The Courtyard Cafe has been a fixture in Brecksville for the past three decades. We've been coming here for years and haven't had a bad meal. It's located at the southeast corner of Route 82 (Chippewa Road) and 21 (Brecksville Road) in what's now the Marc's plaza.
With the Courtyard you get a mix of Brecksville history (similar to old New England), a sports bar, and a fine dining restaurant. The space seems a bit cramped and darkly lit inside, but it's cozy. There's also a patio for the spring and summer months.
The French Onion soup as always been a favorite of ours, and they do it up well: baked in a bowl with croutons, and topped with provolone cheese. Highly recommended as a starter or, if you're not too hungry, a meal.
If you're a fan of fish, they do a really good job -- especially with the grouper wrap.
Highly recommended.