BEACHWOOD, Ohio — During a busy day of shopping, nothing beats ducking into a chic bar to refuel with a delicious cocktail and elevated bar bites.
Thankfully, The Last Page at Pinecrest serves just that purpose. The restaurant and bar gives off a speakeasy vibe, where the dramatic bar takes center stage around booths and banquettes.
The Last Page, 100 Park Ave. Suite 128, specializes in a global menu that flows together. Its front green room serves as its nigiri bar, but folks can order Edomae-style sushi anywhere in the bar. The restaurant sources its high-quality fish from Toyosu Market in Tokyo.
Happy hour is only available at the bar, but we were more than happy to cozy up to the plush seats at the intimate bar and watch the bartenders work their magic. The Last Page boasts an impressive wine and local beer list, but its signature cocktails, which are half-off during happy hour, are the stars of the show.
Alex started off with The Mystic, a spicy, tequila-based cocktail featuring grilled pineapple, and was given a full show. The drink is infused with smoke right in front of you. It’s not just for show — the use of wood tops that are torched over the glass make sure that optimal smoke flavor is infused into the drink, adding an aromatic depth to the drink.
Paris went with The Botanica, a floral and citrus drink featuring Ketel One, Pope’s lavender lemon, Domaine de Canton liqueur and lemon. The drink had a balance of lavender and lemon without being too sweet or floral.
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The Last Page keeps its menu interesting by featuring seasonal dishes that extend to its happy hour menu. During our visit, we opted for a few of the $10 plates to try a little of everything.
Alex’s favorite dish of the night was the karaage chicken bites. This deceivingly looks like a simple appetizer, but it exemplifies how the kitchen prioritizes technique and layering flavors. The perfectly fried pieces of chicken thigh are juicy, enhanced by the herbal addition of Thai basil. The spicy aioli dipping sauce provides just the right amount of heat for this crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Paris has a weakness for the fatty, indulgent richness of pork belly. The Last Page served braised pork belly, charred fennel and miso bagna cauda, which is a savory Italian dip with anchovies, garlic and olive oil. The presentation was just as enticing as the flavors, and it was nice to see such a dynamic small-plate option on a happy hour menu.
Finally, we couldn’t go wrong with crispy Brussels. Yuzu vinaigrette, toasted almonds, whipped lemon ricotta and harissa honey make this far from your average vegetable side dish. It was bright, texturally interesting and one of those dishes we’re itching to recreate at home.
Also, it might sound strange but make sure to pop into one or more of the single-stall restrooms at the restaurant during your visit. Each room is covered with a different eye-catching wallpaper, a fun visual touch. It’s just a reminder of how The Last Page really pays attention to every detail, even the forgotten ones.
Aside from its happy hour menu, The Last Page is a swanky spot for date nights or intimate celebrations. Its full menu includes so many interesting plates worth returning for — we’re still eyeing the Thai-style branzino and truffle orecchiette. However, when you find yourself with sore legs and arms overwhelmed with shopping bags during a random afternoon visit to Pinecrest, remember to treat yourself at The Last Page.
The Last Page, 100 Park Ave. Suite 128, Beachwood
Happy Hour: 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday
Vibe: Classy and/or business casual
Food: Upscale global fusion
Parking: Valet, garage, street spots
Beverages: Specialty cocktails, wine by the glass, beer
Budget: $30 – $50
This year it costs more to dine out. Despite tight budgets, most people – especially extroverts like reporters Paris Wolfe and Alex Darus — need to get out. And, like everyone we need to support local restaurants to keep them in business. Sometimes that may be as simple as a Happy Hour dinner. So, we launched “The Happy Hour Project.” Paris and Alex regularly visit independent restaurants in Northeast Ohio for happy hour and report back on the vibe, food and cocktails and how they’ll impact your budget.