MVBRB takes to the Lake for a delicious burger


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MVBRB at The Lake Tavern

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The Mahoning Valley Burger Review Board had its monthly meeting in the rustic setting of Mecca's second-oldest standing building, The Lake Tavern.

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The Mahoning Valley Burger Review Board at The Lake Tavern.

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John Palasics, owner of The Lake Tavern, showing off the history of the building to Jerry Tranovich of the Mahoning Valley Burger Review Board.

IF YOU GO

Rating: 4 1/2 stars

Restaurant: The Lake Tavern, 6071 state Route 46, Cortland, OH 44410

Menu: Offers 25 different burgers

Phone: 330-637-1971

Kitchen hours: Monday through Thursday: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Friday: 11 a.m. to 1 a.m.; Saturday: 11 a.m. to 2:30 a.m.; Sunday: noon to 9 p.m.

Website: Laketavern.net

By Anthony M. FUDA

mvbrb@hotmail.com

The Mahoning Valley Burger Review Board held our monthly meeting in the rustic setting of Mecca’s second oldest standing building, the Lake Tavern.

Owner John Palasics greeted us and gave a history lesson on the building. He, and his wife, Kelly, bought the tavern eight years ago and did major renovations to turn it into the fun, family-friendly establishment it is today. They gutted what they thought was a building from 1910. But after stripping layers upon layers of drywall out, he thought the building may be a little older. After doing a little research, he discovered the structure was originally built in 1837, owned by Daniel and Polly Lake. Hence, the Lake Tavern name — and not named because Mosquito Lake is just a stone’s throw away.

The menu offers 25 different 6 oz burgers ($4.99-$6.99), and you can substitute any of them with bison or chicken. You can also “Cowabunga” your hamburger, building the 6 oz patty into a 10 oz for $2 more. The burgers are served with chips, but you can add fries for $1. And for $1 you can switch your regular bun for ciabatta bread.

Some of the burgers on the menu include: Grilled Onion and Brown Sugar Burger, Cowboy Burger, Mexican Burger and a Southwest Burger — just to name a few.

It took some time, but we made our choices and all agreed there is definitely a burger for everyone’s fancy. Four of us went with regular ground beef, and since so many people told us we “have to try the bison,” Greg gave the Bison burger a try. The five of us agreed the taste of each burger was fantastic. The seasoning was present from the first bite to the last and the meat was grilled perfectly. The burgers are so juicy and overflowing with fresh toppings, you may just end up eating it with a fork.

We all had the crispy, fresh cut fries and were pleased with the tasty portions.

Scott had the Blue Cheese Burger and said: “It was a great-tasting burger. All the ingredients were very fresh.”

Before we knew it, these delicious 10-oz “Cowabunga” burgers were gone, quenching our cravings for yet another month.

We highly recommend you give this burger a shot, because The Lake Tavern burgers rate among the best we have ever had.

Find the Mahoning Valley Burger Review Board on Facebook and tell us where your favorite burger is in the Mahoning Valley.