Penelope H.
Yelp
TLDR; If you asked me what is the first place you should eat at in Cleveland, without hesitation I'd tell you to go to Szechuan Gourmet.
For the last 1.5 years, I ordered from Schezuan Gourmet once a month (at least). When exams roll around, I kid you not, I order an entire week's worth of lunch and dinners for $60 from Schezuan Gourmet. I keep the menu in the top drawer of my desk. This is my go-to takeout place, and I cannot stop recommending it to everyone I meet. If we've spoken, I've most likely found more than one way to bring this place into the conversation. And no, I've never eaten a sit down meal at their establishment: I discovered Schezuan Gourmet during the peak of the 2020 pandemic, and they have the best take out in the city.
Yes, their menu is massive. So, I'll let you in my secret: my delicious takeout order. I always snag:
#207 sour and spicy potatoes. If you've never had it, it's shredded potatoes that are soaked then fried and paired with vinegar, spices, ginger, and pepper. Mouth watering yet?
#192 Salt and Pepper Crispy Tofu. This is extra firm tofu with an extremely crispy exterior and fluffy interior. I love to scoop up the crispy pieces of garlic, chilies and peppers and sprinkle them over my rice (or directly into my mouth, don't judge). The serving is ginormous, and this tofu does! not! quit! Count on it to last in the fridge - pop it into a toaster and viola - crispy goodness once more.
Other honorable mentions:
#215 Lotus Root & Peanut with Dried Pepper. Crunchy, flavorful, savory peanuts. Recently tried it, and it has become part of my rotation.
#212 Dried Sautéed String Beans. I can't say I've ever seen a bean sprout in my order, but this is salty, crisp, garlicky goodness.
#219 Sautéed Water Spinach with Garlic. This one is for all my broth lovers out there. All the folks that love to spoon a nice sauce over their rice, and then enjoy a part crunchy part super soft vegetable. You know who you are.
#246 Hot & Sour Soup. If I'm ordering this, it is always a large, and because I want something so hot I'll tear up and use up a box of tissues in the process. To me, that's the best thing hot & sour soup can do you for you.
#152 Shrimp in Spicy Garlic Sauce. Not that many shrimp, but a thick flavorful sauce. Was pleasantly surprised by how good this was.
My order is usually ready in 30 minutes or less, which is perfect because that's how far I am. There's a huge parking which is very convenient. Everyone is always very kind.