House of Blues
Reviewed by our Secret Diner

House of Blues
308 Euclid Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44114
(216) 523-BLUE
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We decided to try the new House of Blues for lunch rather than dinner so we could get a real feel for the restaurant and the food without the distraction of the entertainment.

First I would be remiss not to alert you that the entrance is actually on 4th Street (directly across from Pickwick and Frolic). The Euclid Avenue entrance is for entertainment only. There is valet parking though, so this is not really an issue at all.

We were told we would have to wait for the entire party (6) before we could be seated but when the hostess noted one guest used a cane, we were shown to our seats.

Tip: If you have a disability, just bring it to the attention of the hostess and they will accommodate you.

The room is loud, both in décor and noise level. Yet there is something that says "come on in, sit down, this is gonna be fun."

Tip: If noise bothers you, this is not the place for you. But consider living a little "dangerously" and trying the restaurant anyway. Know that it will be noisy and don't let it bother you.

The lunch menu is extensive as are the list of specials. We all started with soup, some with the special, Crawfish Bisque that day, and some with the New Orleans style Chicken Gumbo. Both were excellent and even though there was plenty, it was good enough to leave us wanting more.

I had pan-seared Voodoo Shrimp with Rosemary Cornbread and Dixie Beer Reduction. At $9.95 it was quite filling and had an exceptionally good flavor. Even though I had been told by the waitress that it was not too hot I was still concerned, but she was absolutely correct - it had flavor but not excessive heat. It was really a wonderful and different taste.

The Blues Burgers were $8.50 and everybody enjoyed theirs. They are quite large and come with French Fries. Meat was cooked properly to the temperature requested.

The Creole Jambalaya was every bit as good as anticipated and was filled with shrimp, chicken, tasso ham, andouille sausage and roasted green onions. A half order was large enough to warrant a "to-go" box.

Tip: A number of the items are available either as a half or full order.

With a side order of skillet baked rosemary cornbread which was served with maple butter ($4.95) our meal was more than complete.

None of us had room for dessert but the White Chocolate Banana Bread Pudding with Jack Daniels Crème Anglaise, Whipped Cream and a Caramel Halo ($4.95) certainly was appealing.

There are many salads, sandwiches, southern specials, sides and even pizzas to choose from and although it will not be the least expensive lunch you've had, it won't be the highest either.

Our waitress was attentive but not overbearing, the service was quite good.

We checked with the party sitting next to us and they too enjoyed the food and complemented the service. But once again, the noise factor came up. As one gentleman put it "This is great food and I like the place, but I could never bring a client here or have a meeting here."

Maybe that's a good thing. When you go out to eat, maybe it should be about enjoying not multi-tasking.

Tip: A 19% tip is added to all parties of 6 or more.

I think this restaurant is worth a try. It's something different. The food is good. The service is good and the atmosphere is interesting. Live a little. You'll be glad you did.

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