Located in the former home of Max’s Deli – winner of  various awards for their deli and dessert offerings – Sweet Melissa’s had some big shoes to fill upon it’s opening several months ago. Although some of the interior looks similar to its predecessor’s, the remodeled inside has helped to differentiate Sweet Melissa’s as its own establishment. With a focus on fresh, mostly organic ingredients, Sweet Melissa’s delivers a menu full of salads, hot and cold sandwiches and other specialties. Just like Max’s, the main attraction is the dessert case, full of a tempting array of cheesecakes, cakes, tarts and other sweet treats.

 I visited Sweet Melissa’s on a Sunday night along with several friends, all with an intense sweet tooth. (It helps). For my main meal, I chose the veggie burger upon the suggestion of a friend. I love a good veggie burger but being a non-vegetarian, the one’s I can’t stand are those flimsy soy patties that make me wish I’d just stuck with the traditional beef! She assured me it was indeed a house-made patty and would not disappoint.  On the side, I substituted a chop salad for the usual chips.

 The salad arrived first and for a small upgrade fee, it was well-worth the cost. This was no dull side salad; it was full of lettuce, carrot, tomatoes, chickpeas, red onion and feta cheese. The lowlight was the shredded romaine. As I had been warned by my friend, the lettuce is shredded so finely it becomes quite flimsy under the weight of the balsamic dressing.

 After the salad came the veggie burger, which still had a side of chips despite my substitution. Can’t resist a taste and I’m glad I didn’t – they were fresh and full of the salty crunch that makes some chips a worthy indulgence.

 The burger itself was inserted between thick-cut bread and loaded with all the usual burger toppings. Just as I had been told, the patty itself was certainly homemade and the kind of veggie burger that gives the sandwich a good name!

 Dessert was a serious decision making process. After much deliberation I settled on the chocolate cake, which has recently been voted Cleveland’s Best. It was a triple chocolate torte, perfectly moist and extremely rich. Although the slices are gargantuan, it’s the kind of cake that makes you glad for the unnecessary amount of sugar set in front of you. The benefit to dining with multiple friends is multiple tastes of the bakery – my bites included the chocolate peanut butter torte, the lemon budina and raspberry cheesecakes and the key lime tart. You really can’t go wrong.

 Our server was sweet but a little slow, which didn’t matter too much to us on a relaxed Sunday night. If you’re in a hurry however, it may be something to consider.

 Limp lettuce and slower service aside, just like the one that came before, Sweet Melissa’s is worth visit. Always save  room for dessert – you’ll be glad you did.