The Moosehead Saloon in Westlake is a cozy, bustling place that'll treat you well if you observe a few simple rules. No. 1 is to always call ahead to get on the waiting list. They don't accept reservations at this casual bar/restaurant and frequently have waits of up to an hour, but we've always been seated within 15 minutes when phoning first.
Rule No. 2 is to be prepared to sample at least one highly fatty food. Our favorites are the jumbo chicken wings ($6.99), the fresh-cut jumbo fries ($3.25) and the homemade potato chips (served with sandwiches). We experimented on our last visit with the stuffed artichoke hearts ($7.99) and found they also deserve a place on the fried-food hit list because of how nicely the tart artichokes contrast with their provolone/Parmesan filling, all with the satisfying crunch of the deep-fried.
For our entree, we tried to balance things out with a veggie burger ($7.50) that turned out to be pretty much standard fare, while our companion indulged in the hot roast beef and cheddar au jus ($7.99), a sandwich he has returned to nearly a dozen times at Moosehead because of its tender, thinly shaved roast beef and flavorful au jus. While portions are always generous, Moosehead does offer lighter options, such as the blackened tuna steak sandwich and eight salads.
Rule No. 3 is to skip dessert. We didn't, opting to try the chocolate moosecake ($4.25), which, while tasty and presented nicely, was not special enough to justify the additional fat grams.
Moosehead Saloon, 694 Dover Center Road, Westlake, (440) 871-7742. Hours: Mon-Thu 11:30 a.m. - 11 p.m., Fri-Sat 11 a.m. - midnight, Sun noon - 10 p.m. A,M,V. Not wheelchair accessible.
