Sheena W.
Yelp
I stopped in on a Sunday afternoon specifically for the wine and waffle pairing they were promoting on social media. I'd say my first experience was A-Ok.
I got street parking (be careful, if you park in the small lot and take a spot meant for a tenant you'll need to move or get towed). You can sit at the bar, at a table, or cozy up on the couch. A bit chilly inside though and I was wearing a sweatshirt. You can do flights, glasses, or get a bottle from their store and drink it there for a $12 corkage fee. No happy hour. Limited food selection (think nuts, olives, cheese/meat boards). Staff is friendly, patient, attentive, and helpful.
I love exploring all of the drink/food pairings around Cleveland. Usually you buy a ticket on Eventbrite that includes everything then just show up and get your goods and enjoy. Here things were a bit different. No advanced sales (no need to, only a handful of people there). Waffles were a separate purchase from the wine. I'd prefer one transaction, but not a big deal. I was expecting this to be like the pairing events I am used to attending (beer/donuts, beer/pie, wine/cookie dough, etc) but this was more like come drink wine and if you feel like it we have this guy selling waffles in the other room. Not much of a collaboration between the products it seemed (no wine infused batter/syrup). If you did decide to get waffles the wait time was awkwardly long between getting served your wine flight and getting the waffles. I understand, waffles are made fresh and he was on his own with only two waffle makers, I just wanted to enjoy the drinks and waffles at the same time because I thought this was a pairing. So I just sipped on water and browsed Reddit while I waited.
*Waffles were made by Hungry Bear $10 - Three quarters of a waffle all with different toppings. Love the idea, but they hardened up fast and I broke a tine on the plastic fork they gave me. I found myself wishing there was more sauce or syrup I could add to soften up the bites. The waffle with bacon and blue cheese whip cream was the best.
*Through Rosé Colored Glasses Flight $11.50 - Three 2oz samples of different Rosé. Each sample comes with a little card providing details about the wine. I did not care for any these. Usually if you're suggesting a specific wine be paired with a specific food it's because it brings out the flavors and elevates the experience. I was left wondering if they really thought rosé and waffles paired well or if they were just promoting their new rosé wines?
*Chambong Tapiz Torrontes $7 - Like a beer bong but with wine/champagne, so classier? A gimmick, but fun to try.
So yeah, my first experience at Flight Cleveland was not the best, but it wasn't a bad one either. Perhaps just some misunderstanding over what they advertised as a pop up/pairing, and my experience with pairings made me have higher expectations. Also, they didn't make the waffles, but they partnered with the vendor so it all gets included in the review.
However, I will definitely be giving them another shot. Now that I know the setup I'd like to try them again, but without their recommendations and no pop ups. Flights of red wine with a cheese board while relaxing on their sofa sounds like a better time. Plus I think this place would offer a warmer/more intimate vibe if you came in the evening with friends or a date. Come in with a focus on wine and no expectations and I am sure you'll enjoy yourself!