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oChef » Red Walters – Cleveland
Red Walters - Cleveland
Photo from Red Walters
Red Walters at a glance
Cleveland Fairfax
- 🍖 Barbecue Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 42 of the guests
#51 out of 62 places to eat in Cleveland
#1 Barbecue Restaurant out of 1 in Cleveland
Average
5 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
289
Reviews
39.8%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Friendly staff
- Flavorful sauce
- Clean interior
Frequently criticized
- Hygiene issues
- Inconsistent food
- Long waits
The restaurant Red Walters Bar-B-Que is a must-visit Barbecue Restaurant in Cleveland’s vibrant Fairfax neighborhood. You’ll find a truly authentic experience here, blending historic charm with a trendy, casual vibe.
Whether you’re craving a quick bite or looking for late-night food, this spot has you covered with its delicious offerings. It’s the perfect place to enjoy classic barbecue flavors in a welcoming setting.
Overview: Introducting Red Walters
Red Walters offers a mixed experience, where you might encounter genuinely `friendly people` and a `Great Team` providing service. While some find the `food` to be delicious, particularly the `BBQ sauce` and certain soul food items, there are also mentions of inconsistencies that can affect the dining experience.
The `atmosphere` has seen some positive changes, with a cleaner, redecorated interior and even a `pac man machine` for entertainment. However, concerns about `wait time` and significant `hygiene` issues, like a `roach on counter`, suggest that not all aspects of the visit are consistently pleasant.
Average
5
out of 10
289
Reviews
39.8%
Satisfaction
152
negative
22
neutral
115
positive
Red Walters currently holds an overall restaurant score of 5, placing it in the average category. Customer satisfaction, however, sits at 39.8%, indicating a poor reception from patrons.
This assessment is drawn from a total of 289 customer observations, with 115 positive remarks contrasting with 152 negative ones, suggesting a noticeable lean towards areas needing improvement. Delving into specific aspects, the `Food` (5) receives an average rating, despite being the most discussed topic.
`Service` (4.8) also falls into the average range, though it’s close to the lower end. The `Ambience` (6.3) fares a bit better, landing in the average-to-good territory, while `Value` (3.7) is perceived as poor, reflecting concerns about pricing and portion sizes.
What people like
- Friendly, helpful staff
- Flavorful BBQ sauce
- Improved interior ambiance
What people don't like
- Unacceptable hygiene issues
- Inconsistent food quality
- Significant wait times
Red Walters presents a mixed bag. While there are definite bright spots, like the genuinely friendly staff and some flavorful menu items, the overall experience is hampered by notable inconsistencies.
You might find a dish you enjoy, but be prepared for potential drawbacks. With a recommendation score of 5.2, Red Walters isn’t a clear-cut choice.
If you’re willing to overlook some potential issues for the chance of a good meal and friendly interaction, it might be worth a visit. However, if consistency and hygiene are top priorities, you might want to explore other options.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Red Walters
Food (5 out of 10)
mentioned by 96% of the guests
Alright, let's talk about the grub! The food here scores an average 5, though customer satisfaction sits at a rather poor 38.8%. Out of 196 comments, 76 were positive, with many praising the `chicken wings`, `fries`, and the unique `Polish boy`.
The `BBQ sauce` and `mac and cheese` also frequently earn high marks for their flavor and generous `portions`. However, with 103 negative comments, there are significant concerns. Recurring issues include `fries` being burnt or cold, `wings` being overcooked or cooked in `old grease`, and a noticeable decline in the `sauce` quality.
Some also felt the `food` was dry or lacked proper seasoning, leading to disappointment.
Food
196
Reviews
38%
Satisfaction
103
negative
17
neutral
76
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious chicken wings
- Exquisite Polish boy
- Fantastic BBQ sauce
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food quality
- Poor quality fries
- Old cooking grease
Often praised
- foodI'm not sure if I was inebriated or if the food was just that good, but I had some of the best soul food from this spot. I also beat my daughter at the Pac-Man game.
- wingsThe wings were cooked very well
- friesThe fries and macaroni and cheese are delicious!
- greensGreens were seasoned with meat and juicy!
- BBQ sauceThe BBQ sauce was off the chain and had me licking my fingers repeatedly.
- Foodthe Food was delicious
- macaroni and cheeseget collard greens and macaroni and cheese as a side dish
- perch dinnerLastly, I ordered a perch dinner and Buffalo chicken dip. I didn't eat the dip yet, but the perch was good. They didn't give me coleslaw but instead put a cup of barbecue sauce with my dinner.
- 10 piece wingsBRING HIM A 10 PIECE WINGS BACK
- BBQ burgerboy did i find it omg....I'm from pa up here working
Frequently criticized
- friesIf you get sauce, they drown everything in it. The chicken is okay, and the fries are frozen. The new sauce they use is not very good; the old sauce Butch made was okay.
- wingsthe wings was almost burnt, it had that almost burnt taste and was very hard
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was TRASH. It was disrespectful to the name Red Walters, and the place needs to change its name ASAP because this food is nothing like Red Walters and is a waste of time. I was served bbq sauce on my fish, and the fish itself was too hard.
- sauceif you get sauce they drown everything in sauce
- coleslawI didn't eat the dip yet, but the perch was good. They didn't give me coleslaw but instead put a cup of barbecue sauce with my dinner. Overall, if I ever visit again, it would be only for fish.
- polish boyno sauce on my polish boy what so ever
- chickenchicken isnt battered anymore just floured
- chicken wingschicken wings were hard and over cooked
- fish dinnerMy fish dinner had no seasonings at all
- greaseMy experience at the restaurant was mixed. The grease needed to be changed, which was a significant concern. While the food didn’t take long to arrive, the fish was just okay.
If you're craving classic comfort food like `chicken wings` or a `Polish boy`, you might find some delicious options here. However, be prepared for a potentially inconsistent experience, especially regarding `fries` and `sauce` quality, which could be a dealbreaker for some.
Service (4.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 61% of the guests
When it comes to service, there's a definite bright side! Many customers have praised the 28 positive experiences, noting the friendly service, polite and professional demeanor of the staff, including a Great Team and understanding individuals. It seems some interactions truly shine, highlighting pleasant and helpful workers.
However, the overall sentiment for service is a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 4.8 and customer satisfaction at 42.4%. With 37 negative comments out of 66 total, issues like long wait times, poor attitude, and disrespectful staff are frequently mentioned. Some even describe the service as slow, indicating areas needing significant improvement.
Service
66
Reviews
42%
Satisfaction
37
negative
1
neutral
28
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, polite staff
- Professional staff demeanor
- Great team
What people don't like
- Long wait times
- Rude staff attitude
- Service is slow
Often praised
- serviceWhile the taste is not the same as the previous owner, which I liked better before, the food is still good. The place is now cleaner with better service. Rip Butch.
- ServiceMy experience at the restaurant was Hot & Tasty with the Perch and Okra. The Service Was Great👍. I can't wait to go back again😋.
- customer serviceThe only good thing was the customer service.
- staffThe portions are excellent! I experienced friendly service and had fun chatting with the staff. If you like "Diners, dives and drive in type places where the decorations aren't important but the food and service is.
- Great TeamGreat service and Great Team....
- Great serviceGreat service and Great Team....
- Walt and Ms. Big MamaWalt and ms Big Mama are the best bar none.
- cookthe cook he was respectful and he used hand sanitizer
- demeanorHis demeanor was perfect for dealing with the public.
- friendly peopleReally has great friendly people
Frequently criticized
- servicethe service has declined significantly
- ServiceI didn't eat the dip yet, but the perch was good. They didn't give me coleslaw but instead put a cup of barbecue sauce with my dinner. Overall, if I ever visit again, it would be only for fish.
- attitudehis attitude is awful towards customers
- cashiercashier is late everyday so therefore they open when she gets there which is TACKY AND UNPROFESSIONAL
- customer servicecustomer service and horrible food
- wait timeThe wait time was extremely long
- NEW MANAGEMENTThe place is under NEW MANAGEMENT and has really went down!!
- argumentativehe’s very disrespectful and argumentative
- cooks in backall the cooks in back complaining about going to smoke a cigarette
- counternobody at the counter to help you
If youre considering a visit, be prepared for a potentially mixed experience with the service. While some guests rave about friendly staff, others report significant delays and less-than-stellar attitudes. It might be worth a try if youre not in a rush, but manage your expectations regarding speed and consistency.
Ambience (6.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 19% of the guests
Many guests appreciate the vibe, with 10 positive remarks highlighting it as a special place that offers good times, often noting the atmosphere and even a fun pac man machine. The recent redecoration and improved cleanliness also contribute to a welcoming feel, making it accessible with wheelchair accessibility and plenty of parking. Overall, the ambience scores an average 6.3.
However, the experience isnt always perfect, contributing to a mixed 55.6% customer satisfaction. Some found the place uncomfortably hot as hell or cold, with issues like flies flying around and even a concerning roach on counter being reported. While some liked the non-chain restaurant feel, others struggled with parking', indicating room for improvement in comfort and cleanliness.
Ambience
18
Reviews
55%
Satisfaction
6
negative
2
neutral
10
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Special place vibe
- Fun Pac-Man machine
- Good parking, accessible
What people don't like
- Uncomfortably hot/cold
- Roach on counter
- Flies flying around
Often praised
- atmosphereThe atmosphere was also rated highly
- decorationredecorated to make it more of a welcome feel inside
- pac man machinepac man machine there to play
- parkingPlenty of parking
- placethe place is cleaner
- special placespecial place lot of good times
- wheelchair accessibilityno steps. Just a screen door and a regular door to get through
Frequently criticized
- atmospheremade it cold and uncomfortable to wait inside
- chain restaurant feelThe food was incredibly fresh and delicious. I was also impressed by the great friendly people and the fact that it doesn't have that chain restaurant feel. If you're looking for good barbeque, this is the place to go!
- flies flying aroundToo many flies flying around
- parkingparking was somewhat difficult to find
- placeThe Place Was Hot As Hell
- roach on counterThe place was also hot as hell. To make matters worse, I seen a roach on the counter while purchasing my meal. The fish dinner wasn’t what I thought ‼️ NEVER AGAIN 🤢🤮.
If youre looking for a unique spot with a fun vibe and dont mind potential comfort issues, this place might be worth a visit. However, be prepared for a potentially inconsistent experience regarding temperature and cleanliness. It's a mixed bag, so manage your expectations.
Value (3.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 9% of the guests
When it comes to value, theres a glimmer of hope with one customer finding "Great food at a reasonable price. " This lone positive sentiment suggests that for some, the pricing hits the mark. However, with a score of just 3.7 and customer satisfaction at a mere 11.1%, its clear this isn't a widespread feeling.
Unfortunately, the overall picture for value is quite challenging, with 6 negative comments out of 9 total. Many feel the prices are too high, especially for the small wing sizes and the sauce per wing cost. Opinions like waste of money and concerns about prices going up indicate that many customers are finding the current offerings simply not worth it.
Value
9
Reviews
11%
Satisfaction
6
negative
2
neutral
1
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable price
What people don't like
- Prices too high
- Small portions
- Not worth money
Often praised
- reasonable priceGreat food at a reasonable price
Frequently criticized
- pricesfor the prices I probably won't be going back
- sauce per wing$1 sauce per wing?? Absolutely ridiculous.
- small a$$ wingsThose small a$$ wings are already $1.75!!!
- waste of moneythe food is just a waste of money
If youre looking for great value, this spot might leave you disappointed. The general consensus points to high prices for what you get, so be prepared for your wallet to feel the pinch. Its probably best to manage your expectations regarding cost-effectiveness here.
How are the prices at Red Walters?
You’re looking at roughly $18 per person – reported by 42 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For a Barbecue Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Most guests seem to agree, with the majority of prices clustering right in this $11–$20 range, indicating a pretty consistent experience.
This chart shows what people usually spend per person, using the 42 most recent reviews.
A look at this restaurant’s value compared to similar places in Cleveland.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Barbecue Restaurant. It offers a good middle-ground without breaking the bank, making it a solid choice for a satisfying meal.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Red Walters
Service Intent
- Quick Meal
Group Size
- Solo
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
2
Food and Service Disappointing
My experience at this restaurant was not very good. To be honest, they have never been good, but the food tastes worse than it did when Butch was alive and owned the place. If you get sauce, they drown everything in it.
The chicken is okay, and the fries are frozen. The new sauce they use is not very good; the old sauce Butch made was okay. The wait times for the food I ordered were way too long, and I was the only one in the restaurant.
Meh, go somewhere else.
- chicken5
- old sauce5
- food taste2
- sauce2
- fries3
Price per Person
- $1–$10
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
9
Still Great After All These Years!
I hadn't been here in years, but the food still tastes the same. They have turkey polish boys, and I was a little skeptical about trying it, but it was really good. The service and atmosphere were also excellent, both receiving a 5-star rating.
- food9
- turkey polish boys9
- service10
Service Intent
- Quick Meal
Visit Type
- Dine-in
2
Disappointing Food, Great Service
My experience at this restaurant was quite disappointing, primarily due to the food quality. The only positive aspect was the customer service, which was excellent. However, the wings were just 'mid, ' and the pricing of '$1 sauce per wing' was absolutely ridiculous.
The chicken in my chicken Alfredo was so overcooked and dry that it was inedible. I ended up taking it out and frying my own chicken breast from the fridge. This was a very disappointing first-time experience.
- customer service9
- wings4
- sauce per wing2
- chicken in chicken Alfredo1
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Service Intent
- Regular Visit
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Moderate
2
Disappointing Food Quality
My experience at the restaurant was quite disappointing, primarily due to the food quality. The Whiting Sandwich was not prepared with the traditional cornmeal mix; instead, it seemed to be coated in a chicken batter mix. I also couldn't taste any hot sauce.
The Cole Slaw on the sandwich was semi dry and sparce. The wings were notably small, almost tiny, and for $2. 00, I expected them to be a bit bigger.
Having been a patron for years, I believe they need a new cook as this visit was very disappointing.
- Whiting Sandwich2
- hot sauce1
- Cole Slaw3
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Service Intent
- Quick Meal
Visit Type
- Dine-in
1
Horrible Experience: Roach and Bad Food
My experience at the restaurant was extremely negative. Upon arrival, there was nobody at the counter to help. The place was also hot as hell.
To make matters worse, I seen a roach on the counter while purchasing my meal. The fish dinner wasn’t what I thought ‼️ NEVER AGAIN 🤢🤮.
- counter1
- place1
- roach on counter1
What Red Walters offers
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
Offerings
- Late-night food
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Dessert
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Historic
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What parking options are available at Red Walters Bar-B-Que?
When you visit Red Walters Bar-B-Que, you’ll find convenient parking options. There’s usually plenty of parking available, including free street parking and a dedicated free parking lot, making your visit hassle-free.
Does Red Walters Bar-B-Que offer options for families and different dining times?
Absolutely! Red Walters Bar-B-Que caters to various dining preferences. You can enjoy lunch or dinner, and even dessert. For families, there’s a dedicated kids’ menu, ensuring a great experience for everyone.
How does Red Walters generally perform?
Red Walters holds an overall score of 5, indicating an average performance. Customer satisfaction stands at 39.8%, suggesting a mixed reception among patrons. Key areas include `Food` (5), `Service` (4.8), `Ambience` (6.3), and `Value` (3.7).
What do customers appreciate about Red Walters?
Many customers highlight the `friendly people` and improved `ambience`, noting a cleaner, redecorated space with a `pac man machine`. The `BBQ sauce` and some `soul food` items, like `perch dinner`, also receive positive remarks.
What are some common concerns at Red Walters?
Patrons have expressed concerns regarding `wait time` and `inconsistent food` quality, with mentions of burnt wings or unseasoned fish. There have also been mentions of `hygiene` issues, specifically a `roach on counter`, and declining `service` under new management.