The Friars’ Table

Located in the former Cowell & Hubbard space (1305 Euclid Avenue), The Friars’ Table is located at the intersection of Euclid Avenue and E. 13th Street. It is a collaboration between Brandon Chrostowski of EDWINS’ fame and Cleveland Capuchin Ministries. The Friars’ Table opened this past winter and features “a seasonal menu inspired by monastic cuisine,” and its focus is on simplicity and community.

I ended up driving down E. 13th trying to find affordable parking (spoiler alert: there was none) and ended up using the Friars’ Table’s valet because it was the same price as a parking lot a block away. At zero degrees it was worth my not having to walk to and from my car to the restaurant. My friends parked on Chester and walked. When I met friends there this winter it was freezing cold, but one friend kept walking up and down Euclid Avenue trying to find it. I finally had to step outside and wave her down. The signage was definitely lacking at the time. They have since added a large sign. She was freezing when she finally found us, so she ordered hot tea and it came in a nice French press. She chose Earl Grey, but there were several other choices (a Jasmine Green, Peppermint and Decaf Earl Grey) as well.

Once you enter, the restaurant itself is stunning. This beautiful space features a lovely fountain in the center of the front dining room as you walk in, and both dining rooms feature simplistic tables and tableware. The food they serve is simple and wholesome food “to nourish both the body and the soul.” The tableware is very rustic (for example, the water and wine are served in ceramic cups).

The Elixirs are tasty non-alcoholic options. I order the Cloister and loved it. It’s made with pineapple juice, orgeat, fresh lime and soda. The water glass is the green cup, and the wine glass is black (see below).

The server brings out a small basket of complimentary bread with an herb spiral and some olive oil for dipping shortly after you are seated. It is quite tasty. Very fresh and herbacious but not overly so. The bread is definitely a nice touch. I didn’t even use the olive oil.

We ordered three different appetizers, which were all absolutely stunning and delicious. I ordered the wild mushroom tartlet, one friend order the Claufotis St. Abraham (similar to a spinach and goat cheese tart), and the surprising dark horse was the caramelized turnips, which were super flavorful, and I couldn’t stop nibbling on them. The tartlet was flaky and quite tasty. It is a puffed pastry topped with sauted mushrooms. The claufotis is more like a gratin (or one server explained it is similar to a quiche). It was also quite delicious. Both are very popular.

Since it was so cold I was craving warm comfort, so I ordered the beef stew in a bread bowl. I was surprised by the curry profile of the stew. The bread was so hearty that it was somewhat difficult to eat. I definitely enjoyed it. It paired excellently with a Duvel (Belgian beer). I would have loved it if it were served in a proper tulip beer glass, but I definitely enjoyed finding one of my favorite beers on the menu. For it being so small, they have an excellent beer selection (a La Trappe, Weihenstephaner Hefeweizen, Reissdorfer Kölsch and a Clausthaler non-alcoholic beer as well as my beloved Duvel).

My friend K. ordered the Pork Roulade and very much enjoyed it. I enjoyed the bite she shared. It wasn’t as rolled as the roulade I am used to, but it is served with a stuffed fig, olive, and almond sheeps’ milk potato gratin (as you can see it isn’t rolled). But it was quite tasty. K. also thoroughly enjoyed the Borscht. Again, it hit the spot on a cold night.

The absolute star, however, was the Salmon St. Celestine. It is a simple preparation, but the cream sauce prepared with leeks, mushrooms and sorrel was absolutely divine. My other friend shared a bite with us, and I loved it so much that I ordered it when I went back. If you like salmon, it’s a must try!

The desserts were also tasty, but the absolute standout were the Orange Blossom Beignets. They were puffy little balls of doughy heaven. I had the Mixed Berry Napoleon, featuring a mixed berries compote, mascarpone and spiced biscuit crumble, and it was tasty. However, the Napoleon was less a stacked pastry and more like a crumble. But if you can only order one dessert the Beignets are a must.

The place clears out by seven when the theater crowd heads out to their shows. It’s open until 9 PM during the week and 10 on Friday and Saturday nights. If you want a quiet meal get there after the rush.

Contact info:

The Friars’ Table
1305 Euclid Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44115
(216) 230-2017