Where is the Best Upscale Casual Dining in Cleveland, Ohio?
Parker’s is to the midwest what Chez Panisse is to Berkeley, the pairing of fresh seasonal ingredients of local origins with the cuisines of country France.The results sometimes work and sometimes not and since the menu changes, daily, consistency of taste is not what this restaurant is about. What it is about is using what you have to the fullest and Parker manages to pull that off fairly successfully.If there were “negatives” I would have to say that 1) the atmosphere in the back room is less than what I had hoped for after seeing the entrance and 2) because the menu changes, daily, you don’t always know, in advance, what will be the menu du jour. As I said, somethings work and some don’t so you need a few trips to form an opinion about this place.Mine is, overall, very positive.
I took my wife to Don’s Lighthouse for our 1st wedding anniversary in May 2006. It was very crowded, but our anniversary happened to fall on Mother’s Day this year, so that was understandable. It took a very long time for our waiter to even initially come to our table after we were seated, but he was trying to deal with the annoying party of 10 seated right behind us. Our food was top-notch….probably the best, most tender steak I’ve ever had. The desert was ok, but not the best (I had cheesecake.) My big complaint about this restaurant and probably the reason I will not go back is that the large party seated next to us had 4 children around the age of 3-5 years old…..they did nothing but scream, cry, and run around the restaurant to the point where my wife and I could not even hear each other speak! Now I don’t hate children, but when I’m dropping over $100 on a dinner for two, I would like to think that other patrons would have the common sense not to take small children to
Salmon Dave’s is a wonderful establishment for the true seafood lover. As can be expected, the salmon is out of this world, and any other menu item is equally as impressive. The decor is very cozy and comfortable. The service is excellant, and as I mentioned, the cuisine is top notch. This restaurant is a great place for a first, second, or even third date. You’ll never be dissapointed when you dine at Salmon Dave’s.
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
