Ironwood Cafe

The Ironwood Cafe in Westlake has been around for quite a while, but with Chef Lloyd Foust now at the kitchen's helm, the menu is seeing big changes.

First thing to note, you don't enter the bar/restaurant through the front door. The main entrance is around the right side of the building, which can be accessed from a sidewalk from the front or through this super cute breezeway between the large parking lot and The Copper Cup next door.

I immediately got a peek at Ironwood's patio, and it was a perfect night to be out there.

We settled in on the patio, and started to look at the menu. It's classic bar food kicked up a notch, and now incorporating in some products from local farms and producers, like Oberlin Food Hub, Ohio City Farm, Green City Growers, Ohio City Pasta, and more.

There are your standard classics, like Nachos, Wings, Quesadilla, Chili, Classic Cheeseburger, BBQ Chicken Wrap, and Philly Cheesesteak. But, you'll also find some elevated bar food like Lettuce Wrap, Smoked Pork Salad, Salmon Burger, Cuban, and Fettucini. Chef Lloyd is also running daily specials that fall under the more unique category, like Mussels with a Pear and Orange Broth, Italian Sausage Po' Boy, and a Short Rib Melt.

We zeroed in on two of the more unusual menu options, the Mozz Burger (a special) with bibb lettuce, mint pistou, mozzarella sticks, and a fire roasted pepper aioli.

The aioli gave it quite a fun kick of heat, and man are those house cut fries so good! Do yourself a favor and order a side of the Garlic Aioli featured with the Fries on the starters section of the menu.

I ordered the Fried Bologna Sandwich ($12) with American cheese, spicy pickles, and a paprika leek aioli on sourdough.

Apparently I had selected one of Chef Lloyd's personal favorites, and we can see why. Mr. H said it was a "damn good sandwich" and one that "is worth driving there just for that." So I'd say the dish was a hit for us.

Although it didn't seem to be currently functional, any bar with a Skee-Ball machine gets instant points with me!

The inside is large and has a classic bar feel to it, but the patio garden is where you'll want to be this summer.

Lucky for us, Ironwood is right on the border of Bay Village and my in-laws live just miles away. I can see us heading over there with the family, because this is totally a family-friendly place too. They even have a Kids Menu.

Follow along on Instagram for drool-worthy food pictures and features on daily specials. This is one menu shake-up and new approach to bar food that I fully endorse.

Ironwood Cafe
688 Dover Center Road
Westlake, OH 44145
(440) 835-9900