Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
oChef » Sauce the City – Cleveland
Sauce the City - Cleveland
Photo from Sauce the City
Sauce the City at a glance
Cleveland Downtown Cleveland
- 🍽️ Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 88 of the guests
#38 out of 62 places to eat in Cleveland
#14 Restaurant out of 18 in Cleveland
Good
6.6 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
562
Reviews
61.4%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Chicken sandwich
- Friendly Chef
- Flavorful sides
Frequently criticized
- Poor value
- Long waits
- Unclean dining
The restaurant Sauce the City, located in vibrant Downtown Cleveland, is a fantastic spot for you to discover. This casual and trendy restaurant offers a welcoming atmosphere, perfect for a quick bite or a relaxed meal.
You’ll appreciate the convenience of late-night food options, making it an ideal choice for those evening cravings. With a focus on diverse offerings, including halal food and vegetarian options, there’s something delicious for everyone to enjoy.
Overview: Introducting Sauce the City
Sauce the City offers a culinary experience centered around its flavorful dishes, particularly the chicken. While many appreciate the food and the welcoming environment, some find the overall dining space less than ideal.
The establishment benefits from a highly praised Chef Vic and quick service, though there are reports of inconsistent wait times. Customers often feel the experience is worth the drive, despite some concerns about pricing.
Good
6.6
out of 10
562
Reviews
61.4%
Satisfaction
189
negative
28
neutral
345
positive
Sauce the City garners a respectable overall score of 6.6, indicating an average performance, with customer satisfaction sitting at a mixed 61.4%. This assessment is drawn from a substantial 562 customer opinions, including 345 positive and 189 negative remarks.
The Food (6.9) stands out as a strong point, frequently praised for its distinct flavors and popular items. However, the Value (3.4) presents a notable challenge, often cited as a concern among patrons.
While Ambience (6.7) and Service (6.4) hover around average, they contribute to the overall experience with both positive and negative feedback, suggesting areas for potential refinement.
What people like
- Delicious Chicken Sandwich
- Welcoming Chef Vic
- Flavorful Side Dishes
What people don't like
- Inconsistent Value
- Slow Service Issues
- Unappealing Dining Space
Sauce the City offers a compelling culinary experience, particularly if you’re seeking well-prepared chicken and unique sides. With a recommendation score of 6.9, it suggests that many find the food alone makes a visit worthwhile, despite some operational hiccups.
If you prioritize flavorful food and a friendly chef over a perfect dining environment or consistent value, this spot could be a good fit. However, be prepared for potential waits and manage your expectations regarding the overall cost.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Sauce the City
Food (6.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 96% of the guests
When it comes to the food, many guests rave about the delicious chicken sandwich, often calling it the best theyve ever had. The street corn also gets high praise for its tenderness and flavor, and the unique sauce options are a definite highlight. Many find the food fresh, flavorful, and satisfying, contributing to a solid number of positive remarks.
However, the experience isnt always perfect, with some customers reporting issues with the chicken being dry or undercooked, and fries arriving cold or soggy. There are also mentions of buns being stale or soaked, and occasionally the corn being mushy. With a score of 6.9 and customer satisfaction at 65.7%, the food is a mixed bag, as reflected in 236 positive and 102 negative comments out of 359 total remarks.
Food
359
Reviews
65%
Satisfaction
102
negative
21
neutral
236
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious chicken sandwich
- Flavorful street corn
- Unique sauce options
What people don't like
- Undercooked chicken
- Soggy or cold fries
- Stale or soaked buns
Often praised
- foodChef Vic and his staff were very accommodating and friendly. They also made sure all of the food was ready for pickup and made the accommodations as requested. Excellent community business and I highly suggest checking them out for catering or even your family or personal lunch or dinner.
- friesThe food was delicious! I enjoyed the chicken wings with a mix of Cleveland hot sauce and their sweet BBQ sauce, along with fries, corn on the cob, and an adult icy drink. Thank you for an amazing experience!
- chicken sandwichI randomly ordered a chicken sandwich at First Energy Stadium, not from Cleveland and unaware of "Sauce the City. " It turned out to be the best chicken sandwich I ever had. It was a fantastic and unexpected find at a football stadium!
- street cornI also ordered the street corn and a side of fries. The combination of the heat from the sauce with the coolness of the street corn was heavenly.
- wingsMy first visit was with my Dad, and we absolutely loved the wings. I've been coming back since.
- chickenseparately pan-fried chicken just for her sandwich
- cornhighly recommend getting the corn as your side.
- sauceThere was a good amount of sauce
- sandwichI’ve been to this restaurant three times. The two times I ordered a sandwich, it was pretty good. Today, we ordered 3 baskets of wings for wing night and a salad.
- flavorWhen biting into my sandwich, I popped my jaw out of place and dealt with weeks of pain due to how chewy it was. It tasted great though.
Frequently criticized
- friesThe fries were cold and seemed to have been sitting out for quite some time.
- chickenAnd the chicken was horrible. It was tasteless
- bunmushy as was the bottom of my bun
- chicken sandwich$15 for a chicken sandwich and a side is highway robbery
- cornthe corn did not have the crisp, juicy bite. I was overcooked and waxy
- foodI think all the food should be made to order and I do not feel like that is the case
- wingsThe wings were okay, but not as good as the sandwich. Additionally, they claim each order comes with 7 whole wings, but every order we received only had 5. I’d stick to getting the sandwich and avoid the wings next time.
- PhillyI hated it the meat was overly seasoned and very salty
- bunsthe buns were going stale
- chicken wingsmy chicken wings. The wings are breaded, undercooked and they just weren’t good.
If you're craving a flavorful chicken sandwich or delicious street corn, this spot could be a hit. Just be aware that some experiences with chicken, fries, or buns have been inconsistent, so manage your expectations for every dish.
Service (6.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 66% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot has a bit of a mixed bag, landing an average score of 6.4 with customer satisfaction at a mixed 59.5%. Many guests rave about the exceptional customer service, often highlighting the friendly and professional staff, especially Chef Vic, for their attentiveness and great attitude. With 91 positive remarks out of 153 total customer comments, its clear many appreciate the teams enthusiasm and willingness to accommodate.
However, there are also 59 negative experiences that point to some areas needing improvement. Common frustrations include long waiting times, issues with online ordering and the overall ordering process, and occasional encounters with rude staff. Some customers also reported order errors and a lack of clarity regarding the menu, suggesting inconsistencies in service delivery.
Service
153
Reviews
59%
Satisfaction
59
negative
3
neutral
91
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Chef Vic's hospitality
- Great customer service
What people don't like
- Long waiting times
- Rude staff
- Order errors
Often praised
- serviceGreat service! ... it was ready in less than 15 mins
- customer serviceThe food itself is delicious 😋. The only thing I love more than great customer service is a satisfied customer. I've told so many people about this place, but I just wish they were open for lunch.
- staffThe staff did a great job taking our order
- Chef VicI had a delish chicken sandwich and experienced great hospitality. Chef Vic is a true gem in the community.
- menuI visited Sauce the City today on a humble whim and was very surprised at how good the food was. Chef Vic was very welcoming and gave us the rundown on how the menu works and what was new. He and his staff got us our meals quick and very hot.
- ownerThe owner was awesome about the whole situation
- ServiceService:5
- staff memberA staff member came to the door so let me know that and then caught me for I drove away and said he'll take care of me
- Chef Vic and his staffOur company tried Sauce the City for our company meeting today and they absolutely delivered! Chef Vic and his staff were very accommodating and friendly. They also made sure all of the food was ready for pickup and made the accommodations as requested.
- Chef Vick and crewThanks Chef Vick and crew for explaining what happened and for the do-over
Frequently criticized
- customer serviceMy experience at this restaurant was marked by terrible customer service and slow service. Upon arrival, neither my husband nor I were greeted, and the staff was not welcoming at all.
- waiting timeMy experience at this restaurant was extremely frustrating due to the excessive waiting time. It took over an hour to prepare a fried chicken sandwich, and even after driving 40 minutes to pick up my order, it still wasn't ready.
- cashierMy experience at this restaurant was marked by a 40-minute wait for our food. To make matters worse, the cashier clocked out and left without a word, and we discovered they were out of napkins.
- employeeMy coworkers and I were in town for work and eager to try local eateries. Upon entering, we were not greeted by the employee at the register. When I asked for a moment to look at the menu, as we were from out of town, the employee remained silent, giving the impression he was displeased by our presence.
- napkinsthey were out of napkins
- ordermy order was seen before hand. They new that it was goofed
- refundstill no refund. I’ve called several times and never get a call back
- serviceslooooww service
- staffStaff seems annoyed to help customers. staff was extremely rude.
- AnthonyAnthony who gave me this mess
If youre looking for a place with potentially great customer interaction, especially with Chef Vic and his team, its worth a try. Just be prepared for the possibility of longer waits or minor order hiccups, particularly during busy times, which might test your patience.
Ambience (6.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 15% of the guests
The ambience here gets a respectable 6.7, though customer satisfaction is a bit mixed at 56%. Many guests, based on 14 positive remarks, absolutely loved the atmosphere and experience, calling it super nice inside and even 15/10🔥. The art work and music often received praise, contributing to a welcoming environment and comfortable AC.
However, 9 negative comments reveal some drawbacks. Some found the a/c too chilly, and others noted a lack of charm or even a sticky floor. The music was a frequent concern, often described as blasting, which made the environment inside feel less inviting and not ideal for dining in.
Ambience
25
Reviews
56%
Satisfaction
9
negative
2
neutral
14
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great atmosphere
- Stellar art work
- Good music vibe
What people don't like
- Music blasting
- Sticky floor
- Lacks charm
Often praised
- atmosphereatmosphere was 15/10🔥
- musicFrom the food to service to the music
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- experiencewe had the best experience
- ACturned on the AC in the little shop so we could eat comfortably
- art workart 🎨 work on the the walls, was stellar
- environmentEnvironment is welcoming
Frequently criticized
- a/cThe a/c was on and a little chilly but that’s the only negative for me.
- charmnot retained any of it's charm
- closing soonHowever I did read that they will be closing soon.
- eat inyou really can't eat in this little hole in the wall.
- environment insideThe overall environment inside was also music blasting
- musicit sounded like a night club in the kitchen
- music blastingmusic blasting
- placePlace is dirty
- sticky floorsuper glue floor each step in there
If you're looking for a place with a potentially great vibe, especially if you appreciate art and good music, it might be worth a try. However, be prepared for a mixed experience, as some found the music too loud or the environment less than pristine, making it less ideal for a quiet meal.
Value (3.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 14% of the guests
A small number of patrons, 4 out of 25, did find some positive aspects regarding value, noting it was worth the drive and worth every penny. They even considered the prices fair, suggesting that for some, the experience justified the cost. Unfortunately, the majority of feedback, with 19 negative remarks, points to significant concerns.
Many customers felt the offerings were overpriced and simply not worth it, especially after recent price raise issues. This contributes to a low score of 3.4 and a customer satisfaction of just 16%, indicating many felt they wasted gas for a disappointing experience.
Value
25
Reviews
16%
Satisfaction
19
negative
2
neutral
4
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Worth the drive
- Worth every penny
- Fair prices
What people don't like
- Overpriced items
- Not worth it
- High price, low quality
Often praised
- 40 min driveTotally worth the 40 min drive
- pricesThe prices to me are more than fair
- worth every pennyWorth every penny
- worth the driveit's a must-go and worth the drive
Frequently criticized
- pricethe price is not worth the service nor the quality of the food.
- moneyWe weren't informed of the change at the time of ordering. The food itself was just okay, and we spent a lot of money to be disappointed. While I could overlook the mediocre food, deliberately providing the wrong items without notification is poor business practice.
- pricesraise their prices to borderline questionable numbers
- $37.80gave Sauce the city a free $37.80
- 15 dollars6 big gigantic un edible wing dings and fries 15 dollars
- Italian beef sandwichit’s definitely not worth $15
- foodIt definitely was not worth $15.
- overpricedOverpriced totally NOT WORTH IT
- price raisea price raise of $4 is on the store owners
- reimbursethey would reimburse my 30 plus dollars. That never happened
If you're considering a visit, be aware that many customers found the value to be a major drawback, often feeling things were overpriced and not worth the cost. While a few found it worthwhile, the overwhelming sentiment suggests you might want to manage your expectations regarding what you get for your money.
How are the prices at Sauce the City?
You’re looking at roughly $21 per person – reported by 88 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For a Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While the average hovers around $21, it’s worth noting that most guests actually spend a bit less, typically in the $11–$20 range, indicating a nice spread of options for different budgets.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 88 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value for money compares to similar spots in Cleveland.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Restaurant. It offers good value, especially with many options available in the lower price ranges.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Sauce the City
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
2
Worst Coleslaw Ever!
My experience at this restaurant was centered around ordering two Polish boys. Unfortunately, the coleslaw was by far the WORST I've ever had. I strongly suggest they stop trying to serve something that nobody wants.
- Polish boys5
- coleslaw1
Service Intent
- Delivery
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Visit Type
- Delivery
10
Absolutely Perfect and Seasoned!
As a first-time buyer, I ordered the tenders for my son, the wings for my husband, and one of the chicken sandwiches for myself. Everything was PERFECT! It was fresh, even though it was delivered.
The portions were perfect; I was completely full and didn't even finish. It was so good and so SEASONED, I'm definitely going to be a regular buyer for sure.
- tenders10
- wings10
- chicken sandwiches10
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Delivery
9
Awesome Owner, Great Service!
My experience was initially concerning due to an issue with my DoorDash order. I was instructed to contact the owner directly to resolve the problem, and I was initially skeptical. However, the owner was awesome about the whole situation.
He promptly looked into my issues and cleared them up without hesitation. The food itself is delicious 😋. The only thing I love more than great customer service is a satisfied customer.
I've told so many people about this place, but I just wish they were open for lunch.
- food10
- owner10
- customer service10
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Amazing Sandwiches, Sad to See Them Go
I recently discovered that this restaurant was closing, so I made sure to visit for the first time over the last two days. I can honestly say I HAVE BEEN MISSING OUT! The sandwiches here are definitely top tier.
It's truly sad to see them go. If they decide to reopen elsewhere, I will absolutely be supporting them!
- sandwich10
- Food10
- Service7
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Moderate (16–30 min.)
7
Good Wings, Friendly Service, Closing Soon
My experience at this restaurant was centered around their Wings, and I was not disappointed. We tried a couple of different flavors. The service was good from the start; the young man at the counter was very friendly and did a good job taking our order.
The food was ready and hot in a decent amount of time, with a waiting time of no longer than half an hour. However, I did read that they will be closing soon, which is a shame as we didn't get the full experience. Good luck going forward, Sauce the City 🙏🏾❤️.
- Wings8
- service8
- young Man at the counter9
- closing soon3
What Sauce the City offers
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Wi-Fi
- Free Wi-Fi
Offerings
- Late-night food
- Beer
- Halal food
- Vegetarian options
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Catering
- Brunch
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Free parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What accessibility features and parking options does Sauce the City offer?
Sauce the City ensures a comfortable visit for everyone with wheelchair accessible entrance, parking, and seating. You’ll also find a free parking lot, usually with plenty of space available, making your visit hassle-free.
Can I bring my family to Sauce the City, and what dining options are available?
Absolutely! Sauce the City is good for kids and offers a dedicated kids’ menu. You can enjoy a variety of dining options throughout the day, including brunch, lunch, dinner, and dessert, with catering services also available for your events.
What is the overall customer sentiment for Sauce the City?
Sauce the City holds an overall score of 6.6, indicating an average experience. Customers generally appreciate the Food (6.9) and Ambience (6.7), but find the Value (3.4) to be a significant drawback. Service (6.4) receives mixed feedback.
Are there any specific food items that customers particularly enjoy?
Yes, many customers rave about the chicken sandwich, often describing it as delicious. The street corn and other side dishes are also frequently praised for their unique flavors.
What are common concerns regarding the dining experience?
Patrons sometimes report issues with slow service and long waiting times. Additionally, some find the dining environment to be less appealing, mentioning loud music, sticky floors, or a general lack of cleanliness.