Here is what I learned at age 61. I am way too old to handle tribute band Jimmy Buffett concerts at the Warren Amphitheater. Not that 61 is too old for anyone else, but if you really don’t like large crowds, get claustrophobic in a group, don’t like super loud music or screaming bimbos with various anatomy parts falling in and out of love, and need someone to yell “incoming” when flying Frisbees and bouncing beach balls hit your teeth and pound your neck…Jimmy Buffett concerts aren’t really for you. Who knew?
But the next best thing might be Up a Creek located in Howland, Ohio. If I were reviewing for a pub crawl, this would be a five meatball winner. This beach bungalow tavern located on a secluded lot on East Market Street (old Rt. 82) is a surprise to me, although my son has known about it for a number of years. Complete with a lively interior bar surrounded by big screen televisions, and an outstanding outdoor patio and bar, on a warm summer’s night this place is hang out city.
I haven’t visited Up a Creek on a weekend. I can only imagine that is “slightly” less laid back at 9:00 on a Friday night. But early on a Wednesday evening in July, the patio is about as laid back as you can get with a comfortable crowd enjoying summer as it deserves to be enjoyed.
Here’s the thing. Up a Creek apparently strives to me more than a bar. It has an extremely ambitious menu for a tavern complete with daily specials that you normally wouldn’t find in a tavern/bar operation. Granted the menu is loaded with all sorts of pub food replete with wings, burgers, pizza and the like, but it tries to gourmet it up a bit. I mean c’mon. Home made potato chips drizzled with a balsamic reduction topped with blue cheese and candied pecans…not your typical hot chips!!! There is lots of stuff you are going to want to try, including the ever popular spinning bowl salad, but you are just going to have to make several trips ‘cause you can’t eat that much in one trip!!!
The downside to the place is that at the end of the day, this is still primarily a liquor operation. The inside space seemed to be cavernous and very loud, even though it wasn’t particularly busy, and given northeast Ohio weather, more often than not that is where one would end up. And the wait staff doesn’t seem to be particularly adept or friendly. They are okay…but one would want a little personality along with the service. After all, it is a bar and you are there for a good time.
The food was well prepared. I actually ordered and got a well done burger; and there are several ambitious varieties from which to choose. My wife had a hot sausage sandwich that filled the bill. Prices are more than reasonable, with the most expensive on the menu being around $15.00 with most items under $10.00.
Although it would never make the list of places to go for fine dining and quiet conversation, it definitely moves to the top of the list for going out with some friends and having a good time…with lots more to choose from than wings and pizza, and all done well. Candied pecans and blue cheese on the hot chips, really? Only been here once! Meatball award after next visit when I can try the marinated sirloin steak! I bet it's going to be great.
Anyone up for a Jimmy Buffett concert?
Up A Creek
4793 East Market Street
Howland, Ohio 44424
330-856-5135
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