Openings

LittleLit: Tremont’s Favorite Tavern Spawns a Retro Diner Bar in Broadview Heights

Liam Cutwater · October 21, 2026

LittleLit: Tremont’s Favorite Tavern Spawns a Retro Diner Bar in Broadview Heights

The team behind Literary Tavern is opening LittleLit in Broadview Heights—think smashburgers, a killer bar, and late-night vibes.

Cleveland’s beloved Literary Tavern has a new kid sister—meet LittleLit, a retro-futuristic diner bar landing in Broadview Heights. Owner Ross Valenti is bringing the same magic that made Literary a Tremont institution, with slick cocktails, top-tier burgers, and a playful, space-age vibe. Ready for late-night burgers and cocktails south of the city? Let’s dig in.

Inside LittleLit: Diner Bar with a Twist

Walk into LittleLit and it’s clear this isn’t just another strip mall build-out. Valenti, alongside Scalish Construction, has morphed a former Subway into a space that blends chrome nostalgia with modern polish. Expect a sweeping counter where the open kitchen melds seamlessly into the bar—a setup perfect for solo diners, date nights, or that group hangout you keep promising.

  • Sleek counter seating with a front-row view of the action
  • Retro-futuristic design nods (think somewhere between “Happy Days” and “Blade Runner”)
  • Laid-back but grown-up, just like its Tremont sibling

Menu Highlights: Smashburgers, Dogs, and More

Let’s be real: classic American comfort food reigns here—but with a serious edge. LittleLit’s menu is compact, crave-worthy, and dialed-in for both quick lunches and post-midnight cravings.

  • Single and Double Smash Burgers: Potato buns, sharp cheddar, “comeback sauce”—these are smashed the Midwest way.
  • OKC Burger: Griddled with onions, drenched in umami, topped with American cheese.
  • Pastrami on Rye: A nod to East Coast delis, in Broadview Heights.
  • Hot Dogs: All-beef Vienna or Chicago-style, or go wild with a duck fat dog. Polish Boy style—with BBQ sauce and slaw—tastes like summer in Cleveland.
  • Salads and Grain Bowls: For those seeking balance amid the burger joy.

Sips & Cocktails: A Proper Bar Scene

What’s a diner bar without drinks worth leaving the house for? LittleLit brings the same beverage energy as The Lit, with a grown-up cocktail lineup that’s anything but afterthought.

  • Rotating craft cocktails, from takes on classics to new-school creations
  • Local beer list and curated wines
  • Bar seating perfect for solo contemplation or low-key meetups

From Tremont to Broadview Heights: Why It Matters

The Literary Tavern survived and thrived through some wild years, building a loyal following for its vibe and food. LittleLit takes that DNA and plants it in Broadview Heights, right alongside Valenti’s other neighborhood staples D’Agnese’s and Cantine. This is big for southside Clevelanders—finally, a late-night spot with city cred and real hospitality.

How to Visit: Opening Details & Hours

LittleLit opens its doors next Monday at 1100 W. Royalton Rd. and is primed for:

  • Lunch and dinner, Monday through Sunday
  • Late-night service on weekends (yes, a real after-dark burger fix in the ‘burbs!)
  • Walk-ins welcome, but expect some buzz early on

Pro Tip:

Start with a double smashburger and a bespoke cocktail—then thank us later.

Crave those Literary Tavern vibes outside Tremont? LittleLit is your new go-to. Get ready, Broadview Heights: the burger bar of your dreams just landed.