I want to like that cafe so badly but I seem to always have something go wrong - either really, really slow service or very mediocre food.  I've just quit going as I got frustrated with the place.  One time I was served frozen french fries! You have a market full of potatoes right outside your door, there is no excuse for frozen fries. 

^Same here. My partner and I tried it three times for brunch. Three times we were comped mimosas because of some royal f#ckup with the service. Not an "oops, forgot silverware", not "oops, brought the wrong order", more like "oh, I thought _____  was taking care of you" after 10 minutes of us staring at our menus - the person saying this was always within 10 feet of us, clearly seeing _____ had nothing to do with our table.

 

As much as I like free booze, even I have a limit. That said, once we got attention from the server in question - the food was great.

^ I'm surprised.  I've been there probably 20 times for lunch and dinner, and have never had an issue with service.  There was only one time that I ordered a grilled chicken sandwich (my usual) for carryout and they gave me a fried chicken one instead.  But other than that, no problems at all here.

I have always had good luck there and like the cafe a lot, even though it does not really have a comfortable feel to it...but I know once a curse gets thrown on you at a place, you might as well forget it. My cursed place that everyone loves is Johnny Mango's. I have always had atrocious food and service there.

^Johnny Mangos is the west side's version of Tommys, and I don't mean that as a compliment.

lol. I have oddly always had great service at Tommys. but the food is gawd awful

Too many dreads, too much patchouli, and too much anemia for my taste.

At least they did not spell Crazy with a "K". 

Actually, I think it is spelled with a K.  :wtf:

lol. I have oddly always had great service at Tommys. but the food is gawd awful

 

Interesting. I've always heard the exact opposite--they love the food, but don't care for the service.

News on the 806 in Tremont from Scene:

 

Tremont's 806 Martini & Wine Bar will soon reopen. Owner Tom Leneghan has partnered with pros from Vista Hospitality and Logistics Group to relaunch the popular spot by mid-June. Expect an elegantly updated decor, a small tapas-style menu, and plenty of daily Happy Hour specials.

 

I don't think it matters much. From what I've heard from people who have been there recently the mac & cheese is really just "ok" not "great" and the service continues to be spotty.  With that and the multiple name changes, they probably won't be able to survive that long.

 

I've always found the mac & cheeses to be very good.  But the way it was talked up when it first opened, I think some people go in expecting to meet Jeebus in cheese form.  Well, one'll always be disappointed then.

^agreed, if it is as you report!

 

Also, on W. 58th & Detroit, what was the new Snickers and then became Cheddars is now Crazy Mac's Cafe.  WTF???  I agree, not a very inviting name.  If I were new in town and saw the name Crazy Mac in the phone book I would think it was sort of like Chuck e Cheese or some sort of place to take kids.  Nothing against kids, just that the restaurant and the name don't match.

 

Not only is this incredibly confusing for anyone trying to look the place up, but for those of us who have been there, does Crazy Mac's Cafe sound like an appropriate name for this restaurant?  My vote is an emphatic NO!

^Same here. My partner and I tried it three times for brunch. Three times we were comped mimosas because of some royal f#ckup with the service. Not an "oops, forgot silverware", not "oops, brought the wrong order", more like "oh, I thought _____  was taking care of you" after 10 minutes of us staring at our menus - the person saying this was always within 10 feet of us, clearly seeing _____ had nothing to do with our table.

 

As much as I like free booze, even I have a limit. That said, once we got attention from the server in question - the food was great.

  I think you are referring to Crazy Mac?  Yeah, the service is always spotty.  Not that I want to complain but I think they need to wise up and look at customer service.  My partner and I were there once and I wanted a salad and a side of Mac & Cheese.  The server said he would check to see if they could do that because they don't normally do sides.  I nearly walked out because when the server asked the owner/manager we overheard the owner/manager yelling at the server and saying "No, no, no, we're not going to start that sh!t!"  The whole theme of the restaurant is about Mac & Chz and with Luxe Cafe opening across the street I just want to say -- "figure it out, sell the product  like it's dollar day at the rummage sale!" 

Anybody know what happened with the Flat Iron? I've gotten a message that it was bought by a family that I went to highschool with and that they would be taking over this weekend. I am assuming that current owner was not able to recover after the fire last year and was in debt or just wanted out.

 

The older brother in the family currently owns/runs the Fifth Season outside of Youngstown, which has great food (worth a stop if you are in the area, great food, great wine selection). He went to the Culinary School in Pittsburgh so he has a damn good idea what he is doing, so I am interested in what his take on pub food will be like.

Also, on W. 58th & Detroit, what was the new Snickers and then became Cheddars is now Crazy Mac's Cafe.  WTF???

 

I'm confused...isn't Snickers next door to Cheddars/Crazy Mac's Cafe?  I know they're owned by the same people, but aren't they still separate restaurants?

^I'm pretty sure the two places merged.

^yup

"The server said he would check to see if they could do that because they don't normally do sides.  I nearly walked out because when the server asked the owner/manager we overheard the owner/manager yelling at the server and saying "No, no, no, we're not going to start that sh!t!""

 

Just like when they were Snickers (old AND new locations) - I struggled to find something light-ish/healthy on the menu and often ordered an app as my entree. Let's see, locating in an area like Detroit-Shoreway - an area very popular with "my people" - and not allowing smaller side portions when swimsuit season is almost upon us? Thanks, I'll take my business to places that are happy to accomodate their clientele in an economy where people are eating out less.

You're people and my people want the same thing.  Everyone complained about the big, heavy servings and suggested if we ever went again we would all just split some dishes.

Anybody know what happened with the Flat Iron?

I am a bit surprised to hear this since I was in a few weeks ago and heard nothing about it-and I usually get the scoop when I am in. On the other hand like most of the neighborhood,I know the owner was not thrilled about the tear down of the crooked river building and building of the Hustler strip club directly across the the street. The occasional frat boy stumbling in for a beer and some shots will not make up for the other problems/stigma likely to come.  I also heard there was concern an adjacent parking lot. Something (sorry I do not remember ) is happening there, and there could be future customer parking concerns. The owner seemed like a nice person, so I wish him the best. But I also welcome a professionally trained chef at the Flat Iron. I think the menu has a ton of potential as it is a little outdated with circa 1987 greasy bar food, salad and sandwiches.  Maybe the revamped FI could be what 2020 promised- neighborhood bar with  great affordable food. As long as they do not take a way the Guinness or other things that contribute to the obligatory Cleveland Flats Irish vibe, they could do well.

You're people and my people want the same thing.  Everyone complained about the big, heavy servings and suggested if we ever went again we would all just split some dishes.

 

I for one loved Snickers, but (obviously) haven't been there since last fall.  I am sad to see it is no more.  It used to take up three storefronts (between the bar and restaurant).  Does Crazy Mac now take up all 4 storefronts or did they give up some space?

Peabody, maybe it is the lot that is closed to become a part of the Canalway terminus park.

^ yes. I think you are correct . I am just not sure which one they were talking about. in the end, I hope they will be a really good thing for the flat iron, not a negative. 

You're people and my people want the same thing.  Everyone complained about the big, heavy servings and suggested if we ever went again we would all just split some dishes.

  Yes, swimsuit weather.  "I'll have the house salad and one noodle, light on the cheese please".  MayDay -- I agree, with all the competition along DS all the restaurants need to get the customer service thing right or they will be gone.  My people don't stand for such nonsense!

You're people and my people want the same thing.  Everyone complained about the big, heavy servings and suggested if we ever went again we would all just split some dishes.

 

I for one loved Snickers, but (obviously) haven't been there since last fall.  I am sad to see it is no more.  It used to take up three storefronts (between the bar and restaurant).  Does Crazy Mac now take up all 4 storefronts or did they give up some space?

  It basically still is Snickers.  Same person owned Cheddars and Snickers.  Cheddars shared the kitchen AND restrooms with Snickers but you had to walk outside.  Since Cheddars had a license to sell liquor/beer/wine the whole restroom situation could no longer legally work.  So..., the "Cheddars" store front closed, the two merged menus under the name "Cheddars".  That name though seems was taken already.  One of the dishes on the menu is the Krazy Mac  --- hence the name of the "new" place.  The restaurant still takes up about 3 store fronts along the north side of Detroit.  The "Cheddars" storefront space actually housed a garage sale yesterday.  Not sure what's up with that. 

 

If you want to add to the confusion  Latitude 41 N across the street is owned by the previous owner of Snickers when it was on West 76.  The building on West 76 that was the ORIGINAL Snickers is now open again and called Reddstone.  Seems the Snickers name just doesn't go away but the magic of the meal tends to be in question.

the "Cheddars" store front closed, the two merged menus under the name "Cheddars".  That name though seems was taken already.  One of the dishes on the menu is the Krazy Mac  --- hence the name of the "new" place.

 

Is the decor still the dark red Snickers style decor or did they lighten it up to make it more casual?

Not to mention, how were they ever allowed to call that place Snickers?  I would think that's TM just like Cheddars.

Ok. So let me get this strait: If I liked the old snickers where redstone is, I need to go to latitude 41?

I was not too happy with the New snickers (that became Chaddars Krazy Mac). Redstone had good wings but bad service and bad loud music. sooo confused.

Yeah, the music at Redstone is a real problem.  I don't like sipping a Sierra Nevada while listening to the best of Linkin Park.

Latitude 41 is nothing like the old Snickers.  That being said, I don't even know how to describe the place.  I have been there twice and the food was soso and so was the service.  Something just didn't seem right with the concept.  It has been a few months, so maybe I'll give it a try again, but I am not sure how much longer it will be there since I hardly ever see anyone in it when I pass it.

 

And yes, Chedders Krazy Mac's still has the old dark Snickers furniture.  It seems quite out of place and stuffy while eating the mac and cheese.  Decor along the line of Melt (perhaps a bit more upscale) would seem more appropriate.

^I agree. It feels like a lot of bad decisions were made between those few restaurants. It really feels like just a matter of time before we see someone close down.

^ or ^^I can't speak to the old or the new Snickers, but I concur when it comes to Latitude.

Latitude 41 review in PD today

http://www.cleveland.com/goingout/index.ssf/2008/05/latitude_41n_menu_lets_you_eat.html

Stopped by Stone Mad for a sunny Saturday afternoon pint. This place is beautiful! THey put some much careful craftmanship into it. We were greeted by a familiar and friendly bartender from prior haunts and had nice service as well on the patio. the patio is amazing- all stone, iron gates, a fireplace.  While I am not cheap (just careful with spending) I raise my brow at a $6 Guinness in Cleve. Well I have to say this is the only place in town so far I would pay that. Not every day, but I will make an effort to support this place. For what it is worth, goblets of Great Lakes and Smithwicks are less ($4). Nothing was really jumping out on the menu for me, but I imagine they will expand it. They are not serving food on the patio yet, but drinks are a go. It is really nicely done. Hope they do well.

Ok. So let me get this strait: If I liked the old snickers where redstone is, I need to go to latitude 41?

I was not too happy with the New snickers (that became Chaddars Krazy Mac). Redstone had good wings but bad service and bad loud music. sooo confused.

It depends -- if you liked the old Snickers with first owner, then try Latitude.  If you liked Snickers with second owner then go to Cheddars/Krazy Mac.

Stopped by Stone Mad for a sunny Saturday afternoon pint. This place is beautiful! THey put some much careful craftmanship into it. We were greeted by a familiar and friendly bartender from prior haunts and had nice service as well on the patio. the patio is amazing- all stone, iron gates, a fireplace.  While I am not cheap (just careful with spending) I raise my brow at a $6 Guinness in Cleve. Well I have to say this is the only place in town so far I would pay that. Not every day, but I will make an effort to support this place. For what it is worth, goblets of Great Lakes and Smithwicks are less ($4). Nothing was really jumping out on the menu for me, but I imagine they will expand it. They are not serving food on the patio yet, but drinks are a go. It is really nicely done. Hope they do well.

 

Just had lunch there today. I liked it a lot. I had a beef brisket sandwich that was pretty good. They did put a lot of work into the place. There's a bocce court in the dining room.

 

I snuck up to the second level where they're still doing construction and talked to the owner for a minute. They're not going to finish it off until the end of the summer, he said. He's going to NYC, San Diego and Chicago to get ideas, but he thinks he's going to make it Art Deco in design. Also, they're making the house next door into a wine cellar.

 

I'd go back again, if for nothing else than to sit on the stone patio and throw back a pint or two.

Caribe Bakery on Fulton, just south of I-90, but north of Johnny's, has a fantastic Cubano sandwich w/ crispy bread, swiss cheese, slow cooked pork w/ peppery fat, ham, mustard slather, & pickles.  $3.50 gets you a meal (fat 8" of sandwich)!

 

http://www.tagzania.com/item/9938

 

Highly recommended if you're hungry!

 

 

oh that sounds yummy.  All it needs is some Jamaican chili peppers on it.

Caribe Bakery on Fulton, just south of I-90, but north of Johnny's, has a fantastic Cubano sandwich w/ crispy bread, swiss cheese, slow cooked pork w/ peppery fat, ham, mustard slather, & pickles.  $3.50 gets you a meal (fat 8" of sandwich)!

 

http://www.tagzania.com/item/9938

 

Highly recommended if you're hungry!

 

 

If this is a real Cuban, or as good as a real Cuban, I will eat my hat. Every ingredient you listed looks legit. Now if only the bread is right....

Well, my real Cuban grandfather would go to Caribe "back in the day" to get supplies for his pigroasts (Lechon Asado), so I can attest that it's the real deal.

 

Peabody: You're sooo right about the bread, it is what makes or breaks a Cuban Sandwich.  It's been a while, but I can attest that at least a few years back, Caribe was second to none in these parts.  I know a lot of Westside puertorriqueños that swear by it.

Well, my real Cuban grandfather would go to Caribe "back in the day" to get supplies for his pigroasts (Lechon Asado), so I can attest that it's the real deal.

 

Peabody: You're sooo right about the bread, it is what makes or breaks a Cuban Sandwich.  It's been a while, but I can attest that at least a few years back, Caribe was second to none in these parts.  I know a lot of Westside puertorriqueños that swear by it.

 

what I wouldn't give for one of these right now.  I'm tempted to take the train to west new york.  alas, I'll settle for pernil and chit'lins tonight!

I would really like a good Cuban. I do not even try anymore in Cleve. I get them from time to time in NYC, but if I go over to Hells Kitchen I am distracted by Mexican food. People always say to go to Lelolai bakery in OC as they have a "Cuban". well that sandwich is an abomination and a desecration of a Cuban sandwich. While it tastes ok, it should not be called a Cuban.  One day we rode our bikes on a long, long Lorain av ride. We came upon a tiny storefront place that had Cubans. They were at least respectful and authentic, and pretty darn good. I tried to find it again, but could not. It disappeared into thin air. The bread is pretty unique. I just have not seen it in any bakeries locally.

I'd kill for a decent Cuban spot. I agree the Lelolai Cuban is missing something. I think it is just the quality of the pork. Seems like you can taste the processing, but put anything on Caribbean bread and I'm still pretty happy.

 

There used to be a store, Cuban Boy Sandwich & Deli, on Detroit and west 95th or so. I never had a bad experience and was both shocked and saddened by its departure some maybe four or five years ago. You could go in on a school day, midday, and sometimes have your sandwich order taken by a twelve year old kid, or as I liked to think of it, getting your Cuban sandwich made by a Cuban boy at "Cuban Boy"

If I were actually to open a restaurant, I think I could do homestlye Cuban - not the "small plates" stuff everyone is trying to pull off-- since I would ask for recipes from every Cuban I met in Fl. It really is not that hard. But you have to have the bread or forget it. 

 

There is some place out in Woodmere that has Cuban Fusion...name escaping me-same owner or chef as Blvd Blue. I really need something closer though. Kind of pricey too when you are used to corner cafeterias for your Cuban.

i remember the cuban boy place. i went there too and it was fine. hard to believe the cleve does not have an out and out cuban restaurant anymore. it would certainly be a style of food people would be into. sometimes you get a real craving for those fantastic sandwiches.

There is some place out in Woodmere that has Cuban Fusion...name escaping me-same owner or chef as Blvd Blue.

 

Paladar?

Yes, that's it

pulled this tidbit off a tweet at bfd>

Lucky’s Café opens July 1 at 12706 Larchmere (the old Limbo)

  One day we rode our bikes on a long, long Lorain av ride. We came upon a tiny storefront place that had Cubans. They were at least respectful and authentic, and pretty darn good. I tried to find it again, but could not. It disappeared into thin air. The bread is pretty unique. I just have not seen it in any bakeries locally.

 

It wasn't the little shop on the south side of Lorain just west of W. 65th was it?  Looks like it was built into an old house.

It was a little further out....its gone now. At least I think.