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B Spot
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 11 am - 10 pm
Fri-Sat 11 am - 11 pm
Sun 11 am - 9 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Garage, Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Drive-Thru:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- No
58 reviews for B Spot
Review Highlights
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"Service was fabulous and pickle bar is great." In 11 reviews -
"We shared the vanilla apple pie bacon shake." In 4 reviews
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"Fantastic burger & onion rings and shake." In 6 reviews
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58 reviews in English
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Review from Dianne R.
North Olmsted, OH
5/21/2012
YUM! YUM! YUM!
That BEST describes the B Spot!! A Cleveland favorite, owned by famous TV chef, Michael Symon, this place gets an "A" from me!! I love this location in the heart of Crocker Park mall.. This is my favorite place to visit, shop & wander around!
The food is simple -- burgers, brats and beer!!! That, my friends - IS Cleveland at it's casual best!! The burgers are masterfully concocted, but not huge. The portions are not big -- at first glance it seemed meager -- until you take a bite of the food and you realize it is portioned JUST RIGHT. Most restaurants want to gourge you full, so you leave bloated and uncomfortable. But, the B Spot serves you automatic portion control. The famous fries are ala carte -- and they are fresh cut potatoes dusted with sea salt and rosemary. YUM!!
Looking at the quick, one page menu - there is a large selection of brews, full bar drinks, sodas and malts/shakes!!! I tried the chocolate malt -- very full of malty goodness. However, I was very intrigued by the alcohol versions of the shakes. My next stop at the B Stop is sure to include a Kahlua & chocolate shake ... and a brat!!
It's a hip, cool, laid back place inside & out -- and it has at least 3 locations that I know of -- Westlake, Strongsville and a just-opened location inside the new Horseshoe Casino in downtown Cleveland.
The BEST of the B Spot -- aside from the food -- is the PRICE!! I couldn't believe how inexpensive this place is, considering it is so delicious and well-known!! My gourmet burger was less expensive than some burgers at fast food joints!! -
Review from Ashley O.
Grafton, OH
5/14/2012
This is my FAVORITE restaurant! Everything at B Spot is delicious and worth the price.
Burgers I've tried: Lola, Thin Lizzy, Fat Doug, and Reuben (a smasher special). They were all great. You must at Lola fries too. I'm addicted to the salt and light rosemary flavor. My favorite milkshake is the chocolate banana marshmallow, which is think and has roasted marshmallows on top.
I think what makes these burgers so amazing is the blend of meat that Chef Symon has created. One of a kind, just like Cleveland. Service is always quick and getting you on your way. This restaurant is not designed for a long meal.. and that's why I love it!
PS- I'm not a beer drinker, so no opinions here on that menu. -
Review from Paulius N.
Cleveland, OH
5/13/2012 1 Check-in Here
happy hour win
sliders are two bucks apiece
burger trifecta
So the Yelps are pretty polarized on the B-Spot. I'm a fan.
Terrific burgers and sides. LOVE the onion rings. LOVE them. Fries are as good as you can get. They cook them in lard (YES!!!) as well. Done right folks, done right. The burgers are just the right size IMHO. Not ridiculously big, it's quality, not quantity. A great Happy Hour bar menu too, featuring sliders cooked to temperature, which is pretty uncommon.
The temps seem to run a bit on the rarer side, so be aware of that. "Rare" is one step away from a steak tartare. "Well Done" will still have a hint of pink. No issue with the "Rules" here. It's not Burger King. But it is also not a fine dining experience, where you order in courses.
So now I'm craving a B-Spot cheeseburger. I'd even go to a casino to eat one. That says a lot.
Carry on... -
Review from Alyssa E.
5/11/2012
I've never been super impressed by B Spot. I like it well enough--local celeb chef, quality ingredients, good burgers and fries--but it's never been something that I actually go out of my way for. The Lola burger is tasty, the pulled pork is good, the beer list is decent, and the fries are not bad. But it's the pretension, more than anything, that kills me.
Every burger is, to some degree, pink in the middle, and to ask for anything else is just shy of blasphemy. Everything is a tad too expensive--I can forgive the $9 burger, but $4 for a cup of rosemary fries is too steep. The atmosphere is striving for gastro-chic, while battling a usual crowd of patrons that seem like they couldn't get a table at Red Robin. I'd never refuse to go to B Spot again, but it will rarely be at the top of my list for places to eat. -
Review from Krystal E.
Cleveland, OH
4/20/2012
The service was friendly enough, and the food was priced surprisingly well, but I just don't see myself returning.
As others have said previously, forget trying to alter the sandwich in any way. No, you cannot add cheese to that burger. No, you cannot substitute the sauce on this burger.
My chicken sandwich was mediocre and dry. I felt I could've got something similar at Chik-Fil-A. The fries were awesome, and the apple pie bacon milkshake was pretty delicious, too.
Just another overrated place in a yuppy area. -
Review from Mike H.
Naples, FL
4/23/2012 1 Check-in Here
Great place for good food, excellent music, and great beer. We had the Fat Doug (burger, cheese, cole slaw and pastrami), the Shroomage (mushrooms and cheese), onion rings, and the house made chips and fondue.
The Pat LaFrieda's burger mix was juicy and flavorful, the burgers cooked to perfection (one medium rare, the other medium well). The onion rings were large and went great with the six sauces provided (the Balsamic Steak Sauce might have been our favorite).
Piped in music was mostly 70s and right in our wheelhouse. Beer selection was excellent, about 20 drafts all laid out by type of beer. Service was friendly and helpful. -
Review from Bobby Y.
Cleveland, OH
3/28/2012 6 photos
Invited by brother to go back with an open mind. This time at the Crocker Park location. One that I suggested was long overdue after Symon's disappointing attempt with Bar Symon in Avon Lake (that I'll blame on his poor partnering with investors hell bent on reviving their failed shopping plaza).
This restaurant is conveniently located next to Champp's near the bookstore and movie theater, with surface lots not far from the entrance. Next door there's a frozen yogurt store, giving a great dessert option.
The restaurant decor is inspired by the other B Spot locations featuring lots of stainless steel, and as Kramer says, "wood is good." It's not bad for a burger bar.
Our server was pleasant, but boy their little PDA order-taking-doohickies don't bode well for simple requests or changes. I'm told there's a rule there, "Symon Says," which quite honestly is rubbish. Lawfully there can't be an absolute "Symon Says," if he expects to operate a business in Ohio as he and his staff still needs to take into account substitutions and subtractions for food allergies...so Symon can s*ck it.
First the drink orders. Asked for a Coke, received an over sugared Pepsi...no harm, I shouldn't be drinking that cr*p anyways--but still a pet peeve to any Coke fan that cares.
Server takes our orders. I ask for a cheeseburger, no lettuce, no tomato, no onion. Server is just about to walk away, and goes, "oh wait, I forgot the specials." "It's a burger, with cheese, lettuce, tomato and special sauce with potato chips." Ok, just add potato chips to my burger.....[[hesitation]] "Uhh, I can't do that." Ok, may I please have the burger special, but no lettuce, no tomato, and no special sauce. "Sure, I think I can do that...lemme check."
You know what Symon is really saying right now?--I just duped CLE with a cheap knock-off of a Bobby Flay Crunchified Burger (http://www.bobbysburge...)
The burger arrived, it looked good, but the chips that Symon uses suck. They're awful...they tasted stale. Moral of the story is...don't order a knock-off Crunchified burger and expect the best.
Bill comes...$48 for three at the restaurant that was purported prior to it's opening to offer Clevelander's "a place to stop in, grab a burger and a beer for $10." Symon had a fantastic dream, a wonderful idea, but horrible execution.
The burgers--unoriginal stale knock offs of other chefs.
The pickle bar--disgusting, a public health violation.
The drinks--don't expect what you order.
Me thinks not, and me thinks I'm not going to be returning. -
Review from Les F.
Cleveland, OH
3/25/2012 1 Check-in Here
I started this review after the first time I went here and never finished it. Now I've been there 4 times, including twice with my daughter.
I love the food. I like the service. I like the atmosphere.
I wouldn't change a thing and highly recommend the B Spot to anyone looking for a tasty burger. -
Review from Penny S.
2/8/2012 1 Check-in Here
Heaven forbid I blaspheme in the House of Symon but here it is: B Spot was just ok and I don't plan to go back. Why for? I'll tell you:
Service was friendly but a bit cool. For a beer list that extensive and upon inquiry to be greeted with, "Oh...I *never* drink beer" by the bartender... come on. She gave me samples but that's so tedious. At least be able to BS your way through the beer questions. If I'm asking beer questions you're a bartender first, server second.
My cheeseburger was the size of my palm (not including the fingers) and was a la carte, for $7. It was decent as burgers go but nothing to write a five star review about. I asked for a side salad which was a small diner bowl of finely-chopped hearts of romaine, three tiny half cherry tomatoes and some thin cucumber slices tossed in lemon vinaigrette for $6. It wasn't until there was time to let my eyes wander that I saw it. A rule sheet. For a casual restaurant.
It is basically a list of do-nots and judgments that Symon and crew put upon their patrons. No coursing because they want the kitchen to run smoothly (what restaurant in the world, let alone one run by a star chef, blames coursing on screwing up the kitchen?), no adding ingredients though taking away is allowed (this is typically ok but you're a freaking burger joint. Sometimes people want grilled onions), no "whining" about how long it takes to sit down, no name-dropping (ok, fair enough, I hated it when people did that), no expecting your burger done any other way than what you tell them (kitchen: absolved and heaven forbid that's well done), but finally, have a great time!
Have we come into a time in the world when restaurants can be so cheeky and in love with themselves that patrons are given a list of commands before even ordering their food? In a five-star restaurant, maybe. In a burger and beer joint? Wow. Balls.
If I loved the burger, I don't think I'd go back simply because of the attitude. It's tacky, diners, whether you realize it or not, and you shouldn't be spoken down to because you're the one spending the money and you're the livelihood. That doesn't mean you're always right but it DEFINITELY doesn't mean you're always wrong. -
Review from Jas S.
Cleveland, OH
4/26/2012 1 Check-in Here
Great burgers!
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Review from John G.
Cleveland, OH
2/20/2012 1 Check-in Here
Great burger, and a pickle bar too?!?!?!
For people expecting a big Michael Symon ordeal, remember this is a burger joint. Great burger, cooked perfectly to the correct temp.
Only complaint I have is that they have NO waiting area, so while we were eating we had the people waiting for a table hovering over us because our table was right near the door. -
Review from Gerri S.
Cleveland, OH
4/5/2012
DEAR MICHAEL,
What were you thinking?
WRONG marketing firm---or were they well-meaning (but zero-experienced) friends? or "friends"? Oh-so-wrong customer approach. Lovable Chef-Man, give me the opportunity to at least bump up the 2 stars to 3 and the 3 to 4. I'm cheap, too. I'll settle for a couple picks off your menu every 4 months or so---no crazy fee, and no artificial adoration that must have exuded out of their every pore, for you to have agreed to this restaurant blunder.
Michael. Hear me. Read me. Somehow. Someway. Your take on the Ten Commandments does not bode well. Trust me. He'll always get more believers and followers than you ever will coming from this angle. That "instruction card"?...a venial sin. Yes, it's tongue-in-cheek...but believe me when I say that it has backfire straight from Hell. The results of your playfulness---as noted in comments here and elsewhere---implore the need for a change.
Aside from the very few M.E.H. members (Miserable & Envious Herd) reviews, you risk transforming average human beings just looking forward to a good old burger and beer from a local celebrity chef's joint, into snarking, venom-spewing beasts, too. And---although a fair amount of visitors would never admit it---even to their closest, most intimate friend---is that of their willingness to stay, though off-put, after reading their "rights". Feeling like willing sheep---but with a gnawing sense of reluctance---they meekly, obediently follow their "chefherd". (couldn't resist.) With butts stuck to chairs---rendered immovable by their curiosity or hunger---they submissively pick their choices from the menu, while intermittently hissing their dislike of your "attitude" and rules under their breath. Please see the card for what it is---an unappetizing "appetizer". And what about those who just left without ever ordering? Two a week?---twenty? Your present approach---by it's very nature and design---begs for negative reactions and the perceived "right to whine" about the FOOD even if unwarranted. This is not good for business---an angle that might be entertaining only to those who "get it" or know you personally---NOT so much to those who don't. It's like food poisoning.
I see where you're coming from with the "No Change" to orders thing. I feel the same way when I make fried bologna sandwiches at home. "No---I fry it in butter, so no mayonnaise. This is the way I make it and this is the only way it comes." You're the chef (and yours may be the best way) but maybe a little wiggle-room for add-ons? I've never been in your trenches, but isn't it possibe that the likelihood of an insurmountable number of orders with alterations hitting the line at one time is probably way less than you've already experienced? Just go for adding a few more employees and risk the sporadic back-up. Give it a test for just one week. Gather up all those laminated "dining guides" and hide them away where no one can ever stumble upon them, then drape a sheet or something---anything---over the giant chalkboard.
Begin anew by accommodating menu modifications. It is, after all, a burger joint. Albeit, of higher quality ingredients than others, but a burger joint nonetheless. People will be smiling from the tables...probably not even concerned if it takes 20-25 minutes. They'll just pass the time recalling favorite Food Network episodes and fond memories of you.
First impressions. We've all heard of having only one chance to make a good one. As Cleveland's very own Master Chef---home-grown, talented, likeable---I believe that you deserve a second chance to make up for the misguidance, and any misconstrued "first".
Your "Clevelander". Perfect. I'm not one to ever trust a sausage-style offering of any type, but I had total faith in you. Ground up meats, huh?.... enclosed---and totally concealed from my eyes?---into one handy, convenient unit?...hmmm... If it's on your menu---I'm going for it. With your reputation---and my courage---this choice paid off beautifully. Absolutely delicious! So, too, with the buttery toasted roll, and those fries. Enough fried starch for 3 people. And "Thin Lizzy"?---she's really more on the chubby side. I'm sure she would have been one awesome burger if not for the 15 minute ride home. I take full responsibility for her continuing to cook inside that well-insulated box---a material that looked and felt like it was formed from asbestos ceiling tiles---more like a take-out thermos. Next time, I'll eat any burger in-house.
You've been misdirected, Michael. Love you, man, but give your new ideas---or anyone elses---a week or more of serious thought before implementing. Stop listening to inexperienced friends or acquaintances---and any foolhardy, risk-taking, uncreative marketer. Listen to me instead---a perfect stranger.
Yours Truly, Gerri S. -
Review from J R.
Milwaukee, WI
4/21/2012
I went here for the first time with friends. The food was good, I liked the pickle barn and the service was great. Will definitely go back.
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Review from Nicole M.
1/20/2012
I like all kinds of burgers...
thin, greezy bar burgers (RIP Knotty Pine)
thick, rare, black angus burgers
burgers with crushed doritos mixed in (don't knock it until you try it)
a hunk o' meat thrown on the grill, with a nice char
...but these burgers are kind of... meh.
What is it about these that is so underwhelming? They are very, very juicy. That is usually a plus. They are a goodly size. Again, a plus. The toppings were not copious, but very tasty and well edited. Fantastic. But when one bites into a burger, it should announce itself boldly as BEEF! This one didn't. In fact, it really didn't taste like much. Blandish. Weird.
Could it be that even though the menus, walls, servers and decor educate the teeming unwashed as to the color, doneness and temperature of each degree of cooking, none of the burgers actually come out as ordered? I ordered medium rare-- got a burger with a warm pink middle. My daughter ordered medium and got a cold red middle. Husband ordered medium and got medium well. If you are going to be that big a snot about it, at least attempt to follow your own rules.
Speaking of the rules. The rules themselves are not complete douchbaggery. No subs, all parties must be seated, all food comes out at once, yadda, yadda, yadda. Printing them on a card, then claiming that anyone who finds them douchbaggish is uptight IS, in fact, douchbaggery. If you are going to take yourself and your burgers seriously enough to print this dreck, at least make a damned good burger.
The fries are really good-- Lola fries. The homemade chips and Parmesan fondue were the best thing about the meal. The pickle bar was pretty cool, but aside from the gonzo pickled green tomatoes, there was nothing you couldn't get in a reasonably good grocery store.
So yeah, I'll go back to Lola and Lolita when I want my Symon fix, but I will pass on this. -
Review from P W.
Cleveland, OH
3/28/2012
I don't see what the big deal is. Kind of expensive. I had both the Cracker Park and the one in Weaks-ville. I prefer the Annex Burger in Solon. I like dumpy places where hillbillys gather. The Annex Bar in Solon is such a place. Buckeye Beer Engine in Lakewood makes good burgers. I try to stay away from red meat though. Is the B Spot a play on the G Spot? Does the G Spot exist? Is this a place where gangsters gather? I think that South Central is the best gangster/hood movie ever. Menace II Society had terrible characters and I could care less if any of them died. If I do ever come out with a burger place called G Spot, I will call the best burger the "OG Bobby Johnson" in tribute to the lead character in South Central.
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Review from Grant W.
Avon Lake, OH
4/16/2012
I finally made it to the B Spot last night, after years (is it years?) of hearing how great it is from friends and colleagues. Maybe it's too much hype (and I'll say right now that I'm NOT a Michael Symon hater by any means), but I found my first experience underwhelming.
The first BIG turn-off, as mentioned by others below, is the "rules" sheet on the table. It's just a huge turn-off and doesn't achieve the comic punch it sets out to do. It's not funny or cute -- just stupid in my opinion.
Ordered a chocolate shake to share, and couldn't believe how average it was. It tasted like a shake one would make at home with the Oster, some Breyer's and some Hershey's syrup. Really disappointing.
The burgers are pretty darn good, but neither my wife nor I were wowed by them. They're pretty darn tasty though, and the ingredients are high-quality. Lola fries were excellent, as always. I Think price points are a tad high for what you get, but we're not ones to make that a major issue.
I guess I feel overall, that it's just not my vibe. Paper towels on the table for napkins, rules about how to act... it all felt a little too self-consciously "hip" for me. Will I be back? Maybe... but I'm on the fence at this point.
Note: I love Michael Symon's Lolita, very much like Lola, and liked Bar Symon as well. And he's a helluva guy in person! -
Review from Dick S.
Updated - 1/11/2012
Food Network has over the years eliminated interesting, talented chefs promoting folksy females and pretentious males. Somehow Michael Symon jumped over the fence of privilege. Even if his fellow food networkers were not so repellent Michael would still shine with his affability. He and Drew Carey have done more to bring Cleveland a positive light than any basketball player. It is no wonder that when a friend was passing thru town he wanted to eat at B Spot. So I obliged.
My previous review critiqued the B Spot concept more than the food. On this visit I had the thin Lizzie. I liked it very much except that after a few bites the bottom bun became so soggy I could not put it down for fear it would break apart. Most seem to love the Lola fries. I found them potato sticks striving to be McDonald's fries. None of the sauces was good enough that I would want the recipe or purchase a bottle. The pickle bar could have come from my refrig.
I have no idea who decorated this burger joint but she certainly will not be in great demand. In the late afternoon, diners ranged from children with at home mothers, retirees, and youngish couples all being served by an attentive and polite young staff. Hospitality is not only a Southern thing. In the background music played that was not particularly suited to any demographic there. Go for the burgers and the service. As my friend said when we left, not bad, but Michael can do better.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/13/2011
My mother died at 89 years of age. Up until the very end she did her own cooking. On days she felt… Read more »
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Review from Colleen P.
North Olmsted, OH
I liked this location much better than Strongsville.
Less crowded, felt bigger to me, and the food was better quality. I had the chili brat which for the price was the right size, very filling. I think our waiter was a little stiff but whatever. The theme was the exact same as the other restaurant. But, I went during lunch so it was not crowded at all. I adore the lola fried, they are so good. However, since there was not many people in the place, the hostess sat this mom and her mom and the newborn baby right next to us. I mean I have nice cold beer in my hand enjoying catching up with my friend, I do not want to listen to you gaga over your baby the whole damn time. I almost asked if we could move, but then we just oddly stared at these people. Anyways, still think it'd be a better place in the summer, but still I'd give the brat a try! -
Review from Johnny A.
Cleveland, OH
2/4/2012
PROS: They have an excellent beer selection and were located within walking distance of the movie theater where we were headed afterward.
CONS: Slow to be seated, slow to take our orders, slow getting us drinks, and finally slow getting us the food we ordered which came out wrong. The burgers overall were pretty basic. Nothing to write home about. Certainly didn't live up the the amount of hype the place poured into them while waiting. You can get a much better burger elsewhere at far less cost. I really can't believe Michael Symon attaches his name to this place. What a disappointment! -
Review from Tam V.
3/25/2012 2 Check-ins Here
I would go here during the off periods. You get faster service and better food in my opinion. Burgers I had here were delicious and I LOVE the Lola Fries. The beer selection is great for a restaurant like this. I've never been to the other locations so I can't tell you how this rate to the others but overall, this place gets it done. Compared to all the other food places in Crocker Park area, this place wins it 9 out of 10 times. Who in their right mind would choose Brio's over this if you were getting food on the whim. Better question, why is Brio still in business?
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Review from John L.
12/18/2011 1 Check-in Here
Great burgers!
I ended up having a burger here just before I flew out of Cleveland. The setup is nice, with stacks of beer cans and a veggie burger simply called "WHY?"
The burger itself is good, and overall it's a nice place to grab some grub. -
Review from Kendra D.
Bay Village, OH
12/16/2011
Meh.
Everything there was fine, but that's about it... Shouldn't you want more than just "okay" from your hamburgers? When I want a burger, I want a burger. Big, juicy, meaty, with some vegetables and cheese on top; a smooshy bun that got a little toasted on the grill; the grease needs to seep onto the fresh cut fries a little bit so I get some of that flavor on them... and B Spot is NOT the place to get that.
I'm not from Cleveland, and haven't lived in Ohio for several years, so maybe I just don't get the Michael Symon (sp?) hype, but I thought this place was just okay. Maybe it's because I'm a burger traditionalist, and I don't want to have chutney or goat cheese on burgers. Maybe the burgers just weren't that good. Maybe I just want regular old Heinz ketchup for fries that don't have rosemary or something-infused oil on them. I'm not sure. If I was craving a burger, this wouldn't be the first place I thought of. If I were in Crocker Park and wanted something to eat, I might stop in. It's not regrettable, just not worth seeking out. -
Review from Salsaboy S.
Oakland, CA
2/2/2012
They cook in lard.
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Review from Nick A.
Westlake, OH
Updated - 12/5/2011 9 Check-ins Here
I used to think B Spot was a great place, but after further review. I don't know anymore, the last 2 burgers I got at the restaurant were completely different. The Yo! burger and the fat dog burger, but they both seemed and tasted the same...Very greasy... I don't know, not sure if I will go back there.
Think the beer selection is terrible. So all and all, doubt I will go back here.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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7/27/2011
B Spot: Well if you knew this location before it was Agave, which is a perfect location for B spot!… Read more »
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Review from Chad W.
9/27/2011
Pretty good burger but didn't blow my mind, especially for the premium price. I did really enjoy the pickle bar however.
I haven't found myself really wanting to go back here. -
Review from Rebekah H.
Chicago, IL
9/9/2011
Had a great time at B Spot this weekend, went with a party of 4 around 3pm and got seated right away on the outdoor patio, the weather was a little overcast so we were a bit concerned about rain but carried on.
Our waitress was nice and got our orders right but seemed a bit flustered, maybe it was because she was at the end of her shift? She left about halfway through our meal but let us know who would be taking over for her, which we thought was nice.
Now on to the food! I tried the Lola burger, which was a bit cooked over the medium I requested but still tasted very good and you could tell each ingredient was of good quality. We also shared an order of onion rings, which was huge and tasted very good as well.
The highlight for me was the Chocolate Marshmallow Banana Shake, the marshmallows are toasted on top of the shake and they serve it in the metal mixing cup so you get your full, huge portion. The chocolate was of excellent quality and was a well balanced delicious drink.
We thoroughly enjoyed our experience here, the pickle bar is another cool feature that added to our enjoyment and thankfully we were all just about done eating when the rain hit.
A roll out canopy would do them wonders in the outdoor seating area! -
Review from Samantha H.
Lakewood, OH
Updated - 2/9/2012 5 photos
This time I got the Lola Burger and wow, amazing. Not sure if the Lola or Red Hot burger is my favorite. The bf got the Clevelander which was very good but not one we will order again next time. The rosemary fries were great. I tried a couple of drinks but the Stormy Weather is still my favorite by far.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/2/2011
Definitely going to be back to try more of the menu! I got the Red Hot burger and it was really… Read more »
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Review from Charles H.
Lakewood, OH
3/9/2012
Well....some people may not like this review. I am here to tell the truth.We arrived at B Spot and was seated right away. The atmosphere was like going to Chipotle surrounded by beer cans. Loud Loud Loud and the tables felt like family style, too close! We ordered the Chocolate Banana Marshmallow milkshake 6.00. The toasted marshmallows were yuck. I know they are supposed to taste like your roasting marshmallows over a campfire...but yuck! We placed our order. I ordered the Blue Cow Burger: with roasted red peppers, basil, red onion, blue cheese 9.00 with an order of onion rings 6.00 and Jason ordered the Shroomage Burger: with portabella, blue cheese, Lola steak sauce, griddled onions 9.00 with chili cheese fries 7.00. Our order arrived quite quickly...15 minutes. The first thing we tried were the chili cheese fries.... Yikes.... I have never ate Hormel chili in a can, but I am sure it would have tasted like what we were being served. Skip them! The cheese and scallions were sparse, needless to say we did not eat anymore of them. The Blue Cow Burger was good, but man, could you put some cheese on it? Jason had the same complaint about his burger...sparse cheese. The onion rings were OK. Ive had better. To sum it all up! The burgers were good and flavorful, but lacked toppings and a bit over priced for there size. Will I go back? I may give them a whirl in the future.... It depends on who wants to check it out with me again. Jason says NO! :-) Sorry Symon! I am really enjoying your new cook book! I wish I could be as excited about B Spot! It felt B-Flat!
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Review from Adam J.
Westlake, OH
2/18/2012 1 Check-in Here
I think the burgers are OK here, but not the best. Good though when you're looking for something different to try. The chips and fries as sides are so-so and it's kind of annoying that you can't order things as an appetizer apparently in order to keep the kitchen running fast. The beer selections are pretty good, but not the best happy hour specials.
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Review from Katelyn W.
Avon Lake, OH
11/2/2011 3 Check-ins Here
Overall, very good. The menu is pretty straight forward with a variety of burgers, salads, sandwiches, and brats. I tried the Thin Lizzy. The only thing that sucks is you can only omit items from the burgers..not add or change something. On the table there's a message from Symon saying thought went into the menu and how the burger toppings were meant to work together so no complaining...hmm okay. Anyway, it was delicious. My mom had the Symon Says and liked it alot. We each got an order of Lola fries. (delicious!) The burger did get the bun kind of soggy, which I don't like but it was still good. They cooked my burger to a perfect medium. They also have "Bad Ass" shakes..my mom got the chocolate banana marshmallow and it was the best milk shake I've ever had. Definitely worth the price. You can also had liquor to the shakes as well.
Overall, I liked it alot...probably not my favorite place for burgers but still very good. The prices aren't bad..just a little inflated. But the meat is quality and is worth it. I'll come here again sometime. -
Review from Julie T.
Cleveland, OH
7/31/2011
I am a big fan of this place in spite of its location in Crocker Park, I'm not into the manufactured commercial "neighborhoods.". But, I will put that behind me to come here.
Since I hate waiting around for a table, I've only been come to the B Spot at low traffic times. Not easy to do unless you are able to be flexible.
I think these burgers are fantastic. I don't mind the slightly smaller size, it's prefect for me, I don't need a giant half pound sandwich to be satisfied. I love the pickle bar, it's nice to add what and how much I want. It would be nice if there were a couple more options, just for fun. Another fun bonus are the various sauces right at the tables. No reason to go with standard catsup and mustard. My favorite item on the menu is the Lola fries. I don't think that I've been to a Michael Symon restaurant without ordering them. I agree that it would be nice if they had a burger/fry combo.
I'm not a big drinker, but a beer goes so well with these burgers. I don't know a lot about beers, but the list seems pretty good to me. I would appreciate a few more bottled choices, but I've always been able to find something to drink.
Haven't tried the shakes yet, but I'm looking forward to the experience! -
Review from Raven Anne S.
Westlake, OH
B-Spot? Meh. I'm a fan - but I always leave wishing it would have been a little bit better. I've frequented the eastside location & found the westside location to be, well, exactly the same.
The pepper bar is one of the highlights for sure - perfect for loading your burger up with some banana peppers & jalapeños. Yum.
My favorite thing about B-Spot? The fact that their menu literally has an asterisk at the bottom (at least the online version does) that says "We cook in lard." Oh, boy.
The Lola fries have a touch of Rosemary and are nicely salted. The Lola Ketchup on the other hand, I found to be somewhat yucky. The ShaSha sauce - some kind of hot-peppery goodness, is delish - I am a fan.
I will admit I miss Agave & the interior of this place, albeit now filled with empty beer cans configured in B on the wall, an antler chandelier, and ridiculously light-weight metal looking chairs - still kinda reminds me of the old place. Okay, it's probably because the bar is still in the same place and we all know that's where I spent a lot of time... but still. The patio is also still there so it's perfect for people watching (or creeping) while enjoying a delicious burger or brat.
I know some people are turned off by the laminated note on the table that lays out the rules for you - pretty much it says look, your food all comes out together, we'll make your food how we want (except we can take off whatever you're allergic to), don't try to add anything, and if you're offended that we're so blunt, you're uptight. So there. But, eh - nobody there has every really copped an attitude (at least with me). So, I think it's just part of the grungy, trendy, ski lodge, auto repair shop chic they have going on.
The vanilla, apple pie, bacon milkshake is delicious and filling, or so I'm told - but really how could you not love something that has BACON in it?? One item that does creep me out? The bologna sandwiches - it's literally like an inch thick piece of meat - heart attack city! But I'm sure it's delish. I've also had the chips which come with yummy Parmesan fondue cheese (also with a hint of rosemary, which I'm now assuming must be a fave of the Iron Chef). Speaking of which I hear that he rolls through about once a day - so if you're a "celebrity" stalker, you may get a chance to meet one.
I appreciate this yummy addition to Crocker Park & look forward to returning again and again.
Thanks Michael!Listed in: Heavenly Hamburgers
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Review from Dax M.
Cleveland, OH
7/27/2011
Surprisingly enough, though I'm a Cleveland resident I have yet to make it to Lola or Lolita, so my review won't be a rant about how B-Spot can't compare to the aforementioned restaurants. Also, let me preface my review tih this: I don't like Crocker Park, at all. It's fake, the stores are nothing unique, and it's poorly designed IMHO.
With that said, let's move on...
Burgers: Meat quality is outstanding. If you cook meat like this more then medium you will absolutely miss out on the flavor. That being said, as an American, the burger wasn't that filling, even with fried salami, cheese, and ham. Bun was great as well. For $9 all I wanted was a few more bites, or a few dollars cheaper. That won't happen because I am paying for an Iron Chef's ideas, and that in itself adds percieved value to the burger. Unfortunately, with all the good food in the city, I won't frequent this place unless I am craving one of these undersized creations, or am in the wrong place (Crocker Park) at the right time (feeding time).
Aside from the near perfect burger, I had Lola fries. Disappointed. Shoestring fries are good if you eat a filling burger...so in this case, they lose. The were crisp, but not hot, and not seasoned as much as they should have been. Definately overpriced at $4.
Conclusion:
Too pricey. I commend Symon because he is doing his thing, making money, and is a good marketer of his brand. But...I see why he won't ope one of these in Cleveland or Lakewood...people there just won;t pay $13 for an undersized burger and some okay shoestring fries. So while I commend the business savvy of B-spot, I lament the fact that I'll overpay AND hang out in Crocker Park if I want one of these burgers. -
Review from faith c.
B spot not only serves burgers but brats and bologna (hence the B in B spot!) The prices seem a little higher for burgers but the brat prices are reasonable.
The thing that I liked about B spot was that there was a roll of paper towels and a basket of sauces on the table, kinda like Famous Dave's. I like this because I hate having to ask for more napkins or more sauce. It's so convenient that they have it there so you can get it whenever you want without having to wait for someone to bring it to you. They had 6 different sauces: 2 types of mustard (regular and stadium), 2 types of ketchup (regular and Lola), Coffee BBQ, and balsamic steak sauce.
They also had a pickle bar which I thought was great because I love pickles! The pickle bar consisted of: Dill pickles, Tony Packo's sweet pickles, banana peppers, jalepenos, and pickled onions.
For the appetizer, we got chili cheese fries which was a pretty big portion (but then again, it did cost the same as a cheeseburger). The fries were shoestring, skinny type fries and came with enough chili on them.
We tried the Clevelander and the Lola burger, which the waitress said was one of the most popular burgers. The burger came with a fried egg, bacon, onions and cheese and was pretty good.
The Clevelander was a brat that was served with fries that had hot sauce on top. It was very flavorful, maybe because of the hot sauce on the fries. The only downside to the brat was that it was a little raw in the middle. I like my meat cooked well so the raw brat was a bit of a turn off. -
Review from Rob T.
Phoenix, AZ
1/9/2012 1 Check-in Here
I'm not really sure what the rage is about this place. The burger I had was meh at best. The chili on it was cold, as if it had been sitting for a while before being put on my burger. Fries were mediocre. The best part of the place was the apple pie bacon shake and the multitude of dipping sauces at the tables.
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Review from Gordon K.
Lakewood, OH
2/21/2012
Been here a couple times. The burgers taste pretty good but they're small and loaded with salt. Normally I'm not anal about burgers, they're pretty hard to mess up, but I draw the line on anyplace that causes me to wake up multiple times during the night and chug water. Each table has a pretty good selection of unique sauces which is a plus but the service really rubbed me the wrong way. The place is usually pretty busy so they try to get you in and out. I felt like our waitress kept coming back almost pushing us to leave and also dropped off the check out of nowhere finally. The beer selection isn't THAT good. If u want good beer head to Lakewood. If u want a good burger go to five guys and save yourself some $$. I don't plan to go back again.
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Review from Alexa H.
Chicago, IL
8/7/2011
So this burger place is in a strip mall. Yeah, maybe if you're on your vacation to Cleveland a strip mall in the burbs is not the top destination. Fortunately, the food was very tasty. Michael Symon definitely cooks that Pat La Frieda beef up good (and being from NJ, I know La Frieda beef). I loved the pickle bar and ate maybe more pickled things than are truly appropriate.
My only complaint is that there is so much on the burgers that adding pickles and Lola ketchup and all the other wonderful condiments is almost too much. I ate a burger with cheese and grilled onions while the boyfriend got something also towards the plain end of the spectrum. This was a good thing! The chips and parmesan fondue? Also a good thing, especially when the waitress offered me a take out container for the chips AND the leftover fondue. Delicious car food!
I liked it a lot, and if I lived near there I would eat at B Spot probably more often than necessary. But I'm not dreaming about it. -
Review from Samuel W.
Westlake, OH
7/24/2011
Had lunch at the Bar with buddy yesterday and we both agree that this place is great! I would have given 5 Stars, but it took 10 min's for the Bartender to notice us, she also had an attitude. Anyways, my burger(thin lizzy), was excellent and the Lola fries were also good, but not near close to the best I've ever had. Everyone I know thinks they are best fries in the world, I don't get it, just my 2 cents.
The place was packed, but the service was quick, and I can't wait to get back. I think the prices are fine, there is nothing on the menu over $11. Next time, I'm trying the wings and brats. They looked amazing as the servers wizzed by us.
The B-Spot is worth checking out! -
Review from Jason H.
Mentor, OH
2/5/2012 1 Check-in Here
If your looking for just a burger...this really isn't your place. Though they do have a "Plain Jane"; Mickey D's is up the road! If Gourmet Burgers suit your palate then I highly recommend giving it a try. Great selection of beer, no reservation needed. Fries are skinny but seasoned well. Yes they cook in lard, but lets face it, if your searching for a burger...cholesterol isn't on your priority list at that point.
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Review from Cristina T.
Riverside, IL
7/26/2011 5 photos
B Spot: My first experience with the culinary greatness that is Michael Symon. This restaurant is fun & exciting-from the garage doors that open to the street to the beer cans that form a giant "B" on the wall.
We came on a Thursday night and had to wait about 30 minutes to get seated. Our server, Jackie greeted us warmly-I immediately felt comfortable. After talking about Chicago and chatting it up with the ever so amazing Jackie, we ordered our food.
Since all food comes to your table at once, we got:
-porky fries: lola fries covered in jalapenos, cheese & pulled pork(YUM!)
-The hotty bratwurst: loaded with banana peppers, jalapenos & Symon's signature "shasha" sauce. Perfection.
-The Fat Doug burger: set atop an amazing bun with pastrami, coleslaw & swiss cheese. divine.
-We somehow also got convinced into ordering a milshake-the apple bacon milshake to be exact. Wow. The little bits of bacon were sometimes a little too chewy, but the shake was creamy & rich.
B Spot is a definitey "to-do" while in the Cleveland area. So happy I was able to visit it on my roadtrip to Cleveland.
