ROCKY RIVER, Ohio — A Rocky River staple has reopened its doors, following a transformation that stays true to its roots in the Old River District of the Cleveland suburb.
Salmon Dave's has become the best version of itself, revamping its décor and menu to match its easy-going vibe created with incredible talent behind the bar and in the kitchen, as explained by Rosewood Grill managing partner Chris Kneeland.
"We've slowly morphed into Coastal Comfort over the years and felt the time to make a change was right," Kneeland told me. "It's a more seafood-centric menu with fresh items coming in a lot closer to home."
When it comes to the new items you'll see on the menu, there's a little something for all kinds of seafood lovers.
If you're an oyster lover like me, you have plenty of options to choose from, including freshly shucked Blue Point oysters from the Atlantic Ocean (my personal favorite), Oysters Rockefeller and grilled oysters. "We've doubled down on our oyster selection. It's something we feel we do really well," Kneeland said.
For pasta lovers, the group recommends the linguine and clams with pesto. Other popular items include the fish and chips made with walleye, and the Gulf of Maine Cedar Plank salmon.
To wash everything down, Salmon Dave's has a re-imagined cocktail menu, including their fresh takes on the Calvados Sidecar, espresso martinis, and the French 75.
While its patrons anxiously waited to get their hands and taste buds on these new treats, the necessary tweaks were made to bring the new vision for Salmon Dave's to life, and people were thrilled to be able to get back in there so soon after the restaurant temporarily closed in early January.
"It's is all about being fresh and maintaining quality. We really feel it's a jack of all trades restaurant," Kneeland said.
"If you want a happening bar scene, we've been packed since we reopened. People are really enjoying our hand crafted cocktails.
"If you're doing date night, we've redone the booths for a more intimate feel. Between the lighting and music - we're setting a mood.
"If you're with family, we can do larger tables to accommodate a family gathering or we have our oversized booths in the lounge.
"If you're having a business dinner, we've got a wine list and weekly specials that will impress any client."
The restaurant's founding partners of the company purchased the property in 1992 and opened it as Salmon Dave's in 1993. "We're proud to have served the community for 30 years and be a part of such a charming area like the Old River District," Kneeland said.
Salmon Dave's is located at 19015 Lake Road in Rocky River, with happy hour Monday through Thursday from 3 to 6 p.m., Fridays from 2 to 6 p.m., and from 2 to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.