† We love pairing our favorite sins. So when Red, Wine and Brew — a beer, wine and cigar emporium — opened a second location in Mentor, we couldn't wait to stock up on stogies and craft brews. But what sets this location apart from the original in Chester Township is the Wine Down Lounge and Restaurant and its two all-season patios — one for food and one for cigars. Inside the lounge, contemporary touches such as dark wood tables and chairs, and a marble bar give way to a menu of wood-fired flatbreads, appetizers, sandwiches and entrees. Grab a beer such as Brew Kettle's White Rajah IPA ($3) out of the lounge's cooler filled with 800 bottles or cans to wash down the roasted chicken and goat cheese quesadilla ($10). The devilishly crispy appetizer only gets better when topped with the accompanying salsa fresca and a smooth jalapeno creme fraiche. The savory black 'n' bleu flatbread ($13) with blackened sirloin, caramelized onions, roasted tomatoes, blue cheese and scallions is a glutton's paradise. But if you're looking for something more angelic, opt for the shaved turkey and Brie sandwich ($10) served hot or cold with sweet honey mayo on a pretzel bun. Close out the decadence on the smoking patio with an E.P. Carrillo La Historia cigar ($9). With rich hints of caramel and black coffee, pair it with Thirsty Dog Brewing Co.'s smooth Bourbon Barrel Aged Siberian Night stout ($7) for a match made in heaven.
When You Go: Red, Wine and Brew, 9620 Old Johnnycake Ridge Road, Mentor, 440-210-0024, red-wine-n-brew.us/mentor
