Sokolowski's University Inn - The Cleveland Classic

I have been trying to get down to Tremont and Sokolowski's for a while, so last Friday, I headed downtown to check it out. For those who don't know about Sokolowski's, and if you are from Cleveland that is hard to believe, it is one of the last holdovers from what Tremont used to be before it went upscale. Sokolowski's is located at the very edge of Tremont, under the I-90 in an old brick building at 1201 University Rd. Cleveland, OH 44113. Open since 1923, food is served Cafeteria style, with you taking a tray, silverwear and then picking and choosing as you head down the line. Dinner is served Friday and Saturday only, with Fish and Seafood specials abounding on Fridays. Faced with a choice, I went for the classic baked Scrod, which was a large portion of the fish, breaded and then baked served with 2 sides, roll and salad. I went with the corn (just average) and paid the extra $.50 for the pirogies which were excellent. Of note is the small salad bar that comes with all the meals, since it includes very good potato salad and an excellent cukes and onions. The portion sizes were big, with plenty of food for the money and the food quality was very good. This is not a place to get cutting edge food stylings, but if you want good food prepared in a classic way, like grandma use to do it, this is the place. The atmosphere is very casual, with a number of different rooms, all covered with genuine Cleveland memorabilia, especially from the Browns, Indians and Cavs everywhere you look. There is also a bar, and beer and wine is available. The bottom line, if you have been to Sokolowski's before, it hasn't changed and you should make a point to get back; if you have never been before, this is one of the keys to true Cleveland Cuisine and you need to check it out. Nothing fancy, but definately good and filling.