56 West (at the corner of Detroit and Westlake Avenues) is a great place to go for a meal if you want to linger or just have time for a quick bite. The atmosphere is relaxed and casual, but the staff is nothing but professional. They claim to be a burgers and salads joint, but they have so much more- so take the time to dig a little deeper.
56 West’s menu is well-priced - nothing is more than $14, versatile - meaty/meat-free/vegan, and rife with cheeky descriptions! The burger options read more like personal ads in the Classifieds than a food menu: Single and Ready to Mingle, Dating But Not Committed, Handsome Fun Guy (vegan)… and then they come to the table looking like a crime of passion has been committed with a hefty steak knife stabbing through – where someone less confident may have used a frilly pick…
The starters range in price from $5 to $8 with items like Pure Pleasure (fresh mozzarella stuffed potato pancake, apple chutney), Bread & Spread ‘3-Way’ (fresh baguette with 3 spreads- olive tapenade, oven-dried tomato relish, and herbed goat cheese spread) or Hot & Spicy (pickle chips tossed in special seasoned flour, beer-battered and fried; red curry dipping sauce).
There are eight $7 salads to choose from that you can top with a protein, grilled veggies or a portabella mushroom cap for a few dollars more. There are specialty sandwiches ranging from $7 to $9, and Large Plates, $12 to $14, that you can design by choosing a main protein (flank steak, Ahi tuna, apple-smoked salmon, chicken), a sauce, salad and a side.
The kids menu is cute with names like Don’t Be a Chicken Fingers (hand made with real chicken) and Easy Pleasy Double Cheesy (macaroni, mozzarella and cheddar cheeses) with salads or fruit cups available- a nice alternative to fries.
The food is executed well with interesting ingredients and the chef has gone the extra mile by preparing his own sauces -ketchup, chutney, chimichurri, aioli, vinaigrette — as an appropriate accompaniment; there are small details — like spicy fried onion straws — that will add one more dimension to an already tasty sandwich; the sides, salads and slaws are fresh and crisp with lots of flavor...
56 West also has a comprehensive list of beers available — but no wine or liquor, unfortunately. And for Sunday Brunch, please don’t get dressed- pajamas are encouraged… at $8.56, it seems like an inexpensive and relaxing way to start the second day of the weekend…
There is metered street parking available, as well as a parking lot in the back.
Credit cards are accepted. Take out is available.
Open 7 days:
Monday & Tuesday 4pm - 9:30pm
Wednesday & Thursday 11am - 9:30pm
Friday & Saturday 11am - 10:30pm
Sunday Pajama brunch 9am - 2pm
Sunday (regular menu) 12noon - 9pm
16300 DETROIT AVE, LAKEWOOD OHIO 44107
216-226-0056
