Banter Beer and Wine Shaker Heights

I saw a feature on this place on the Food Network, and hit it on a roadtrip. Unfortunately, their recipe for their base poutine gravy has changed (and is outsourced) and is now quite ordinary. Worse, I found their fries were basically small baked potatoes and not a frites style. Their fries are marginally edible. Very disappointed. Outdoor seating area for the market is nifty. Staff was friendly and chatty and expeditious.

Located in the Van Aiken Market, Banter offers up some unique poutine options and super affordable sliders. We tried the chicken bacon ranch poutine and it was good, but not something I would order a lot, kinda bland. The jalapeño popper slider on the other hand - absolutely delicious! Such a burst of flavor. The jalapeño popper and ranch sauce really complimented the burger.

I had a wonderful experience at Banter Beer and Wine in Shaker Heights! The staff was incredibly friendly and went above and beyond, even recommending and explaining different coffee options available in the building. The food was warm, fresh, and absolutely delicious. I was pleasantly surprised that there was no wait, especially during Sunday lunchtime. I ordered the Chicken Shawarma, and it was delightful—packed with flavor and ready in no time. A great spot for a relaxing and tasty meal

I was going to have a meeting with a colleague tnite. I waited for nearly a minute for the associate (I later learned her name was Megan) to notice I was there. I asked if they could put a glass of wine in a DORA cup as I wasn’t sure if we’d eat in or outside. She rolled her eyes when I Clarified that. She flipped the screen around not caring if I lived or died and I awaited my glass of wine she poured the last 3 Oz of whatever wine was left. It was half of a pour but I was so horrified by her demeanor and undertone. She couldn’t wait for me to leave so she could continue to talk to her coworker. I realize it’s hard to find good people but wow….sad and I would definitely recommend Lox Stock & Brisket across the way instead. Amazing food and service.

Fantastic staff, delicious food, good prices, and a great vibe. A++

Great spot, great menu. Love these food stall open air places. Perhaps the best polish boys I've had, amazing poutine.

Great service and grub. The beer list is interesting and tasty as well.

Food is mostly good but Canadian friends said it was a bit short of authentic, so if you like thick diner style fries just be aware it's a bit more American-fusion perhaps than a proper experience in Canada.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 4

Recommended dishes: Banter Poutine and Sliders

I wanted to like it and the food was good but the service I was given was uncaring and disinterested. Since when is gaslighting a customer acceptable in any establishment?

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 5

Service: 1

Poutine. Need I say more.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 4

Super food, for a super price. Always fun people there.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I've been here many times but I always get plain fries for some reason. ??‍♀️ For the record, their fries are the best fries I've ever had.

Very friendly woman at the register advised me of the best choices and made great suggestions. I ended up with the Chicken Bacon Ranch Poutine and it was ready very quickly. It was soooooo good and so filling. Very well seasoned and great layering of flavors. Will definitely be back.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Basic Frites, Chicken Bacon Ranch Poutine

Never again! A couple weeks ago, mid afternoon I visited the food court. The young lady with brown pony tail was eating at the register while I was ordering. She stood there eating as if I wasn't there until I decided to order. Sausage bun was drenched in sauce and inedible.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

i started coming to banter when i used to work in shaker and everyday i would try a different poutine for lunch and at the time i was obsessed with the Baba Yaga Poutine once upon a time and then i got obsessed with the sliders and my favorite is the fish fry and it’s poppin. i can’t forget the polish boy, i only had it once and the fried chicken polish boy and it had greens and something else i think it was a special but anywho the polish boy is made with a kielbasa which is amazing but i did have a baby complaint because at the time i wasn’t feeling the bread because i think it was toasted but at least the outcome was that it was still delicious overall tbh. i can say i have never had a bad experience food or customer service wise and i recommend everyone to give banter a chance!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Basic Frites, Buffalo Chicken Poutine, Banter Poutine and Sliders, Fried Chicken Polish Boy, Buffalo Wing, Chicken Bacon Ranch Poutine

I’m extremely disappointed, disgusted and down right angry at how I was treated tonight in this establishment. The young lady making the food with blonde hair ( because I don’t know her name) gloves were used to touch the keys on what I assume gives access to the orders, with the same gloves and touched our food. The gloves were already extremely greasy. I said out loud to my husband wow she didn’t change her gloves. The woman who took the order assured me she did jumping into our conversation. I told her Im looking at them they are exactly the same. She proceeds to go to the chef and tell her what I said. She takes off her gloves and LEAVES them on the area that you prepare the food. You know like the white cutting board for description. At this point I’m extremely disgusted, but because I could see her I stand there watching her and of course we are hungry and it’s minutes to close. The cashier asked me could I move from the counter. I’m like I’m sorry, I would like to watch my food being made bc she had on dirty gloves and she is still preparing the food. She tells me but you’re staring at me and I can’t work with you here I’m uncomfortable. I need to cash out my drawer. I asked her do you think I’ll take money or something. I’m confused how my presence watching my food bothers you. The guy interjects tells me you can just leave. I ask for a refund. I’m called several names like aggressive, childish and a horrible disposition. Keep in mind all of this is about the chef having the same gloves on and leaving the gloves on the serving table. I tell them you don’t know who I am or what I can report and I honestly feel like if I wasn’t a WOC this would’ve never happened. The tones were extremely rude, the body language was demeaning and more importantly I was told buy the cashier, this always happens in food service I could’ve just cooked at home. I honestly can’t believe this was happening so I recorded it. It’s to long to upload. I’m a definitely spreading the concern. More importantly the lack of reciprocity for spending money. Respect is a minimum. I’m sure I have errors and didn’t use the best punctuation, but I just can’t believe this happened tonight.