Moncho's Bar and Grill

With the close of summer, it's time to get back to tackling my 2015 To Dine Challenge list of restaurants that I need to hit before the year ends. Last week, that quest brought us to Moncho's Bar and Grill on Denison Avenue to meet friends for dinner.

Just a quick bike ride from home, I'm surprised that it took us this long to get there.

Construction on Dension Avenue from the corner of West 25th Street is making it a little challenging to get to the restaurant. The street is temporarily a one-way, but don't let that keep you away. Once you arrive, there is a parking lot connected to the restaurant that is newly paved. The exterior is thoughtfully decorated with all sorts of planters and twinkling lights. We met our friends at 7PM, and we were the only ones in there for quite a while, but others trickled in during our meal.

The interior is stark in some areas, but also has colorful chalk board menus and displays, beer bottle cap table-tops, and a fireplace.

Serving up Colombian comfort food, this family-run business is a hidden gem. We quickly discovered that there was a language barrier, but the four of us stumbled through our dusty Spanish and were able to order our drinks and food accurately.

Mr. H and I shared the Arepa y Chorizo ($7) to start.

The chorizo has a nice kick to it, and the corn patty was delicious. The only thing missing was something "wet" on this dish.

I ordered the Toston Sliders ($10) with three deep fried plantains as the base, and then topped with shredded steak, shredded beef, and shredded pork. On top of the meats was hogao and it was served with a side of guacamole.

This was a huge plate of food for the price point. I couldn't tell the difference between the steak and the beef, but one of them was bursting with flavor and was by far my favorite of the three.

Mr. H ordered the Bocadillo Cubano ($8).

It was a big sandwich, and it left him quite full. We both love a good grilled sandwich that leaves the center of the bread soft and doughy, but with a great crusty outside. I also enjoyed stealing a few of his french fries and garlic aioli.

The margarita and mojito were very good. We even saw our server/bartender go outside to grab a handful of fresh mint to muddle for the mojito. The beer list is limited, but features a handful of craft beers, domestics, and imports, both draft and bottle.

This is a place that my mom would love, and I'd love her interpreter services! The food overall was very flavorful and fresh, and the place is casual but with some flare. We'll be back. Dining Deals Alert!

Moncho's Bar and Grill
2317 Denison Avenue
Cleveland, OH
216-471-8247