How This Family-Owned and Operated Breakfast Gem Won Hearts in Parma, OH

Since 2008, this beloved breakfast spot in Parma has been serving made-from-scratch morning favorites that keep locals coming back week after week. 🍳

Southside Diner earned its reputation through signature homemade corned beef hash, creative omelettes, and an open kitchen where guests watch their meals being cooked fresh to order.

Owner Caesar brought 15 years of downtown Cleveland restaurant experience to this neighborhood gem, building a simple menu into the extensive breakfast and lunch selection loved today.

From fluffy pancakes to inventive breakfast tacos, every dish showcases the commitment to quality that makes this family-owned diner a Parma institution. 🥞

How Southside Diner won Parma’s hearts

When Caesar opened Southside Diner in 2008, he transformed a former ice cream shop into something the Parma community desperately needed—an authentic breakfast diner serving homemade food with genuine hospitality.

The open kitchen concept became a signature feature, allowing diners to watch as their meals are prepared fresh, building trust and creating an interactive dining experience.

Caesar’s decision to make signature items like corned beef hash and potato pancakes entirely from scratch set Southside Diner apart from chain restaurants.

The menu grew organically based on customer feedback and Caesar’s creative vision, adding unique dishes like the now-famous breakfast tacos that Cleveland Magazine featured.

Head chef John-Paul Farah joined the team and brought innovation to classic breakfast fare, perfecting recipes through multiple attempts until achieving the ideal flavor combinations customers crave.

Food Highlights

• Crazy 8: Two eggs cooked any style, two sausage links, two strips of peppered bacon, and choice of two fluffy pancakes or two golden French toast slices.

• Breakfast Tacos: Two soft tacos bursting with savory chorizo, grilled pineapple, fried eggs, pepper jack cheese, homemade chipotle sauce, red onion, and fresh cilantro. 🌮

• Mexicali Omelette: Spicy chorizo meets pepper jack cheese and zesty salsa in this crowd-pleasing creation that delivers bold southwestern flavors.

• Chicken and Waffles: A golden Belgian waffle drizzled with homemade glaze and spicy Sriracha sauce, topped with crispy breaded chicken and powdered sugar.

• Potato Pancakes Platter: Homemade from-scratch potato pancakes served with two eggs, two strips of peppered bacon, and two sausage links—locals rave about the creamy interior with green onions.

• French Toast: Thick slices of golden French toast griddled to perfection and served with butter and syrup, available with specialty toppings like strawberries and cream cheese, chocolate chips, or peanut butter and Nutella.

• Breakfast Burrito: Scrambled eggs mixed with diced sausage links, peppered bacon, and home fries rolled in a warm tortilla, then smothered in homemade sausage gravy and topped with cheddar cheese.

• Southside Special: Two eggs cooked any style alongside two fluffy pancakes, two bacon strips, two sausage patties, home fries, and toast.

• Spartan Omelette: Sliced gyro meat fresh off the spit, combined with tangy feta cheese, creates this Greek-inspired breakfast favorite that brings Mediterranean flavors.

Atmosphere 🏠

Step into this cozy Parma diner and experience the retro charm that makes every visit feel like coming home.

The open kitchen layout allows guests to watch skilled cooks prepare meals fresh to order, creating an engaging atmosphere where the sizzle of bacon and aroma of pancakes fill the air.

The family-friendly environment welcomes everyone from solo diners enjoying breakfast at the counter to large groups celebrating special occasions over plates piled high with homestyle favorites. ☕

Bottom Line

Visit Southside Diner for signature homemade corned beef hash and potato pancakes made from scratch, innovative breakfast tacos that Cleveland Magazine highlighted, generous portions at affordable pricing, and warm family-owned hospitality in a retro atmosphere where locals gather daily.

Address:

10705 W Pleasant Valley Rd, Parma, OH 44130

📞 (440) 842-6888

🕔 Mon-Tue, Thu-Sun: 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM (Closed Wednesday)