Cogan's - Bad Food, Lousy Service, Burton, Ohio

First of all, "Bad Food, Lousy Service" is Cogan's motto, and it elicited a chuckle from me when we pulled up on Thursday for lunch. I knew how it would look when I wrote my review here, so it amused me more than one level, that's for sure.

Since starting my new job, about 20 miles north-east of Solon, I've tried out a few new eateries - but this is really Cleveland Eats, not "almost-Pennsylvania-Eats." That said, I'll have a few reviews coming from the Middlefield/Burton direction over the next couple of weeks, since I've eaten at some really nice places that are almost worth the drive out.

So - Cogan's. My colleague Frank (hey, Frank!) is a fan of the place, and I can see why. It's at first glance a pretty standard American food place (burgers, wings, wraps) but the place has a history, and it's all over the walls (photos of the owner and his friends in the sixties and updated, the same friends in the same pose thirty years on, along with other items of interest that probably mean something to someone working there, past or present), in the quality of the service and the attitude of the people working there. It's also in the menus, which have been written with a great deal of humor and tongue firmly in cheek. Frank pointed out the owner, Tom, who was in his apparently ubiquitous beanie cap, making the time to talk to everyone, staff and visitor.

I ordered a cheeseburger (my standard "first time" order at a new place) with fries, and waited to see what would come out. I wasn't disappointed, though the portion size was a little on the small size when it came to the fries. I was pretty hungry though. The burger was tasty and above average for a restaurant like this, and there were a variety of toppings available when I ordered, including whipped cream. Really. I ordered two different cheeses and onions.

The fries were good, and with vinegar on the table (a plus in my book) I wasn't disappointed (except by the portion size).

Frank told me a story about the house hot sauces, and though I didn't partake, I was impressed with the uniqueness of the place, something I'm always searching for.

So, Cogan's in Burton is something a little bit special from what I've seen. I'll be back there, and though I'm not sure how long we'll be based in Middlefield (looks like a month or two) I think I'll suggest to Frank that we schedule a weekly "lunch meeting" here to discuss work in what is honestly a one-of-a-kind atmosphere with food that I'm looking forward to exploring further.

Atmosphere: 4/5 (Relaxing, unique) Service: 3/5 (I'm sure Frank would give it a 5, but I'm just getting to know them) Food: 3/5 (Decent, portion size a bit small. I need to explore the food further).