The Woods Restaurant and Lounge — Restaurant in Rocky River

i lived on the west side for many years up until about 7 years ago. My friends loved the woods. Just loved it. From my understanding the current owner is not the original. I am told that the women who seats and manages is connected to him somehow. I believe his wife or sister or something. The restaurant itself sort of qualifies as retro at the moment. Very Old school look. I really tried to give this place a massive chance. I mean my friends just raved about it but there were just some things that stood out

firstly you need AWD or 4WD to get into the parking lot. It is a rutted up mess and full of bumps. A simple repave would fix that but if someone drives a lower car or luxury car like a benze they could legit damage their car

I mentioned the women managing and/or seating above. I have never ever seen her smile once. I get that working in the industry is rough but if you are the person who seats guests you need to be chipper and cheery at all times. Because happiness is contagious. Even if they are having a horrible day. Got yelled at by customers or whatever they cant let others see it. Put a fake smile on and seat people

that to me was huge between me and my friends. It became a running joke between us

we would joke that crabby lady would seat us.

I have not personally interacted with Chad the owner. I have heard horror stories. I have seen him there. but never interacted with him

the other issue that really concerned me was that a couple of times when I went to the restroom the kitchen doors were propped open. That in itself isnt an issue. I love a place that is comfortable enough to do that. but what i saw was what disturbed me. Fly strips above the stove and area's where they were actually prepping the food. For those who do not know what fly strips are they look like old school camera film, are hung and unwound. They are sticky and will catch the flies in the sticky so they dont end up other places. The problem there is eventually the dead flies end up falling off . INTO THE FOOD. If the kitchen has a fly problem figure out where they are coming from and eliminate the cause. The fly traps is a really really really really really really really bad look. The visit after I saw that I never went back. I couldnt stomach going back knowing that dead flies could be in my food. Maybe that was a one time thing cuz they had an issue they were trying to fix but its still not good. If they fix issues like that, what else are they doing in that kitchen. Now having read the responses by chad to the other reviews I expect perhaps a strongly worded response. I hope not. I hope he responds professionally and addresses my concerns and makes me want to return to the facility....

We drive by The Woods often and have wanted to try it for a while and finally gave it a shot this past weekend. They were able to quickly accommodate our party of 5 at 8pm on a Saturday night, which as you know can be tough to accomplish. We ordered a few different dishes and the reviews were a somewhat mixed.

Lobster Ravioli- I didn't try this, but was told it was delicious.

Crab Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms- crab was extremely overpowering and the mushrooms were rubbery. Wouldn't order again.

Sausage Stuffed Peppers- HOT We like spicy food, but this was hot hot. Sauce was a bit chintzy but the overall dish was ok.

Bruschetta Bread- we ordered this based off seeing it delivered to another table. It looked really good, smelled a bit weird (to be fair, I have a sensitive sniffer), a smidge soggy, but overall ok.

Rolls & Garlic Butter- TOP NOTCH! Give me all the bread and garlic butter. My meal could've ended there and I would've been happy.

The Sicilian Trio- lasagna was ok, eggplant lacked flavor, and the chicken was tough and dry.

Veal Marsala- a bit sloppy in presentation, but plenty of sauce and was delicious.

Chicken Parmigiana (sub for Alfredo)- breading was great, nice and crispy, but the chicken was tough and dry. Alfredo sauce needed a bit of salt, but it was creamy and decent. I'd also like to know what kind of emulsifying voodoo they're performing because it did not break down through the leftovers stage like most do.

Brownie Sundae- lots of brownie action here. Honestly, if you like fudgey, the brownies (they gave us 2 for 1 dessert) were good enough to stand alone. Sundae need not apply.

Tiramisu- I didn't try this, but was told it was decent.

The service- a bit slower than expected, but our server was a sweetheart, extremely friendly and accommodating.

The atmosphere- a little outdated, but dim and cozy the way I like it.

We will likely give The Woods another try in the future in hopes we'll have a better food experience as we're trying to move away from chain...

Total DISAPOINTMENT! I called at 4-4:30 to ask about specials. I placed and order and told them I would pick it up at 6pm. I called back at 5:40 and asked them to add a desert. I show up and was greeted promptly and in a friendly manner. The phone rang and the associate very politely excused himself to answer it. To my surprise he didn't ask if they could please hold, but instead started taking their order! I continued to watch my food get cold. After several minutes I told him I would like my food before it became even colder. He didn't acknowledge me and another young man (also polite)me over to ask if he could help me. I told him the same thing. I did not yell, I tried to be very polite and reasonable. I asked to see the manager. When I explained that I walked in to pay for my food and the phone rang, I was not being taken care of. He exploded and told me they had to take their order just like when I called. I told hime when I called if someone had asked me to hold, I would have. I also told him I live right down the street and that it's polite to take care of the person physically in front of you. He exploded, yelled, and kept repeating the same thing. I asked him if he realized his attitude would him my business and he told me I called him a idiot (which I didn't) and continued to be rude including the fact that it was now 6:10 and I should have been here at 6. This is the rudest treatment I have ever received! He asked me if I wanted my food and I said yes and I'll wait for it to be remade so it is hot. He said he had a better idea and told me just to take my food(now cold), and he would just comp it. Like he was doing me some sort of favor. I was shocked and appalled. I hope someone lets him know that without repeat local business it will be hard to stay open in...