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Relaxed neighborhood chain pub with classic American grub, hundreds of beer choices & sports on TVs.
Address and Contact Information
Address: 1300 E 9th St, Cleveland, OH 44114
Phone: (216) 297-4490
Website: https://www.winkinglizard.com/
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… (1,476 Reviews). . $$. . Closed now. . 1300 E 9th St, Cleveland, OH, United States, 44114. Links. . winkinglizard.com. Services. . Specialties. Outdoor …
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Reviews
Latisha Dutch
had dinner at Winking Lizard Tavern in Cleveland and really enjoyed most of the experience. I ordered the Cajun Chicken Spinach Salad, and it was excellent — fresh greens, flavorful chicken, and a great balance of spice and texture. It’s definitely something I’d order again.
At the table, we shared the Bavarian Pretzels, which were a huge hit. They came with both beer cheese sauce and mustard, and everyone at the table loved them — perfectly soft and warm with just the right amount of salt. The combination of the pretzels with the dipping sauces made for a great starter to share.
One of the biggest highlights of the evening was the music. The playlist was awesome — upbeat, familiar songs that gave the place great energy without being too loud. Honestly, the music alone set the tone for a fun and laid-back night and was probably my favorite part of the experience.
The overall vibe of Winking Lizard is casual and friendly — definitely a great spot to hang back with friends, grab some drinks, and enjoy good food in a lively atmosphere. It has that classic tavern feel with a local touch, and you can tell it’s a popular hangout.
The only real downside was the customer service. Our waitress was a bit lackluster — not rude, just disengaged and slow to check in. It didn’t ruin the night, but it was noticeable compared to the otherwise positive vibe of the place.
All in all, Winking Lizard is a fun, casual spot with great food, fantastic music, and a comfortable atmosphere. I’d definitely go back — especially for the Cajun chicken salad and those pretzels — but I’d hope for a little more attentiveness from the staff next time.
… moreAt the table, we shared the Bavarian Pretzels, which were a huge hit. They came with both beer cheese sauce and mustard, and everyone at the table loved them — perfectly soft and warm with just the right amount of salt. The combination of the pretzels with the dipping sauces made for a great starter to share.
One of the biggest highlights of the evening was the music. The playlist was awesome — upbeat, familiar songs that gave the place great energy without being too loud. Honestly, the music alone set the tone for a fun and laid-back night and was probably my favorite part of the experience.
The overall vibe of Winking Lizard is casual and friendly — definitely a great spot to hang back with friends, grab some drinks, and enjoy good food in a lively atmosphere. It has that classic tavern feel with a local touch, and you can tell it’s a popular hangout.
The only real downside was the customer service. Our waitress was a bit lackluster — not rude, just disengaged and slow to check in. It didn’t ruin the night, but it was noticeable compared to the otherwise positive vibe of the place.
All in all, Winking Lizard is a fun, casual spot with great food, fantastic music, and a comfortable atmosphere. I’d definitely go back — especially for the Cajun chicken salad and those pretzels — but I’d hope for a little more attentiveness from the staff next time.
Ricardo Lehy
Here’s a polished and natural-sounding English review:
⸻
I guess the idea that American food is always salty was just a misconception. Everything we ordered — the mac and cheese, chicken garlic pizza, and chicken wings — was delicious and generously portioned.
What I loved the most was that it’s the perfect spot to watch NFL games. There were dozens of TVs mounted across the walls, so no matter where you sit, you get a great view. Highly recommended!
… more⸻
I guess the idea that American food is always salty was just a misconception. Everything we ordered — the mac and cheese, chicken garlic pizza, and chicken wings — was delicious and generously portioned.
What I loved the most was that it’s the perfect spot to watch NFL games. There were dozens of TVs mounted across the walls, so no matter where you sit, you get a great view. Highly recommended!
Crystal Siembida Boggs
Food wasn’t anything to brag about and we usually enjoy this restaurant chain. Service was really slow and business was slow so it felt neglectful. Place had an odd smell that just wasn’t appetizing. Everyone was friendly and portions were generous.
… moreGerry John
Nice food selection. Burgers were excellent. Steak fries are always delicious. Good variety of beers to choose from. Local sports crowd when there are games. Plenty of televisions throughout. Service was good, quick, attentive.
I will note that one of the burgers we ordered did come out extra rare and had to be sent back. The waitress was apologetic and got it taken care of quickly. Overall, I would recommend 🙂
… moreI will note that one of the burgers we ordered did come out extra rare and had to be sent back. The waitress was apologetic and got it taken care of quickly. Overall, I would recommend 🙂
Holden Williams
Waited more than 45 minutes to receive our food for a table of four (4 entree’s and 2 sides of wings). The restaurant was not incredibly busy—normal or perhaps a tad bit light for a Saturday evening. Waiter brought our drinks and didn’t stop by again until after the food runner brought our food. Pretzel beer cheese burger was good. Food was ok, nothing to write home about. Overall wouldn’t recommend this place to a friend.
… moreLuca Catoline
Went here with my family after going to the science center as a lunch plan. So to be completely honest everything was completely average. NOTE I got a chicken Cajan sandwich and there was NO Cajan seasoning on the sandwich so it was basically just a grilled chicken sandwich with mediocre taste. Only about half of the other 8 people said their food was good the rest said it was bare minimum taste. The appetizers were the best tasting here. Overall I can’t recommend this restaurant go somewhere else and get your moneys worth.
… moreKate
Sticky tables, small tables with no where to put your food. Burger wasn’t cooked to correct temp i asked for. Nachos were really good
… moreDavid L.
We visited on a Thursday afternoon in mid-April 2025 for lunch. We had just eaten the previously at the location in Peninsula and had a great experience. However this location was not the best.
Service started out great. We were happy to find out that we could do carry out with the daily specials, which is burgers for Thursdays. We placed our order and instead of waiting in the cramp sitting area with small wooden chairs while other patrons were coming it, we took a seat just outside the restaurant but inside the building it was in. There is a bunch of soft sofas in the lobby area still in perfect view of restaurant. They said it would be about 20 mins.
We sat there for exactly 20 mins and went in and the food was already ready and just sitting behind the counter. We had no idea how long it was sitting there but we were kind of in a hurry to get back to the museum. There were 3 staff working the front and very few patrons in the restaurant. A little upset not one of them walked out to let us know our food was ready but probably watched all of us just sitting there on the couches/benches. They were nice and pleasant but it was just the extra foresight to be like oh, maybe I should let them know it’s ready because they are just sitting over there. I could give them the benefit of the doubt and maybe they were all busy doing something else and didn’t make that connection.
We took our food to eat outside as there are picnic areas at the nearby park with the big “FREE” stamp. We got all the way there and took the food out and realized that they had never put the ranch in that we asked for and the extra ranch too that was written on the receipt. The hostess who took our order even made multiple comments about it with my wife. It was a couple blocks away and we did not want to walk all the way back just for ranch.
I also opened my large Deluxe Pizza which I also ordered from the other Winking Lizard location in Peninsula and this one was much more under whelming. There was maybe half the amount of toppings as the other restaurant. Disappointing knowing what it could be like and what I ended up getting.
I’m going to conclude this review with a, your mileage may vary and depending on which location you’re going to you may have different experiences as well. If this was my first experience with Winking Lizard I probably would try something else next time.
… moreService started out great. We were happy to find out that we could do carry out with the daily specials, which is burgers for Thursdays. We placed our order and instead of waiting in the cramp sitting area with small wooden chairs while other patrons were coming it, we took a seat just outside the restaurant but inside the building it was in. There is a bunch of soft sofas in the lobby area still in perfect view of restaurant. They said it would be about 20 mins.
We sat there for exactly 20 mins and went in and the food was already ready and just sitting behind the counter. We had no idea how long it was sitting there but we were kind of in a hurry to get back to the museum. There were 3 staff working the front and very few patrons in the restaurant. A little upset not one of them walked out to let us know our food was ready but probably watched all of us just sitting there on the couches/benches. They were nice and pleasant but it was just the extra foresight to be like oh, maybe I should let them know it’s ready because they are just sitting over there. I could give them the benefit of the doubt and maybe they were all busy doing something else and didn’t make that connection.
We took our food to eat outside as there are picnic areas at the nearby park with the big “FREE” stamp. We got all the way there and took the food out and realized that they had never put the ranch in that we asked for and the extra ranch too that was written on the receipt. The hostess who took our order even made multiple comments about it with my wife. It was a couple blocks away and we did not want to walk all the way back just for ranch.
I also opened my large Deluxe Pizza which I also ordered from the other Winking Lizard location in Peninsula and this one was much more under whelming. There was maybe half the amount of toppings as the other restaurant. Disappointing knowing what it could be like and what I ended up getting.
I’m going to conclude this review with a, your mileage may vary and depending on which location you’re going to you may have different experiences as well. If this was my first experience with Winking Lizard I probably would try something else next time.
Andrei Hogas
Very tasty burger. Good quality ingredients. Giving 4 stars just because my medium rare. I had an appointment so couldn’t wait to get another one.
It was super tasty. Although I like the steak medium rare
I will come back and hope next time it will be done right
… moreIt was super tasty. Although I like the steak medium rare
I will come back and hope next time it will be done right
Don Frankle
Had the burger and the steak fries and both were good. The food was flavorful and cooked well, and the atmosphere was upbeat. Service was solid and the overall experience was good. I’d give it a solid 4 stars and would definitely stop back in again.
… more