Outdoor dining is one of Cleveland's summer pleasures. Although the season can be short, the city abounds with patios, decks, and other "al fresco" dining areas. Take a look at our top picks for outdoor Cleveland dining.
John Q's Steakhouse
(Courtesy of John Q's Steakhouse)
The largest patio downtown, John Q's sits right on Public Square, ideal for a weekday lunch or a glass of wine after work. The menu here is sandwiches and salads for lunch for a couple of luncheon entree specials and steaks and seafood for dinner. The setting is relaxed and the view superb. Reserve a table on John Q's patio to have dinner and watch the 4th of July Cleveland Orchestra concert and fireworks.
John Q's Steakhouse - 55 Public Square - Cleveland, OH 44113 - 216 861-0900
John Q's Steakhouse - 55 Public Square - Cleveland, OH 44113 - 216 861-0900
That Place on Bellflower
(© 2007 S. Mitchell; licensed to About, Inc.)
Nestled amidst the Case Western Reserve campus and within walking distance of University Circle's many museums, That Place on Bellflower has been serving excellent meals for over 30 years. The restaurant's flower-strewn brick patio, located behind the former carriage house, is a delightful place to enjoy a leisurely lunch or a romantic dinner. Menu highlights include seafood, Lake Erie walleye, and duckling with orange sauce.
That Place on Bellflower-11401 Bellflower-Cleveland, OH 44106-216 231-4469
That Place on Bellflower-11401 Bellflower-Cleveland, OH 44106-216 231-4469
Your's Truly on Shaker Square
(© 2006 S. Mitchell Licensed to About, Inc.)
The many outdoor patios lining Shaker Square are an ideal place to while away the hours with a newspaper or your laptop as you watch the rapid trains and shoppers crossing the square. Yours Truly offers one of the best. The hearty food -- burgers, sandwiches, breakfast, and entree specials -- is delicious and the service is fresh-faced and efficient.
Yours Truly - 13328 Shaker Square - Cleveland, OH 44120 - 216 751-8646
Sergio's at University Circle
(courtesy of University Circle Inc.)
Sergio's, located next to the Glidden House Bed and Breakfast, just steps away from University Circle museums and Case Western Reserve University, is a delightful hideaway serving Portuguese and Mediterranean cuisine. The cozy patio, located in front of the former carriage house restaurant, overlooks Ford Drive and the students, teachers, and museum-goers passing by. Try also Sergio's sister restaurant, Sarave, at Shaker Square.
Sergio's - 1930 Ford Dr. - Cleveland, OH 44106 - 216 231-1234
Sergio's - 1930 Ford Dr. - Cleveland, OH 44106 - 216 231-1234
Three Birds Lakewood
(© 2006 S. Mitchell; Licensed to About, Inc.)
Three Birds, on Lakewood's west side, has one of the largest -- and prettiest -- patios in greater Cleveland. The bricked, flower-strewn patio sits in front of the restaurant, a perfect oasis on a bright summer's day. Three Birds' innovative and tasty food combined with their friendly and efficient service make this a true outdoor delight.
Three Birds Restaurant - 18515 Detroit Rd. - Lakewood, OH 44107 - 216 221-3500
The Harp
What's better than a traditional Irish pub with a rooftop patio and views of downtown Cleveland and Lake Erie? That's what offered at The Harp, on Cleveland's near west side. The brews are local and Irish, the food's hearty and tasty, and the views are some of the best in Cleveland. The large patio is an ideal place to watch the 4th of July fireworks over the lake, but arrive early.The Harp - 4408 Detroit Rd. - Cleveland, OH 44113 - 216 939-0200
Gamekeeper's Taverne - Chagrin Falls
Voted the best outdoor restaurant in 2005 by both Cleveland Magazine and Northern Ohio Live Magazine, this historic restaurant, in the heart of picturesque Chagrin Falls, offers grilled steaks, seafood, and a host of "little plates", including lobster nachos and Peking duck spring rolls, in a scenic setting. It's thesummertime place to be on Cleveland's east side.Gamekeeper's Taverne - 87 West Street - Chagrin Falls, OH 44022 - 440 247-7744
D'Vine Wine Bar
D'vine wine bar, in downtown Cleveland's Warehouse District, is a fun and cozy place in the winter. In the summer, the fun spreads out onto the sidewalk patio for excellent people watching well into the evening. The specialty here (no surprise) is wine, with selections from all over the world. The food is limited, but tasty, and includes salads, grilled entrees, one of the city's best cheese plates, and a selection of "tapas".D'Vine-863 W. St. Clair Ave.-Cleveland, OH 44113-216 241-8463
Snicker's Restaurant
Arguably, the most romantic patio in the city, this near west-side restaurant moved to a new location near Gordan Square this year and the patio is a lot bigger, but no less charming. Enjoy quiet, secluded tables for two amidst the plants and piped-in music. Snickers' food features salads, grilled items, pasta dishes, and fresh fish.Snicker's Tavern - 5800 Detroit Rd. - Cleveland, OH 44102 - 216 631-7555
Other Cleveland Patios
Other recommended Cleveland Patio Restaurants include Nighttown, in Cleveland Heights, the Beach Club Bistro in Euclid, Houlihan's in Westlake, Flying Fig in Ohio City, and Cyrus Waterfront Restaurant, the new eatery in the Powerhouse downtown.
