With front porch dining and fresh herbs featured on the menu, Timber Lodge tops Mimi's list of summer dining musts
By Laura Briedis
Masterfully combining delectable fare with a charming ambiance on its front porch, Timber Lodge offers al fresco dining at its best. You can even say it is Northeast Ohio-weatherproof, with a covered roof to shield guests from rain and a fireplace to warm them up on cooler nights.
“Even if it is raining, diners can enjoy the great outdoors without getting wet,” says owner Ron Levitt, a third-generation restaurateur who remodeled this landmark building with origins tracing back to 1933 when the farmhouse was converted into a restaurant.
“Unlike other restaurant patios usually tucked in back by the parking lot, here we dine on the front porch.”
On the spacious, non-smoking front porch, wrought-iron dining tables are comfortably spaced around a stone fireplace. Pyramid torches add warmth when the sun sets.
The al fresco dining experience is accentuated with freshly prepared items from the menu, which is replete with steaks and seafood. The summery fare showcases some of the herbs grown in the restaurant’s own garden, including rosemary to flavor the prime rib, basil to mix in the chicken bruschetta and mint to spice up the cocktails.
Summer flavors come alive in dishes such as the Organic Bibb Salad, with pecans and balsamic glaze, and the bountiful Shrimp Salsa Cocktail, served in a margarita glass filled with shrimp and a homemade salsa-cocktail sauce combination—perfect for sharing.
For that just-off-the-grill taste, the 10-ounce giant steak burger, which is made with freshly ground filet tenderloin, is served on a brioche bun along with your choice of side dish. And diners can feast on barbecue ribs portioned for any appetite, from six individual rib logs served as an appetizer to a half or full rack for dinner.
Also in keeping with summertime fun, Timber Lodge has increased its craft beer selection and imported wine varietals and offers flights of beer, wine and bourbons for tastings.
“Whether trying a newly introduced craft beer or sipping on one of our daily iced tea flavors, we offer unique beverages,” comments Ron. “We also are one of the few places in town where you can eat brunch outdoors and sip on a Bloody Mary.”
Featuring its Rise and Dine brunch every Sunday (except on Father’s Day), from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., all brunch items are made to order, including signature entrees such as Chicken Roulade, which is stuffed with scrambled eggs, cheese and spinach then wrapped in bacon and pan seared; Bacon in the Batter Waffles; or Eggs Benedict served with filet mignon.
“We are known for our Bloody Mary cocktails,” says Ron. “No place else has one bigger, taller or tastier. And at 99 cents it is a giveaway. It’s a thank you from us to our guests for joining us for brunch.”
Timber Lodge is located at 2809 Pearl Road in Medina. Hours are Monday-Saturday, 4 p.m. to close; Sunday, 11 a.m. to close. The phone number is 330-725-6288. Call-ahead seating is available Sunday-Thursday. Visit TimberLodgeMedina.com for more information, and Facebook.com/TimberLodgeMedina for daily features.