Eric W.
Yelp
Let me tell you somethin'... I initially found this place on a late night after work and wanted wings. I saw a picture of their Crackin' Ghost Wings as the featured photo and I was sold. I paid this place a single visit and I was HOOKED. Now I have to absolutely visit this place whenever I'm in Cleveland... here's why...
Atmosphere/Appearance: This place is in a huge "strip mall" of sorts, but I'd rather call it a mini-city. There's a movie theater here, people can buy apartments above the stores, there's restaurants everywhere, it's NICE here. So The Last Page is kinda tucked away a lil' bit across from Pinstripes and the valet stand. There's a bit of an outdoor section for the warmer months. Once inside you are transported into a futuristic, modern utopia of sorts. The restaurant is wide-open giving you the impression that this place is huge, but it's not. There are booths around the perimeter and tables right in the middle with the beautiful well-lit bar right at the back. The ceiling is kinda wild too! I love the feeling this place gives me just by being here. And when you get the chance... check out the bathrooms... all 4 of them, they're all different... and ask to see the secret private room. ;-)
Service: Reine (a manager who know longer works here) welcomed me in with open arms and Joy was my bartender who took care of me. I haven't seen her in a while, but Desiree is who I've been seeing lately! Everyone here is just so friendly, helpful and makes you feel welcomed.
Food: I've been here several times and have had quite a few dishes. Let's start from the top... Lol.
The Last Manhattan: It consists of barrel-aged Bulleit rye, carpano antica, fee bros orange bitters and served with applewood smoke. It was Earthy, a bit sweet, delicious, rounded with a good burn from that rye. It was well balanced and the smoke was so... refreshing if I can say that? You have to taste it to believe it. Lol.
Mai Tai: It consists of Appleton Estate rum, rhum clement, orgeat, lime, sugar cane and fire. It comes served in the cutest ceramic fish cup then lit on fire right in front of you. Lol. It was tropical, light, refreshing and a little on the sweet side, but that's kind of what you'd expect from a drink you're supposed to be drinking on a beach... in Cleveland.
Grilled Broccolini: Toasted panko, crispy garlic, parmesan, romesco. The presentation was phenomenal and delivered amazing aromas. It was SO FLAVORFUL from the char to the cheesiness to the soy and umami flavors. Well done. Never have I been so excited for broccoli... Lol.
Cracklin' Ghost Wings: THESE along with the dranks Big Dezzi creates are single-handedly what keeps me coming back to The Last Page. So these are made with a sweet & spicy dry rub then served with an umami ranch. I love these so much and they're so simple. The batter is light, airy and fluffy. The chicken is rich, hot and cooked well. The flavors don't pop like a sauced wing, but they're definitely there. There isn't much spice, but if you want it, just bite the dried pepper on your plate. Lol.
Broken Yolk Fried Rice: Again, presentation is ON POINT. Joy recommended this to me so I had to try it. It's a dome of fried rice topped with light peppers, kimchi, spinach and a nice seat for a single egg yolk. Your mission, if you choose to accept it, is to stir that yolk in and enjoy! The rice was cooked perfectly. It was soft, creamy, smooth, garlicy, flavorful, salty and was just plain GOOD. You don't even need a protein to go with it.
The Last Word: Made with Four Peel Watershed gin, luxardo cherry, chartreuse, lime juice then topped with a rosemary bubble that has some smoke in it! Lol. The flavors were so complex and worked so well. The rosemary/lavender smell enters your nose as you put the glass to your face. There's no grape in the drink, but I sure tasted some! Lol.
Swiss & Salty: Dark chocolate Swiss roll, ganache, coffee cream and served with salted caramel ice cream. Presentation is another 10/10, but a perfect way to end the meal. It was smooth, rich, a teeny bit salty and just overall GREAT. The ice cream was a perfect complement with its... you guessed it, bold salted caramel creamy flavors.
Value: You gon' pay to play here. It is what it is. It's a nice place so be prepared to spend, but it's not Michelin Star level. However, the secret is to come for happy hour from 3:00pm to 6:00pm Tuesday through Sunday. All wines by the glass, beers and signature cocktails are 1/2 off! Some appetizers (including the wings) are heavily discounted.
Like I said before, I love this place SO MUCH and am missing it right now as I write this review. I can't wait to come back! Check this place out and tell them I sent you!