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| - Whoa, Burntwood. You're blowing LeFevre's & Samira, this building's past inhabitants, out of the water. After a few failed restaurants in this spot, it's great to see someplace that's likely to stick - & if the hustle & bustle at Burntwood is any indication, this one is likely here for the long haul.
I confess that I think the service, ambiance, & novelty (great view of the river!) are sometimes better than the food, which tends to be on the heavy/greasy side, but I don't have any real complaints to air about Burntwood. Prices are generally reasonable, with great, low-priced happy hour specials, & the menu is varied enough that just about anyone can find something to eat here.
I'm a fan of the Smoked Prime Rib Chili, the Tavern Chips (kettle chips topped with gorgonzola, bacon, garlic, & scallions), & the Angry Chicken Pizza (gorgonzola, pickled onion, scallions, parmesan peppercorn ranch & "angry sauce"). The Zucchini Frites have promise & are occasionally delicious, but more often than not, they've arrived to my table absolutely soaking wet with grease & bordering on inedible; I steer clear of them these days.
This place gets incredibly crowded come happy hour & at dinnertime on the weekends, though there rarely seems to be a wait. It can get loud, so plan accordingly or ask not to be seated in the bar area. It's also good for groups, & they've got a party room for rent, making it ideal for business lunches or events. I've always found the service to be friendly & fast, & the servers tend to remember frequent diners & regularly express their appreciation.
Most of all, in good weather, you can't beat Burntwood's outdoor seating, with gorgeous views of the Cuyahoga River - and, in the fall, the foliage that lines it.
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