More Than Just a Sports Bar—It’s Where Stories Begin
Picture this: the game is on, the wings are sizzling, the beer list runs deep, and laughter echoes from table to table. Whether you’re here to cheer for your favorite team, unwind after work, or enjoy a family night out, The Winking Lizard Cleveland offers more than just a seat at the bar—it offers an experience. For guests, it’s a go-to hangout. For employees, it’s a place to grow. So, what’s the story behind this Ohio favorite?
A Slice of History: From Humble Beginnings to a Beloved Chain
It all started in 1983 in Bedford Heights, Ohio, when the original Winking Lizard Tavern opened its doors. What began as a cozy neighborhood pub with a quirky name and a love for cold beer and hot wings quickly turned into something much bigger. With a loyal fanbase and a menu that kept people coming back, the tavern grew—location by location—into a renowned sports-bar chain across Northeast and Central Ohio.
Each location is known for its welcoming vibe, walls filled with TVs playing every major game, and its signature World Beer Tour, encouraging patrons to sample brews from around the globe. It’s the kind of place where memories are made—and where community thrives.
Why People Love It: More Than Just Food and Sports
The Winking Lizard is more than its wings and beer. Here’s why people keep coming back:
- Unmatched Atmosphere: Think casual comfort with an electric energy. Whether you’re catching the Browns game or just grabbing lunch, it always feels like your place.
- Legendary Menu: From award-winning wings to burgers, pizzas, and healthier options, the menu hits every craving.
- Craft Beer Heaven: Over 400 beers from around the world through the year—and yes, there’s a passport for it.
- Family-Friendly: It’s one of the few sports bars where you’ll see kids munching on chicken tenders while parents enjoy the game.
- Consistency & Quality: Whether you’re in Cleveland, Columbus, or Canton, the Winking Lizard feels like home.
🧾 Winking Lizard Tavern Menu – With Price & Calories
| Menu Item | Price | Calories | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skinny Dippers (8 oz) | $6.29 | 280 kcal | Breaded chicken tenders served with choice of sauce |
| Strip Steak Wrap | $8.49 | 340 kcal | Sliced steak, grilled and wrapped with veggies & dressing |
| Garlic Wings (6 pcs) | $7.99 avg | 940 kcal | Bone-in wings tossed in garlic sauce |
| White Pizza (6 slices) | $10–12 | 1,130 kcal | Creamy cheese pizza with a white garlic base |
| Spinach & Artichoke Dip | $7.29 | ~700 kcal* | Hot, cheesy dip served with tortilla chips |
| Pfred’s Pfries (Single) | $4.49 | ~600 kcal* | Waffle fries topped with cheddar, mozzarella & bacon |
| Beer-Battered Onion Rings | $3.49–6.79 | ~480–960 kcal* | Half or full pound of crispy golden onion rings |
| Beer-Battered Haddock Sandwich | $8.29 | ~700–850 kcal* | Crispy fried fish sandwich with lettuce and tartar |
| Garlic Cheese Bread | $2.49 | ~400 kcal* | Thick-cut bread with melted mozzarella and garlic butter |
🔹 *Calories marked with an asterisk are estimates based on similar items from restaurant nutrition data.
🔸 Prices may vary slightly by location.
Star Dishes at The Winking Lizard Cleveland
- Legendary Chicken Wings
Known for bold flavors and variety, from mild to fiery hot—these wings are a must-have. - Lizard Lips (Chicken Tenders)
Crispy, juicy, and kid-approved; perfect for dipping or pairing with fries. - Bacon Cheddar Burger
A juicy beef patty topped with crispy bacon and melted cheddar—classic and satisfying. - BBQ Baby Back Ribs
Slow-cooked, tender, and glazed in rich BBQ sauce; a top choice for meat lovers. - Loaded Nachos
Piled high with cheese, jalapeños, salsa, sour cream, and your choice of meat—great for sharing. - Southwest Egg Rolls
A spicy, crunchy starter filled with chicken, black beans, and veggies, served with a tangy dipping sauce. - Southwest Chicken Salad
A fresh, flavorful mix of greens, grilled chicken, corn, black beans, and zesty ranch dressing.
🍔 Fast Food Consumption:
Fast food remains a major part of global diets, particularly in developed countries like the United States. Despite rising awareness of health and wellness, the demand for convenient, affordable meals continues to drive the fast-food industry forward.
📊 Key Statistics
- How Many People Eat Fast Food?
- Nearly 85 million Americans eat fast food on any given day, according to CDC data.
- That’s roughly 36.6% of U.S. adults consuming at least one fast food meal per day.
- By Age Group
- Ages 20–39: Highest consumers — nearly 45% eat fast food daily.
- Ages 40–59: Around 37%.
- 60 and over: Drops to around 25%, but still significant.
- Why People Choose Fast Food
According to surveys by Statista and the USDA:
- Convenience – 60%
- Affordability – 54%
- Taste – 52%
- Time constraints – 44%
- Habit or routine – 25%
- Most Popular Fast Food Items
Top dishes ordered worldwide:
- Burgers – 1 in 3 fast-food meals include one.
- French fries – ordered in over 60% of meals.
- Pizza, fried chicken, and tacos are top contenders.
- In the U.S., McDonald’s Big Mac and Chick-fil-A’s Chicken Sandwich rank among the most iconic.
- Fast Food Industry Revenue
- The global fast food market is projected to reach $1.1 trillion by 2027.
- In 2024, U.S. fast food revenue topped $366 billion, with giants like McDonald’s, Starbucks, and Chick-fil-A leading.
- Health & Nutrition Concerns
- Fast food meals often contain high levels of sodium, saturated fat, and added sugars.
- The average fast food combo meal can contain 1,100–1,500 calories, exceeding half the daily recommended intake for adults.
- Regular consumption is linked to:
- Higher BMI and obesity risk
- Increased risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease
- Lower intake of fruits, vegetables, and essential nutrients
🧠 Interesting Fast Food Facts
- Fastest Drive-Thru (2024): Taco Bell averages 3 min 50 sec per order.
- Most Visited Chain in the U.S. (2024): McDonald’s – visited by over 85% of Americans annually.
- Most Common Fast-Food Breakfast Item: Sausage biscuit or breakfast sandwich.
- In a survey, 70% of people aged 18–24 said they eat fast food at least once per week.
👍 What People Love
Wings & Bar Food
- “Wings are good, love Goldfinger sauce.” — r/Cleveland Reddit+15Reddit+15Tripadvisor+15
- “They have above average wings, average burgers, above average pizza. Also they have beer and lots of TVs.” — r/Cleveland Reddit
Beer Selection
- “Great beer selection, decent bar food, good place to watch a game.” — r/Cleveland Foursquare+6Reddit+6Reddit+6
- “Over 100 beers… makes me feel like I’m back home.” — Birdeye & Foursquare Birdeye+1Foursquare+1
Atmosphere & Service
- “Delicious food, cold beer, prices very reasonable, service was good… We would eat here again.” — TripAdvisor Yelp+8Tripadvisor+8Tripadvisor+8
- “Great spot to stop when riding the tow-path trail… cozy beer cellar.” — Foursquare reviews Foursquare+1Reddit+1
👎 Criticisms & Mixed Feedback
Inconsistent Food Quality
- “I’ve had a chicken sandwich … chewy AF. Why do we Clevelanders put up with this place? It’s garbage every time I go.” — r/Cleveland Reddit
- “Quality isn’t the same… big fatty wingdings” — r/Cleveland Reddit
Service Complaints
- “Took 40 minutes for our food… dried-up soggy wings… lukewarm.” — Yelp user Nicole M. Yelp+4Yelp+4Birdeye+4
- “Server forgot meals, had to wait extra 25 minutes.” — Tripadvisor Foursquare+1Tripadvisor+1
Live Animals Controversy
- Several Redditors report lizards and iguanas were once common, but have been removed due to health concerns.
🧭 Final Snapshot
| Aspect | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Wings & Bar Food | Frequently praised, signature sauces like Goldfinger shine | Inconsistencies — chewy or fatty batches reported |
| Beer & Atmosphere | Extensive beer list; fun, sporty, family-friendly vibe | Busy nights can impact service speed |
| Service | Friendly and attentive in many cases | Occasional slow service or order errors |
| Environment | Game-day energy, live lizard memories | Family-focused spaces can get loud |
📍 Winking Lizard Tavern Locations & Contact Details
| Location | Address | Phone | Hours and map location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beachwood | 25800 Central Pkwy, Beachwood, OH 44122 | (216) 454-0380 | Mon–Fri: 11 AM–11 PM, Sat: 11:30 AM–11 PM, Sun: 11:30 AM–10 PM https://maps.app.goo.gl/FqFT1hK43VmuknG56 |
| Mayfield Heights | 1355 SOM Center Rd, Mayfield Heights, OH 44124 | (440) 683-8003 | https://maps.app.goo.gl/rtNH9Mv5YUiyFrgu6 |
| Independence | 6111 Quarry Ln, Independence, OH 44131 | (216) 524-2226 | https://maps.app.goo.gl/8BMvD4xgB2hmmZBP6 |
| Lakewood | 14018 Detroit Ave, Lakewood, OH 44107 | (216) 226-6693 | https://maps.app.goo.gl/E2WHQKcZk6xEPyu97 |
| Galleria at Erieview (Downtown Cleveland) | 1301 E 9th St, Cleveland, OH 44114 | (216) 297-4490 | Mon–Thu: 11 AM–11 PM; Fri–Sat: 11 AM–Midnight; Sun: Noon–10 PM https://maps.app.goo.gl/Mt1b6j3gpBEaj1f39 |
✅ How to Use This Info:
- 📞 Call ahead to confirm menus, wing specials, and current hours (as they can vary).
- 🕒 Weekday wing specials: Many locations offer discounted wings on Mondays (after 3 PM).
- 🍺 Beer lovers take note: With over 100 taps at Beachwood and Galleria, those spots are ideal for craft beer fans.
Carrier at the Winking Lizard bar?
If you’ve ever thought, “This place looks like a fun place to work,” you’re right. The Winking Lizard has built a workplace culture as strong as its community presence. Here’s why joining the team might be the best career decision you make:
- Growth Opportunities: Many current managers and GMs started as servers or kitchen staff. If you’re passionate and hard-working, you can climb the ladder.
- Team-Oriented Culture: You’re not just a number—you’re part of a family that supports one another inside and outside the workplace.
- Competitive Pay & Benefits: Fair wages, healthcare, meal discounts, and flexible scheduling make it easy to balance life and work.
- Training & Development: From customer service to food safety and leadership development, you’ll gain skills that stay with you for life.
- Fun Environment: It’s a place where you can be yourself. The energy is real, the customers are loyal, and the vibe is never boring.
A Career That Feels Like Home
Whether you’re looking for a part-time job during college, a fresh start in a new city, or a long-term career in hospitality, The Winking Lizard offers the kind of environment where you can truly thrive. It’s not just about pouring pints or serving burgers—it’s about creating moments and building relationships.
Ready to Be Part of Something Legendary?
So next time you’re watching the game with friends or enjoying wings with family, look around—The Winking Lizard could be your next favorite place to work, not just hang out. Visit winkinglizard.com to check out current job openings and start your journey with one of Ohio’s most beloved tavern chains.
Here at The Winking Lizard, we’re always looking for great people to make great memories.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions – Winking Lizard
🕒 1. What are Winking Lizard’s hours of operation?
Most locations are open daily from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM, with some staying open later on weekends.
🛈 Tip: Call your local location to confirm holiday or game-day hours.
🍗 2. Are Winking Lizard’s wings breaded?
Their traditional wings are not breaded—they’re deep-fried and tossed in your choice of sauces. Boneless wings are breaded and crispy.
🌶️ 3. What are the most popular wing sauces?
Top fan-favorite sauces include:
- Goldfinger (sweet & tangy)
- Fire in the Hole (very hot)
- Spicy Sesame
- Garlic and Honey BBQ
🍺 4. How many beers does Winking Lizard offer?
Some locations offer up to 100+ beers on tap and in bottles. Many guests join the World Beer Tour, where you can sample beers and earn rewards.
💳 5. Does Winking Lizard accept reservations?
No, they operate on a first-come, first-served basis. For large parties, calling ahead is recommended to check wait times.
🚗 6. Is there takeout or delivery available?
Yes! You can order for pickup or delivery through their website or apps like DoorDash and Uber Eats (availability varies by location).
🐾 7. Are pets allowed?
Pets are not allowed indoors, but some locations with patios may be pet-friendly. Always call ahead to check.
🐊 8. Do they still have live lizards or iguanas?
Most locations no longer keep live lizards due to health regulations and evolving brand standards. Some fans remember the iguanas fondly!
📍 9. How many locations are there?
Winking Lizard operates around 15 locations, primarily across Northeast Ohio — including Cleveland, Lakewood, Beachwood, Independence, and Akron.
🍽️ 10. Is there a kids’ menu or vegetarian options?
Yes! They offer kid-friendly items (like chicken tenders, mac & cheese) and vegetarian options like salads, veggie wraps, and pizza.
✅ Final Thoughts
Whether you’re craving bold wings, a hearty wrap, or a cold craft beer, Winking Lizard Tavern delivers a casual, crowd-pleasing experience that’s become a Northeast Ohio staple. With a wide variety of flavors, generous portions, and a welcoming atmosphere, it’s easy to see why locals keep coming back.
If you’re planning your first visit or just curious about their menu, this guide should help you order with confidence — and maybe even inspire you to recreate a few favorites at home.
🍻 Eat well, explore flavors, and don’t forget the Goldfinger sauce!
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