17 River Grille
Why we love it: At this tranquil indoor-outdoor bar and restaurant, guests enjoy steak, seafood and cocktails while perched alongside the city’s picturesque namesake: the waterfall. Try this: For brunch, lunch or dinner, the scratch-made Heavenly Biscuits ($7.90), topped with honey butter, are sure to please. 17 River St., Chagrin Falls, 440-893-0797, 17rivergrille.com
The Academy Tavern
Why we love it: A neighborhood gem since 1939, the year-round patio has it all: a fire pit, a tent, a stage, games, TVs and even a patio cat, affectionately named Roger. “The patio gives us the platform to showcase artists, influencers and initiatives,” says owner Christopher Butler. Try this: Locals love the juicy Academy Burger ($13) starring a special house sauce, Swiss cheese, American cheese sauce and a side of fresh-cut fries, says Butler. 12800 Larchmere Blvd., Cleveland, 216-229-1171, academytaverncle.com
All Saints Public House
Why we love it: Battery Park is home to one of the greenest and most well-designed patios in Cleveland. Guests dig the secluded vibes in this large space, which showcases an outdoor bar, fire pit, fountain, lush landscaping and tons of seating. Try this: The chicken paprikash with homemade spaetzle ($21) is a gem, complete with paprika gravy, sour cream and mashed potatoes. 1261 W. 76th St., Cleveland, 216-675-0028, allsaintspublichouse.com
BrewDog
Why we love it: The (newer) Cleveland location of this British-inspired brewpub in the Flats has a show-stopping patio with string lights, games, riverfront views and an outdoor bar in a dog-friendly atmosphere. Try this: You’re never too old for a “Hoppy” meal ($15.95), showcasing a traditional burger and fries; add a pint of any “headline” BrewDog beer ($5). 1956 Carter Road, Cleveland, 216-367-2494, brewdog.com/usa/bars/usa/cleveland
(Photo courtesy Gordon Square Arts District)
Astoria
Why we love it: The charming floral patio is the perfect meeting ground for camaraderie alongside craft charcuterie boards full of gourmet meats and cheese, tapas, wine and Mediterranean fare. Try this: Throw Another Log on the Fire ($18 ) features mild cheeses with heat, including Camembert, pimento goat and piccante fiore, accompanied by pepperoncini taralli, spicy tapenade and Calabrian hot honey. 5417 Detroit Ave, Cleveland, 216-266-0834, astoriacafemarket.com
(Photo courtesy The Cleveland Chop)
The Cleveland Chop
Why we love it: Hidden away in the center of the Downtown action, the clandestine deck overlooks a green courtyard space at this modern steakhouse. Try this: Lobster mac and cheese ($36) is crafted with homemade cheese sauce and Chop-seasoned bread toppings. 824 W. St. Clair Ave., Cleveland, 216-696-2467, clevelandchop.com
Collision Bend Brewing Co.
Why we love it: A long patio on the banks of the Cuyahoga River makes for a pristine spot for sunset views accompanied by house-brewed beer and American fare (think burgers, pizzas and seafood). Try This: With a menu full of deliciouus brewery staples, those in the know start out with the Bavarian Everything pretzel ($15) with the IPA mustard and beer cheese. 1250 River Road, Cleveland, 216-273-7879, collisionbendbrewery.com
Don’s Pomeroy House
Why we love it: The American steakhouse and seafood favorite, housed in a mid-19th-century mansion, has been a part of Cleveland’s special occasions for more than 40 years. The seasonal patio is the idyllic spot to bring traditional dining outdoors. Try this: Northeast Ohio loves the crab cake ($20) with Maine lobster-corn relish and smoked tomato buerre blanc. 13664 Pearl Road, Strongsville, 440-572-1111, donspomeroy.com
The Fairmount
Why we love it: With 10 beers on tap, frosé at the outside bar and an outdoor fireplace slated for summer, this enormous patio is open any day that weather allows. “We had the opposite problem than most places have,” says owner Jacob Orosz, who expanded the restaurant to match the outdoor space. Try this: “Our flatbreads (have) gotten even better since we purchased the oven (formerly used by Il Rione)," Orosz says. Try the truffle mushroom flatbread ($15) with white truffle butter, provolone, mozzarella, roasted mushrooms, shallots and Parmesan. 2448 Fairmount Blvd., Cleveland Heights, 216-229-9463, thefairmount.net
Flight
Why we love it: “Our patio is a great urban perch to sip on some wine and watch the city roll by,” says owner Lindsay Smith, on the bold sidewalk patio in the heart of Gordon Square. Try this: When business partner Matt Blank unexpectedly passed away last year, Smith named a new flight in his honor after his favorite saying, “You Should Drink This” ($17.50), featuring: Braunewell Scheurebe Halbtrocken Unser Täglich, Domaine Rolet Arbois Poulsard and Andrew Murray Tous les Jours Syrah. 5712 Detroit Ave., Cleveland, 216-400-6867, flightcleveland.com
Forest City Brewery
Why we love it: Step into this eclectic backyard beer garden with a history that stretches back more than 100 years. Featuring live music, the green space is covered by century-old trees and tons of seating in Duck Island. Try this: There’s nothing more Cleveland than the house cabbage and noodles ($10) in leek oil. 2135 Columbus Road, Cleveland, forestcitybrewery.com
The Garden of Eden
Why we love it: Discover a posh Garden of Eden-themed rooftop oasis with inventive cocktails and enviable views of Downtown. Try this: The lounge on top of the Metropolitan at the 9 hotel offers light American eats, but the 7 Deadly Sins cocktail list stands out. Celebrate with Envy ($12), Bacardi rum, Malibu rum, pineapple, lime and fresh mint. 2017 E. Ninth St., Cleveland, 216-313-8810, thegardenofedenrooftop.com
Georgetown/Vosh
Why we love it: The popular courtyard boasts a casual modern outdoor bar, plenty of greenery and a legendary happy hour in Downtown Lakewood. In the winter, igloos make this a winter wonderland. Try this: Known for American favorites, this spot whips up delicious short rib mini sliders ($16) with caramelized onions, Brie and pommes frites. 18515 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, 216-221-3500, georgetownvosh.com
Guarino’s Restaurant
Why we love it: With a charming neighborhood garden patio and authentic Italian cuisine, Guarino’s calls itself Cleveland’s oldest restaurant. Sicilian immigrant Vincenzo Guarino opened the restaurant in the heart of Little Italy in 1918. Try this: Chicken piccata ($20) in white wine, roasted red peppers, lemon and capers is not to be missed. 12309 Mayfield Road, Cleveland, 216-231-3100, guarinoscleveland.com
(Photo courtesy Harlow's Pizza)
Harlow’s pizza
Why we love it: Escape to the secluded back patio, complete with vine-covered walls, Southwestern decor and white paper lanterns, hanging above the private pizza oasis. Try this: Lakewood loves the Leonardo ($20) with mozzarella, extra virgin olive oil, pistachios, fresh grape tomatoes, fresh arugula, garlic and sea salt. 14319 Madison Ave., Lakewood, 216-712-6502, harlowspizza.com
(Photo courtesy LockKeepers)
LockKeepers
Why we love it: For more than 30 years, this upscale restaurant has made a name for itself as a top Italian fine dining spot. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlook the Cuyahoga River and the patio has matching views. Try this: The simple greens salad ($8) with English cucumber, carrot and balsamic, coupled with grilled salmon ($18), makes for a perfect lunch al fresco. 8001 Rockside Road, Valley View, 216-524-9404, lockkeepers.com
JoJo’s Backyard
Why we love it: JoJo’s Bar brings modern American-Italian dining outdoors with its bright upscale space. Already well known as the former Gamekeeper's patio, JoJo's decked it out even further with flowers, foliage, fire and a modern resort-style ambiance. A wood-fired, Argentine-inspired grill and open kitchen dishes out roasted veggies and meat. Try this: JoJo’s spicy vodka rigatoni ($23) stands out with fresh Carbone-style pasta. 87 West St., Chagrin Falls, 440-394-8120, jojosbar.com/backyard
Lakewood Truck Park
Why we love it: A rotating selection of local food trucks includes Slyman's Tavern, Parilya, Bearden's and Manna Food Truck. They line up alongside this 12,000-square-foot, indoor/outdoor space on Detroit Avenue with arcade games and two bars that unique cocktails, beer, wine and milkshakes. Try this: Drink your dessert: The Oreo banana split ($11) is made with vegan cookies and cream, Bacardi light rum, banana liqueur, banana and Oreos. 16900 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, 216-712-4032, lakewoodtruckpark.com
Lindey’s Lake House
Why we love it: Terrace riverfront views on the Flats East Bank. Try this: Tempura-dusted firecracker shrimp ($15) is served with sweet chili aioli, scallions and sesame seeds. 1146 Old River Road, Cleveland, 216-727-0158, lindeyslakehouse.com
Luca West
Why we love it: Tucked away in Westlake, this hidden courtyard stands out for its outdoor bar, lovely landscaping, distinctive statues and a vast menu of upscale Italian entrees. Try this: Enjoy the pesto ($22) entree with wild mushroom stuffed ravioli and rosemary roasted walnuts. 24600 Detroit Road, Westlake, 216-201-9600, lucawest.com
Merwin’s Wharf
Why we love it: A casual stretch of urban green space nestled on the Cuyahoga River, the Metroparks-owned restaurant and bar is a must-visit spot with stunning views, cocktails and locally-sourced American grub. Try this: Start out with the baked 1.5-pound Merwin’s Big Pretzel ($16), accompanied by mustard, queso and Buffalo dip. 1785 Merwin Ave., Cleveland, 216-664-5696, clevelandmetroparks.com
Momocho
Why we love it: "The Momocho patio is unique because of its layout, intimacy and location in the neighborhood,” says chef owner Eric Williams. As many as 65 guests can enjoy the lush space, featuring shrubs, flowers and a large mural on the back wall painted by a local artist. Try this: “After 17 years, the No. 1 menu item is still the machaca taquitos ($15),” Williams said. The coffee and ancho chile braised beef brisket served with guacamole, tomatillo salsa verde and warm corn tortillas “put us on the map.” 1835 Fulton Road, Cleveland, 216-694-2122, momocho.com
Pier W
Why we love it: A fine dining icon since 1965, this restaurant features an upfront view of Lake Erie and the Cleveland skyline from the patio attached to the nautical-themed restaurant. The menu features premium land and sea fare as well as an incredible Sunday brunch buffet. Try this: If you're looking for a casual summer bite, munch on the Pier W cheeseburger ($20) made with 8 ounces of Angus beef on a toasted challah bun. 12700 Lake Ave., Lakewood, 216-228-2250, pierw.com
Porco Lounge & Tiki Room
Why we love it: Few cocktail bars put as much effort into craft drinks and themed decor as Cleveland’s quintessential Tiki bar. Thankfully, the ornate Americana decor found inside the bar is complemented by the secluded, understated and dog-friendly patio. A small stone waterfall and even a couple of pink flamingos “walking around” help set the tropical mood. Try this: Escape with a painkiller ($18) crafted with rum and coconut. 2527 W. 25th St., Cleveland, 216-802-9222, porcolounge.com
Sapphire Creek Winery & Gardens
Why we love it: "Sapphire Creek Winery is all about the outdoors. We have multiple patios, each with its own unique vibe,” including water and fire features, says owner Kathleen Birkel Dangelo. Try this: The star item is the black and bleu walleye ($30) prepared with smoked bleu cheese, served over creamy polenta with a tomato vinaigrette, jalapeno and sweet potato. 16965 Park Circle Drive, Chagrin Falls, 440-543-7777, sapphire-creek.com
The South Side
Why we love it: The 100-year-old Stacey Building that houses the Tremont staple is just part of the magic. The South Side’s (pet-friendly) patio boasts “all-weather TVs and a cozy corner with a fireplace to lounge around,” says executive chef Natasha Pogrebinsky. Try this: Guests love the Korean fried kimchi chicken sandwich ($15.25), marinated and breaded fresh thighs on a toasted bun with cucumbers, “gucci” gochujang sweet and spicy sauce, garlic aioli and Cleveland Kitchen kimchi. 2207 W. 11th St., Cleveland, 216-937-2288, southsidecleveland.com
The Orchid House Winery
Why we love it: The first expansion from Sapphire Creek Winery, the eight-acre former Thorncreek Winery offers selections from the same Napa Valley winery as Sapphire. Try this: The pork belly nachos are adorned with lime crema and mango jalapeno salsa. 155 Treat Road, Aurora, 330-562-9245, orchidhousewinery.com
Trellis Rooftop Bar
Why we love it: Lakewood’s only rooftop bar is part of Studio West 117, the LGBTQ+ center that opened in 2022, with private cabanas, small plates and indoor and outdoor bars. Try this: Kick back with the “Cheaper Than Therapy” cocktail ($9), featuring Effen cucumber vodka, lime and St. Germain liqueur. 1384 Hird Ave., Lakewood, 216-801-4286, studiowest117.com
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