Born and raised in Lakewood. And when I was moving out about 4 months ago, my cheapest and by far best option was... Lakewood. Still there, still love what it has to offer - a lot of food, bars, a short commute downtown, and the valley (Metroparks) is gorgeous. I won't be here forever, but I still enjoy it.
Hit these spots up (some of which have been mentioned):
Restaurants:
- Buckeye Beer Engine - Best burger in the city, bar none.
- Barrio - Not sure if you've tried either the Tremont or downtown locations, but their tacos are great. Prepare to wait 15-20 minutes for a table, though
- Melt - Long waits at times, but my food never disappoints
- Harry Buff - All around solid food and beer
- Jammy Buggars - Great burgers and food
- El Carnicero - People rave about this Mexican place
Best Under the Radar:
- *The Place To Be* - Best (or possibly worst) kept secret in Lakewood. Best breakfast in the city, you'll get your meals in like 7 minutes. Friendly staff, huge servings, best omelets, etc. Bring cash. Hangover cure.
- Rush Inn - Under the radar restaurant near the west end of Lakewood. Best wings in the city - breaded to perfection
- Pepper's Italian Restaurant - Small little Italian joint toward the East side of Lakewood on Detroit.
Bars:
- The West End - This is right across from where you live, presumably. $2 Natty Pounders will get ya real drunk. Decent food, cheap drinks.
- Riverwood - Right around the bend from West End; $1 Coors Lights and $2 drafts during every Tribe game
- Around The Corner - Lakewood staple but it's gotten pretty trashy there. I like going there during the day to hang on the patio
- Merry Arts - Longtime Lakewood staple
- Game On - New place, generic theme, but surprisingly adequate, IMO. Cheap happy hours, cheap drinks
Pizza: