding success. Every bite was savored, and the risotto was perfectly cooked and bursting with flavor, a taste of which I thoroughly enjoyed.
Baked salmon entree with lemon thyme glaze and Asiago risotto at Don's Pomeroy House
Beyond our lunch selections, I can confidently recommend the White Fish sandwich, previously featuring grouper, served with steak fries. Another standout is the Kobe meatloaf, a blend of pork and Wagyu beef, accompanied by Yukon Gold mashed potatoes and green beans. Regrettably, photos of these dishes are lost to a past computer crash.
Observing the desserts at a neighboring table, the portions were undeniably generous. Though we were too full to indulge, the eclair looked particularly tempting. If available, the Bananas Foster is another highly recommended dessert, and the chocolate cake is known for its moistness and delicious flavor.
Tempting dessert eclair at Don's Pomeroy House, part of their delicious dessert menu
Don’s Pomeroy House also excels in its happy hour offerings, both in The Pub and on the patio. My Meetup happy hour group has enjoyed several successful gatherings here, with everyone praising the food and drink specials. The Sunday/Monday surf and turf special is another highlight – a Maine lobster tail and center cut filet mignon, accompanied by whipped potato and vegetable, at a significant saving. It was a popular choice during a Monday evening patio visit with one of my dining groups.
The Pub at Don's Pomeroy House, a casual dining option in the basement of the historic mansion
Contact Don’s Pomeroy House:
Don’s Pomeroy House Website
13664 Pearl Road Strongsville, OH 44136
(440) 572-1111
