Winking Lizard Tavern

This was our latest stop and more than likely the last bar 'experiment' we will try for awhile.  The tavern is rich with local lore and history, which is neat if you want a history lesson.  As for us, we like the entertainment and dining portion of our visits more than tavern history.

The server was polite, friendly, made some suggestions for us when we asked what was good, and overall did fine.  Nothing special, and also nothing wrong.

The food was blah.  Thats the best way to describe it.  I tried the pulled pork, which I love trying because some bars will blow your mind with how good it is.  This was bland, dry, no vinegar, no sweetness... just blah.  The bun was just something out of a bag.  Having had good barbecue from North Carolina and Texas, I know what it should taste like and this was way off the mark.  

Normally we wouldn't leave a bad review if we just try one meal here, as we rarely eat the whole menu.  That being said, the salad my wife was served was close to inexcusable.  Nothing ruins a salad quicker than chicken that is obviously out of a bag and wet, soggy lettuce.  The least you could have done is try to convince us that the salad was fresh, even when we know it isn't.  

Anyways, in fairness, we did NOT eat the whole menu but the things we did eat, to include an appetizer, tasted like it came straight out of a bag and/or box.  Zero originality in this place.  If you want a beer, might be a good spot.  If you want food, find something else.

Try not to go to the east side but yesterday I had no choice.  Typical Mentor spot in a strip mall.  Big restaurant with games for the kids.  Food came out right and fairly quickly.  Server was OK..not very friendly. We were the only table there and our tab would of been higher had we felt more welcome. Next time ya might wana be nicer to the table of 6 Irish people who  drink more than they eat at lunch...