June 6, 2023

15 New Patios to Enjoy This Year in Cleveland

By on Sat, May 20, 2023 at 9:03 am

Nice weather in Cleveland means patio season. You probably already have your favorites, but here are 15 new ones that have opened since last fall that might be fun additions to your al-fresco dining calendar
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Centro 2017 East 9th St., Cleveland After eight years, Adega at Metropolitan at the 9 ceased to exist last October. The Centro took its place. “It just needed a refresh,” said General Manager Kenny Didier. “I think it was time to change it up a bit.” Centro, a “rustic Italian-inspired steakhouse with an emphasis on fresh, clean ingredients,” opened on November 4th. The all new menu features hand-cut steaks, fresh seafood, house-made pastas, and sourdough brick-oven pizzas. The patio remains similar to Adega just with an updated look.

The Centro/Facebook

Centro

2017 East 9th St., Cleveland

After eight years, Adega at Metropolitan at the 9 ceased to exist last October. The Centro took its place. “It just needed a refresh,” said General Manager Kenny Didier. “I think it was time to change it up a bit.” Centro, a “rustic Italian-inspired steakhouse with an emphasis on fresh, clean ingredients,” opened on November 4th. The all new menu features hand-cut steaks, fresh seafood, house-made pastas, and sourdough brick-oven pizzas. The patio remains similar to Adega just with an updated look.

Dukes `n Boots 4027 Erie St., Willoughby Chef Dante Boccuzzi's first foray to the East Side welcomed its first guests in May. Located in the heart of Willoughby on Erie Street, the Southern-styled saloon elevates the honky-tonk vibe thanks to warm wood, exposed brick and a menu designed by a Michelin-starred chef. Heading up the kitchen is chef Emily Campion, who has been working at Ginko and Dante for the past year. She takes the reins of the 60-seat restaurant with an eye on quality, consistency and creativity. "The food is traditional Southern but done right, refined but approachable," she explains. Out back is a spacious 60-seat patio ringed by a rusted-metal fence. There will be live country-style music Fridays or Saturdays, inside or outside, weather depending.

Doug Trattner

Dukes `n Boots

4027 Erie St., Willoughby

Chef Dante Boccuzzi’s first foray to the East Side welcomed its first guests in May. Located in the heart of Willoughby on Erie Street, the Southern-styled saloon elevates the honky-tonk vibe thanks to warm wood, exposed brick and a menu designed by a Michelin-starred chef. Heading up the kitchen is chef Emily Campion, who has been working at Ginko and Dante for the past year. She takes the reins of the 60-seat restaurant with an eye on quality, consistency and creativity. “The food is traditional Southern but done right, refined but approachable,” she explains. Out back is a spacious 60-seat patio ringed by a rusted-metal fence. There will be live country-style music Fridays or Saturdays, inside or outside, weather depending.

Cocky's Bagels 1127 Old River Rd. Since launching Cocky’s Bagels as a food-trailer concept about five years ago, partners Keene Cockburn and fiancé Natalie Bata have since added two brick-and-mortar locations. The first, in North Olmsted (26703 Brookpark Ext.), opened in 2019. The second, located in the heart of the Flats East Bank neighborhood, opened last October. This latest shop in the Flats is a far cry from the modest food trailer that launched the venture. The spacious new restaurant has indoor and outdoor seating and a bar. Guests can find classic bagel sandwiches like the Wake 'N Bacon, starring bacon, egg, cheese and garlic herb cream cheese, the Lox, with smoked salmon, cream cheese, tomato and onion, and the signature Cocky's, stacked with grilled turkey, salami, egg, cheese, lettuce and tomato. Another big win for Flats bar-hoppers is the addition of late-night food offerings, which will run well past 2 a.m. on weekends.

Cocky’s Bagel’s FB

Cocky’s Bagels

1127 Old River Rd.

Since launching Cocky’s Bagels as a food-trailer concept about five years ago, partners Keene Cockburn and fiancé Natalie Bata have since added two brick-and-mortar locations. The first, in North Olmsted (26703 Brookpark Ext.), opened in 2019. The second, located in the heart of the Flats East Bank neighborhood, opened last October. This latest shop in the Flats is a far cry from the modest food trailer that launched the venture. The spacious new restaurant has indoor and outdoor seating and a bar. Guests can find classic bagel sandwiches like the Wake ‘N Bacon, starring bacon, egg, cheese and garlic herb cream cheese, the Lox, with smoked salmon, cream cheese, tomato and onion, and the signature Cocky’s, stacked with grilled turkey, salami, egg, cheese, lettuce and tomato. Another big win for Flats bar-hoppers is the addition of late-night food offerings, which will run well past 2 a.m. on weekends.

Paloma 20041 Walker Rd., Shaker Heights One of the last remaining marquee restaurant spaces at Van Aken District was snagged by the team behind Giovanni’s and Smokin’ Q’s BBQ. The 4,400-square-foot property, which is next door to the plant store Stump and the new burger concept Shake It, recently opened as Paloma, a taco-focused Mexican restaurant. From partners Zachary Ladner and Carl Quagliata of Giovanni’s and the Village Butcher, Paloma is a taco-focused modern-Mexican restaurant that is a bit more elevated than what’s typically offered. The restaurant opened last fall and unveiled the patio this spring.

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Paloma

20041 Walker Rd., Shaker Heights

One of the last remaining marquee restaurant spaces at Van Aken District was snagged by the team behind Giovanni’s and Smokin’ Q’s BBQ. The 4,400-square-foot property, which is next door to the plant store Stump and the new burger concept Shake It, recently opened as Paloma, a taco-focused Mexican restaurant. From partners Zachary Ladner and Carl Quagliata of Giovanni’s and the Village Butcher, Paloma is a taco-focused modern-Mexican restaurant that is a bit more elevated than what’s typically offered. The restaurant opened last fall and unveiled the patio this spring.

Fire 45 Grille and Social 6031 Royalton Rd., North Royalton Owner Chad Trush spent a year and a half gutting and rebuilding the former Mario’s restaurant into a stylish American grill. His goal, he says, is to bring big city dining to North Royalton. Fire 45 boasts not one but two executive chefs, Trush points out, with the pair coming from Morton’s and Ken Stewart’s restaurants. A small but diverse menu includes starters like oysters Rockefeller, roasted bone marrow and crabcakes. In the back, a stand of mature trees provides an urban escape for patio diners.

Scene Archives

Fire 45 Grille and Social

6031 Royalton Rd., North Royalton

Owner Chad Trush spent a year and a half gutting and rebuilding the former Mario’s restaurant into a stylish American grill. His goal, he says, is to bring big city dining to North Royalton. Fire 45 boasts not one but two executive chefs, Trush points out, with the pair coming from Morton’s and Ken Stewart’s restaurants. A small but diverse menu includes starters like oysters Rockefeller, roasted bone marrow and crabcakes. In the back, a stand of mature trees provides an urban escape for patio diners.

Fiyah Korean BBQ 1253 E. 55th St, Cleveland For nearly three years, diners have been eagerly awaiting the arrival of Fiyah, a contemporary Korean barbecue restaurant in the St. Clair Superior neighborhood. Fiyah offers both Korean BBQ and Asian hot pot experiences in a spacious, attractive setting. There are more than two dozen booths featuring built-in gas grills, allowing groups to enjoy the interactive art of tabletop grilling. Fiyah is going with two different all-you-can-eat models that offer different selections of meats and seafoods. This spring, Fiyah will unveil its massive wraparound porch and rooftop patio.

@FiyahCleveland/Instagram

Fiyah Korean BBQ

1253 E. 55th St, Cleveland

For nearly three years, diners have been eagerly awaiting the arrival of Fiyah, a contemporary Korean barbecue restaurant in the St. Clair Superior neighborhood. Fiyah offers both Korean BBQ and Asian hot pot experiences in a spacious, attractive setting. There are more than two dozen booths featuring built-in gas grills, allowing groups to enjoy the interactive art of tabletop grilling. Fiyah is going with two different all-you-can-eat models that offer different selections of meats and seafoods. This spring, Fiyah will unveil its massive wraparound porch and rooftop patio.

Geraci’s Slice Shop 603 Prospect Ave., Cleveland Last summer, downtown Cleveland lost a 40-year-old legend when Vincenza's Pizza & Pasta abruptly closed its shop. But soon, another local legend will take up the mantle to provide hot slices for all. Geraci’s Slice Shop, an extension of the 60-year-old brand, launched last summer in Willoughby as part of The Yard on 3rd. The expanded downtown spot offers more in terms of food, beverage and setting. The fast-casual operation features classic Geraci’s pizzas – either by the slice or whole – plus appetizers, salads, subs and desserts like Italian ice and tiramisu. Guests can look forward to a fun, funky décor modeled after an `80s pizzeria, complete with full bar and game room. In the off season, Geraci’s Slice Shop acquired “Manager of the Year” Terry "Tito" Francona as an investor. The prominent Vincenza’s space has been artfully redesigned into an `80s-themed pizzeria where fun, nostalgia and efficiency are the names of the game. A 25-seat sidewalk patio features a turf base and lawn chairs.

Scene Archives

Geraci’s Slice Shop

603 Prospect Ave., Cleveland

Last summer, downtown Cleveland lost a 40-year-old legend when Vincenza’s Pizza & Pasta abruptly closed its shop. But soon, another local legend will take up the mantle to provide hot slices for all. Geraci’s Slice Shop, an extension of the 60-year-old brand, launched last summer in Willoughby as part of The Yard on 3rd. The expanded downtown spot offers more in terms of food, beverage and setting. The fast-casual operation features classic Geraci’s pizzas – either by the slice or whole – plus appetizers, salads, subs and desserts like Italian ice and tiramisu. Guests can look forward to a fun, funky décor modeled after an `80s pizzeria, complete with full bar and game room. In the off season, Geraci’s Slice Shop acquired “Manager of the Year” Terry “Tito” Francona as an investor. The prominent Vincenza’s space has been artfully redesigned into an `80s-themed pizzeria where fun, nostalgia and efficiency are the names of the game. A 25-seat sidewalk patio features a turf base and lawn chairs.

Heck’s Cafe 3355 Richmond Rd., Beachwood Heck’s Café made its triumphant return to Cleveland’s east side in early 2023. Back in the late-1970s and early-1980s, the legendary burger restaurant had a location at Eton mall in Woodmere, alongside other classic places like the Cheese Cellar and James Tavern. This time around, Heck’s opened in Beachwood in the former home of Moxie and Blu.

@HecksCafe/Instagram

Heck’s Cafe

3355 Richmond Rd., Beachwood

Heck’s Café made its triumphant return to Cleveland’s east side in early 2023. Back in the late-1970s and early-1980s, the legendary burger restaurant had a location at Eton mall in Woodmere, alongside other classic places like the Cheese Cellar and James Tavern. This time around, Heck’s opened in Beachwood in the former home of Moxie and Blu.

Poppy 12502 Larchmere Blvd., Cleveland For the past 14 years, Felice earned a place as one of the east side’s most endearing restaurants. It closed in late 2022 and Jill Vedaa and Jessica Parkison of beloved Lakewood tapas spot Salt+ opened. Poppy is in a 115-year old building that was turned from a house into a restaurant, giving it a very homey vibe. The spectacular garden patio and carriage-house bar will open for the season on June 1st. At that time, menu items will take advantage of the wood-burning pizza oven and grill.

@PoppyRestaurantCle/Instagram

Poppy

12502 Larchmere Blvd., Cleveland

For the past 14 years, Felice earned a place as one of the east side’s most endearing restaurants. It closed in late 2022 and Jill Vedaa and Jessica Parkison of beloved Lakewood tapas spot Salt+ opened. Poppy is in a 115-year old building that was turned from a house into a restaurant, giving it a very homey vibe. The spectacular garden patio and carriage-house bar will open for the season on June 1st. At that time, menu items will take advantage of the wood-burning pizza oven and grill.

BrewDog 1956 Carter Rd., Cleveland We must tip our caps to this Scotland-based brewery for transforming a desolate patch on the Scranton Peninsula into one of the city’s most impressive riverside beer gardens. The surrounding city, bridge and water views are breathtaking, the beer selection pairs house cult faves with guest locals, you can partake in a game of shuffleboard and the food is surprisingly praise-worthy.

@BrewdogCleveland/Instagram

BrewDog

1956 Carter Rd., Cleveland

We must tip our caps to this Scotland-based brewery for transforming a desolate patch on the Scranton Peninsula into one of the city’s most impressive riverside beer gardens. The surrounding city, bridge and water views are breathtaking, the beer selection pairs house cult faves with guest locals, you can partake in a game of shuffleboard and the food is surprisingly praise-worthy.

Trellis Rooftop Bar 1384 Hird Rd., Lakewood First announced in 2019, Studio West 117 finally opened last fall. The Lakewood-based development is modeled after LGBT-focused neighborhoods like the Castro in San Francisco and the Short North in Columbus. Phase one, which is called the Fieldhouse, features two restaurants, Muze Gastropub and Eat Me Pizza, as well as the Trellis Rooftop Bar. Billed as “Lakewood’s first and only rooftop patio,” the bar features 4,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor space for guests to drink, dine and dance. The “bougie rum jungle vibe” is more upscale compared to Muze, with custom booths, cabanas, drop chandeliers and lots of greenery.

@TrellisRooftop/Instagram

Trellis Rooftop Bar

1384 Hird Rd., Lakewood

First announced in 2019, Studio West 117 finally opened last fall. The Lakewood-based development is modeled after LGBT-focused neighborhoods like the Castro in San Francisco and the Short North in Columbus. Phase one, which is called the Fieldhouse, features two restaurants, Muze Gastropub and Eat Me Pizza, as well as the Trellis Rooftop Bar. Billed as “Lakewood’s first and only rooftop patio,” the bar features 4,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor space for guests to drink, dine and dance. The “bougie rum jungle vibe” is more upscale compared to Muze, with custom booths, cabanas, drop chandeliers and lots of greenery.

Wolf Pack Chorus 2175 Cornell Rd., Cleveland This modern brasserie opened in Little Italy in the former Club Isabella space in early 2023. After signing the lease, owners Chris and Katie Wolf got busy making the contemporary property their own. Nearly every surface received attention, from the bartop to the bathrooms. The patio opened for the first time this spring, and with live music most nights of the week, it's sure to be a happening spot with the weather warming up.

@WolfPackChorus/Instagram

Wolf Pack Chorus

2175 Cornell Rd., Cleveland

This modern brasserie opened in Little Italy in the former Club Isabella space in early 2023. After signing the lease, owners Chris and Katie Wolf got busy making the contemporary property their own. Nearly every surface received attention, from the bartop to the bathrooms. The patio opened for the first time this spring, and with live music most nights of the week, it’s sure to be a happening spot with the weather warming up.

The Yard on 3rd 18042 3rd St., Willoughby For years, Lure Bistro was home to one of the best patios in Downtown Willoughby. That made way for The Yard on 3rd, the town’s first food truck yard. The casual dog-friendly spot features an outdoor bar, plenty of seating, televisions and family-friendly games. The main attraction — apart from the bar — is the rotating roster of food trucks. But equally compelling is the Geraci's Slice Shop, which was the first for the beloved pizzeria. The shop is a year-round operation that serves both The Yard guests but also take-out and delivery for Willoughby and the surrounding area.

Scene Archives

The Yard on 3rd

18042 3rd St., Willoughby

For years, Lure Bistro was home to one of the best patios in Downtown Willoughby. That made way for The Yard on 3rd, the town’s first food truck yard. The casual dog-friendly spot features an outdoor bar, plenty of seating, televisions and family-friendly games. The main attraction — apart from the bar — is the rotating roster of food trucks. But equally compelling is the Geraci’s Slice Shop, which was the first for the beloved pizzeria. The shop is a year-round operation that serves both The Yard guests but also take-out and delivery for Willoughby and the surrounding area.

Winking Lizard Downtown 1300 E. 9th St., Cleveland The Lizard opened its new downtown location in February in the AECOM building. The restaurant recently unveiled an expanded patio that benefits greatly from a southern exposure on St. Clair as opposed to the former “wind tunnel” over on East 9th. Winking Lizard closed its Galleria location last year and its Gateway District location in August of 2021.

Courtesy Winking Lizard

Winking Lizard Downtown

1300 E. 9th St., Cleveland

The Lizard opened its new downtown location in February in the AECOM building. The restaurant recently unveiled an expanded patio that benefits greatly from a southern exposure on St. Clair as opposed to the former “wind tunnel” over on East 9th. Winking Lizard closed its Galleria location last year and its Gateway District location in August of 2021.

Agave & Rye 1352 W 6th St #152 Much has changed both inside and outside these four walls since a young chef named Michael Symon worked here when it was home to Piccolo Mondo. Since then, the iconic property has hosted Metropolitan Café, Metro Bar & Kitchen, and Bar Louie. Agave & Rye is billed as a modern tequila and bourbon hall that serves “epic tacos.” The restaurant is known for its double-shelled tacos, which feature crunchy corn and soft flour shells sandwiched together by beans, queso, pimento or guacamole. The wrap-around patio seats 100.

Photo by Doug Trattner

Agave & Rye

1352 W 6th St #152

Much has changed both inside and outside these four walls since a young chef named Michael Symon worked here when it was home to Piccolo Mondo. Since then, the iconic property has hosted Metropolitan Café, Metro Bar & Kitchen, and Bar Louie. Agave & Rye is billed as a modern tequila and bourbon hall that serves “epic tacos.” The restaurant is known for its double-shelled tacos, which feature crunchy corn and soft flour shells sandwiched together by beans, queso, pimento or guacamole. The wrap-around patio seats 100.

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