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Brennan's Colony
Categories: Nightlife Bars Pubs Restaurants American (Traditional) Pubs, American (Traditional) [Edit]
2299 Lee RdCleveland Heights, OH 44118
(216) 371-1010
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Music:
- Background
- Best Nights:
- Thu
- Happy Hour:
- No
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- Outdoor Area/ Patio Only
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Good For Dancing:
- Yes
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
20 reviews for Brennan's Colony
20 reviews in English
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Review from Seth K.
Cleveland, OH
5/8/2012
Easily the best food in the Cleveland Heights area. The staff is friendly and willing to help. My first time in was last summer and I discovered their wonderful patio. I was in again last week. This time I tried Tavern Company first and wasn't pleased by how we were greeted there, so we left and went to the Colony. (Tav Co was dead anyway) I'm not sure why we even tried there....
anyway, at the colony, we were greeted by a friendly hostess who was eager to find us a table. The place was full and she mentioned that it might take about 20 minutes..that was fine with us because we were in no rush. We waited at the bar and had a few perfectly made cocktails and conversed with the friendly bartender. He asked for our first names to start us a tab. He made us feel like one of the regulars even though it was only our second time in. The sweet hostess sat us quickly and we enjoyed dinner. I had the All World Burger (which was perfectly prepared to temp) and my wife had a the Walleye Special (just one of many very enticing specials).. The experience was great. -
Review from Maura S.
Cleveland, OH
11/20/2011
Oh colony. How you been the location of so much awesomeness. I came as a kid with the rents and continue to come for their killer buffalo chicken salad and possibly some post dinner Coors Lights... The staff is super swell.
My only recommendation is to educate the staff on the term "frings" which I consider to be pretty mainstream. But for those who don't know... it is a combination of fries and onion rings.
Ooh and I love the patio. -
Review from Andrea Z.
3/27/2011 1 Check-in Here
We live about 2 blocks from the Colony, as it's locally called. We've been there multiple times - sometimes because it's one of only a couple of places in the area that serves a decent late-night bite.
Located in a nondescript building on Lee Rd, inside is a somewhat dim, tavern style place that is very low-key and inviting. Everything we've ever had on the menu has been pretty good. Nothing I'd rave about, but for bar food, it is well above average. They have nightly specials and a little bit of flair on the menu in addition to the standard burger/fries/nachos type stuff.
The only dig I have on this place is the service. Now, I was just there 2 nights ago and although we had a party of 12, the service was really attentive and accommodating to our desire to just sit at our (huge) table and drink and talk instead of moving to the bar. However, on pretty much every other occasion (some worse than others) the service has been slow, even annoyed when we asked for our bill after 20 min of waiting for it. Let's hope that our most recent experience is a beginning of a new trend.
A nice local spot to chill and get a good meal with yourself, a friend, or a big group. Try it out if you're in the Heights. -
Review from Roxanne O.
Lyndhurst, OH
From reading what other reviewers had said, I didn't quite know what to expect when I went to The Colony. It was far less divey than I expected. I'd describe it as a homey bar attached to a restaurant. While waiting for my large party to arrive, I sat down at the bar and was immediately offered a drink and/or a menu.
Being a picky vegetarian, restaurant/bars don't always have all that many options for me, but I guess that's why everyone says The Colony isn't your average restaurant/bar! As I perused the menu, I saw lots of options for me - everything from nachos, to salads, to sandwiches, and wraps. The daily features menu also offered some vegetarian options, including a delicious sounding portabella pasta.
Once more people in my party arrived, we were promptly seated and had our drink orders taken. Food arrived in spurts, which left some of us hungrier than others. I felt a little guilty chowing down on my meatless Reuben while others patiently waited for food, but no one really seemed to mind. I really enjoyed my sandwich and the house salad I had ordered - they both were fresh and flavorful. You can really tell that someone in the kitchen takes pride in making good quality food.
My boyfriend really enjoyed his meatloaf. Others have raved about it in their reviews, and if you're into that kind of thing, I'm sure it is amazing. I've never seen such a large slice of meatloaf, to be honest.
I look forward to going back to The Colony sometime soon to check out more of their food and more importantly - their booze. -
Review from Katie C.
10/12/2011 12 Check-ins Here
I come to the Colony very often when I'm in Cleveland, usually at least once a week. They have an ok draft selection and good bottle beer selection. The regular menu food is really good bar food, but the specials are a little fancier (I love the lobster mac, its the last meal I have listed in my profile haha). The back patio is really nice and there's two bars back there with TVs if you want to watch a game. They also have heating tower things that make the patio good even if it's a little chilly outside. There is a trivia night, I think on Thursdays. The prizes are pitchers of beer and gift cards (I once went and only bought my first drink and won the rest!) The vibe is a neighborhood bar feel, I always know a few people when I go, which I really like!
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Review from Cara L.
12/13/2010
I have many sides when it comes to food.
I can be that super healthy girl that's almost to the point of obnoxious (I know because I've wanted to smack people like that), but I'd much rather indulge in one of my favorite things ever: good, stick-to-your-ass-and-thighs bar food.
Oh yeah... that's what I'm talking about. Fried yummies, greasy burgers, sandwiches, finger foods--you name it, I want it. I admit, not all bar food is created equally. I do love the traditional with a little hint of fresh ingredients and creativity. And that, my friends, is why I like the Colony.
This old, east-sider bar is on Lee Rd and it attracts lots of regulars from the Heights. I see people there watching sports, hanging out with friends, sitting for a quick family dinner, all of the above. It's a multifunctional bar without the riff-raff of other pubs.
Now, back to the food. Fresh ingredients and a thorough menu full of crisp salads, entrees, bar foods, sandwiches and homey items. They do bar food well for sure--and for a damn good price too!
Might I add that the vibe is pretty nice too? I mean, it's laid back enough to feel really at home there, but you know you're also not going to see a bunch of loud, stumbling drunks either. A great, yet difficult balance to achieve, but Brennan's Colony nails it.
Bonus? Well, I thought you'd never ask! Holy awesome patio. Seriously. Summertime afternoon and nights are perfectly spent on this huge, fully furnished patio with it's own bar (under an awning, of course.) I don't mean a crappy bar either people, this is a really well-made one, to say the least.
Needless to say I quickly became a regular when I lived in Cleveland Heights. And now? Well, I actually miss this place a lot. I know... sad story, right? The 20 minute drive from Ohio City won't keep me away forever though. I'll be making another trip out soon! -
Review from Michael K.
Cleveland, OH
9/27/2011
A bar with an "around the corner", "family on a Friday night" feel that has a menu ranging from the familiar to surprisingly upscale offerings. Have never been dissapointed.
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Review from erin w.
Lakewood, OH
11/23/2010
Ok, I admit it's been several years since I've been here for "bar" time. This review is pretty strictly about lunch.
Not the best service I've ever had, but it did seem quite busy for weekday lunch at a semi-divey East-side bar.
I had one of the specials, a grilled cheese with provolone, tomato, portabella and balsamic aioli. It was quite tasty, but also probably the greasiest grilled cheese I've ever eaten. Some fries or chips would have been a nice a accompaniment, but none were included I guess. I did order a side salad, which I had to remind the server about after my sandwich arrived, and it was good as well.
Bottom line: good bar food, ok service, I'll come back, but I won't rush. -
Review from Anisha A.
Beachwood, OH
1/30/2011
After a friend's friend recommended this place to me, I guess I had too high expectations. I really wasn't impressed by anything here, not the food, not the service, nor the atmosphere.
I arrived at the restaurant on a Wednesday night with a large group of runners. We had just run 4.5 miles outside, so naturally we were all thirsty. We found seating, and our drink orders were taken pretty quickly. I and most of the others downed our water in about 5 minutes because we were still dehydrated from our run. The waiters kept trickling in with our food orders, but nobody seemed to notice or care that we were out of water. I was finally able to flag down a waiter to ask for more water. He brought me another cup, but didn't help anyone else.
I ordered the chicken nachos (I know, way to be experimental, Anisha). They were bland. The chicken had no flavor, and somehow the salsa didn't mix well with the overload of cheese.
I was considering giving this place 3 stars until I saw the bathroom. It's not that remarkable, except for the massive (and I mean massive) space heater plugged into the ceiling. To me that just says cheap and trashy.
I'm not opposed to going back to this place, but I definitely wouldn't recommend it. -
Review from Sam R.
Cleveland, OH
9/16/2010
I've been going here since it was a third of the size it is now. My parents joke that I was the first baby ever in that bar, and probably one of the reasons it expanded.
Always good company, good beer, but the service has really slipped recently.
But its still one of the places I consider a home away from home, and gives me the warm back-in-Cleveland fuzzies. -
Review from Cara R.
Indianapolis, IN
6/28/2009
I was in town for the week for work & decided to head to a random movie theater on one of my nights off. While driving to the movies (at a place that turned out to be one of those old-school type theaters that serves beer! separately reviewed) I drove through this neighborhood on Lee Rd that looks to have quite a few cute little restaurants & pubs. I had to stop. I checked on Yelp & decided to go to Brennan's based on someone's review of their meatloaf (I'm a meatloaf connoisseur).
Once in, I could see that this was a darkish sort of pub, definitely a locals place, I saw a few couples sitting around on dinner dates. I think I threw off the staff being a single lady eating at the bar by myself, because I got my beer real quick, but had to ask someone for a menu after waiting about 5 minutes. It took another 5+ minutes before I could get someone to take my order for the meatloaf special. But, once the order was placed, my food came out quick.
The salad was the typical iceberg lettuce type thing which I'm okay with. The meatloaf, however, was out of this world. The meatloaf slice was a little crunchy. It was as if they toasted the slice after baking the loaf & it was served on some crunchy green beans and mashed potatoes. Everything was smothered with gravy. Yum. My heart thanks me, I'm sure.
On the beer side, they had the regular beers plus some Dogfish, Great Lakes and Rogue (!) on tap. I had the Great Lakes and the Rogue Dead Guys Ale. The Rogue was perfect with the meatloaf.
If I lived in the neighborhood, I'd go there frequently. -
Review from John B.
Columbus, OH
7/15/2010
When I walked into Brennan's I was really impressed by the number of guests in the bar. I wasn't expecting this place that looks like your neighborhood tavern to draw that kind of a crowd. There were families with children as well as professionals making their way to the bar after work.
I sat down at the bar to wait for my friends and ordered a beer. They had a pretty good selection of beers on tap as well as a well stocked bar. The bartender immediately asked if I wanted to see a menu, which made me very happy. He could obviously tell that I was about to start gnawing on the legs of the bar stools. Thanks to Yelp, I thought I had to check out the meatloaf. I asked the bartender, and he was very eager to recommend it. It did not disappoint. The dinner is served with a salad and break, which are good, but nothing to write home about. The meatloaf itself was pretty stellar. I could see where this might have become my new favorite food ever if I had a few more beers in me. They sear it before serving, so the outside of the meat has a really nice crust. Great touch.
Everything was just a bit more expensive than I was hoping (the meatloaf dinner was $15), but it wasn't anything outrageous.
I enjoyed my time at Brennan's Colony. I probably wouldn't make a special trip out from Lakewood for it, but if someone wanted to go, I wouldn't say no. If you're in the area I would suggest giving it a shot. -
Review from Kimberly S.
Cleveland, OH
6/3/2009 1 Check-in Here
One of my favorite places in town!
Not only is it a relaxing pub, but it has wonderful food. My suggestion (though kind of weird I realize) is to get the meatloaf. It's amazing! They grill it, and it is honestly the best meatloaf I've ever had - sorry mom!
They also have a wonderful patio for the summer months. I highly recommend this place! -
Review from Ferdinand H.
Cleveland, OH
10/16/2008
Just made it to Brennan's Colony last night, and it was quite a treat. Better lit than the average pub, we were greeted by a somewhat brusque smile, and eventually seated ourselves at the bar. The bartender gave us menus which included both the usual pub fare, and a number of daily specials on an unlaminated sheet of beige paper.
I ordered a guinness, and we got a plate of fried mozerella. Good quality, enough bread. Sauce was standard fare, tomato based, zesty -- but nothing too special.
I got the stacked burger, my friend had salad and a amaller burger. We consumed them with Gusto. It makes for a mean burger, and at reasonable prices. Service, while brusque, was by no means unpleasant.
About 10 beers on tap, but I didn't get a chance to look at the full beer menu.
Definitely warrants a second visit, provided my coronaries can handle the heat! -
Review from Jeff H.
Cleveland, OH
7/2/2010
We've been here a few times over the years and used to like it more than we do now. The past couple times, the service has been somewhat slow and unattentive. On our most recent visit, the hostess made no effort to smile or sound friendly and failed to say "you're welcome" or anything at all when we thanked her for seating us. Way to make a first impression on inbound customers. The food was pretty good -- my salad entree was unspectactular but definitely fresh.
I want to support local businesses like the Colony, but why should I if they make me feel unwelcome? -
Review from Michael C.
Cleveland, OH
12/28/2009 1 Check-in Here
Towny bar with:
Good beers on tap
Great bar food
Great 'fancy' food
Cool vibe
Price is right -
Review from Scott H.
Cleveland, OH
1/25/2009
You wouldn't think much of "The Colony" from the exterior, but inside it's warm, comfortable, and neighborly. The menu covers all the bases: salads, sandwiches, burgers, wraps -- and also more upscale entrees. I've had the burger and the corned beef Reuben -- both were awesome.
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Review from Scott G.
Cleveland, OH
6/19/2007
A solid pub with surprisingly good grub. Nice selection of beers on draft. This place takes on several different guises depending on the time of day you visit. At lunch, it's tradesmen having a beer with their meal. Early evening (full dinner service starts at 5:30), the place is a kid-friendly hangout for beleaguered parents (a bit like a traditional Irish pub in that sense -- mixed ages w/something for everyone). A bit later, more couples and groups having dinner, drinks or both.
There is now a very nice patio with its own bar out back.
Last time I dropped in the service at the bar was pretty disinterested, but I'm hoping that was a fluke. -
Review from Sam S.
TX
7/29/2008
Brennan's is a typical pub grub kind of place except for one thing....
The BURGERS...
The "all-world" is out of this world... But any of their burgers was good...
As Scott G. says it has a wide variety of customers... and it is surprisingly kid friendly... -
Review from Adam B.
Cuyahoga, OH
3/17/2010
If you are going for a beer and to sit at a local bar with good prices, this is a good place to go. They have a large bar with a few flat screens. There is a good atmosphere with families, groups and sports teams at dinner time although the food is sub-par.
We went for dinner one night and I had chicken nachos and my date had buffalo chicken wrap. The nachos were plain and the chicken in both was tough and over-cooked. The whole meal was just unappetizing.
