After our hike in Hinckley Reservation, Chris, Bill, Tom, and I headed to Paninis Bar and Grill in Brunswick for lunch.  As you know, I love going to new places and I had never been to Paninis before.

Paninis Bar and Grill is a chain, but it is mostly in northeast Ohio.  It started with one restaurant in 1986 and now has ten locations.  Paninis Bar and Grill has grown from a single location, late-night beer and sandwich stop to a full-menu, casual dining restaurant.  Although the franchise continues to expand, they are proud of their Cleveland roots.

The décor of the Paninis in Brunswick was typical of a sports bar.  Indians / Guardians and Browns paraphernalia was scattered around the restaurant.  The large overhead televisions were set to ESPN and other sports channels.  Fortunately they were muted, and the noise level in the restaurant was acceptable.  We could easily carry on a conversation over the table.

Being used to Columbus and St. Simons, the prices on everything looked very reasonable.  Tom and I both ordered grilled cheese sandwiches, served on panini bread.  Chris got a chicken salad and Bill ordered a wrap.  Paninis advertises their famous overstuffed sandwiches, but our sandwiches were just right.  The menu also features pizza and wings.

When our food came it was delicious.  Tom measures every grilled cheese sandwich against the Dutch Treat grilled cheese sandwich and found wanting.  But I liked the three cheese mix and the perfectly toasted panini bread.  The french fries looked a little burnt, but they were actually very good and only lightly salted.  Tom also liked the creamy slaw.  Bill said the vinegar slaw was yummy.  We all polished off all our food, which indicates that the portions were right sized.  The price was right sized as well.  Our meal, including tip, was $30.  Of course, the best food is always served with good friends.

If you live in northeast Ohio, I recommend that you give Paninis a try.  The food is very good and the prices are reasonable.