The Rail is Strongsville's Newest Restaurant - iNeed a Playdate The Rail is Strongsville's Newest Restaurant iNeed a Playdate a Blog for Northeast Ohio Moms

8.08.2016

The Rail is Strongsville's Newest Restaurant

The Rail is Strongsville's Newest Restaurant
Our meal was complimentary. Opinions are my own.


The Rail is easily in our top five restaurants in Northeast Ohio. Especially after meeting Chef Mike Hawks and learning more about the restaurant in April.

This past weekend, I took my brother along to a media preview night of their newest addition in Strongsville, Ohio. (now open to all!)

The restaurant is stunning. Lots of space and light make the place feel open and friendly. It was a perfect night to dine on the beer garden patio. The garage doors that enclose the patio were wide open to let in a nice breeze.

The Rail Strongsville | Beer garden patio

The first thing I noticed when we sat down was a deck of UNO cards. It's the little details for me that can really put a dining experience over the top. My brother and husband are not chatty men. Having something to do while waiting is such a perk.


The host staff, bartenders, and those helping with our food were all friendly and fun. Our server was fine and the food was as to be expected - perfect.

The Rail Strongsville | Gouda mac n' cheese bites

We started with gouda mac n' cheese bites and fried pickles. These delicious pickles have just a dusting of flour and dill and pair brilliantly with Market Garden Brewery's Prosperity. Formerly known as Street Wheat, this beer is brewed in Ohio City. The mac n' cheese bites are sinfully good.


My dear friend Rachel (from Couponing with Rachel) joined us with her husband. We shared the curry chicken salad sliders. She also got this pretty cocktail, but for the life of me I can't remember what it is, but it looks so pretty.

The Rail Strongsville | Curry chicken sliders

The Rail Strongsville | cocktail

My brother had the Bon Fire Burger (pepper jack cheese | housemade jalapeƱo relish | sriracha | housemade roasted habanero sauce {on side}). Don't let the picture full you, that was one beefy burger. He said he could feel the heat sneak up on him which he enjoyed.

The Rail Strongsville | Bon fire burger

I forgot to tell him that you could add on extras until after it arrived, but he thought it was perfect. 

I had the Southwest Chicken Naan (ancho chicken | black bean-corn salsa | roasted red pepper | Cajun sweet onion sauce). The chicken was tender, moist and seasoned perfectly. I loved all the flavors, but next time I'll add avocado to it.

The Rail Strongsville | Southwest Chicken Naan

Dessert was so hard! As much as I loved the bourbon pecan pie, I thought I would try the shake instead. It was okay, but I think I will have the pie next time.

The Rail Strongsville | Root beer float and pecan pie shake

The Rail Strongsville | Root beer float and pecan pie shake again

My dear brother got the brownie sundae and gave me a dirty look when I asked for a bite. He relented and I got a bite of that huge brownie with Smith's vanilla ice cream. It was pretty amazing. I've never seen him eat sweets before and as fast as he ate that - I can still say I've never seen him eat sweets.

The Rail Strongsville | Brownie sundae

We ended the evening by the fireplace. It was still too early (and hot) for it to be lit, but the seating section was cozy and nice to spend a little time chatting before heading home.

The Rail Strongsville | The pasture patio

It was a perfect end to a perfect evening.

Follow The Rail on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
Google+ Google+