The Best Cleveland Restaurant Patios to Visit This Summer
By Scene Staff on Sat, Jun 3, 2023 at 9:14 am
Alley Cat Oyster Bar
1056 Old River Rd., Cleveland
If it’s seafood with a view you’re after, Alley Cat’s double-decker riverside patio is the place to book. We’re absolute suckers for the selection of white wines by the glass, which pair so well with a few dozen oysters on the half. Toss in some peel-and-eat shrimp, smoked fish dip and a lobster roll and lean into summer with a smile.
Bar 32
100 Lakeside Ave. East., Cleveland
The views from this cantilevered “rooftop” patio on the 32nd floor of the Hilton Cleveland hotel are nothing short of dramatic. If you’re looking for a place to enjoy craft cocktails and light bites 400 feet above the shoreline, head straight to the top of this shiny tower.
Boss Dog Brewing Company
2179 Lee Rd., Cleveland Heights
Brothers Josh and Jason Sweet have settled into a lovely groove at this Cleveland Heights watering hole. After converting the former Lemon Grass restaurant into a contemporary brewpub, they went to work on the exterior. Today, that spacious rear patio is one of Lee Road’s best alfresco bars.
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, and the food is surprisingly praise-worthy.
Forest City Brewery
2135 Columbus Rd., Cleveland
Forest City doesn’t get the same level of attention as some of the bigger breweries in town, but this leafy beer garden is increasingly on people’s radar. Located in Duck Island, the shady, mulch-strewn hideout is a great place to chill with friends and pets while sampling brewmaster Matt Smedley’s small-batch brews.
Anatolia Cafe
2270 Lee Rd., Cleveland Heights
Anatolia’s bustling sidewalk patio seems to stretch an entire block. Fenced, partially covered and spruced up with greenery, the tasteful perch is the ideal setting on which to enjoy sunny Mediterranean and Middle Eastern foods. Dishes like thin-sliced doner, mixed grilled kebabs and honey-soaked baklava taste better in the open air.
Fat Cats
2061 West 10th St., Cleveland
The views of downtown from Fat Cats’ small but jaunty patio are reason enough to visit this Tremont pioneer. But so too is the globally inspired menu, offering up an eclectic mix of unique and delicious dishes like steamed buns, grilled octopus, Filipino pancit and adobo fried chicken. Great service and an attractive wine list add to the experience.
Cru Uncorked
34300 Chagrin Blvd., Moreland Hills
If you’ve dined at Cru, the elegant French American restaurant in Moreland Hills, then you know that no expense was spared in the construction. That same ethos continued when creating the outdoor dining spaces. We’re loathe even to label the space as a “patio” because the meticulous column-lined peristyle is – like everything here – in a league of its own.
Whiskey Island Still and Eatery
2800 Whiskey Island, Cleveland
Before social media ruined the phrase “hidden gem,” Whiskey Island truly earned the designation. The restaurant at this chill lakeside park has been through more name changes than Diddy, but the “No shirt, no shoes, no problem” vibe has been a constant. This grassy, sandy perch essentially functions as a 20-acre restaurant patio, where boaters at the nearby marina mingle with volleyball players and day trippers. Attempts to fancify the food offerings over the years have been roundly and rightly rebuffed by the clientele, who demand little more than cold beer and hot fries. Here, the music is always live and festive, the crowds robust and the sunsets dreamy.
The Fairmount
2448 Fairmount Blvd., Cleveland Heights
Some of the toughest outdoor tables to snag on a beautiful evening are located on Fairmount’s chic back patio. In peak summer, this cheery urban oasis can feel like the center of the world. It doesn’t hurt that the restaurant and outdoor bar are run with a kind of precision typically reserved for more upscale establishments. Little is overlooked: the beer list, wine list, craft cocktails, regular menu and daily features give locals and visitors countless reasons to return and linger.
Lucky’s Cafe
777 Starkweather Ave., Cleveland
Chef-owner Heather Haviland wins the Tremont brunch prize thanks to her stellar comfort food. Diners can always count on scratch-made fare built with the best local ingredients. In season, the spacious patio reduces wait times while offering an airy garden setting in which to enjoy breakfast burritos, vanilla bean waffles, and biscuits and gravy.
Gigi’s on Fairmount
3477 Fairmount Blvd., Cleveland Heights
For about a decade, people have been rightly singing the praises of this tony wine bar and bistro. Like all great businesses, this one seems to get better with age. And that applies to the tasteful sidewalk patio, where neighbors meet up to share a bottle of wine and those signature mix-and-match bruschetta boards.
Georgetown
18515 Detroit Ave., Lakewood
Step off busy Detroit Avenue, stroll through the wrought-iron gate and you enter the secluded courtyard patio at Georgetown. From the gravel paths and twinkling lights to the towering trees and lush undergrowth, this quiet spot is always in high demand. The extensive menu offers scores of tempting small plates and mains.
Tinkers Creek Tavern
4000 Tinkers Creek Rd., Walton Hills
There are a few picnic tables out front of this historic roadside tavern, but the trophy seats are out back. There, a patio is perched a stone’s toss from the rushing waters of the namesake creek, which feeds in the mighty Cuyahoga. Diners are immersed in a pastoral landscape while enjoying a casual American menu that includes top-notch barbecue.
Nuevo Modern Mexican
1000 E 9th St., Cleveland
Thanks to the good people at Nuevo, Cleveland finally landed a worthwhile destination restaurant within walking distance to the attractions at North Coast Harbor. This contemporary glass, wood and steel structure offers plenty of outdoor seating with killer views of the harbor, lake and skyline. Wash down those mod-Mex plates with punchy margaritas.
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.
Porco Lounge & Tiki Room
2527 West 25th St., Cleveland
There’s only one way to improve the tropical drinks from this legendary Ohio City hideout and that’s by sipping them outside under the sun and stars. The summertime vibes are alive and well on this colorful garden patio. If you’re feeling particularly celebratory, order the Botany Bay, a whole barrel of punch for you and your mates.
L’Albatros
11401 Bellflower Rd., Cleveland
If we had to pick one restaurant patio on which to pitch a tent all summer long, it would be this one. Zack Bruell’s timeless French brasserie has anchored University Circle’s dining scene for 15 years thanks to a combination of exceptional food and top-flight service. Transplant those key features into an impeccable garden setting and you create a regional destination like L’Albatros. You can find us at the small but well-stocked outdoor bar knocking back glasses of chilly Sancerre while we decide between the mussels frites and roasted cod.
Garden of Eden
2017 East Ninth St., Cleveland
Azure Sun Lounge was put to bed to make way for the Garden of Eden, a splashy new rooftop oasis at the Metropolitan at the 9. The 12th-floor height immerses guests in the surrounding skyline as opposed to hovering above it. Easygoing happy hours and early dinners will give way to a DJ-fueled lounge vibe in the evenings.
The Van Aken District
3401 Tuttle Rd., Shaker Heights
Once again, the Van Aken District has converted a portion of the area’s main thoroughfare, Tuttle Road, into a turf-lined pedestrian-only seating area. The sun-soaked outdoor space functions as the patio for Market Hall eateries like Banter, On the Rise, Ninja City, Scorpacciata and Lox, Stock and Brisket. And because the lane is a Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area, diners can stroll with alcoholic beverages purchased at Craft Collective. Throughout the season, the site also plays host to farmers’ markets, makers’ markets and live entertainment.
17 River Grille
17 River St., Chagrin Falls
Located overlooking the waterfalls of the Chagrin River in quaint downtown Chagrin Falls, Jekyll’s Kitchen turned into 17 River in 2020. Owned by veteran restaurateur Rick Doody, 17 River not only has beautiful views but also the food to match and is a gorgeously designed restaurant.
La Dolce Vita
12112 Mayfield Rd., Cleveland
Sitting on La Dolce Vita’s sidewalk patio and watching the neighborhood go by is one of summer’s most enduring and enjoyable pastimes. Owner Terry Tarantino holds court from this prime perch, doling out bon mots alongside delectable platters of sausage-stuffed peppers, cacio e pepe and chicken Marsala.
Zanzibar Soul Fusion
13225 Shaker Square., Cleveland
Zanzibar enjoys one of the roomiest and most appealing sidewalk patios on Shaker Square. Watch the trains go by while you dig into soulful Southern cuisine like fried green tomatoes, shrimp and grits, fried chicken and waffles and mac and cheese. When you’re trying to decide where to brunch, put this convivial spot at the top of the list.
Lindey’s Lake House
1146 Old River Rd., Cleveland
Few Flats East Bank restaurants are as close to the water as Lindey’s Lake House, which offers its patio guests engaging views of all the pleasure and commercial activity up and down the Cuyahoga. To go with that stylish setting is a menu of slightly elevated American staples that offers everything from tacos and lobster rolls to cedar-plank salmon and grilled chops.
Nano Brew
1859 West 25th St., Cleveland
Few patios rise – literally – to the level of this one. Multiple elevations, spaces and nooks combine to create a flexible, functional and attractive outdoor venue. In addition to an open-air beer garden, there’s a generous deck bar, upstairs patio and sidewalk patio, which combine to accommodate up to 200 guests.
Merwin’s Wharf
1785 Merwin Ave., Cleveland
Leave it to the Cleveland Metroparks to transform an used riverside parcel into a casual restaurant worth seeking out. Kayakers can paddle right up to the dockside patio to enjoy a comforting mix of appetizers, salads, sandwiches and entrees. The restaurant also happens to offer a great selection of beers from local breweries.
The Harp
4408 Detroit Ave., Cleveland
This spacious, comfortable patio is a great place to soak up some sun, take in views of downtown and Lake Erie and tuck into some of Cleveland’s tastiest Irish comfort food. The boxty is straight-up soul food, the beer-battered cod has few rivals and those dreamy corned beef rolls should be frozen, packaged and sold in every grocery store.
Velvet Tango Room
2095 Columbus Rd., Cleveland
For many years, the English-style garden patio behind Velvet Tango Room was reserved for the privileged few who managed to gain access to the famous “back room.” These days, any group can enjoy the ivy-covered space with its own mini putting green simply by making a reservation. During the week, all guests are invited to take their cocktails back to that charming urban allotment.
Collision Bend Brewery
1250 Old River Rd., Cleveland
This East Bank favorite was named the best brewpub in the country, according to USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. The combination of the exquisite views, the locally-sourced menu and home brewed beers all contributed to that lofty ranking. Did we mention the can’t-miss patio perfect for summer?
Acqua Di Luca
500 West St. Clair Ave., Cleveland
One of Cleveland’s most compelling new seafood-focused restaurants also happens to boast one of downtown’s best patios. After a complete transformation of the former XO Steaks interior, the owners moved on to the outdoors. Less of a sidewalk patio than a tasteful extension of the dining room, this stylish wraparound porch in the heart of the Warehouse District is alfresco dining at its finest.
Chez Francois
555 Main St., Vermilion
Picture yourself easing into the slips next to this rightly famous bistro in your freshly varnished runabout. The Vermilion River serves as an elegant backdrop for a stellar meal starring the same fine French food as indoors, but in a more casual and informal environment. Leave the jacket and tie at home and savor the good life.
Sasa
13120 Shaker Square., Cleveland
For 20 years, sushi lovers have been following chef Scott Kim around town to enjoy his deft take on Japanese cuisine. This lively and eclectic izakaya on Shaker Square offers a delightful and unconventional mix of sushi, sashimi, rolls, small plates and noodle bowls. This might be the only place in town where a diner can sit outside and grill tender pieces of beef tenderloin over a searing-hot rock.
Rocky River Wine Bar
1313 Linda St., Rocky River
Like a fine wine, this Rocky River hideaway continues to improve with age. In warm weather or cold, crowds descend upon this seasoned wine bar – and for good reason. The small plates and wine pours transform a simple happy hour meetup into a festive occasion. Better still, take that party outdoors to the rambling patio that boasts genuine wine-country appeal.
All Saints Public House
1261 West 76th St., Cleveland
All Saints inherited one of Cleveland’s most celebrated patios and managed to improve almost every aspect of it. Beneath a canopy of mature trees lies a picturesque landscape with an outdoor bar, water features and comfortable furniture. The menu is loaded with well-built items like Cubanos, beer-battered fish and chips and double-bone pork chops.
E55 On The Lake
5555 North Marginal Rd., Cleveland
The Metroparks has totally revived this beautiful lookout point of Lake Erie by adding a bar, restaurant and bait shop to this spot. There’s also live music on Saturdays and some of the best views in town.
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.
All Saints Public House
1261 West 76th St., Cleveland
All Saints inherited one of Cleveland’s most celebrated patios and managed to improve almost every aspect of it. Beneath a canopy of mature trees lies a picturesque landscape with an outdoor bar, water features and comfortable furniture. The menu is loaded with well-built items like Cubanos, beer-battered fish and chips and double-bone pork chops.
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.
1330 On The River
1330 Old River Rd., Cleveland
This relative newcomer to the Flats has reworked the former East End property into a stylish waterfront bistro a few steps off the beaten path. Head to the rear of the restaurant, where a small, tasteful patio offers views of the river and enjoy dishes like bacon-wrapped figs, pesto chicken sandwiches and grilled lamb chops with Brussels.
Toast
1365 West 65th Street., Cleveland
Don’t look to Toast to supply the neighborhood’s largest or most glamorous patio. But size doesn’t matter when it comes to pleasure, which is dished up in the form of exceptional cocktails, interesting wines and a menu just large enough to scratch most itches.
Dinerbar on Clifton
11801 Clifton Blvd., Lakewood
We never expected to recover from the loss of the Diner on Clifton, but owner Perry Drosos pulled a rabbit out of the hat with Dinerbar. This gleaming “modern American diner” just steps from the original is better in all regards. Key new features include a full bar, updated menu and tidy front patio on which to enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner classics.
Flight Cleveland
5712 Detroit Ave., Cleveland
It’s officially rose season, and when it comes to exploring the fresh crop of summer sippers, there are few better places than Flight. Located in buzzy Gordon Square, this generously proportioned patio is a welcoming perch to sip varietals from around the globe. Order a flight, find a new favorite, and buy a bottle to go.
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.
Luca
2100 Superior Viaduct., Cleveland
One of the best Italian restaurants in town also contains one of the best views of the city. The sacchetti, which contains white truffles over ricotta stuffed pasta shells, may sound heavy for the summer but you have to get it while sitting on the patio at this Superior Viaduct located spot.
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.
The South Side
2207 West 11th St., Cleveland
Everything is oversized at the South Side: the menu, the portions and the patio. This Tremont mainstay is great for large groups because the corner patio is huge, the menu has something for every appetite and the kitchen hits homeruns with every plate. This is also where you’ll find one of the busiest brunches in town.
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.
Agave & Rye
1352 W 6th St #152, Cleveland
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.
Lockkeepers
8001 Rockside Rd., Valley View
This Italian joint in Valley View is often one of the most overlooked restaurants in town, but make no mistake, everyone who goes there raves about it. With a view of the Erie Canal, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a summer evening eating really good food and drinking wine.
Shooters On The Water
1148 Main Ave., Cleveland
Shooters has historically been a focal point for the Flats. There’s an outdoor bar, plenty of patio seating, and endless Instagram-worthy picture spots. It’s right off an RTA stop, providing easy access and views of trains, bridges, ships at harbor.
The Last Page
100 Park Ave. Ste. 128, Orange Village
In a blurry sea of fast-casual monotony, The Last Page is a welcome detour. It’s a modern-day supper club, for lack of a better descriptor, where there’s more to the plot than simply the food on the plates. Perfect for all out celebrating and socializing, it boasts an awesome patio hidden behind trees at Pinecrest.
Saucy Brew Works Vibe Garden
2885 Detroit Ave., Cleveland
A big empty lot isn’t usually great, but during the pandemic, having one around the corner from your brewpub turned out to be a great thing. Saucy Brew Works transformed the plot into the Vibe Garden, with plenty of picnic tables and an upcoming schedule of volleyball and cornhole leagues. All food and drink is available to order from your table there, once it reopens this spring.
Hofbrauhaus
1550 Chester Ave., Cleveland
Relish an authentic sliver of Munich on one of Ohio’s largest beer gardens. Newly improved with covered seating areas, this sprawling beer-soaked oasis is always at the ready for groups of any size. Outside also happens to offer a welcome escape from the occasionally rowdy shotski snorting hordes inside.
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