Bistro 185 offers imaginative upscale Bistro food in a congenial atmosphere. Appetizers & entrees change nightly complimented by a dazzling array of delicious desserts. The food at "Bistro 185" includes ethnic favorites with a twist such as multi–cultural cuisine from a traditional chicken paprikash to succulent lobster ravioli seared day boat scallops & shrimp in lobster sauce or Mediterranean style lamb shanks. Appetizers include house cured gravlax, frog legs in butter garlic sauce, chicken potstickers pecan crusted goat cheese on greens, warm wild mushroom salad, creamed herring, Asian jumbo lump crab cakes to mention just a few. Featured items change daily based on fresh produce, meats, fish & poultry. We have a fully stocked retro-chic bar offering a variety of unique martinis, a dozen premium beers on tap & a list of 40 plus hand picked wines to choose from.
"Even though distance doesn't let us dine at Bistro 185 on a weekly basis, every time we do we ask "why don't we come here more often?" It doesn't look like a photo shoot for Bon Appetit, (please keep the wooden booths!) but the food is fabulous, the servers are professionals, & we're impressed each time with the extensive menu. The enormous portions cause nearly everyone to go home with another meal for the next day. The presentations are attractive and creative. Often we're tempted to order a few appetizers, a salad and save room for the wonderful desserts. On our last visit, our server knew every menu item perfectly, as she also works the kitchen. Try Romaine Wedge salad, Beef Bourguigon Short Ribs, Double Cut Pork Chop and Chicken Penne."
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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"It's always nice to have dinner at the Bistro. I had salmon and it was very flavorful with the thai noodles and vegetables. Had some kind of nut's wrapped in bacon as an appetizer, spicy but sweet. A very nice meal."
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"At this point, Bistro 185 has a reputation to live up do and it did not let us down. The ever attentive wait staff was extremely helpful with suggestions. One in our party had the Mongolian Pork - incredibly tender and tasty. Two of us had fish - walleye and salmon. Both wild caught, fresh and delicious and served with wonderful sides. All portions were generous."
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"My wife and I had a wonderful dinner here on friday nite....as a fine dining chef of over 25 years, I can truly say that the flavors and textures of the food were delectable and the service was fantastic! We will be returning again!"
Dined on 5/03/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, romantic, neighborhood gem, hot spot, special occasion
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"We just fell in love with Bistro 185. We all had different entrees. The pork chop milanese - outstanding. The skuna bay salmon delicious.We sampled a variety of appetizers to share. The gravlax, shrimp, flatbread, wedge , field green and ceasar salad all very fresh and well pepared. Servings are geneous. Fabulous service with a knowledgeable and delightful server. Totally enjpyed our evening. we will be back."
Dined on 04/24/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list
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"It's pretty tricky finding a place to park on a busy Saturday night, but believe me, it's worth the hassle. From the sweet chili shrimp appetizer to the creme brulee' cheesecake, this place is a real find. The tables are a little "cozy" but if you're the sociable type, it's not uncomfortable. The service is spot on, and we've yet to have a meal that we weren't pleased with. The panko and almond crusted cod, served with a slightly sweet corn pudding and tempura fried vegetables was delightful and the portions are always enough for the next day's lunch. Do yourself a favor and give it a try - you won't be disappointed."
Dined on 04/13/2013
2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem
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"My wife and I ordered several appetizers for different tastes and variety. They were all a disappointment. A third in our party ordered a dinner and liked it. Wine was good and service was very good."
Dined on 04/04/2013
2009
Special Features: neighborhood gem, notable wine list
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"The service was very good and the waitress was incredibly friendly. The food was a little heavy...ie there was nothing unique about it. Also I wanted to substitute the side of spaghetti and I was not able to do so. You should allow substitutions for sides. I think a little less food and a little more food that is more special is needed."
Dined on 03/30/2013
2011
Special Features: kid-friendly
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"Excellent food prepared by an obviously talented chef. Filled up by 7 p.m. on the Saturday night we were there, so reservations would be smart. Easy access to restaurant off I-90 and parking adjacent. Helpful server, excellent food, and interesting wine and beer lists make this a place we will visit again - soon!"
Dined on 03/30/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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"My husband and I were expecting a cute, quaint restaurant but instead found an old, dark, crowded bar coverted into a make shift restaurant. The food was just okay and we won't be back. The ambiance wasn't nice and we were seated in front of a cafeteria style dessert case which just wasn't nice to look at."
Dined on 03/16/2013
2005
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"I have been at this resturant many times and the last time I was there I had the best meal ever, So I ordered the same meal as before but This time the food quality was off. The calf Liver was very veiny ond the frog legs were smothered with garlic that there was more garlic than frog legs, The waitress was outstanding and the lemon cake was wonderful."
Dined on 03/29/2013
2013
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"We have been to Bistro 185 several times and never been disappointed. The menu is varied and interesting. Specials are well done and the food very fresh. Wait staff are attentive and knowlegeable about the menu. Comfortable making recommendations and friendly. Very enjoyable dining experience. During busy hours parking is problematic but there is a bank across the street that has a parking lot that you can use."
Dined on 03/29/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion
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"Very adventurous menu done well. This cozy place features everything from frogs legs to burgers accompanied by an ecclectic selection of wines and beers. Our party had a duck appetizer, a warm mushroon salad, chicken and veggie potstickers, chicken schnitzel (with great potato pancakes) and sesami encrusted ahi with noodles in wasabi and peanut sauce. Everything was first rate. Service was friendly and efficient. If you're out near E. 185th, it's a must!"
Dined on 03/25/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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"Overall a great experience. The food was great as always and everyone loved their meal. When we first arrived, our table was still occupied so we went to the bar to wait. We tried to joke with the bartender who was very sour and never did take our drink order. It was not pleasant. Our waitress was lovely, personable and very responsive and competent. We were celebrating a friend's birthday and were the last table in the restaurant section. Although there were customers drinking at the bar, we were hurried out so the waitress could leave. I have eaten here many times and this is not the first time our table has been made uncomfortable at the end of the evening so we would leave. Since the bar section is still open, couldn't we have stayed?"
Dined on 03/20/2013
2009
Special Features: neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"We went for lunch. They had some interesting appetizers. Mostly sandwiches on the menu. I'd like to come back for dinner since their menu is more varied."
Dined on 03/14/2013
2009
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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"The food and the variety of choices were truly wonderful. The tables are very close together in most areas which makes it hard for intimate conversation was my only complaint. This was to be expected considering the building used to just be a local bar. The staff was attentive, polite and yet not obtrusive. The bartender was extremely knowledgeable and personable. Recommend time for a drink at the bar before dining to start the night right. We enjoyed the entire experience."
Dined on 03/11/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"I took my girl friend here to celebrate her Birthday, it was great, the food was excellent, and the waitress Barbara was wonderful, I just mention it was my girlfriends birthday and at the end she brought this big piece of cake enough for all of as to share, it was great I would definly go again. Thank you open table!"
Dined on 03/08/2013
2009
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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"The food is wonderful and plentiful. It is always amazing how extensive the menu is. The appetizers and salads are terrific. The bar is extensive and the beers are terrific. Just ask for a sampling as they are most accommodating. The deserts (we had the coconut cream pie and key lime pie) would make this a destination place by themselves. The ambience is perfect when you are looking for the cozy neighborhood pub, where both the bar area and dining areas are always comfortable. This is one of my favorite restaurants! If you live in Cleveland and have not been here, you are really missing out on a special treat."
Dined on 03/08/2013
2011
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"We selected the restaurant becasue of the Cleveland Restaurant special on the Cleveland Independents website. We found Bistro 185 was doing their special week starting the following week, so we ordered from the regular menu. Great selections, the food preparation was to order, presentation was fantastic and the service was outstanding. It was a crush when we arrived 15 minutes early for our 8:15 reservation. We were seated by 8:20. The 6:30/7 crowd was gone by 9:00 and we practically had the place to ourselves. We used to go to this place when it was Fritz's for fish frys. It has not changed that much physically, but the food certainly has. We'll be back soon."
Dined on 03/02/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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"Delilsh food, although, they were out of several dishes that I wanted to have which bummed me out. I ended up with the scallops and risotto which was wonderful but I really wanted the veal so that was a disappointment."
Dined on 02/23/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies
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"Tempura Walleye this trip. Yes it is more pricey than the local church fry (duh) but with sweet potato fries that will gives you sweet dreams and melt-in-your-mouth tender and moist fish that must have begged to be on your plate, it was worth every penny. The best part for me? It didn't talk back all night :-)"
Dined on 02/22/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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"It's not possible to have a bad meal here. Staff is great, food is excellent. Vibe is upscale casual. Go in sit down and enjoy the experience. Special kudos to the gravlax and potato pancake app. Mmmmmm!"
Dined on 02/22/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, late-night find, neighborhood gem, romantic
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"This was our second visit- first time was a group of 4, this time with a group of 8. We all loved the place! Menu variety is amazing! Food quality and prep was 100%. Great value in fine dining. Can't wait to go back."
Dined on 02/16/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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"We have always enjoyed Bistro 185, but this visit was particularly noteworthy. Everything from the mushroom salad, mussels to the veal chop and surf and turf were all perfectly executed. Well done Ruth and co.!"
Dined on 02/16/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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"I was so looking forward to this dinner. I've been here a few times before and it was excellent. This time however I was disappointed. We were seated right next to door on a cold night. Every time the door opened we got blasted with cold air. My husband got the Kobe steak which he was pleased with. I got the scallops and risotto and it was just okay. There were three good size scallops atop a HUGE bowl of heavy mushroom risotto. Though the risotto had a nice flavor there was just WAY too much of it. Two of my three scallops were good, but one was crunchy/sandy tasting/feeling...and rubbery. Just yucky. That ruined the whole dinner for me unfortunately. I should have gotten a salad as my dinner. I left feeling heavy and yucky."
Dined on 02/16/2013
2008
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"As usual, we were not disapointed with dining. Bistro 185 has become "that special restaurant" for a night out. Our server was very attentive, friendly and helpful with her recomendations; even the 2 young guys who bussed tables were polite and attentive. It's great if you can secure a booth as the table dining can get a bit crowded and loud if you happen to be next to a group. Biggest challenge is what to order from the large menu that always has something new to consider along with the tried and true staples they feature. Some items are a little pricey but we have enjoyed everything we have tried in past visits to the Bistro. We will of course be back!"
Dined on 02/16/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"When you make a reservation note that you do not want to sit at the table right next to the door. Every time someone came in, you had to move. They can do without that table. Also, if you want to substitute vegetables for your pasta, be prepared to pay 5 dollars for cold carrots and beans with zero seasoning."
Dined on 02/16/2013
2008
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"Our waitress was wonderful as was everyone there. It was a quiet evening for them so we received a lot of attention. They let us sit and chat. It was a good experience."
Dined on 02/05/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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"I made a reservation via OpenTable and included a note that this was a business lunch for an interview. I requested a booth and it was ready when we arrived. I don't know if the note was the reason but our waitress was extremely accomodating, professional and an all out pleasure. The soup was fantastic and our meals were well prepared and presented."
Dined on 01/28/2013
2008
Special Features: kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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"We had a reservation, but didn't get seated for another half and hour. We then did not get our food for another 40 minutes. By this point I was incredibly hungry. The Tempe batter was too sweet, almost like cake batter on green beans. The Brussels sprouts looked amazing but tasted too greasy. The lamb we ordered was perfectly cooked so that was good."
Dined on 01/05/2013
2008
Special Features: vibrant bar scene
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"Fabulous as usual! The menu is long (but not too long) and makes selecting a meal very difficult. There is something for everyone to enjoy. Everything is also prepared to perfection."
Dined on 01/26/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion
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"Bistro 185 is a nice restaurant that is significantly overpriced. The food is good, but nothing outstanding--particularly for the price. Service is mediocre."
Dined on 01/25/2013
2007
Special Features: special occasion
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