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| - All-in-all, an OK effort in an up and coming location. There's been a big push to make the flats into a party area, which seems like a great idea. I was there on a weekend summer night recently and there were a lot of people out having a good time, plus it was nice being down by the water. I think the waterfront is an under-utilized Cleveland resource, so it's nice to see the area taken advantage of.
Anyhow, more specific to the venue, it's pretty big, so it would be a good place to hold a party or bring a group. In the late afternoon/evening, Punch Bowl is more of a restaurant with activities (bowling, shuffleboard, arcade games, board games)--then it transitions into a bar scene at night. The drinks are a a little underwhelming; the name and the vibe obviously creates expectations of a great drink, which none of the punches were either of the times I have been there. The food is also ok, but definitely on the heavy side (think multiple mayo-ish sauces on one grilled chicken sandwich) and pricey. The only comment I'm going to make about the service is that, combined with the atmosphere, it felt more like what you would get at a chain sports bar or (throwback!) Chevy's-type place than what's expected at a nice bar or lounge-y restaurant, which is the vibe I think they're going for.
The main points I have is that they get credit for unique-ness, but I would like to see more effort in the food, drink, and service/atmosphere departments, one that could stand up better to some of the amazing restaurants and bars Cleveland has to offer. That combined with the fun new location would make Punch Bowl excellent instead of just ok.
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