Where is the Best Brunch in Cleveland, Ohio?
We’ve been to Swingo’s three times. The first time was a weekend, and all was good – service, food, etc. The last two times were during the week and all was not good. The second time, the food was average, at best, although the prices (and the service) were much pricier (over $100 for an appetizer, two entrees, a drink, and a dessert). The third time, the food was a bit below average (calamari was great, but the salad was weak and the chicken and scrod were … okay, but not so great). But this time, the service was a let down. Although it wasn’t our waitresses fault (we think) they messed up our original order and asked us if we wanted something else. We did, but had to wait an additional 30 minutes for our food. All told, an hour and a half for average food and lousy service and high prices (one appetizer and two entrees – the two cheapest, by the way – equaled $80). Not that we asked, but we thought it would be nice to get a “comp” for waiting so long – no dice.In the end
I have been a frequent diner at this restaurant since it opened and can honestly say that I have NEVER had a bad meal. Although I agree with other reviewers that the menu seems limited-whatever I finally decide on does not disappoint. The restaurant is beautiful but I get annoyed that the staff doesn’t wear name tags-I don’t always remember the name and enjoy addressing and thanking someone by name.Here’s what I have to say-AVOID lunch! I cannot for the life of me figure out why this place can’t seem to get a handle on lunch. The service is absolutely dismal at lunch even when the restaurant is empty-there always seems to be more employees than patrons. At best I can’t get my water filled or at worst I’m waiting 2 hours for my meal (no exaggeration)!On a positive note, dinner is 180 degrees the other way. food, service, atmosphere etc is ALWAYS top notch. The drink prices are high but they do serve Top shelf which is a plus. I don’t care for the Lobster Nachos but the Lobster
We had a terrible experience there. My husband and I ordered their fish and chips. The fish was rubbery, and snapped back when you tried to cut it. The next thing I know, my husband is broke out in a sweat and had to run to the restroom. This has never happened to him before, anywhere. A short time later, marketing people were going door to door in our neighborhood soliciting us to buy coupons for Brendan O’Neill’s. I have never seen a restaurant do this. I can see why they’re hard up for the business. I will usually give a restaurant a second chance – sometimes you get a bad meal. But not this place. We will never go back.Pros + Nice decor, OK serviceCons – The food
Pier W was a Cleveland-area favorite of mine, an extremely well-run restaurant, with excellent cuisine. Note the past tense. Sad but true, but Pier W has suffered a tremendous drop in quality. I was running late, so I called twice to let the restaurant know I was stuck in Thursday Night Football traffic. No one answered the phone, either time.Upon arrival, no greeting, just “Two for dinner?” Then seated at a two-top near the side windows. Had to immediately move, as the heater was on high, and blowing directly on my legs.Twenty minutes later for drink orders, and the pattern of the evening was clear: decent food, oblivious service. For the price of this meal, I could have had two better ones in the area.Sad to say, but I think Pier W has jumped the shark. Pros + Appetizers, saladsCons – Entrees, service, atmosphere
My first time and a B’day celebration – this was a fabulous place – waitress Jen was really great – friendly accommodating…atmosphere perfect for an intimate setting. and the Mussels are a MUST – absolutely some of the very best we have ever had. Only one person had a dry filet and the martinis and bloodymary’s were over $10 each – only downside. Keep in mind…but we will be back, one of our new favorite eating spots in downtown ClevelandPros + Excellent Service and fabulous atmosphere Cons – filet was a bit dry and martinis /bloody mary’s expensive
