Rusty Anchor at Music Box Supper Club

Mr. H and I had the best Friday night, and it was completely unplanned, unexpected, and unforgettable. It was a picture-perfect July evening in Cleveland. It was gorgeous out, with no humidity, sunny skies, and lots of people out-and-about enjoying our city. We decided to hop in the car to head over to Pier W in Lakewood to try and grab a spot on their deck overlooking the lake and the Downtown skyline. We've dined there many times, but have never taken advantage of their deck seating since it opened last year.

Well, the view and atmosphere did not disappoint. The service, cocktails, and food, however, really missed the mark. I did share our concerns about the cold flatbread that was served and the distinct lipstick mark on my wine glass with our server that night, but I also tweeted at the restaurant. It was truly worth sharing, since that's not the experience we're used to. The representative handling their social media reacted promptly, and I exchanged emails with the General Manager. I'm not a complainer, and I'm not looking for anything, but I did feel that our experience was worth sharing with them so that issues could be addressed. I couldn't be happier about how they handled it. They truly want to know if something is not up to the reputation that they pride themselves on. Whenever you have an issue at a restaurant, I do hope that you'll address it directly with them. Too many people just take to social media instead.

So, the evening still left something to be desired after our drinks and appetizers, and we didn't want to compromise the water views and seafood we were hoping for. That led us to the newly opened Rusty Anchor at the Music Box Supper Club in The Flats of Downtown Cleveland.

Unfortunately, a private party meant that the patio was closed for service, But, we could take advantage of their Oyster Bar outside, serving a limited menu and table service for drinks.

We settled in with a cocktail and some amazing views of the construction taking place on the East Bank.

Oh, what's that??? Just a freighter going by our table...

We helped ourselves to the raw bar, filling up a bowl with two kinds of oysters, crab claws, and peeled shrimp.

I didn't care for the cold crab claws, but the shrimp and oysters were both huge and succulent. They just needed better options for dipping/toppings. Available was lemon juice, hot sauce, and traditional cocktail sauce. A little boring, and it could really be stepped up a notch to enhance this raw bar experience by the river.

In need of something more substantial than the oysters we'd now consumed at both Pier W and Rusty Anchor, we eventually moved on to Tremont. But, wow, what a great time taking advantage of some water views in Cleveland. We need more of them! I could see the newly constructed building for Zack Bruell's Alley Cat restaurant that is set to open on the east bank soon, and I think that Cleveland will be in for a real treat there. Rusty Anchor just didn't live up to my expectations that night, but hopefully, over time, the menu will be tweaked and it will provide the river dining experience that we're all craving. We'll go back to experience the full menu, but so far, I haven't heard positive reviews from other "foodie" friends.

Has anyone else been to the Rusty Anchor for dinner yet, or been to a live music show at the Music Box Supper Club?

Rusty Anchor at Music Box Supper Club
1148 Main Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44113