At a time when other restaurateurs are opening burger bars and hot
dog parlors, at least one entrepreneur is bucking the trend with a
high-profile steakhouse. As the man behind Olde Avon Village, Ron
Larson has worked hard to preserve some of Avon’s rustic flavor.
His unique grouping of shops and restaurants consists of historic
buildings that were spared from the wrecking ball. One of them, an
1830s farmhouse barn, now houses Henry’s at the Barn (36840
Detroit Rd., 440.934.6636, henrysatthebarn.com). Another, an
1850s German Dutch barn rescued from Mt. Vernon, will soon be home to
Strip, a Steak House (36840 Detroit Rd., 440.934.9900, stripsteakhouse.com).
“I know there’s a lot of competition out there,” says Larson, who
also operates Olde Avon Village’s Tree House Gallery and Tea Room. “I’m
trying to put something together that I think people will like and that
will mix well with the other restaurants in town.” Larson describes
Strip as a “steakhouse with a flip.” In addition to the juicy USDA
prime steaks and chops, there will be updated comfort-food classics.
Larson is taking pains to differentiate his steakhouse from the
competition. So, instead of the traditional chop-house sides, diners
will be able to choose from gruyère mac and cheese,
broccoli-corn casserole and pumpkin-apple risotto. Other add-ons will
include house-made flavored butters and steak sauces. Non-beef options
will include horseradish-crusted grouper, smoked applewood chicken and
vegetable strudel. Price points will run $8-10 for apps, $7 for
two-person sides and $22-$34 for entrées. The two-level
restaurant is divided into a first-floor bar and dining room with open
kitchen, and a second-floor dining room. There is seating for about 100
inside and 60 outside. Larson is shooting for a décor he calls
“primitive elegance,” a lively blend of the old and new. “I want to
smash diners’ preconceptions about eating in an old barn,” he says.
When it opens later this month, Strip will serve dinner and late-night
dessert.
Cleveland’s favorite falafel sandwich, long available only in
carry-out form at the West Side Market and in Strongsville, can now be
enjoyed sitting down. Owner Sam Zayed is putting the finishing
touches on Maha’s Café (3323 W. 25th St., 216.741.9810,
mahascafe.com), a full-service
restaurant located next to Metro Health. The modern 50-seat café
features a full menu of Middle Eastern specialties, including fatoush,
kibbie, shawarma and spinach pies. American salads, burgers and
sandwiches are also on tap. Look for an opening any day.
This article appears in Oct 21-27, 2009.
We were VERY disappointed. Lamb chops lacked flavor, Pitttsburgh steak was very over cooked. No one seemed to care. The restuarant is beautiful, it is to bad the food is not of the same caliber. For the price one should leave the restuarant wowed! and this wasn’t even close. We will not be back
Just opened so we were surprised things ran very smoothly. Great special occasion location. Dinner for two special was plenty of very good food. Wine selection is not overly priced.
Food is incredible. Unique twist on comfort food coupled with great steaks. Wine list may not be as expansive as other steak houses, but still plenty of variety to choose from. Better start planning ahead to make reservations – once the word starts to spread about Strip, getting a table will hard to come by.
My wife and I wanted to try the new Strip steakhouse and were excited to see a new option in Avon. We have dined at Henry’s (same owner) so we had high expectations. We were not disappointed on any front. The service at the bar was excellent (they know how to pour a drink!) This is an old barn that has been transformed into a steakhouse. The ambiance/vibe is excellent. Our table was on the second floor and our waiter was great. We had the “dinner for two” special for $75. The two filet’s were cooked to perfection. While the sides we chose were simple but good (green beens and smashed potato’s), I always try the basics first at a new spot. They have it together. Overall our experience was great and we would definitely return. Nice job Strip!
We enjoyed our dinning experience and will come back again.
What an incredible dining experience! My husband and I enjoyed a romantic, fun evening at this new steakhouse in Avon. The decor was warm and the food was fantastic. We were very pleased with the presentation of the food and our server Amanda was wonderful and accommodated all of our requests. We loved the concept of all the different butters and sauces for the steaks and the fun menu choices. We cannot wait to go back with our friends!
Great experience, my Fiancée and I had the “Date” and loved every last piece. The steaks were cooked PERFECTLY and the sauces were to die for!!!!!!!!!!! Great service and amazing food!! Been to a lot of different steak houses in Ohio and by far Strip was the best! Definitely a place we will go to on a regular basis!
Last evening my husband and I ate at Strip, the new restaurant in Avon. Both times my husband has been super satisfied with the different steaks he ordered. Sometimes he asks for medium at other places and when the food arrives the beef is way past the medium stage. Since I’m not a big beef eater, I had the grouper the first time and the lamb chop last night. I paid attention to presentation since that means more to me than him–very attractive. Both meals were excellent! For anyone reading this, be sure to try the Red Velvet cake for dessert. Looked nice and was yummy too!
The atmosphere was good and the staff is freindly. I was dissapointed in the quality of the food compared to the pricing. I really counldn’t figure out what the pricing was a reflection of. They should go back to a menu that would be all inclusive. (stea w/ sald and vegetable.) I had a party of three and my bill came to $145.00 I could have went to Cleveland Chop House or even Morton’s in the tower city for alot less than this. PS. We were the only patrons in the lower level and they were out of the Big Daddy and the Chocolate Bomb on a Sunday at 6:00 pm
Don’t waste you hard earned cash!!!
Was actually there this sunday at 6 and sat in the lower level with a bunch of other people. First time at Strip and thought it was way better than Mortons Steak House… Amazing food for the price and had the Red Velvet Cake and was blown away, Can’t find good cake like that anywhere on the west side. Will be back for sure, Keep up the good work Strip!
“Well done!” Strip was a great experience and one of those rare moments where when the bill came there wasn’t that feeling of quality vs. quantity vs. price tag. Everyone’s steak was done as desired…and the radish soup, a risky selection, was awesome! Lively atmosphere, great buzz, nice wine list…nice little seating area opposite kitchen was a great way to wind down the night. Now this morning, I’m sporting a wee bit of a hangover…without regret.