This business is Established — a decent presence with 2,336 reviews and a 4.2★ rating, though not yet among the top-ranked providers in this area.
Well-established with 2,336 reviews. A 4.2★ average reflects broad customer experience.
Monday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Thursday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Friday: 11:00 AM – 10:30 PM
Saturday: 11:30 AM – 10:30 PM
Sunday: Closed
Reviewers highlight consistency across visits and a menu that delivers on expectations.
Some customers note parking or seating availability during busy periods.
Diners who want to avoid disappointing meals by choosing proven local spots.
Review Rank Score (0–100) blends a Bayesian-adjusted rating, review volume, recent sentiment, and rating consistency. It's a predictive reputation estimate — not a replica of Google or Yelp's ranking.
We stopped by Winking Lizard Downtown Cleveland because the menu caught our eye with the “Reptizers” section and the little 🦎 lizard logo—we’re huge lizard fans! It was fun to see lizard-themed pictures all over the walls, on the menus, and even on the merchandise. I ordered the Hot Honey Peach Wings, and they were really good with a noticeable peach flavor that worked surprisingly well. My wife had the Cajun Chicken Sandwich, and my son had the Bayou Burger, and everyone enjoyed their meals. The only downside was the service. It took a while for our server to greet us and take our order, and they didn’t check back until we had already finished eating. I was hoping for a soda refill, but instead I ended up drinking my wife’s water. Even with that, the food was great, there were plenty of menu options, and the beer selection was impressive. If I’m ever back in Ohio, I’ll definitely come back.
We were visiting from Columbus ended up changing our original dining plans since all the locations in Columbus closed (symbolic). The service was friendly and attentive, which was the highlight of our visit. Our wait staff was knowledgeable enough since they were in training. Unfortunately, the food didn't live up to expectations. We ordered two orders of wings, and both arrived cold and overcooked. With a game in town, I understand the restaurant was busy, but food quality should remain consistent regardless of the crowd. My partner's salad was over sauced and was eaten because of being hungry. Here is a photo of th fries that were honestly the highlight of the food. Giving atmosphere a higher score because of missing the ones in Columbus... RIP 🚫
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had dinner at Winking Lizard Tavern in Cleveland and really enjoyed most of the experience. I ordered the Cajun Chicken Spinach Salad, and it was excellent — fresh greens, flavorful chicken, and a great balance of spice and texture. It’s definitely something I’d order again. At the table, we shared the Bavarian Pretzels, which were a huge hit. They came with both beer cheese sauce and mustard, and everyone at the table loved them — perfectly soft and warm with just the right amount of salt. The combination of the pretzels with the dipping sauces made for a great starter to share. One of the biggest highlights of the evening was the music. The playlist was awesome — upbeat, familiar songs that gave the place great energy without being too loud. Honestly, the music alone set the tone for a fun and laid-back night and was probably my favorite part of the experience. The overall vibe of Winking Lizard is casual and friendly — definitely a great spot to hang back with friends, grab some drinks, and enjoy good food in a lively atmosphere. It has that classic tavern feel with a local touch, and you can tell it’s a popular hangout. The only real downside was the customer service. Our waitress was a bit lackluster — not rude, just disengaged and slow to check in. It didn’t ruin the night, but it was noticeable compared to the otherwise positive vibe of the place. All in all, Winking Lizard is a fun, casual spot with great food, fantastic music, and a comfortable atmosphere. I’d definitely go back — especially for the Cajun chicken salad and those pretzels — but I’d hope for a little more attentiveness from the staff next time.
These ladies behind the bar are working hard to pay their bills! My husband and I I had a great evening of drinks and light bites. Winking Lizard is the best, 10/10 would recommend. Oh, and pro tip, be sure to try the ranch.
Absolutely worst food I’ve had in my travels. If you’re coming to Cleveland, just skip this one. Mac n cheese was a cup of clump, Cajun chicken sandwich has ZERO flavor.