The team at Danny Boys is ready to welcome you back with a freshly packed summer menu and cool vintage vibe

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Danny Boys’ summer menu is loaded with scrumptious options that are bursting with fresh ingredients and are fun takes on classic preparations. (Photography: Felicia Vargo)

By Patricia Nugent

Topping the most-missed list of pursuits that were curtailed during the pandemic

is celebrating fabulous dishes around a table at your favorite neighborhood restaurant. Since those days are over now, the friendly folks at Danny Boys have two words for you: Welcome back.

“We are thrilled to be at full capacity again, seeing all the old and new faces,” says

Rob Grendow, who, along with his wife, Renee, founded the flagship restaurant over 25 years ago. “Our summer menu is loaded with scrumptious options that are bursting with fresh ingredients and are fun takes on classic preparations.” General Manager Elena Rego heads the Broadview Heights location.

If there’s one thing all of their dishes have in common it’s authenticity.

“Our recipes have been handed down in the family, and it shows,” he says.

The atmosphere is just as genuine, with charmingly nostalgic décor including memorabilia throughout the restaurant that pays homage to Frank Sinatra, Marilyn Monroe and the Rat Pack.

“The autographed posters and interesting artifacts are part of the dining experience,” he says.

Thinking Outside the (Pizza) Box
Over the years, Danny Boys has brought home numerous awards for crave-worthy pizza, especially our city’s namesake, the famous Clevelander, with the sauce on top of the cheese and pepperoni.

“We hope folks realize that we’re a restaurant and not just a pizzeria,” says Rob.

“To kick off summer, diners are loving our super fresh salads, which make the perfect lighter meal. The Bistro Chicken Salad includes cranberries, candied walnuts, tomatoes, apples, goat cheese, fresh parmesan and citrus-grilled chicken; and the Grilled Lemon Asparagus Salad includes tomatoes, sunflower seeds, artichokes, black olives, goat cheese, fresh parmesan and grilled lemon asparagus.”

People love all the sharable dishes, too, including Pineapple Chicken Nachos and Baked Meatballs. They dive into the Build Your Own Pasta part of the menu, as well as the burgers.

Danny Boys has earned the designation as having the best happy hour in town, with specials on cocktails, beer, wine, and a selection of tantalizing $5 appetizers.

Hands-Down Best
Shawn G. of Hinckley is a big-time foodie whose family enjoys eating out often. “Hands-down, the Chicken Parmesan at Danny Boys is the best in Cleveland,” he says.

Rob reports the dish is one of their top sellers for a reason—they bake the breaded chicken to perfection, then smother it in a house-made sauce and a blend of five cheeses, bringing out its rich, savory flavor.

The restaurant has also earned a designation as having the best happy hour in town, with specials on cocktails, beer, wine, and a selection of tantalizing $5 appetizers. And don’t miss wine nights, with half priced select bottles of wine.

A Wonderful Place to Work
The shortage in labor has affected restaurants throughout the area and Danny Boys is no different.

“We’re grateful to have loyal employees who have been with us for many years,” says Rob. “And we hope to build our staff with more to cover all the shifts this summer and beyond. As the perfect first job for those starting out, whether in high school or college, or a fun part-time position for folks who are retired or between jobs, our family-run operation offers a terrific work environment, with good wages and flexible schedules. We hire people who only want to work the summer, as well as those who are looking to make a career out of the restaurant and hospitality industry.”

Rob says they are thankful to the outpouring of support from loyal “regulars” the restaurant has served over the past year.

Danny Boys restaurants are located in Rocky River, North Olmsted, Tallmadge, Broadview Heights, North Canton and Sandusky (between Kalahari waterpark and Great Wolf Lodge). Visit DannyBoysPizza.com for menus and hours. You can apply for jobs online and in-person daily; no experience necessary.