The Lion’s Eye Tavern

The Lion’s Eye Tavern

I’m a Leo, so I love all things lion and the Lion’s Eye Tavern is no exception. First off, the sign/logo is adorable and a welcome sight on an otherwise drab section of 82^nd. Parking is a bit of a challenge in this area, but worth it.

A warm and cozy interior greets you, split down the middle by the convivial bar. Booths and table on one side, pool tables and video poker on the other. It is a tad rundown but in a good, lived-in sort of way. There’s an eclectic but enjoyable playlist permeating the room and backing up the lovely Raven behind the bar on the rainy day we visited.

It is December as I write and there are delicious, I mean DELICIOUS winter drink specials on offer. The hot ones included a boozy chai with housemade chai mix. I hope they have specials in other seasons too because these were trip-worthy. 8 taps and all were craft.

We were told the “kitchen” at The Lion’s Eye consists of a toaster oven. Curious, we ordered some snacks from the minimal menu anyway. We were pleasantly surprised that the meatballs in marinara with a side of garlic bread were solid as were the oven-baked poppers.

Our team was split on the poppers as they are a variant of the original (consisting of a pepper stuffed with molten cheese), but I personally quite liked the diced peppers mixed with cheese version that was then breaded in ovoid shapes. Easier to eat and less risk of the dreaded palate burn. I would not have guessed a dive bar could succeed so well without a fryer, but The Lion’s Eye does.

Don’t miss the pretty patio out back.

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/lionseyetavern

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/lionseyetavern/

Address: 5919 SE 82nd Ave – [Google Map]

Quadrant: Southeast

Happy Hours: 3-7 pm

Full Kitchen: Hmm, does a toaster oven count?

Jalapeno Poppers: Yes

Breakfast: No

Outdoor Seating: Yes

Distinguishing Features: Cozy inside and a gorgeous patio out back

Words by KC Shomler Author of Falling Out of Love With My Career