The Highlander

Great little dive bar on Bishop.  One of my bartender friends (Lauren) works there most nights and is a lot of fun.  Be careful if the locals are there and you play Journey, you might never hear the end of it.  

Parking is a little tight, bathrooms are small but do the job.  Food is good each time I've tried it, nice steak specials under $10 every once in a while.  They love the holidays and its usually nicely decorated in there.  They have table bar games like Photo Hunt and some of those slot gambling games too (at least they used to).

Highlander is part of my stops when gassing up at Get Go and heading up to The Buff.  Stop on in, you'll be welcomed with open arms (not literally).

Every year I visit the mighty 216 to catch up w/ old friends and attend the home opener of the Cleveland Browns' season.  My friends and I would usually meet at a friend's house but since his kids are getting older, we've found it best to move the party to a different location.

This year we partied at The Highlander.  You may have passed this place a million times and never paid any attention.  It's located on one end of a strip mall and seemed to be overshadowed by the brightly lit ice cream place a few doors down.  

On the outside, it looks small and dark but it's really not.  Once you go inside, you'll realize it's quite spacious (it's long, dummy) and nicely lit.  There are 4 flat screen TVs (viewable from any corner in the place, thank you very much), a smattering of gaming machines and a jukebox.  All your entertainment needs are satisfied.

The drinks are cheap and nicely poured.  Michelle the bartender is very nice and friendly.  The management immediately clocked us as newcomers and welcomed the entire party w/ a round of shots which led to more shots and um... more shots after that.  Don't expect any fancy beers on tap or any of those highfalutin liquor brands.  This is not THAT kind of place.  You gotta problem w/ that?

My buddy ordered mozzarella sticks and I had chicken tenders.  They were both tasty.  I guess their burgers are very good but no one in our party was that hungry to order one.  Maybe next time.

Everyone in the place seemed to know each other but we (being the non-local crew) never felt shunned or left out.  As a matter of fact, we were quickly assimilated into the group and everyone had a great time.  Before I left, I gave Michelle a hug and kiss for being so awesome.  It was a beautiful night w/ old friends, great people, cheap drinks and Ratt on the jukebox.

It's places like these that are good for the soul. Simple, unpretentious, real & genuine. Within walking distance from the bungalow, The Highlander was last night's destination and place of entertainment....

Daily specials & food fitting for a bar. The crispy wings & burgers seem to be the favorites among the regulars. The Burger of choice is titled "The Lander". A double-patty monstrosity of grilled ground beef. Humorously titled just below it on the menu is "The Lander Girl". A clear attempt to shame the less hungry dive dwelling man into sheer embarrassment for ordering the wimpy one patty-version.

The bartender Derrick is extremely welcoming and possess all the necessary characteristics of the perfect bartender. Despite manning the entire bar, as well as the few high-tops, Derrick somehow always knows when a refill is needed before reaching the last drop of swill. He's a calm, efficient and personable individual. A great host.

Whether it's a lifelong mission, or just some misplaced drunken over-romanticized hope, I've been wanting to find a comfortable watering hole where everyone knows your name.  A modern day Cheers if you will. The Highlander may be my Cheers of the Eastside.  

Sloppily raises glass of Irish Whiskey and toasts to The Highlander: That the joy and prosperity may reign forever! Sláinte!