Winking Lizard Tavern
| Address: | 6111 Quarry Ln, Independence, OH 44131, USA |
| Phone: | +1 216-524-2226 |
| Site: | winkinglizard.com |
| Rating: | 4 |
| Working: | 11AM–1AM 11AM–1AM 11AM–1AM 11AM–1AM 11AM–2AM 11AM–2AM 11AM–11PM |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 5
BR
Brian Bonus
I have been frequenting the Winking Lizzard with a party of between 8 and 12 every Tuesday for several years. I estimate we spend in excess of $12,000 per year as loyal patrons. I have watched the integrity of management at the Independence location erode over the last few months. Then on Tuesday December 1rst, 2015 we had an experience at the Winking Lizzard near Rockside and 71 on Quarry Lane in Independence Ohio, which to this day we all wonder in amazement how the staff of a well founded restaurant could possibly be so incompetent. While this story seems difficult to believe, I promise you it is true. We had just ordered drinks when the fiascal began. First the waitress walked up to our table and rudely attempted to grab a 16 ounce bottle of distilled water which was about 1/3 full away from me. I held onto it and explained that I was not accustomed to having my personal property siezed. The manager, Joe, then accused me of having alchoholic beverage in my water bottle. I assured Joe that it was water and told Joe that I would be glad put the dispose of the water bottle. Joe then ordered me out of the restaurant. On the way to my car Joe and another man followed me and threatened not only me, but, threatened to search my car. I felt like I was in Nazi Germany. Being that I am 60 years old and disabled I proceeded to my car in fear of my well being. Once in my car I left, relieved that Joe and his side kick did not accost me or my vehicle. I then called a member of the party inside and was told that the remaining party of 11 was being threatened by management. Most of them had no idea that I had been mistreated and did not understand why management was threatening them. Another older gentleman in the party asked to finish his beer which he had purchased and was called an “Old Man” by one of the servers. My 89 year old mother was also told that she was not welcome there and asked to never come back. WOW. Sounds crazy, but true. It seems that a trained staff perhaps should have said “excuse me sir, you are not allowed to bring any food or beverage in. At such point I would have apologized for any inconvienience, disposed of the water bottle and we would have proceeded to spend our $200 plus as we do every week. Has Joe had any training as a manager. Does the owner know how he is treating loyal patrons. To Joe $12,000 a year may not effect his pocket, but, how about the owners? Had this happened at a greasy spoon biker bar I would not have been surprised, but , at the Winking Lizzard!!!! I think Joe owes our party an apology and he owes the owners an explanation. I suggest additional training to correct his incompetence. Brian
A
A Private User
All in all its a good place to eat. The food is great, and the staff is typically very friendly. This place has something for everyone... If youre looking for a little more quite dinner (with the family and whatnot), Youll want to sit in the side dinning room, More often than not, its filled with families, or just softer spoken people... If youre looking for a wall of flat screen TVs (plus two projector screens with sports on each side of the bar) your obvious will be the Main Bar area... This is typically occupied by a wide variety of people, from youre middle aged professionals to college kids, or just sports fans, the climate is typically louder, and in my opinion more fun... the bar tenders are a hoot, and generally fun to talk to (unless youre a jerk, then nobody wants to talk to you)... I recommend the Spinach and Artichoke dip (or "Spin Dip" as the regulars call it)... its usually freaken fantastic!!! The "Bo-mans" burgers/sandwiches are very good as well! (I personally like the Bo-mans bacon Cheeseburger)... If youre looking for a place where drinking is the destination,or for a place to watch sports... then this place may be for you... If youre looking for a large beer selection, or just a place for a first date... this is the place for you! Drink up, drive safe!!!
KA
Kate Flaherty
Ordered lunch for a large group (30+) and had a great experience. I spoke with Shanna over the phone; she was extremely pleasant and thorough in taking my order. The food was ready sooner than expected and each individual order was labeled with the items inside as well as the name of the person the item belonged to. Upon unpacking and distributing the meals back at the office, I found that each order was perfect, including meat temps, special requests and extra sauce. They didnt miss ANYTHING! I was so impressed that I decided I was going to write a positive review on Google (which I never bother to do) and, as I sat down to type, my phone rang. It was Craig, the manager from the Winking Lizard, just checking in to make sure we were happy with our large order! This was not my first experience at the Lizard but this place is seriously the best: The Winking Lizard itself is practically a Cleveland institution and the Rockside Road location, in my opinion, is the best one even with the absence of a "Lizardville". Would definitely order out for a huge crowd again, and will definitely keep coming back for the excellent customer service and the amazing patio views. (They have TWO patios, yall!)
JO
John Bolding
I visited this place and I have to agree with some others -- the wait staff was less than thrilled to be there, mostly ignoring us. We had to wait a while for a table, and we tried to wait near the bar. The place was packed, true, but there were tables around with food remnants stacked on them, with no people seated at all. In the bar room, lots of seats at the bar that runs around the edge of the room, but, again, food remnants everywhere, plates stacked up, pieces of burger and potatoes on the counter, glasses, forks, and parts of meals. I informed the waiter about all the plates of food and I was told that it is not the responsibility of the staff to bus the plates and glasses from those areas. I asked if it was the person buying the food that was supposed to clean up after themselves. I was given some excuse about people going to the parking lot for a cigarette. (It was freezing cold that night). All in all, a very strange conversation with a waiter regarding which areas of the inside of the restaurant would be cleaned by wait staff. So, even though they have a few decent craft beers, the place was, in general, disgusting. We wont be going back.
MA
Matt Goedecke
Went here for lunch yesterday with my family. All 17 of us. My Dad and I ordered the same lunch special; the Turkey Reuben. When our sandwich arrived, we were both stunned as to what was considered a Turkey Reuben. The sandwich consisted of grilled rye bread, sliced roasted turkey, Swiss cheese and Cole slaw. The Reuben on the main menu is a traditional Reuben consisting of grilled marble rye, corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut and thousand island dressing. We both felt miss-lead and disappointed. The sandwich that was served to us was delicious but should not be considered a Turkey Reuben. I suggest the servers or special board should clearly indicate what the sandwich consists of if it differs from what the standard Reuben is on the menu. The service was great for our large group. The steamed broccoli I had instead of fries was also perfectly steamed "al-dente". We said nothing to the staff and hope this review is read and the sandwich is corrected or clearly defined for the next patrons.
