Craving a cheeseburger level bite before noon? Martha On The Fly in Cleveland delivers that same crave with stacked breakfast sandwiches, golden sides, and small town warmth in a tiny Tremont nook.
With a 4.8 star reputation and lines that move fast, every order feels like a find. Here is how to make the most of this cozy counter and what to try first.
1. The Shirley
Meet the Shirley, Martha On The Fly’s cult classic that eats like a cheeseburger for breakfast. Thick house made all beef bologna brings savory depth, seared on the flat top until the edges caramelize.
It stacks with a fluffy signature egg, melty American cheese, tomato jam, caramelized onions, and sunshine sauce on soft, warm bread.
Every bite hits sweet, salty, creamy, and smoky, the kind of balance that makes you rethink simple breakfast. Order it with a Potato Crispy or cornmeal fries and you will understand the lines outside this tiny Tremont counter.
If you love a cheeseburger’s comforting heft, the Shirley delivers that same satisfaction with morning brightness. Grab extra napkins because the sunshine sauce likes to run today.
2. The Doris
The Doris keeps it classic, like a diner cheeseburger reimagined for breakfast. A fresh ground pork sausage smash patty sizzles next to a fried egg, then meets American cheese and sunshine sauce.
Tomato jam adds gentle tang while the house bun stays pillow soft and warm.
You get crispy edges, creamy yolk, and that nostalgic fast food flavor without the regret. It is the move when you want straightforward comfort that still feels chef driven and carefully sourced.
Pair it with a cold brew from Guardian Coffee and a side of potato crispies to round things out. On sunny mornings, take it to the bright teal tables outside, breathe, and watch Tremont wake up around you with your second coffee.
3. The Betty
Betty brings bacon energy that burger lovers will recognize instantly. Thick cut hickory smoked bacon lands over a flawless fluffy egg patty and draped American cheese.
A smear of sunshine sauce ties it together on that ultra soft house baked bun.
It eats like a bacon cheeseburger without the heaviness, with smoky, salty pops in every bite. Add tomato jam for brightness or a hit of local hot sauce if you like a kick.
When the line moves fast, this is the sandwich that feels like a sure thing, any time. Bring a friend, split a Potato Crispy, and chase bites with sips of OJ from those charming old school cartons.
It is simple, nostalgic, and totally satisfying. For breakfast.
4. Potato Crispy
The Potato Crispy is a giant skillet latke meets hash brown, golden and deeply crunchy outside. Inside stays tender and steamy, then it gets a drizzle of sunshine sauce plus optional local hot sauce.
It is perfect for sharing or for anchoring a solo breakfast when you want something crispy to fork into.
People rave because it carries the same craveable texture you love in diner hash browns. Grab napkins, tap on salt, and let each crunchy corner soak up runny yolk from your sandwich.
It is the move when seats are scarce, since you can stand, snack, and smile between warm bites. Add maple syrup on the side for a salty sweet moment you will not forget, all week.
5. Cornmeal Fries with Sunshine Sauce
Cornmeal fries are Martha’s sleeper hit, crisp edged batons with a tender, polenta like center. They come alive with sunshine sauce and a drizzle of maple syrup for that salty sweet magic.
Dunk, crunch, repeat, and suddenly you understand why reviews mention them again and again.
Order a side to share or make them your personal snack while you wait for sandwiches. The texture lands somewhere between hush puppies and steak fries, with a lovely corn aroma.
They are unusual, nostalgic, and absolutely Cleveland, the kind of bite that keeps locals fiercely loyal. Ask for extra sunshine sauce if you like to double dip, because one cup disappears fast.
These fries make great road snacks on sunny walks through Tremont.
6. Baked Goods and Guardian Coffee
Beyond sandwiches, the counter tempts with cinnamon rolls, pies, and mini cake donuts dusted with sugar. Pair them with Guardian Coffee, poured hot or over ice, plus classic cartons of Dairymen’s orange juice.
It feels old school in the best way, like a neighborhood spot that grew up deliciously.
If your sweet tooth hits, snag a donut with apple butter or bring home a slice of pie. Coffee balances the richness of sunshine sauce and eggs while keeping your hands warm outside.
It is the small pleasures that make the wait fly, and this counter nails them daily. Grab a second cup for the drive or your stroll past Professor Avenue’s murals and trees while the city wakes around you.
7. Visiting Tips, Hours, and Vibe
Martha On The Fly sits at 2173 Professor Ave in Tremont, tiny, friendly, and buzzing from open to close. Hours run most days eight to two, and stretch to three on Friday through Sunday.
Lines happen, but ordering is quick, and the team is warm, attentive, and fun to chat with.
There are four counter seats and a few outdoor tables, so plan for takeout or a casual stand and snack. Parking is street based, Tremont is walkable, and the vibe feels like cozy retro Cleveland charm.
Come hungry, bring patience, and you will leave planning your next visit before finishing the last bite. Check the website for specials, and remember they serve breakfast greatness that rivals any cheeseburger craving.