While travelling to Detroit recently, I finally had the excuse to stop in Cleveland for supper. Naturally I had to stop by Mendel’s Kansas City BBQ. Mendel is known for his amazingly delicious BBQ and smoker. The place definitely had a vibe, and I was digging it. Very rustic, lots of art on the wall etc. After speaking to the manager, we finally settled on what to order. I went with the Brisket Truffle Poutine, the Smoked Fried Wings, Loaded Knish, World Famous Burnt Ends and the Smoked Lamb Riblets. Now being from Montreal, I have grown up with milchig Poutine, which consists of French fries, parve gravy and cheese. However, I have never had a fleishig Poutine. It was really good. There was a nice amount of mushroom truffle gravy sauce, the fries were nice and crispy, and it paired well with amazingly delicious pulled smoked brisket. When you go, you NEED to try this dish. Moving on to the wings, I didn’t expect them to be smoked, but they actually were. We took the buffalo sauce and the wings had a nice fry on them. We were curious about the Loaded Knish, so naturally we had to try it. The dish consisted of a jumbo potato knish topped with their famous mushroom truffle gravy. If that wasn’t enough, they even added some pastrami. It was a mouthful, but a delicious mouthful, very unique and different. Everyone who knows me said if you ever go to Mendel’s you NEED to try both the Smoked Lamb Riblets and the World Famous Burnt Ends. We started with the burnt ends. They were packed with flavor, smokey, bbq, fall apart yummy goodness. There is a reason that they are world famous. Finally it was time for the Smoke Lamb Riblets. When they were brought to our table I was immediately overcome with the smell of smokey goodness. It looked amazing. The riblets had a dry rub on them and I am a big fan. Each bite was better than the last and I was sold. In closing, Cleveland isn’t that far away and its definitely worth the drive for some amazing smoked BBQ.
Overview
If you're in the Shaker Heights area and craving a hearty meal packed with flavor, Mendel's Kc Bbq is the spot to hit. Nestled at 20314 Chagrin Blvd, this local gem delivers a mouthwatering barbecue experience that will have you coming back for more. Whether you're a barbecue aficionado or someone just looking to dive into a new dining experience, Mendel's doesn't disappoint.
From the moment you walk through the door, the warm, inviting atmosphere lets you know you're in for something special. The interior is cozy yet spacious, perfect for a family outing or a casual hangout with friends. The aroma of slow-cooked meats and smoky goodness fills the air, and the friendly staff makes you feel right at home.
The menu at Mendel's Kc Bbq features a wide variety of options, from tender pulled pork sandwiches to perfectly charred ribs. Every dish is thoughtfully crafted with a blend of spices and flavors that are sure to tantalize your taste buds. The barbecue is the star of the show, but the sides are just as impressive. Creamy mac and cheese, crispy fried pickles, and tangy coleslaw round out the meal, giving you the full barbecue experience.
What truly sets Mendel's apart is their commitment to quality. The meats are smoked to perfection, and you can taste the difference in every bite. For example, their brisket is a crowd favorite, with its juicy, melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich smoky flavor. The ribs are another must-try-falling-off-the-bone tender with a caramelized glaze that adds just the right amount of sweetness.
But Mendel's Kc Bbq isn't just about food; it's about the experience. The staff here are not only knowledgeable about the menu but are also eager to share their passion for great barbecue with customers. It's clear that the team takes pride in what they do, and it shows in every aspect of the restaurant.
If you're wondering about the value, rest assured that Mendel's offers generous portions at prices that won’t break the bank. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite for lunch or settling in for a full dinner, you'll find that the portion sizes are more than satisfying, giving you plenty of bang for your buck.
Location-wise, Mendel's Kc Bbq is perfectly situated on Chagrin Blvd, making it an easy stop for locals and visitors alike. Whether you're passing through the area or live nearby, the restaurant's central location makes it a convenient choice for anyone in need of a barbecue fix.
When it comes to customer feedback, Mendel's Kc Bbq consistently receives high marks from diners. The reviews highlight not only the top-notch food but also the great service and cozy atmosphere. Many patrons rave about the consistency of the food, noting that they’ve never had a bad meal at Mendel's, which speaks volumes about the restaurant's commitment to excellence.
If you're in the mood for something a little different, try their specialty sauces, which range from mild and tangy to hot and spicy. The sauces add a new layer of flavor to the dishes, and many regulars even take a bottle home to enjoy later.
What’s great about Mendel's is its versatility. You can grab a quick bite during lunch, enjoy a relaxing dinner, or even bring the family out for a weekend feast. Plus, they offer takeout, so you can enjoy their delicious barbecue from the comfort of your own home.
Whether you’re a barbecue connoisseur or just someone who loves a good meal, Mendel's Kc Bbq offers something for everyone. With a dedication to quality, a welcoming atmosphere, and a menu that leaves you satisfied every time, it's easy to see why this spot is becoming a favorite in the area. So next time you're in the neighborhood, stop by and indulge in some of the best barbecue in town.
Good to know
Service options
✓ Outdoor seating ✓ Delivery ✓ Takeaway ✓ Dine-inHighlights
✓ Fast service ✓ Great beer selection ✓ Great cocktails ✓ SportPopular for
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Solo diningAccessibility
✓ Wheelchair-accessible car park ✓ Wheelchair-accessible entrance ✓ Wheelchair-accessible seating ✓ Wheelchair-accessible toiletOfferings
✓ Alcohol ✓ Beer ✓ Cocktails ✓ Coffee ✓ Comfort food ✓ Halal food ✓ Quick bite ✓ Small plates ✓ Spirits ✓ Vegan options ✓ WineDining options
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Catering ✓ Dessert ✓ Seating ✓ Table serviceAmenities
✓ Bar on site ✓ ToiletAtmosphere
✓ Casual ✓ Cosy ✓ TrendyCrowd
✓ Family friendly ✓ Groups ✓ TouristsPlanning
✓ Dinner reservations recommended ✓ Accepts reservationsPayments
✓ Credit cards ✓ Debit cards ✓ NFC mobile paymentsChildren
✓ Good for kids ✓ High chairs ✓ Kids' menuParking
✓ Free of charge street parking ✓ Free parking lot ✓ On-site parking ✓ ParkingPets
✓ Dogs allowed outsidePhotos
Location
Reviews
Highly recommend! Great food and impressively quick service. Pulled brisket sandwich was delicious and had a good texture. Fries are good but nothing insane, probably depends on your preference. The iron skillet blondie was amazing and next time I will be getting the ice cream add on. Two gender neutral bathrooms are available.
Could not have asked for better food or experience. I had to go back & forth between dishes because they were THAT good. I frequently travel to the Carolinas & I will put this up there with the best of them. Everything was stellar & it was a first time experience that I’ll never forget. It seems there are some early reviewers that have been too quick to attack the pricing of the food without realizing it is a kosher restaurant. Perhaps in time this will become more understood. All in all, 10/10 & I’ll be recommending it to all of my clients. Can’t wait to go back!