Bumpers Bar & Grill — Restaurant in Mentor

Mixed review about this place. When I arrived at 4:45 PM, the parking lot was almost half filled. I went inside and was greeted, and was asked how many in my party, I replied "one". To that, I believe that the young lady became slightly annoyed, as they don't have any tables to accommodate one or two people. It seemed as though most of their tables are four-tops. I offered to sit at the bar, as I didn't want to inconvenience other patrons, as I knew it would be a busy night. I was told that I could not get the crab legs at the bar.

I was seated at a four-person table right next to the door. I ordered the all you can eat crab legs with salad and french fries. I also ordered a Bloody Mary and a water. I asked for extra lemon and butter for my crabs, and was told that lemons don't come with it, and that if I wanted lemons, it was an additional $1.

The salad came quickly. It was very basic lettuce, some shredded carrot and cheese, accompanied by an anemic wedge of tomato. To be fair, tomatoes aren't in season, so no big deal.

The first plate of crab came, and it was really good. They were hot and came out of the shell very nicely. The first plate was accompanied by a small plate of fries and a piece of corn on the cob. I was never able to get to the fries, as it was my intention to finish shelling the crab, then get to the fries. My plan wasn't realized, as a second plate of crab came before I had even finished the first plate. Now I'm hurrying because the longer they sit, the cooler they get, and the harder it is to get the meat out of the shell. I asked the waitress to please don't bring me anymore crab until I finished the crab already on my plate. She looked at me like I was crazy and she said that most people want the crab quicker than later. That's okay, but I don't. I like to pick the meat out of the knuckles that most people ignore and throw away.

The second plate of crab was soggy. I couldn't even crack the shells, as they were incredibly pliable. The corn was flavorless and soggy, as if it had been sitting in a water bath for most of the afternoon. It didn't get any better from there. As I was on my third plate of crabs, I noticed that there were restless customers waiting in the doorway waiting to be seated. Now I began to feel uncomfortable, as I knew this was going to happen. I was the only person at a four-person table, and now the wait begins for the line of customers that is now building up .

The crab continued to be soggy, and my last batch was so soggy and salty that it was difficult to even finish it. I have a high tolerance for salt but this was just about all I could handle. It was then that I told my waitress that I was done. She brought the check, I asked her not to leave until I gave her my debit card, as I didn't want to further delay the crowd at the door.

I left with mixed feelings. I wondered why a bar/restaurant would have accommodations for one person. I wondered why I couldn't get crab legs at the bar. I likely won't be back, as I felt uncomfortable and rushed, and they need to make some improvements on how the crab is...

My wife and I stopped in tonight for the all-you-can-eat crab legs special. We had never been there and didn't know what to expect. It looks pretty run down on the outside in the front. The staff was pretty friendly. The crab leg meals were $26. The crab legs were as good as any I've had any place else, and they are quick to serve you as much as you want. We actually ate them slower than they offered them up. I got fries and my wife got red-skinned potatoes, I wish I would have gotten the red-skinned potatoes too. The fries were just average, but the potatoes were very good. They were seasoned with what tasted like garlic butter. They were a little crispy on the outside. They also served corn-on-the-cob, which we both thought was bland. The interior is pretty much a bar like atmosphere. We were first seated under a speaker playing music that was a little loud for my taste ... but I'm getting old I guess. I asked to be moved toward the back and the hostess ( who also served as the bar maid) accommodated us.

On the way out, we walked through the back where they have outside seating and sand volley-ball courts. The atmosphere is pretty much a bar with pool tables and volley-ball in the back. We would go there again if we're in the mood for crab legs at a good price. But I may be willing to pay more for a little more of a restaurant...

Ordered takeout from here. We had traditional wings, mac n' cheese bites, boneless wings, and a "basket" of fries.

All of the food was cold, despite us being on time for our pickup. Hard to enjoy anything when it is ice cold. The traditional wings were...disgusting. Very low-quality meat (saying there was any meat on the bone is generous to begin with). There was not enough sauce on them and the amount of meat on the bone was embarrassing. I ordered 12 and was starving after eating them. Probably the equivalent of the meat you would normally find on like 5-6 wings. The boneless wings were just microwaveable nuggets drenched in a sauce that was too sweet. The mac n' cheese bites had a decent taste, but they did not give us many--and as I said--they were cold. They offer a "basket" of french fries, which is about 13 soggy, cold fries. Finally, the prices were high. I do not mind spending a little extra for really good bar food--but with the quality being so terrible--definitely not worth the price.

There are way too many good places to eat in Willoughby/Mentor to go here. Try...