Claudette’s Café & Deli: Northeast Ohio’s best weekend brunches, breakfasts

WESTLAKE, Ohio – Our brunch and breakfast series continues as we check out Claudette’s Café & Deli. Here’s a look at what to expect:

Location + hours: 26485 Center Ridge Road, Westlake, 440-899-1029. It's part of a strip mall so there's plenty of parking. The restaurant sits on the south side of Center Ridge (U.S. 20) and just to the west of Canterbury Road. Hours: 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. seven days. (Early bird specials are 7-11 a.m. Monday-Friday.)

Menu or buffet? Menu.

About the place: Very open and spacious with about two dozen tables and booths. There's a smidgen of confusion about the name. The sign out front says "Claudette's," but the menu says "7 Candles Cafe & Deli." There was thought of a name change, a server told us, but it's Claudette's. Either way, the food is tasty, the kitchen is open, and everything is under $10. The place was sold last year and is about 20 years old, we're told.

About the menu: The menu covers affordable traditional breakfast dishes. Omelets, skillets and rollups include create-your-own options. The Clevelander (corned beef, pastrami and cheese) tempted. There's a banana-split waffle, crepes, stuffed French toast and other choices in addition to egg-based dishes. And more than eight specials were offered.

About the drinks: Martinis, mimosas and good coffee. Life is good.

Don’t miss: The veggie rollup was packed with green peppers, onions, tomatoes, mushrooms, broccoli and spinach with delicious hash browns on the side. Half of one sufficed for a meal, and we had breakfast the next day with the leftovers. For a sweet and carby start to the day, try the cinnamon swirl French toast.

Nice touch: Dave Reinart's photography on the walls, including a compilation of Greater Cleveland landmarks and people as well as a cool mural shot of the Cuyahoga River near Tower City.

Have a brunch spot you’ve wondered about and want us to visit? Email me.

Previous eats: Northeast Ohio breakfast-brunch spots we’ve tried:

1815 Tavern - Aurora

111 Bistro - Medina

35 Brix - Green

Adega - Cleveland (downtown)

Akron Family Restaurant - Akron

Alexandris - Medina

Alley Cat - Cleveland (Flats East Bank)

Astoria Café & Market - Cleveland (Gordon Square)

Austin’s Wood Fire Grille - Brecksville

Barrio - Cuyahoga County (multiple locations)