The Observation Deck

Did Route 6 close?

Toni Northrop wrote:Did Route 6 close?

Yes

Rumor has Niko coming back and doing something else.

32 places to buy food per square mile.

I know of 5 more coming!


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Had dinner at Route 6 a few months ago. Anyone who wants to open a restaurant in Lakewood or anywhere should remember this:
Good, imaginative food is important, as is reasonable service. Prices should reflect the product.
We desperately need good Chinese.
About 25 years ago, a Cambodian restaurant named Phnom Pen opened up on Madison. Unfortunately, when they wanted to expand, they couldn't find a location in Lakewood. These are the kind of places that could do well here.

Michael - Sechwan House (Can't spell this one) right past Bunts on Detroit serves some of the best Chinese in the area.

I know that Dragon Gate in Parma closed and they are looking for a new location. I have been going to that restaurant for 30+ years (my daddy took me there when I was a wee tot) and that place is amazing. I want them to move to Lakewood. they would do great here...the food...OMG Hong Kong Chicken....to die for!!!!

Szechuan Garden, like most Chinese restaurants in the area, seem to rely on heavy, deep frying. Ironically, they had a sister restaurant in South Euclid called Peking Gourmet. Same menu, but Peking Gourmet had the best Chinese food in the state of Ohio. Very light frying, and you tasted the chicken, shrimp, or scallops, not the deep fry. For example, one of our favorite items was called "pineapple cheese scallops". Very lightly sauteed, and it did not have a heavy french fry aroma to it. We used to go there regularly. Unfortunately, their building, Cedar Center, was torn down, and the place closed. In my opinion, the owners might do well to try their South Euclid style of cooking here in Lakewood.

Michael Loje wrote:Szechuan Garden, like most Chinese restaurants in the area, seem to rely on heavy, deep frying.

I went a few weeks ago and had the Kung Pao Chicken. I thought it was great. For a few years the quality went down a bit. Instead of the best it was just ok. I think they raised their prices a couple of bucks and went back to the old (much better) recipies. They also have a great Zen chicken menu.

Route 6 was an ok restaurant. There was nothing on the menu that was going to make it my favorite place. The prices were a little high for what you got. When I was there a few months ago the place was pretty crowded. Most people ordered the hamburger. When I saw that I knew they wouldn't last. You can get a great hamburger just about anywhere.

Bill Call wrote:You can get a great hamburger just about anywhere.

56 West. Went there for the first time yesterday. Very Very Good. That place is a keeper.

Referring to Jims 32 per square mile statistic, one thing must be remembered. The best restaurants draw significant numbers of people from beyond Lakewoods borders. Some examples are Melt, the Beer Engine, 3 Birds, Pier W, India Garden, Players, and the Rush Inn.
Mediocre places will have, at best, limited local draw. They will continue to come and go. The best, if properly managed, will endure.

We have, from time to time, have had some good Asian restaurants in Lakewood. Phnom Pehn, which started here, still has a cult following after 25 years. Wu's and the Taste of Thailand, despite their lack of curb appeal, both had very good food.

Michael Loje wrote:We have, from time to time, have had some good Asian restaurants in Lakewood. Phnom Pehn, which started here, still has a cult following after 25 years. Wu's and the Taste of Thailand, despite their lack of curb appeal, both had very good food.

As far as Asian goes, I think Thai Kitchen make really good food.

What does anyone know about Deagan's, going into the Restaurant's Bermuda Triangle space on Detroit?

I had never been to Route 6. I was suppose to meet some friends there. My favorite newer restaurant is 56 West. Though my family really likes 2 Dads. I'm happy to see Cozumels going in. Funny how some places really click and others just don't. Obviously Lakewood is a good base if you've got a good product.

I got Route 6's version of BLT. It was on a cuban bun and only had 3 pieces of bacon. When I complained the owner came over and said "Well it's very expensive bacon", I said "Well then buy some cheaper bacon or don't offer this". He went away in a huff but comped my lunch. His attitude sucked. I never went again. I don't go where I'm treated like a moron.

I love 56 West, great food, good staff. I'm a happy return customer. Sullivans, the food is okay but the staff is great.

Attitude makes a huge difference in the register.

I went to Route 6 a few weeks ago and it was pretty good. Its a shame its closed, especially since it seems like they didn't decide to closed, they were forced to.

As for those who have been discussing 56 west, I agree their food is good. However their manager Don is very rude and not a person you want in the house of a restaurant. I have spoken to several people who have also complained about the way they were treated when they were there and some have vowed not to go back.

Chances are, they were not forced to close because they were doing well. They were probably forced to close because they owed money to the landlord or sublessor. Businesses that are doing well usually don't close.