What is Winking Lizard Downtown Cleveland known for?
Winking Lizard Downtown Cleveland is one of East 4th Street's standout american restaurants, with a solid 4.2/5 rating backed by 2,222 Google reviews. Relaxed neighborhood chain pub with classic American grub, hundreds of beer choices & sports on TVs. Expect to spend $20-$30 per person. The restaurant serves lunch, dinner, making it a versatile choice throughout the day. Outdoor seating is available, adding to the experience during warmer months.
What to order at Winking Lizard Downtown Cleveland
Winking Lizard Downtown Cleveland specializes in american restaurant cuisine, serving lunch, dinner. For the full menu and current specials, visit the restaurant's website.
Meals served
What is the atmosphere like at Winking Lizard Downtown Cleveland?
Winking Lizard Downtown Cleveland provides a comfortable sit-down dining environment, with outdoor seating for enjoying Cleveland's warmer seasons. The space accommodates larger parties well, making it a reliable choice for group dinners, celebrations, and private events. Families with children will find a welcoming environment with accommodations for younger diners. Sports fans will appreciate the game-day atmosphere with screens for watching Cleveland teams in action. The drinks program features beer, wine, cocktails, coffee, dessert. The overall feel is comfortable and mid-range, consistent with its $$ pricing.
Hours and location
Winking Lizard Downtown Cleveland address and directions
Winking Lizard Downtown Cleveland is located at 1300 E 9th St, Cleveland, OH 44114, USA. It sits in the East 4th Street neighborhood of Cleveland. Call (216) 297-4490 for reservations or inquiries.
Get directions on Google MapsWinking Lizard Downtown Cleveland hours of operation
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Thursday | 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Friday | 11:00 AM – 10:30 PM |
| Saturday | 11:30 AM – 10:30 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
Does Winking Lizard Downtown Cleveland take reservations?
Contact Winking Lizard Downtown Cleveland directly for the latest reservation policy. The restaurant offers dine-in, takeout, delivery service. Call (216) 297-4490 to confirm availability or place an order.
Is Winking Lizard Downtown Cleveland good for families and groups?
Winking Lizard Downtown Cleveland is well-suited for both families with children and larger group gatherings. The space and menu accommodate a range of ages and party sizes comfortably. A dedicated children's menu is available, making ordering easy for families with younger kids. The venue is also a great spot for watching Cleveland sports, with screens and a game-day energy.
How much does Winking Lizard Downtown Cleveland cost?
Winking Lizard Downtown Cleveland falls in the $$ price range, with most meals running $20-$30 per person. This makes it a moderately priced restaurant that balances quality and value well for the Cleveland dining scene. Compared to Cleveland's overall dining scene, which skews affordable relative to coastal cities, Winking Lizard Downtown Cleveland offers a wallet-friendly experience.
Happy hour and special hours at Winking Lizard Downtown Cleveland
| Monday | 3:00 – 7:00 PM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 3:00 – 7:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 3:00 – 7:00 PM |
| Thursday | 3:00 – 7:00 PM |
| Friday | 3:00 – 7:00 PM |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
What reviewers say about Winking Lizard Downtown Cleveland
People say this restaurant offers a wide selection of beers, bourbons, and whiskeys, as well as delicious wings, ribs, and burgers. They also highlight the reasonable prices, fun sports bar vibe with numerous TVs, and friendly staff. Other reviews mention the wait can be long.
“Here’s a polished and natural-sounding English review: ⸻ I guess the idea that American food is always salty was just a misconception. Everything we ordered — the mac and cheese, chicken garlic pizza, and chicken wings — was delicious and generously portioned. What I loved the most was that it’s the perfect spot to watch NFL games. There were dozens of TVs mounted across the walls, so no matter where you sit, you get a great view. Highly recommended!”
“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.”
“Food wasn't anything to brag about and we usually enjoy this restaurant chain. Service was really slow and business was slow so it felt neglectful. Place had an odd smell that just wasn't appetizing. Everyone was friendly and portions were generous.”
Parking at Winking Lizard Downtown Cleveland
Winking Lizard Downtown Cleveland offers a paid parking lot, metered street parking, a paid parking garage for diners. Arriving 10-15 minutes early on weekends is recommended to secure a spot.
Accessibility at Winking Lizard Downtown Cleveland
Winking Lizard Downtown Cleveland provides a wheelchair-accessible entrance, accessible seating, an accessible restroom, accessible parking. The restaurant is committed to accommodating guests with mobility needs. For specific accessibility questions or to arrange accommodations, call ahead at (216) 297-4490.
Photos of Winking Lizard Downtown Cleveland
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Frequently Asked Questions
What type of food does Winking Lizard Downtown Cleveland serve?
Winking Lizard Downtown Cleveland is a american restaurant located in East 4th Street, Cleveland. The restaurant serves lunch, dinner.
What are Winking Lizard Downtown Cleveland's hours?
Winking Lizard Downtown Cleveland is open seven days a week. Today's hours are Monday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM. Hours may vary on holidays, so calling ahead at (216) 297-4490 is recommended for special occasions.
Is Winking Lizard Downtown Cleveland good for a date night?
Winking Lizard Downtown Cleveland can work for a casual date, particularly for couples who enjoy american restaurant. The $$ pricing and walk-in format makes it a relaxed choice.
Does Winking Lizard Downtown Cleveland have outdoor seating?
Yes, Winking Lizard Downtown Cleveland offers outdoor seating. This option is especially popular during Cleveland's warmer months from May through October. Arrive early or call ahead to secure a patio table during peak times.
How much does a meal at Winking Lizard Downtown Cleveland cost?
Winking Lizard Downtown Cleveland is priced at the $$ level. Expect to spend 15 to 35 per person before drinks and tip. This positions it as a value-friendly option in the Cleveland dining landscape.
Is Winking Lizard Downtown Cleveland dog-friendly?
Winking Lizard Downtown Cleveland does not currently allow dogs. For pet-friendly dining in Cleveland, check our guide to dog-friendly restaurants.
Is there parking at Winking Lizard Downtown Cleveland?
Winking Lizard Downtown Cleveland offers paid parking nearby. Arriving 10-15 minutes early on weekends is recommended to secure a spot, especially during peak dining hours.
Does Winking Lizard Downtown Cleveland have happy hour?
Yes, Winking Lizard Downtown Cleveland offers happy hour. Check the special hours section above for the current happy hour schedule, which typically features discounted drinks and appetizers.
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Update History
- March 2026: Initial publication with Google Places data, photos, hours, and ratings.