Favorite Restaurant in Lakewood

[Lynn Farris]

After reading the threads, I thought it would be interesting to determine which are your favorite restaurants in Lakewood and why? Where do you go to eat - when it is just immediate family. Where do you take guests to impress them. Where would you take a date for a special occaision?

Most likely the place that we go most to eat in Lakewood is Borderline Cafe. It is great food, inexpensive and cute.

For casual entertaining with friends I really like Angelo's on Madison. I love the food (I think they have the best pizza) and decor - I understand the owner's wife decorated the place herself and she did a great job.

To be honest, we don't do much fancy stuff. But Players is high on my list. Very cool lighting - I really like it. I haven't been to the new Pier W, but the old one had a view that was just incredible.

[c. dawson]

Pier W definitely has the best view, and a lovely interior. But I really didn't get into the food. It wasn't bad, but I just wanted it to be a higher level to match the decor and view.

That said, I'd still take someone there just for that view!!

I took my 92-year old grandmother to Swingo's, and she loved it, because the menu was so "old school," and she loved the tableside service and all the attention to details it has. The place isn't cutting edge, and instead feels like it's still 1974 ... but you know, that's part of its charm, so we'll definitely go back because it was kind of fun getting that kind of exemplary service again, without having an indifferent teenager, or some ultra-peppy waiter who's pretending to be our best friend for the hour.

But as for our favorite ... it's nearly a tie. But the winner is Angelo's, followed by Sullivan's. The food at Angelo's is fantastic, and the atmosphere is really nice. Plus, I think the value for the price is excellent. And Sullivan's also has great food and a great atmosphere. I've taken my parents to Sullivan's and they loved it too ... and when my wife and I bought our house in Lakewood, our best friends - who bought a house in Lakewood several months before we bought ours - took us out to Sullivan's to celebrate. And we've loved it ever since.

But Angelo's is still our favorite. Their pizzas are perfection!

Though I've only been a resident of Lakewood since May, I hope to eat at every restaurant in town eventually, and add to the list of restaurants. Why on earth would anyone eat at a chain when there's so many fantastic local choices??

[Jeff Endress]

Lynn:

We don't tend to go out once a week for dinner (or more often) as some folks do. I'm more likely to make a special meal on Saturday night and plug in a DVD. So, most times we're out, it's with friends, after a play or what not. So its most likely part of a night on the town, as opposed to grabbing a bite.

I'm a real fan of Player's. Never had a bad dining experience, some inventive preparations and the new patio is great in the summer. Price wise, it's clearly for a date night and not family. While the view at Pier W is tremendous, so too are the prices. Not too sure that it's justified.
Family really likes Angelo's if I'm just too bushed to cook. Summer dining ala fresco at 3 Birds is a special event. Have never had anything but a warm greeting at the West End and I highly recommend their Friday clam chowder.

Kept hoping that the wings at the Lizard would somehow manage to reach their publicized reputation, but it hasn't happened yet and I've given up hoping.

I'm really looking forward to Buckeye Brewery opening at the Titanic spot...Won't have to travel to River for a good micro brew.

Jeff

[Charyn Compeau]

..

[David Bargetzi]

Our favorite restaurant in Lakewood is Maria's. We like the fresh pasta and the salad dressings. The pesto is actually pesto (no cream, not 'artichoke pesto' or 'walnut pesto') It's friendly and homey. The recognize us there.

The 3 Birds is fabulous.

David

[Bret Callentine]

We don't eat out much, but when we do we usually end up at The Place to Be. However, if you're looking for something new to order in, Italian Creations delivers. I highly recommend it.

[Lynn Farris]

Bret, I agree with you about Italian Creations we have always picked up, I didn't know they deliver but their eggplant sandwich is amazing.

[Jeff Endress]

Bret

I think Italian Creations delivery is a great unknown secret.....One of my family's favorite pizza choices. But, it isn't limited to the pizza. I am particularly fond of the gnoucci. The desserts are marvelous and the salads huge, fresh and well prepared. Lots of vegetarian choices (I'll second Lynn on the eggplant!)

It's a real treaure, I just wish you could eat in!

Jeff

[Danielle Masters]

We rarely go out to dinner and even rare still is going out without children, but one of my favorite Lakewood restaurant is El Tango Taqueria. I love the food. The first time we went we were a bit upset about how long it took to get our food, but once we tasted it we forgot all about the wait. The owner/chef is wonderful and takes the time to come talk to the tables. The food is unique to Lakewood and reminds me of being back out west.

[David Bargetzi]

Bret

I think Italian Creations delivery is a great unknown secret.....One of my family's favorite pizza choices. But, it isn't limited to the pizza. I am particularly fond of the gnoucci. The desserts are marvelous and the salads huge, fresh and well prepared. Lots of vegetarian choices (I'll second Lynn on the eggplant!)

It's a real treaure, I just wish you could eat in!

Jeff

It's a wonderful place to have cater meetings and things also. They do a great job!

[Ruth Sholtis-Furyes]

Too many good ones to have just one favourite.

Best Breakfast...toss up between Borderline or Place to Be. Place to Be is just good all around. The Shore is excellent too.

Ethnic--Sadly missing Wu's cuisine but Schezwan Garden or Thai Kitchen are still tops. La Pita Express was pretty amazing...definitely in my top 10.

Pizza---Fat Billy's.

Fine---3 Birds

Wine List---Swingo's.

[Charyn Compeau]

..