Fall Treats: Where to Find the Best in Cleveland
Disclaimer: We are not paid to promote any restaurant, hotel, activity, product, or attraction. All opinions are subjective and based on our personal experience. Your experience may be different.
Every fall, I get excited to go pumpkin crazy. First, I head to Trader Joe’s to fill up my cart with basically every pumpkin snack and treat they offer. Next, I check for any local restaurants which offer seasonal autumn goodies. In my opinion, pumpkin flavored pastries and a steaming autumn flavored drink just seem to go hand in hand with the cooler temps, beautiful fall colors everywhere, and special autumn events. Nothing really starts the fall season like a steaming mug of the Pumpkin Spice Latte which Starbucks made so famous.
Although the Cleveland fall treat scene has been a bit of a disappointment compared to other areas I’ve lived in, I’ve still managed to find a few awesome seasonal specialities. On a side note, there are many beautiful fall color hikes to enjoy at Cuyahoga Valley National Park and throughout the Metroparks system. Enjoy my guide to the best seasonal pumpkin foods and be sure to also check out my article on the best fall activities in the metro. Note that I have included a few chains on this list as the local scene is a bit limited.
Pumpkin Swirl Latte
Where: Roasted in Tremont
Roasted in the historic Tremont neighborhood is one of my favorite local coffeehouses. I’ve checked pretty much every independent roaster out and this is one of those I frequent most often. I love the spacious layout, the cozy seating, quirky decor, and excellent coffee. They offer a number of great seasonal drinks with names like: Pumpkin swirl latte, Orchard chai, Sweater weather latte, and Golden graham espresso.
The Pumpkin Swirl is a really indulgent drink which combines homemade pumpkin sauce, white chocolate, your choice of milk, pumpkin spice, and homemade cinnamon whip cream. It’s so comforting on a cool fall morning. Unfortunately, they do not offer any fall specific treats, but their bagels are pretty awesome.
Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffin
Where: Metropolitan coffeehouse
Another one of my favorite local coffeehouses is Metropolitan. This gem in Cleveland offers one of the only pumpkin muffins I’ve seen in the area and it’s quite delicious. It’s moist, and not overly sugary with a cream cheese center. Along with this pastry, you can enjoy a Pumpkin spice latte or Apple Crisp cappuccino. Or just go with a regular drip or Americano which is always brewed perfectly.
I love the setting here with the large windows: the space is very light and airy even on the most overcast days. The seating area is modern, clean, and colorful. The vibe is super local and low-key. I prefer visiting during the week to enjoy the laid-back ambiance.
Pumpkin Spice Donuts
Where: First Watch
I’ve always been a fan of First Watch’s seasonal menu which includes the best pumpkin pancakes of any chain. This year, I was excited to try their Pumpkin Spice Donuts. Normally, I am not a huge fan of donuts, but I’ll make an exception during the autumn months to try pretty much anything pumpkin related. These mini donuts (they look like Dunkin’ Donuts munchkins) are dusted with cinnamon sugar and pumpkin spice and served with salted caramel and crème anglaise. I love the dipping sauces although they probably add a ton of extra sugar. They are totally delicious and worth the caloric splurge.
On a side note, I love their breakfast food. They offer so many healthy and fresh selections. I recommend the Veggie market skillet and one of their fresh squeezed juices. On a side note, their coffee is awesome too! You will find numerous locations throughout the metro: my favorite being the cafe at Crocker Park in Westlake. If weather permits, I recommend enjoying your meal on the gorgeous patio.
Pumpkin Cookie Butter Cheescake
Where: The Olive Garden
Regardless of what anyone says about The Olive Garden, I am a fan of their soup, salad, and breadsticks especially on a cool fall day. Their minestrone soup is amazing and I love their hot breadsticks and salad topped with lots of red onions, tomatoes, olives and their signature Italian dressing. During the fall season, they offer an amazing Pumpkin Cookie Butter cheesecake which is topped with a caramel drizzle. It is just as good as their Black Tie Mousse cake. I recommend indulging in their Never Ending Pasta Special (I like the creamy mushroom and five cheese Marinara sauces) and capping it off with this cheesecake treat.
Caramel Apple & Pumpkin Ice Cream
Where: Pine Cone Ice Cream shop
This rustic ice cream shop in North Royalton offers about 20 different rotating flavors. It’s open all year which is unique for a cold weather area. I really love the woodsy setting which includes plenty of swing chairs and adirondack chairs on the patio. The inside is all decked out for Halloween (complete with a tree with orange lights) and they offer caramel apple (October) and pumpkin (September) ice cream specials. After enjoying your treat, I recommend taking a stroll around the adjacent Maria Gardens. You can shop for all sorts of fall and Halloween decorations and plants of every type imaginable here.
Apple Cider & Donuts
Where: Peninsula
There are a number of great fall festivals taking place at various farms just outside the city. While most tourists head over to Szalay’s, Heritage Farms is a much quieter alternative. Their Pumpkin Pandemonium festival is free to attend (extra fees for hayrides, mazes, and other activities apply). You can stroll around picking out your fresh farm pumpkin, enjoy seasonal cider and donuts, and enjoy live entertainment.
As a bonus, this farm is not too far from beautiful Cuyahoga Valley National Park which is an amazing leaf peeping destination. I recommend the hike to Brandywine Falls, a moderate 1.5 mile trek to a 60 foot waterfall.
PSL at Starbucks
Where: Varies
And, of course, I couldn’t leave out Starbucks who started the Pumpkin Spice craze with their signature drink which they created back in 2003. Although many local shops have tried to recreate the iconic recipe, few have been successful. Although it’s quite pricey, I try to stop here once each season.
I am not a fan of the bland ambiance at most Starbucks locations, but I do love that they brought back mugs so you no longer have to sip out of a paper cup when dining inside. Also, they now offer one free refill!
Drinks aside, their pumpkin loaf (served all year) and their seasonal Pumpkin cream cheese muffin are pretty awesome as well. My favorite location in the metro: Brecksville Rd. which is conveniently near Brecksville Reservation, an awesome leaf peeping destination.
Autumn Squash soup at Panera Bread
Where: Varies
I don’t dine at chains all too often, but I do love a bowl of broccoli cheddar and creamy tomato soup at Panera Bread during the cooler months. The food here isn’t bad as everyone leaves you to believe and they do carry a lot of vegetarian options which is a bonus in my book. Plus, their morning pastries and coffee are pretty great.
During October, I love to order the You Pick Two deal with their seasonal Autumn Squash soup. It’s healthy and filling and you can even order it in their signature sourdough bread bowl for a really comforting fall dish. I usually pair my soup with the Mediterranean veggie sandwich. Is this place overpriced? Yes, but pretty much any chain is going to cost at least $20-25 for 2 people and I am willing to pay a few extra bucks for good soup and more veggie friendly choices.
