Creekside Restaurant & Bar
Why we love it: Serene and temperature controlled, this deck overlooks Chippewa Creek. “There are awesome rock formations to view, lots of wildlife to look at: geese, ducks, birds, squirrels, chipmunks,” says owner Matt Harper. Try this: The Maryland crab cakes ($14.95) are homemade, pan-seared, then served over arugula and drizzled with Old Bay aioli, giving them a smoky taste. 8803 Brecksville Road, Brecksville, 440-546-0555, creeksiderestaurant.com
Felice Urban Cafe
Why we love it: This patio is surrounded by a lush garden where vegetables and herbs are grown for in-house use. “It’s very much about being cozy, comfortable and being in community,” says owner Joda Mueller. Try this: The Macrobiotic Bowl ($17-$24) combines quinoa, black beans, avocado, mushrooms, carrots, onions, Brussels sprouts, squash and an avocado-jalapeno sauce with chicken, tofu or salmon. 12502 Larchmere Blvd., Cleveland, 216-791-0918, feliceurbancafe.com
Garden City
Why we love it: This West Coast-inspired rooftop bar offers views of the entire Van Aken District in a sleek and modern setting. “There’s a lot of floral, a lot of glitter,” says operating partner Rick Turner. Try this: The Horseshoe ($11), made with Bulleit Bourbon, muddled blackberries, mint and Ohio blackberry-infused lemon juice, is a throwback patio classic. 3386 Tuttle Road, Shaker Heights, 216-860-0410, gardencitycle.com
Lindey’s Lake House
Why we love it: With fire pits and garage doors that open out to a patio, this spot on the Flats East Bank is both breezy and cool. “It has the best view in the city,” says owner Rick Doody. Try this: The firecracker shrimp ($12.90) is a fan-favorite smothered in a hot, sweet chile aioli. 1146 Old River Road Cleveland, 216-727-0158, lindeyslakehouse.com
The Treehouse
Why we love it: A large, garden-like oasis with flowers and ivy makes this patio an ideal summer destination. “The views of St. John Cantius across the street are just phenomenal,” says owner Paul Jones. Try this: With jalapeno and pulled pork smoked in-house, the quesadilla ($11) packs quite a punch. 820 College Ave., Cleveland, 216-696-2505,
treehousecleveland.com
