Winking Lizard Tavern

Winking Lizard TavernWinking Lizard Tavern
Winking Lizard TavernWinking Lizard Tavern
Bar, Eatery

811 Huron Rd E
Cleveland, Ohio, 44115-1120
United States

(216) 589-0313 | map
winkinglizard.com
PLACE STATS
Average:
3.96
Reviews:
27
Ratings:
50
pDev:
7.83%
View: Place Reviews
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
 
Rated: 3.83 by Danzifer from Ohio

Dec 30, 2020
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Reviewed by Blogjackets from Ohio

4.31/5  rDev +8.8%
vibe: 4.25 | quality: 4.25 | service: 4.25 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4.25
Great choice for a quick stop before a ball game or to get a beer downtown. Excellent selection of beer in bottles and on draft. Food is typical pub food. Service there has been good for our visits. Sometimes they get special exclusive releases such as Bells Black Note a year or two ago.
Mar 18, 2020
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Reviewed by Sabtos from Ohio

4.1/5  rDev +3.5%
vibe: 5 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4 | food: 4
This is the most old school, dimly lit, cozy saloon or tavern-like atmosphere of all of the Lizards, which is an absolute mindfuck and a totally welcome feel for the crazy downtown scene it rests in.

Darkly wood-centric, short ceilings and close quarters with lots of live sports being played on the screens over the bar. It has a real camaraderie to it and feels like you're in a rural bar at times, until you step back out into the drizzly downtown streets.

Being a Winking Lizard, you should know the score on the food and beverage front. A very wide selection of rotating drafts and a very respectable selection of bottles will keep newcomers busy combing through the menu. Food is basic bar fare, but always solid and overly filling. Every other person goes for the wings, so you might as well find out why.
Sep 12, 2018
 
Rated: 4.13 by DVMin98 from North Carolina

Jul 12, 2017
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Reviewed by CaptainHate from Ohio

4.45/5  rDev +12.4%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4
I'm kind of biased toward this because it was my introduction to a large selection of craft beers plus I snagged a lot of free glassware and tee shirts. Even though other places have passed them in adventurous taps, I'll still stop in.
May 25, 2017
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Reviewed by therealJAYZ from Pennsylvania

3.95/5  rDev -0.3%
vibe: 4 | quality: 3.5 | service: 4 | selection: 4.5 | food: 3.75
Great selection of beer, both bottle and draft. I had a couple of IPAs, Heavy Seas Tropicannon and Stone Delicious IPA. Food was ok. Service was excellent.
May 08, 2017
 
Rated: 4.37 by EternalHoppiness from Ohio

Feb 25, 2017
 
Rated: 4 by Gregf51 from Ohio

Jul 06, 2016
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Reviewed by glass_house from Ohio

3.89/5  rDev -1.8%
vibe: 3.75 | quality: 4 | service: 3.5 | selection: 4.25 | food: 3.75
My first time at this particular Winking Lizard. Service was a bit on the slow side, but we stopped in prior to a Cavs game, so it was certainly understandable. Tremendous beer selection as generally reasonable prices. Food is above average pub fare. Wouldn't hesitate to return.
Nov 24, 2015
 
Rated: 4.31 by JArt from Pennsylvania

Jul 22, 2015
 
Rated: 4.03 by Brown120 from Pennsylvania

May 23, 2015
 
Rated: 4.28 by OhioLimoncello from Ohio

Apr 10, 2015
 
Rated: 4.1 by misternebbie from Pennsylvania

Jan 01, 2015
 
Rated: 4 by FaradayUncaged from Michigan

Oct 25, 2014
 
Rated: 3.9 by biegaman from Canada (ON)

Oct 20, 2014
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Rated by mertzhb15 from Pennsylvania

3.75/5  rDev -5.3%
its alright
Sep 30, 2014
 
Rated: 4.25 by tommyguz from Pennsylvania

Jul 08, 2014
 
Rated: 4 by Big-Daddy from Alabama

Jun 21, 2014
 
Rated: 3.5 by JimmyVortex from Ohio

Jun 14, 2014
 
Rated: 3.5 by mtc23 from Ohio

Jun 07, 2014
 
Rated: 4.25 by Bill235 from Ohio

Feb 28, 2014
 
Rated: 4 by drdiesel9483 from Ohio

Feb 24, 2014
 
Rated: 3.75 by bcgeiman from Maryland

Feb 22, 2014
 
Rated: 4.25 by SpartyJoe from Colorado

Feb 17, 2014
 
Rated: 4.5 by c_law from Ohio

Dec 16, 2013
 
Rated: 4.5 by Booner818 from California

Nov 21, 2013
 
Rated: 4 by Insanity55 from West Virginia

Oct 09, 2013
 
Rated: 4.25 by ejimhof from Pennsylvania

Oct 09, 2013
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Reviewed by jmosier from Ohio

3.7/5  rDev -6.6%
vibe: 3 | quality: 3.5 | service: 3.5 | selection: 4.5 | food: 3.5
Had never been, so my wife and I went here for dinner on our way to see Lewis Black at the State Theater (great show, but I digress). Fantastic beer list, and a good selection on tap. Had one of the best burgers ever there, cooked just right, and the fries were extra crispy as requested. Wife said she wished the chicken in her Asian chicken wrap was a little warmer, but said it tasted good, just the same.

I had a Great Lakes Octoberfest and a Brother Thelonious on tap. Too bad no GL Nosferatu on tap -- surprised when the waiter said that it wasn't out now, they had it earlier in the year. Interesting, since we just got it from our distributor a couple weeks ago (writing this in mid-September) and the GL web site lists it as September-October. Oh well. There was so much else to choose from.

But + points to the waiter for steering me away from the Rueben, which I was thinking about getting (the look on his face when I asked about it told me all I needed to know). Hence the very satisfactory burger.

The place had a homey sort of look to it, don't look for glitz. Friendly staff, the hostess kindly called a cab for us to take us to the theater.

I would go back here. More beers to try.
Sep 18, 2011
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Reviewed by NWer from Washington

4.5/5  rDev +13.6%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4.5
The Winking Lizard Tavern is a fun place and near ballpark making it very convenient to boot if you're there for baseball. Above average bar food. The pulled pork sandwich was the best I have had since I lived in the South thirty years ago. Great tap selection. I had a Great Lakes Burning River American Pale Ale but the choices were abundant and their prices are excellent - too much to choose from.
Great food, great atmosphere, great service.
Got out of there with three 22 oz beers, three sandwiches for 42 bucks plus tip.
Will definitely go back before I leave town.
Jul 22, 2011
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Reviewed by claminat420 from Michigan

3.7/5  rDev -6.6%
vibe: 3 | quality: 3.5 | service: 4 | selection: 4 | food: 3.5
stopped here on my cleveland trip to see primus. a modern sports bar but with a nice beer selection. we (gf and i) went during dinner and it wasn't too packed. kinda a mixed crowd it being a sports bar and it being in the business district. i orded some 911 wings (45cent wings mon and tues) and a half slab of baby back ribs which were ok (shoulda been more meat on the bones). they had around 15 beers on tap. if they didn't have your beer on tap i'm almost positive they had something you liked in a bottle. the waitstaff was friendly. overall the place wasn't too shabby. for it being walking distance from the hotel it definitely gets a plus. the prices could be lowered but the happy hour and deals really made it reasonable.

PS. i ordered a turkey wrap for later at the hotel for the drunk munchies and it was terrible. they need to put some mayo or something on it cuz it was drier then hell.
Aug 04, 2010
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Reviewed by mgbickel from Pennsylvania

3.84/5  rDev -3%
vibe: 4 | quality: 3.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 3.5
Ah...my second visit to the Winking Lizard...the first being back in 2002 during my craft beer obsession infancy! In all honesty, it looks like the place hasn't changed much! You can enter from either side of the building...it is a bit of an odd triangle shape...there is a small bar at the apex of the triangle and a larger (but still pretty small) eating area at the base. The décor is what you would expect in a neighborhood sports bar...low lighting, lots of TVs and wood.

The beer selection is pretty decent...they have a nice bottle list that is available for take-out. There are coolers behind the bar that house the bottles (some of which are hidden behind others and wine). Not sure on the exact numbers, but I would guess about 100 bottles and 20 or so drafts. Lots of local and domestic craft available. The imports were not strongly represented though.

The bartender and hostess were very friendly and helpful. They even offered for me to join a "world of beer" tour (or something along those lines).

If you are in the downtown area of Cleveland, this place is worth checking out for sure!
Jun 30, 2010
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Reviewed by Stigs from Pennsylvania

3.8/5  rDev -4%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 3.5 | service: 4 | selection: 4 | food: 4
Stopped here for a couple drinks at the end of a recent visit to downtown. Inside, I made comments that the place had the decor similar to a Hooters. Seemed like a decent place to sit and watch a game. Got there around 11 and there were plenty of open spots at the bar.

Ordered a SN Celebration, my girlfriend attempted to order some kind of Triple, and they were out of it. The Celebration tap tasted just a tad bit off, still enjoyable. Finished the night with an Old Rasputin as I wanted something darker. Ordered some fries along the way to munch on and they were quite good, nothing fancy.

Overall pretty enjoyable...would definitely go back if I was in the mood.
Dec 14, 2009
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Reviewed by mtnbikerpa from Pennsylvania

3.48/5  rDev -12.1%
vibe: 3 | quality: 3 | service: 3.5 | selection: 4 | food: 4
I was there over the Fourth of July weekend and one time there was a 1 and a half wait, so I decided to come back. In about 2 hours the place was cleared out because of the start of the Indians game. Great selection in bottles over 90 beers and good number of tap handles. Had a stone oaked AB, a orval, and some Ind. ale by Great Lakes. Staff seemed to know their stuff and food was not bad. Wings and burgers are good. I had plenty of time so I didnt notice how fast the service was. But I think when u go to a place like this there is no hurries just relax enjoy yourself with good food, great beer and maybe good company.
Jul 25, 2009
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Reviewed by Hibernator from Massachusetts

3.75/5  rDev -5.3%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 3.5 | service: 3.5 | selection: 4.5 | food: 3.5
Dropped by the Winking Lizard Tavern a couple of times during my stay in Cleveland. In terms of location, this place is pretty darn convenient as it super close to The Q & Progressive Field. You have the option of sitting outside on the side of the street or inside at the bar or at a booth/table. Had some late night munchies here one night and everything was good. Nothing great, but you can get your standard pub food here. I ended up getting a wrap and Buffalo Wings.

Tons of coolers are located behind the bar with over 100 bottle options to chose from. Options included Westmalle Tripel, Stone Arrogant Bastard and Rochefort.

In terms of draft beers, I counted about 25 with highlights that included Bell's Two Hearted Ale, Stone Levitation Ale, DFH Festina Peche & 60 Minute IPA, Great Lakes Dortmunder Gold, Burning River Ale, Independence Ale, Commodore Perry IPA, Sierra Nevada Pale Ale and Summerfest.

They have a 'Glass of the Month' beer which is a cool concept because you keep the glass. The featured beer was Peroni while I was there. They also feature a Happy Hour special from Monday - Friday that takes $1 off 22 oz pints. I paid $5 for a Bell's Two Hearted Ale that was absolutely delicious and I was even more excited at that price.
Jul 15, 2009
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Reviewed by Redrover from Wisconsin

3.95/5  rDev -0.3%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4 | food: 3.5
I was in Cleveland for work and decided to catch the Indians game. A quick look on Beerfly led me to this place for some pregame food & beers.

The Winking lizard is a wedge shaped building near the Indians ballpark. There are two smallish bars each in its own room and a patio area. There are also plenty of tables for larger groups. It is understandably popular on game days.

Plenty of flat screens tuned to sports. Music volumes are low, lots of conversation noise.

They have a friendly staff. Maybe a trifle slow when crowded, but they are very free with samples.

24 or so taps, at least 16 are decent. They have multiple offerings from Great Lakes including a rotating special.

Large and inclusive bottle list including such gems as Heavy Seas Small Craft Warning, Hiatchino Ginger Brew, Stone Oaked Arrogant Bastard, Cane and Ebel, etc.

The food is decent pub grub with some good specials. I thought the prices were very fair for both food & beer.

This is a great place to stop before or after a game or if you find yourself in this part of town on business.
Jun 30, 2009
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Reviewed by andjusticeforale from Connecticut

3.63/5  rDev -8.3%
vibe: 3 | quality: 3.5 | service: 3.5 | selection: 4 | food: 4
We stopped in for a few pops and sat right in front of the beer case. The draft selections were not overly terrific and this was admitted by the bartender. But they are running a nice promotion of 100 different beers from around the world; Before we knew this we had ordered a Westmalle tripel and a Kolsch and then we had some wings and local IPA; great food; great place to watcha game; glass ware was not always appropriate, but I'd rather have a good selection than a lousy one with budweiser mugs....
Apr 20, 2009
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Reviewed by LittleTimmy from Iowa

3.08/5  rDev -22.2%
vibe: 3 | quality: 3 | service: 3.5 | selection: 3 | food: 2.5
I was in town for a convention and stopped in here for a Sunday evening meal. As others have mentioned, it's kind of sports bar-ish and crowded, but then, it is just a couple blocks from the Jake (er, I mean Progressive Field) and the basketball arena.

Overall, I'd say this place was...OK. They do have a large selection of beers, but nothing really leaped out as being particularly interesting, although in Cleveland I'm more than happy to get by drinking any of Great Lakes fine brews. The service and food were fine, but certainly nothing outstanding. Winking Lizard will do in a pinch, but not a must-stop.
Jul 26, 2008
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Reviewed by scoobybrew from Indiana

3.71/5  rDev -6.3%
vibe: 3 | quality: 3.5 | service: 4 | selection: 4
The wife and I stopped here on a recent trip to Cleveland with an old college buddy and his spouse. The place is somewhat sportsbar-ish with respect to appearance and décor. The beer list was fairly impressive in number - 100+ beers - which ranged from fairly common to rare, but nothing too esoteric. There was a nice variety on tap also. The menu also displayed 'beginner or novice' beers, being macros to fairly ubiquitous craft beers. This is a nice touch for the market they're aiming for. Apparently if you try all 100 beers on a list within a year, you receive a jacket with their logo on it. It's nice that they encourage an adventuresome spirit in trying out new stuff. That said, the management could work on the glassware a little - in availability, but also in training. I had a Chimay white on tap that was served in a wine-like glass, but my wife's Three Philosophers was served with a British-style pint glass(?). That said, overall it was worth the stop as it was very close to the hotel and an enjoyable enough environment with decent selections.
Jun 21, 2008
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Reviewed by Gatch from Massachusetts

4.14/5  rDev +4.5%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4.5
A great location being downtown and only a couple minute walk from Jacobs Field or Quicken Loans Arena. We were lucky to be in Cleveland at such a good time, because the night we were there, the Cavs beat the Pistons and took the East. The city went crazy and the streets were packed with people. Everyone was hugging people, slapping hands, and celebrating with complete strangers. As the streets started calming down, I made my way into the Winking Lizard because I had read about it before the Road Trip. I had a pint of Bell's Two Hearted, my first Bell's, and it was exactly what I had hoped for and exactly what I needed (but it was served in a plastic cup, haha).

The atmosphere was pretty crazy b/c of the Cavs, but they handled the crowds well. You could have walked into any bar, though, and the atmosphere would have been crazy. They seemed to have the staff prepared for the kind of night it was going to be.

The place was clean and the coolers were organized. The beer tasted great and I saw no issues with quality, even when this night made quality control difficult.

Service wasn't very good, but I'm not going to discredit them on it because there was rarely a spot at the bar to walk up to and order something. I ordered my Two Hearted pretty fast, but after that, service declined and our group couldn't get much for drinks. Someone actually bought us a round because one of my friends said "Detroit sucks" to a Detroit fan and the we almost fought, but some guy was a friend of the Detroit fan and didn't want us to fight, so he bought us all drinks. By the way, the prices of the Macros were inflated, but my Bell's was priced well, so that's fine by me.

Selection was really good, in my mind, because I don't see a lot of the MidWest/Lakes beers all the time. They had a couple beers from Great Lakes & Bell's, which was enough for me. I think they had more Macro's on tap that night because of the occasion. They knew who they had to please, which was why a lot of taps were standard stuff and the coolers had more Macro bottles than usual. Even still, the coolers had a great selection of some pretty good bottles.

I didn't try any of the food, by the time we got in at 11, the kitchen closed a few minutes before. The pints were priced well, the service was good even when they were packed, and the atmosphere was enjoyable. I would come here again on any night.
Jun 28, 2007
Winking Lizard Tavern in Cleveland, OH
Place rating: 3.96 out of 5 with 50 ratings