Winking Lizard Lakewood — Restaurant in Lakewood

Up until now, every time I write a review I always make it positive because I don't think there's not enough "atta boys" out there.

The Winking Lizard in Lakewood, however, has unfortunately changed my streak.

I grew up in Ohio (1990s) and the Winking Lizard was a Northeast Ohio staple! Every time I've come home to visit (Macedonia location), I've always made sure to visit the Winking Lizard. I loved the wings when I was young, and I've loved the atmosphere - particularly at the Lakewood location (largely because of the architectural design of the building).

But why I don't recommend this venue to anyone anymore is because of the SERVICE, particularly at the Lakewood location.

The food is the food, and it's average. The wings are ok when they are cooked right. The beer menu is outstanding (as it is at all Winking Lizards). But the reason I go is to get a piece of the atmosphere while watching college football.

This negative review ultimately comes down to FLEXIBILITY. As a paying customer, if my college game is on national TV, I expect to be able to watch it. I arrived at the Lakewood location early to see my team play, the game was on their list of games to be aired, but they refused to change any of their 50-some TV's to the game so I could watch it. Not a single one of them. Yes, there were big-name teams playing (ie, Ohio State) that they had on ~30 of the 50 TV's, and I totally get that. But at any given time, there are only a total of 10 different live games playing and one would think with 50+ TV's that a game that was even on their play list could be accommodated. I guess not. I even raised it to the floor manager and got the "well, I can't do anything about that - if I change a TV for you than I have to change a TV for everyone". Well, unfortunately when I go to a sports bar that has that amount of TV's, I guess my expectation is that they try to satisfy the clientele with the games they want to watch, pending other customers' satisfaction. At that moment, there were clearly 2 to 3 TV's playing games that no one was interested in... how do I know? I asked the people sitting around those TVs. And still the management wouldn't change even one of them to the game that I wanted to watch, even though it was on their list of games to be aired (this list the waitress showed me).

So, for this, the Winking Lizard in Lakewood gets an A for atmosphere, but an F for execution for failure to be flexible. If you just go for the food - then do it: the food is ok, the architecture is excellent, and the on-the-ground wait staff are friendly enough.

But if your customer experience matters, DO NOT GO HERE - the management sucks because they are 100% inflexible - whether it's changing a TV to your event or even seating you prior to some of your party arriving. Go to a different Winking Lizard; the ones in Macedonia, Peninsula and Independence offered me a WAY better experience in flexibility, game watching, and food.

I refuse to give the Lakewood location any of my...

Well. I went to Winking Lizard Lakewood tonight for the first time ever. I went with a group of 3 people total for the Ohio State Buckeyes College Football Playoff game.The night started enjoyable enough with a small wait for a table. After seating our server Erin was excellent throughout and provided excellent service and the food was actually delicious.

Now, you may be asking why wouldn't I recommend this location and I am about to tell you. Somewhere midway through the first quarter of the Buckeyes game our neighboring table took a reserved table and felt that they were entitled to it even though people had been waiting upwards of 45 minutes for a table. There was an issue and the Floor Manager (Possibly GM? Male, Short Hair/Bald) had to come to the neighboring table. Our neighboring table grew agitated and began swearing. I turned to the neighboring table and simply tried to help the Manager explain why what they did was in the wrong (taking money out of a servers pocket as well as taking a table form waiting customers). To say the least the response was brash. I was told to "Mind my own business ho" and to "stop acting like such a faot". At this point, admittedly, I was extremely angry. I said a few choice words to the neighboring table and a yelling match ensued with further homophobic epithets being hurled at mine and my tables way. After things calmed down both the Main Floor Manager and what appeared to be his assistant (glasses, Dark hair Beard) approached my table and told me if there was any more issues to tell them and that the table would be removed. I told the Main Floor Manager that as they were speaking to us the man behind us again called me a fa**ot. He looked to his assistant who confirmed this and then DID NOTHING.

The manager put his profit margin and revenue above the safety and comfort of his customers and I was subjected to homophobia and threats of violence the rest of the night. I will never be back due to how this situation was handled. It is really a shame because our server was great and so was the food.

0/10...

I've been to 3 of the Winking Lizard's locations. All are unique and interesting, and each houses (EDIT: USED TO HOUSE) their very own live lizard mascot! The one at Lakewood's tavern is named "Twiggy." The atmosphere of this location is the best, as it is built in an old mansion. The main bar room is high-ceilinged and full of wood, with walls covered in your typical bar kitsch. The overflow dining room has a huge, beautiful fireplace. Upstairs is a large L-shaped party room with another fireplace, couches, and bar. Downstairs in the basement there is (EDIT: USED TO BE) an 8-lane (I think it's 8...) bowling alley, Dubbed "Lizard Lanes." My husband's company Christmas party is held there every year. You must reserve the bowling alley in advance (It's not cheap).

For the average patron, you're met with a beer-drinker's dream menu. Hundreds of bottles to choose from, great selection of draughts, all including imports and microbrews. There are TV's everywhere if you're into sports. The food is pretty good on average. They offer a good rotation of creative specials. The wings are yummy, with some great sauce choices. I remember being thoroughly UNimpressed with the turkey burger years ago. Stick to burgers or wings. Fries are good. Value for your money is average/good. I've never had bad service here.

On a side note- my husband and I got married here in Spring of 2011. The manager was SO great to work with and accommodating. We got married in the overflow dining room in front of the fireplace, then had our reception downstairs at the bowling alley. All our guests had a fun, family-friendly, relaxed time. Hooray for thinking outside the box for one's wedding! And thanks to the staff for being awesome on our...