Bar #52 Pug Mahones (Deceased)

Taken by Pug Mahones

There are many important parts to creating a successful bar. Selection, value, food, entertainment, and atmosphere are some obvious pieces to the puzzle of building a bar that will survive. This week's bar did well in many respects but excelled in one in particular, service. Bar #52, is Pug Mahones, home to one of our newest favorite bartenders.

This week's Every Bar in Lakewood's trip came on the heels of the Winter Vortex. A two day siege of wind chills reaching -40 degrees, bypassing the frigid temperatures of the North Pole. As the temperatures raised back up to a balmy fucky cold again, cabin fever screamed out that I needed to see people, and numb the memories of the being numb, via beer. So, we set off into the new, pretty, and less painful snowfall. The snow did prevent me from getting a picture of the front sign.

Upon entering the bar, 10 minutes late, to a mildly busy Pug Mahones I had to preform the always awkward, walking around the bar looking for friends that haven't arrived. It is a mixture of your eyes darting around wildly and walking slowly in random directions like a ghost from Pacman. It turned out I was there first. I immediately sent out the customary text messages to everyone else making them feel bad for showing up late. At least until they realized they arrived only a couple minutes after I did. This included Jon who was almost standing behind me as I hit send.

Pug Mahones looks like your standard bar (wood booths, big TVs, an assortment of beer items on the walls) but with a lot of extras. The booths all come equipped with their own small flat screen TVs. There are a couple video games including a Pacman machine with a bunch of Atari games included. You've also got foosball, skee ball, and a punching bag machine.

Pug Mahones has a level assortment of beer options with as many domestic favorites as interesting craft beers that you may not have tried before. I went with, what may be the only pumpkin beer still on tap in Lakewood, Crooked River's Eerie Nights Pumpkin Ale. It was a good beer that embraced its pumpkin side without hiding it with too many spices. Eerie Nights was little on head but big on aroma. Looking online for this brewery you would think they were out of business. Make sure you try their beers while you can. They may not be long for this world, but if the rest of their beers are this good I hope they stick around.

We were greeted by Chrissy the bartender, once we had come to terms with both being late but almost the exact same amount of late. She was both friendly and engaging, the type of bartender that feels like your friend by the time your first beer is paid for. She was enthusiastic and knowledgeable about craft beer and the bar she worked in. Also, even though she was working a full bar plus our table, she never left us waiting. This is one of the major ingredients that allows bars to be successful.

Having a bartender that one's customers will want to keep visiting means repeat customers and creates a bar that survives for the long haul. When it comes down to it, a bar's personnel is the real difference between different bars. There are always multiple bars with the combination of good food, types of beers, prices, entertainment and so forth that you're looking for, but having a staff you get along with and does their job well is always the game changer.

Pug Mahones is currently having menu issues. They didn't have enough for the 6 of us; they only had two to spare. There were also misprints throughout it. If you are bored you can play find the baccon! This is probably due to it being designed for free. As a person that's done a lot over the years for nonprofits it always annoys me when volunteers slack off because they aren't actually getting paid. If you want to do something, do it right because, it's still a reflection on you. I'll assume I've been holding up with this ideal on the blog because the internet is rarely kind to any kind of weakness or failure. On a positive note, the menu did have lots of options and a new menu should be coming out soon.

I was told by a random patron that the burgers, which were also on special, were good. I got the bacon cheddar burger with homemade fries. It was better than average. Everyone was happy with their food with one exception. The cook forgot our pregnant friend's BLT. Perhaps, he is a thrill seeker that enjoys tempting painful death. We gave it more time than we should have since all of her ingredients were included on my burger that I received 15 minutes previous. I told Chrissy and she practically ran into the back and made sure that it was done at the maximum speed possible.

We made sure that we cashed out when the shift change was happening; so that we could tip Chrissy for her service. Remember, if your bartender/waitress takes care of you then you need to take care of her or him.

The patrons of Pug Mahones all seemed fairly random, not falling into any type or age bracket. They were neither angry nor rowdy. They were just people content to concentrate on their drinking and talking to their immediate neighbors. Classic rock was played all night on the juke box by a single person and his wife...or daughter, we weren't able to figure that one out...People watching is fun!

Pug Mahones is a pretty cool bar. It's a good place to watch the game. I love having the option of the little personal TVs in case you just wanted to watch curling this winter. They have a lot of games you can play. I was happy enough with the food and beer options, as most people will be. On occasions, in the past, I've had to say that I don't know if the service is always bad or if this was just a bad night. This time I have the opposite to say, I had great service but can't guarantee that it's always in the running for best service in town. Especially, when one considers their menu situation. Bar #52 has a lot to offer and great service offering it. It's time you accept their offer.

17625 Detroit Rd
216-228-8874
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Bar #46 West End Tavern

This weeks bar fits into a peculiar place on the list. It's the bar that you have no logical reason for never going to. It looks nice and inviting. There doesn't seem to be anything irritating about it. For some reason you've never been there. Hell, I went to 44 bars before and I can't tell you why. Bar #45 is the West End Tavern; it's time to find out if it was worth the wait.

West End Tavern is a classy looking bar. It feels like the bar your grandfather would have gone to meet his buddies after work. There's is lot of wood between the floors, bar, booths, tables and chairs. The chairs are all tall at the tables. The booths barely fit 4 people. There is a flair of the newer bars with the multicolored painted tin ceiling and chalkboard with the different beer options listed. The West End Tavern was clean except under two of the patrons.

They have all the standard beer options along with some interesting exceptions. The West End Tavern ups its classiness by carrying a selection of wine that expands past simply asking what color you would like. I went with Bass Ales off the tap this evening. It's an old school beer with a mild and clean beer without the skunkiness, tinniness, or old man beer taste that comes with most of the hipster beers.

Johnny went with a Pilsner Urque from Plzen in the Czech Republic. It's a higher quality pilsner worth trying for pilsner lovers and may talk their nay sayers into changing their minds.

The West End Tavern shows off a variety of soups, salads and sandwiches leaning towards their burger options. I decided to get their patty melt. The meat quality was good and it was cooked properly without the worry of medium meaning something other than its proper description. I also went with the sweet potato fries. They were good as well.

My achievement for the evening was the impossible segue. The topic of cancer had come up because a dog that used to come to my dog daycare had died of it a couple months back. Normally there would be no way out of this topic without the awkward long pause or the luck of food showing up. I chose a different route, “Speaking of cancer, it's been a long time since I've had crab legs!” There was almost a breeze as everybody let out a breath of relief as the anxiety levels dropped. Note, you can't make a cancer joke unless you are the person most affected by it in the conversation. Otherwise everyone will get crabby with you.

The service, once we got menus, showed up as often as we wanted and was polite. She did her job without warranting any complaint from us. Also boobs. At this point, that is all that any of us can remember of her. This isn't because of their actual size, but it probably helped. She was neither plain nor bad looking. She was showing the maximum amount of cleavage possible without changing the designation of the bar. I'm not complaining. I'm sure it normally helps in the tip department. However, if someone asked me how the service was that night, my answer would be, boobs.

The West End Tavern is a nice bar. It's a nice, classy looking tavern with a fresh, nostalgic feel. The service, food and beer selection were fine. I finally enjoyed my visit to bar #45, West End Tavern, and so can you. Also, boobs.

18514 Detroit Ave
 216-521-7684
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Bar #34: Buckeye Beer Engine

Have you ever saved a bar for later because of something specific that is supposed to happen there. This week is the first of three bars that have been on hold till a specific event could or would happen. Unfortunately, the lesson of this week is research before you put off going for 8 months. Luckily, bar #34, the Buckeye Beer Engine, is worth the wait.

The temperature for the first time was above 70 degrees and it was time to head to the Buckeye Beer Engine to take advantage of its patio. We were smart enough to call ahead and find out that they no longer allow dogs on the patio due to safety and health department concerns. But it was hot out and the Beer Engine has a lot of options to drink.

The Buckeye Beer Engine has a tavern atmosphere with red walls, beer flags covering the ceiling, and beer bottles coving entire sections of the walls. Above the bar they have digital signs up showing their large selection of beers on tap along with their price, ABV and type. The patio has furniture you might find on anybody's patio at home and wasn't uncomfy.

We weren't the first people to decide that the first hot day of the year was a good day to visit the Beer Engine. 40 minutes and a Buckeye Belgium Blonde later we got our seats, though it was somehow now 50 degrees. We could have sat inside immediately.

I started off with the fried jalapenos slices, which were good, but how could they not be. I also had their cheese steak with chips. These were good as well.

The Buckeye Belgian Blonde was a real good beer that just about anyone will like. It's smooth and easy going but still interesting tasting making it a better blonde and a good beginner belgian. If you want a higher caliber beer you need to try a Trappistes Rochefort 10. This was brought up in conversation as simply one of the best beers out there. It has a mellow, complex flavor that is the embodiment of a crafted beer. It also has a lot of secret alcohol that you won't realize is there until you're halfway through the bottle...or you read the label. If you don't want either of those Buckeye Beer Engine has a ton of other beer options.

There may have been a lesbian couple that just became engaged one table over from us or perhaps some sort of bachelorette party.  What we did know was that the possibly engaged lady(ies) both fit in one stall and caused a good bit of thumping on the door.

Disclaimer: Do not use derogatory remarks about my friends while we are at a bar it may lead to the management being told and your possible expulsion or your food “not” being spit in, public mocking, or possibly being stabbed in the face. Seriously though, who comes to a Lakewood bar and mocks gay people just because you are impatient on waiting for a table.  

While, Johnny was waiting for the bathroom he was given a tour of the beer fridge by Mike the general manager.

Only one person can use the bathroom at a time. Obviously, you may want to avoid the bar on beans and cheese night. The rest of the time do not avoid the Buckeye Beer Engine. Our service and food were good. The beer selection is impressive and worth going back for, especially their namesake Buckeye Beers. Go check out bar #34, Buckeye Beer Engine, and you'll never have to get the same beer twice.

15215 Madison Ave

216-226-2337

m.frohlich@buckeyebeerengine.com

http://buckeyebeerengine.com/

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Bar #31 Harry Buffalo

Picture from Lakewood's Patch.com

I have had a tendency in this blog to avoid bars that are having their busy nights. I have only been to one Taco Tuesday. When the bars are having their big league nights with darts, trivia, bowling etc. I end up going to the half empty dive bar eating a processed meat treat that comes in an old pretzel container. This week I made an exception, mostly by mistake. I went to a sports bar on the night OSU played Arizona to get beyond the Sweet Sixteen. The odds are against Harry Buffalo as bar #31.

Harry Buffalo is the third chain bar that I have officially visited. The previous two are the only bars to have failing reviews, both because they were unable to give me service in an adequate amount of time. They also gave the feeling that the chain bars' staff and management don't have a personal connection with their job. Lakewood's Harry Buffalo has from the start given a very different vibe. I was invited to the Harry Buffalo by the general manager Mike Potraffke. He was personable, a fan of the blog and a proud Lakewood native.

When I finally announced Harry Buffalo as my next bar he immediately contacted me again and made plans to make sure my friends and I would be able to sit down. Upon our arrival I was greeted by Mike and a small Reserved for Every Bar in Lakewood sign at an empty booth. We chatted about how OSU in the tournament keeps his bar packed. Also, the one of the coaches from Butler was a native from Rocky River and brought in its own big crowd while they were still relevant. Our first round was comped as well. *Note free stuff does make me give a bar a better review but they usually come from the better run bars.

Our waitress was helpful, friendly and knowledgable. We also never waited longer than we wanted for service. Mike took a hands on a approach to running the bar, helping customers and not simply acting as an autonomous king on a thrown. I never throughout the busy night saw any customers giving the tell tale sign of waiting too long by half standing up from their seats, rapidly looking around the room and then burning a hole in the back of their server's head.

I got my first Leinenkugel Summer Shandy of the season, if for no other reason but to spite our cold spring. I followed it up with a Stone Arrogant Bastard. It had a wonderfully complex taste that was amazingly easy to drink, where others could taste funky by the end.

We ordered the cheesy garlic bread first, which with its dipping sauce caused us to converge and devour it like locusts. Of course if any cheesy garlic bread with dipping sauce doesn't create this effect than someone isn't doing their job. Warning, it's also very filling.

Harry Buffalo is heavily wooden, with it covering most of their walls, booths, some ceilings and of course the bar. There were flat screen TVs around the three rooms of Harry Buffalo, so that just about everyone can see the game. The bar itself is three sided and makes its way around the whole room. There is a second bar in the basement as well. The two giant front windows open up during the warm season. Standing and roaming       space is at a minimum. Harry Buffalo has more of a restaurant/sports bar setup.

I ordered the wings and wings for my entree. I got the Hot Pepper Buffalo wings with the bone in and the Thai Chili for the boneless. I liked both but I liked the extra little kick of the buffalo more. It also came with a side. I went with the macaroni and cheese, which was good. I also tried the Cajun Ranch and it was real good as well. It is one of Johnny's favorite wings now. 've had their buffalo meat burger before and I like it. It may be slightly gamey for some tastes and slightly awesome for others.

I now looked at my phone and realized I had two text messages one telling me that three more people that I didn't think were coming now were and a second saying they're on their way. Our booth would not fit more than 4 (we already had three.) So we called on our waitress and asked about fitting another three. Her and Mike quickly went into action asking people at another table to move to ours so that we could fit that table and another together. It is possible that Harry Buffalo's staff is simply that awesome but I prefer to go with that it was the amazing power of my new LkwdVIP status. They carried our food over and moved that tables around to suit us.

All the food our new wave of friends got looked good and brought no complaints.

I made my way around the bar to get some pictures as the game was coming to its very close end. Arizona had held a lead in the beginning of the game but OSU took control till the final minutes. Arizona then made a push tying the game with only a hand full of seconds left. As you probably know in the last two seconds Ohio scored a three pointer to bring the bar into a fevered celebration. Soon followed everyone in the bar going into a rendition of the song, not called, Hey Snoopy. One of my favorite things about being a Clevelander is seeing people experience that song in Ohio for the first time. Since, only Ohioans do the O-H-I-O, visitors always first freeze then their head starts swinging around wildly like a rabbit that knows the owls coming but can't figure out from where, basically looking frightened and confused. This is usually followed in the next minute or two by them finding out the song's name is not Hey Snoopy but Hang on Sloopy.

Harry Buffalo was a win for the evening. The service was phenomenal and the staff seemed to care about making it a good experience. The food was good and not badly priced with a lot of different options. They had enough beer on tap giving everyone an option of something they will really like. If you want good service, beer, food and TV viewing ability goto Lakewood's Harry Buffalo, bar #31.

Note: I used a picture taking method on my camera that works real well when things aren't moving and worked otherwise tonight.  Guess I'll just have to go back for more pictures at some point.

18605 Detroit Ave

216-221-1313

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Harrybuffalo.com

Bar #8: Red Rose Cafe (Expanded & Renovated)

I used to see her on a regular basis. We liked to go bowling. She always made me this pop corn that was that addicting combination of slightly stale and a bit extra salty. Then one day she decided I should sing every time I saw her. I was out of there. It's been a few years. It's time to see her again. This week's bar is one of my ex-regular bars. My ex is Bar #8, the Red Rose Cafe, and I think we can be friends.

We ended up meeting up with John and Katie at the Red Rose at 7:25. This is important because the cheap burgers and kitchen in general both ended at 7:30. The burger and fries were fine, I had
 no complaints about them whatsoever. I also need to go back for the deep fried Oreos; I've never had them and I need to. There was no pop corn.

My beer of choice was Dortmunder breaking my Great Lakes seal on this blog. I'm still optimistic that I'll be able to have a different beer at every bar. I like Great Lakes Brewing Company, regardless of what beer I get from them I'm sure it'll be good. Kelly got a Blue Moon. She was mocked by some chick in sweat pants for her “fancy beer” when she asked for an orange with it.

As for ambiance, it looks like a generic dive bar with a skinny yet effective patio in the back. However, what makes the Red Rose Cafe awesome requires some quarters. They have a Pac-Man/Ms Pac-Man/Galaga arcade game. I didn't play it. I will when I go back for my Oreos. What we did play for hours was the best bowling machine I've found in Cuyahoga county. It uses real wooden balls and has a bunch of settings. These includes FLASH-O-MATIC, everything is better when it's made o-matic. It even has a built in drinking game.

 A note of warning. If you bring a bunch of nerdy guys to a bar they will act exactly the same except for one difference. No matter how stupid your logic is, if you are the loudest you must be correct. Luckily, due a genetic advantage I'm always right.

I originally left because of one of the Red Rose Cafe's improvements, karaoke. I think it helped their business but it's not what I want on a normal bar night. Since then, they've added a patio and a kitchen. I approve of the new Red Rose Cafe. You should go eat deep fried Oreos and play bar bowling because you have no excuse not to.

Awesome: Deep Fried Oreos, Bar Bowling

14810 Madison Ave

216-228-7133

https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Red-Rose-Cafe/202294795832