The new Harvest Saloon in Strongsville promises to bring back our love of all things country

By Ken McEntee

Strongsville always was “out in the country” for people growing up a few exits north on I-71. After a few decades of dynamic development, country has returned to Strongsville.

Country music, at least.

“We are geared toward country,” says Mike Keho, owner of Harvest Saloon, reinforced by the sounds of Nashville twang filling the room formerly occupied by Cleats.

“I’ve loved country music since I was a kid growing up in a Brunswick house surrounded by cornfields. I enjoy country concerts and listening to country on the way home from work. It’s relaxing to me.”

Plus, he emphasizes, Strongsville didn’t have a country hang-out until he purchased Cleats’ local location and changed the name.

The name is new, but the digs are familiar to Mike—he’d been the general manager of the Strongsville Cleats for three years before he got the opportunity to buy the place in January. The new name was introduced in time for St. Patrick’s Day.

“I chose Harvest Saloon because it reminds me of being out in the country, pulling a cob of corn off the stalk, or picking an apple off a tree and taking a bite,” Mike reveals. “That’s the direction we’re going with our new menu—fresh and homemade.”

The good news for Mike’s long-time regulars who loaded up the bar and booths to enjoy Cleats’ famous wings: They are still available.

“We still have the same recipe and we’re purchasing the same exact wings,” he assures.

But you may notice some changes to the menu as well.

“We have a stove in the kitchen now, so we’re able to serve some pastas and fresh vegetables and other healthier options that we weren’t able to do before,” he says. “Our goal is to improve the food quality but keep our prices in the same range as before.”

Cajun chicken Alfredo is a staff favorite, Mike shares, and the refreshing lemon asparagus salad is a perfect summer option, he adds.

“We’ve upgraded our burgers,” he says. “They are a brisket blend that we buy fresh from Lanning’s, down in Mount Vernon.”

The item that may best fit the Harvest Saloon theme is the apple fries—fresh sliced apples, dipped in pancake batter, seasoned with cinnamon and fried.

“They’re amazing served with ice cream,” Mike suggests.

And even better with a background of country music.

Mike plans to fill the weekends with live entertainment—like local country favorite Wreck-n on Saturday, June 30.

“Every band we book won’t necessarily be country, but we’re going to lean heavily in that direction,” Mike says.

With brand new pool tables, air hockey and other games, Mike is planning to host pool and dart leagues this summer.

“There are going to be a lot of fun things to do here,” he insists. “We have the large screens, but not everyone wants to sit and watch sports. We’re going to have something for everybody.”

The decor, he says, will gradually transform from wing joint to country tavern.

“We’re going to put in some pallet walls and a copper top on the bar,” he says. “It will be a work in progress. I don’t want to shut down for a major renovation, so we’re going to do things a little at a time.”

Y’all can find Harvest Saloon at 15147 Pearl Road, in Strongsville. For more information, visit HarvestSaloon.com, or call 440-238-9464.