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The Rush Inn Serves Great Food and Atmosphere

A great outdoor patio complements a menu of great food.

Over the years, I became a fan of Lakewood's "Rush Inn" since my friends and I--all on a budget--always left with a full belly and change still in our pockets.

Whether it was one of their award-winning burgers, or the jumbo wings, not only did they satisfy the palate, but also the pricing on both food and beverages from the bar were very reasonable. Then there was the staff, especially the bartenders, who really knew how to make a drink and went out of the way to make you feel comfortable.

So when I made to the trek with four companions to the Avon location after hearing about what Lakewood calls the "The other joint" I was curious. Could the atmosphere, food, and staff who made everyone at the Lakewood location feel like Norm from Cheers, be duplicated?

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The answer came quickly: absolutely! 

Upon entering the place, we were immediately greeted with a smile from our hostess and taken to our booth in the dining area, which was unlike many other places as it was wooden and high backed. The ambiance was perfect and even better, it didn't take long for our server to appear, and after ordering our drinks, within minutes he returned to the table with them.

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Being it was Saturday, I started with a basket of the jumbo wings, which were on special (45 cents apiece) and got them with sweet heat. My companion who likes to call herself a wing connoisseur, was surprised by the amount of meat and taste, and gave them a thumbs up.

The others in our party wanted something different than the norm, and decided to go with the Bruschetta Calamari. While it was one of the more pricey items as an appetizer other than the combo platter, it was well worth the cost. A sampling of the bruschetta proved it perfect and the calamari had a great taste to it.

Deciding on a meal is part of the experience at Rush Inn, so after pondering the menu I asked my server. He suggested the black and blue filet mignon wrap. My companion wanted something lighter and went with the grilled steak salad, while the other two in our party chose the marinated chicken sandwich and the other, the jumbo tacos--another Rush Inn staple item, that were also on special.

No one was disappointed. My companions salad was huge, and filled with fresh greens and was surprised with the side of bread that came with it. A nice portion of steak and cherry tomatoes that tasted like they were fresh off the vine hit the spot, and I was amazed upon a taste just how fresh the vegetables were.

A Pennsylvania native, I am used to steak sandwiches being made a number of ways. The filet mignon wrap was surprising. Not a slab of steak as I expected, it was tips of meat and the chef wasn't afraid to load it with chunks of blue cheese. The marinated onions also gave the blackened mignon a nice tang that I liked and the side of Cajun fries was delicious.

The other gentleman in our party said the chicken sandwich was very lean and noted the toppings on his of bacon and cheddar (you can create your own masterpiece) made the meal, but being one who likes big portions, he was disappointed in the amount of fries that came with the order. We were later told it is because people are now health conscious and the proportions are catered to that fact.

I love the Lakewood location's jumbo tacos and suggested them to a person in our party. They were a hit. It is not what you would expect from a taco; the shell is fluffy and loaded with beef lettuce and tomato. The fact they were also on special for $2.25 also made him happy.

While we were there for lunch, the Rush Inn also features a dinner menu. Reasonably priced our server said the Pretzel crusted Grouper, which comes with cream cheese is a must and of course the Walleye, which he claims the chef says no one can touch as it comes with sautéed lobster meat and a few other secret ingredients.

There are also daily specials Monday through Sunday including which feature the jumbo wings and tacos along and even a Lake Perch fish fry on Friday's served with cole slaw, potato pancakes & a garlic breadstick for just $14.95. The bar selection is also vast, with a number of drafts on tap.

The Avon location seemed more laid back and has more of a restaurant feel (it is in a strip mall) than the original Lakewood location, but the patio, which we receded to for a few drinks after our meal was extremely relaxing, well kept and set it aside.

To our surprise, it was not crowded for a Saturday, but it was also very warm out. We were told every Sunday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. it is hard to find a seat though, as they feature Sunday Patio Music throughout the summer months.

From classic rock to harmonica blues, there are a number of different individuals who set up stage. The Garden Party is also an event we've been told that is standing room only as there are drink and food specials galore. 

The Rush Inn not only was fun, but the fast service and friendliness of the staff made the visit enjoyable. Toss in the fact that unlike most pubs it also features a cook who makes sure the food is fresh and scrumptious, this is a place worth coming back to.

The Rush Inn is located at 35840 Chester Rd, Avon, OH 44011, telephone: 440-937-3252.

  • Hours: Daily, 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 a.m.  
  • Food & dining options: Low calorie, Vegetarian
  • Price level: $$
  • Kid Friendly: Yes
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