Red Lantern in Kamm's Corner

You guys, I've been absolutely terrible at tackling the 2016 To Dine Challenge. I've only been to THREE. Yikes. I've come to realize that seven more before December 31st is just not happening, but I'll head to as many as I can before the year comes to a close.

However, Mr. H and I did get to one this past week. After shopping for a sleeper sofa (oh joy), we needed a quick and casual bite on the way home. So, we headed to Red Lantern Kitchen & Bar in Kamm's Corners.

Unassuming-looking in its strip mall storefront, it was surprisingly nice and sleek inside. Pops of red were appropriate, given the name. You had your choice of bar seating, high tops, or booths.

We settled in to a booth, each ordered a drink (hello, alcohol-infused milkshakes, I'm coming for you next time!), and decided that we couldn't choose from the menu so we must split a few small items.

We ordered the Fried Asparagus ($6) with red pepper aioli and lemon garlic aioli.

Reuben Tater Tots ($8.50), which apparently a lot of you like as well, based on the tweets I got that evening!

We then asked our server to choose between the Tuna Lettuce Wraps and Tenderloin Crostini ($12). She chose the crostini, and I honestly wish she hadn't. It was not very good.

Finished the meal off with an order of the Baked Onion Soup ($5).

For the price point, I thought that each dish's portion was generous. We loved the tater tots and enjoyed the tempura asparagus. However, the tenderloin was served cold, and the texture of the cold meat just wasn't appetizing and the dish was a little bland. Even room temperature could have gone a long way with this dish, and I expected more pop from the horseradish aioli. The soup was not very good either. The cheese was barely visible, it had too many crispy onions, and the broth was overpowered by a seasoning (Italian, oregano?) that you don't normally taste in a classic onion soup.

So, the food was 50/50 for us. We really liked a couple, but were disappointed in others.

Parking is great, because you have access to the large lot at the strip mall. Kamm's Corners parking can be tough at times, so this spot is accessible and free to park near. Not sure if we'll be back though. It didn't leave me wanting more, unlike Thai Elephant down the street.

Red Lantern Kitchen & Bar
17446 Lorain Avenue
Cleveland, OH
216-331-1458