MADISON —Opening a new establishment is nothing new to Frank and Tom Cvelbar. Their family has a long history of successful business ventures, mostly relating to taverns such as the former Euclid Tavern in University Circle , the former Sahara Lounge in Willoughby Hills, and Cebars Euclid Tavern on E. 185th St. , a neighborhood pub that’s been a Euclid staple for 25 years.
When the brothers purchased the former Anchor Inn in Madison , they faced a new challenge – the restaurant business.
We were pleased but not surprised on a recent visit to see the Cvelbar tradition lives on at this far eastside venue. The Cvelbars have a knack of making customers feel welcome and providing a place of enjoyment. Frank Cvelbar said he wants to keep the tavern’s longtime customers, who often request Pauline, a server there for 30 years. He wants to attract new customers, too, whom he hopes will become regulars.
A hard day’s work
Arriving hungry after a hard day’s work and lunch on the run, we looked forward to sitting and enjoying a meal with no kids, ringing phones, or job stress. We ordered an appetizer to hold us over before dinner. Among the choices were a breaded vegetable platter ($8), fried mozzarella cheese sticks ($4.50), and steamed mushrooms in garlic butter ($7.50). We couldn’t resist the crab-stuffed mushroom caps ($7.50), which came covered with melted mozzarella cheese, and had just enough bite to it spice-wise to awaken our taste buds.
Had we known the ample portion we’d be served, we might have skipped the appetizer, given that the generously stuffed, large-sized mushrooms were a meal in itself. When our smiling server placed the basket of warm rolls in front of us, I was pleasantly surprised to find these were not your average white bread ones often served at restaurants, but rye rolls. Not wanting to spoil our appetites for the main course, we merely sampled the salad bar ($5.50), included with all dinners, which had fresh, crisp vegetables, cole slaw and two to three choices of soup.
For our entrée, my husband ordered the shrimp and scallops ($14) while I opted for the Monte Carlo-style flounder ($13) stuffed with crabmeat and broiled in lemon butter. His plate arrived with generous portions of shrimp and scallops tossed with linguine in a white sauce. After the first bite, he said, “This is excellent.” Hard as I tried, I couldn’t finish my flounder that stretched the entire oblong-shaped platter and had the same delicious crab stuffing as those mushrooms.
Something for everyone
Even picky eaters should find something they like here, as the menu offers everything from steaks, ham and fried chicken to pasta and seafood, all ranging in price from $7 to $15. Neither of us had room for dessert, despite the fact they offer my favorites – carrot cake and cheesecake with strawberries - and my husband’s favorite of peanut butter mud pie.
The sense of family is evident here at Cebars Madison Tavern. Cebars offers friendly faces, generous portions, and a warm, homey atmosphere enhanced by natural wood paneling. After dinner, we headed over to the bar area for a cocktail and talked to owner Frank and his wife, Linda. We learned that our server was Laurie Cvelbar, the couple’s daughter, and sons David and Dan also chip in as bartenders. Cvelbar noted that chef Joe Quinn, a former Madison resident, will return from Rhode Island to add his culinary skills to the menu.
Every weekend local bands perform in a newly remodeled back room, with its own separate bar area and roomy dance floor. Located at 6884 N. Ridge Rd. , this newest Madison establishment is open daily Reservations are required for parties of six or more. Phone (440) 428-9926.
Deanna Adams is a Mentor freelance writer.
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