Clevelanders often debate what best typifies our local cuisine, which is already a good sign because it means there are multiple possibilities.
Two deserve special mention. First, the "HOT" Corned Beef. A sandwich so amazing it requires extraneous punctuation. In fact, Cleveland really spoils you on corned beef. Any place else just doesn't measure up. Some favorites here include My Friends, a 24 hour diner on the West Side, and the legendary Slyman's Deli.
But the qunitessential Cleveland staple is the Polish Boy. "Cleveland on a Plate". Trek out to the East Side and go to Hot Sauce Williams.