Don’s Pomeroy House offers an innovative menu in an environment packed with historic charm
By Patricia Nugent
The same hospitality and charm that Gertrude Pomeroy extended to invite next-door churchgoers to supper in her mid-19th century mansion lives on today at Don’s Pomeroy House.
Proudly overlooking Strongsville’s town square, the historical landmark that once served as a station on the Underground Railroad has earned a name for itself with an innovative menu served in a lovingly preserved setting by a gracious wait staff.
The short version of the mansion’s provenance goes like this: Banker Alanson Pomeroy built the homestead in 1835. It passed down several generations in his family, until granddaughter Gertrude left it abandoned in the 1960s.
The home fell into disrepair. Circa 1980, Don Strang, Jr. stepped in and salvaged it, restoring every brick and banister to its former glory and opening his signature restaurant.
You can dine on the main floor in the old dining room, library, the study or downstairs pub, and the second-floor rooms are perfect for private parties, rehearsal dinners, showers and corporate functions.
The Patio is Now Open
Beneath a canopy of soaring oak trees and strings of twinkling lights, hemmed in by a white picket fence, the red-brick patio at Don’s has become quite the hot spot for al fresco dining.
“It’s beautiful, seating about 160 people, and our guests enjoy the intimate dining experience, with black wrought iron tables tucked under umbrellas. We do not take reservations as the weather changes frequently, so it is first-come, first-served basis,” says Laura Moyer of Don’s Pomeroy House.
For the ultimate intimate VIP experience, don’t miss the special secluded table for four or six they call “Patio 1.” It’s several slate stone steps off the main patio and surrounded by lush trees.
Accolades, Accolades
With such a unique setting and fantastic fare, it’s not surprising that Don’s Pomeroy House has racked up the honors.
It has consistently been named the #1 restaurant in Strongsville (beating out more than 100 others for the top perch), and recently was nominated for Best Restaurant in the Southwest region in Cleveland Magazine’s Silver Spoon Awards.
The friendly and hard-working folks behind the scenes here are also understandably proud of the five-star reviews.
Says Tony M. of Cleveland,
“We keep going back because it is such a wonderful experience, and is such a lovely setting. The food is phenomenal with a great variety of offerings. And our hostess carried on the excellent service and personality that we have come to love.”
Meet Executive Chef Todd Arnold
It’s unusual in the restaurant realm to find a chef who has been at the same eatery for nearly 20 years. And although Chef Todd Arnold is somewhat of an institution in the Strongsville community, his culinary flair is anything but.
“If there is one characteristic that I feel shines in our dishes, it’s diversity,” he says. “We have a little something for everyone, from Certified Angus steaks to fresh seafood and other delicious meats. I like to throw a creative twist or two to classic comfort food, such as making mac ‘n’ cheese with smoked gouda or topping fried green tomatoes with pimento cheese and smoked tomato beurre blanc.”
He also says many of his dishes have a southern inspiration, including his “last meal” selection, which would be the Nashville Hot Chicken. Crispy half chicken is slathered in a searing hot sauce and sided with corn on the cob, Napa slaw and dill pickle chips.
“To appeal to vegan diners, we also offer the very popular 100 percent vegan Beyond Burger, topped with a grilled portobella, baby kale, tomatoes, vegan ranch dressing, a vegan ciabatta and corn on the cob with vegan butter,” he says.
Don’s Pomeroy House is located at 13664 Pearl Road at the corner of Route 82, in Strongsville. Hours are Monday-Friday, 11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m. for lunch; for dinner, Monday-Thursday, 5:00-9:30 p.m.; Friday, 5:00-10:30 p.m.; Saturday, 4:00-10:30 p.m. and Sunday, 4:00-9:00 p.m. Call 440-572-1111 or visit DonsPomeroy.com for more information.