Few places in Cleveland have a true European sensibility. But Patron Saint, a sunny, Italian-style cafe and aperitivo bar with stone archways and colorful Vitrolite tiles, tops the list. Want a negroni at 7 a.m. or an espresso at 7 p.m.? How about both at the same time? Whatever you’re in the mood for, Patron Saint aims to be your go-to spot.
Drinks range from cappuccinos and cortados to spritzes and spaghetts, while the small plates are more than just snacks but not quite a full meal. The ambiance, too, is higher energy than a coffee shop but not nearly as bustling as a restaurant or bar.
That’s the point, says owner Marie Artale, who opened the Hingetown hotspot in June.
“I wanted this to be the place that, whatever you need, we’re here for you,” says Artale, who moved back to Cleveland from New York in 2020 to pursue her dream of opening a cafe. “That’s what the patron saints themselves are: Everyone has a different one, and people turn to them for different reasons. As a name, it felt fitting.”
Appropriately, a look around shows customers on very different journeys: The guy in corner eats both breakfast and lunch here, clacking away on his laptop; friends who just finished class at upstairs’ Soul Yoga catch up over mochas; a couple at the bar is on its first date. Somehow, it’s the rare locale that’s equally appropriate for all.
“It’s been fun to see people use the space for various reasons,” Artale says. “They bring a different energy and experience during different times of day.”
Chef David Kocab’s menu reflects the many possibilities, with thoughtfully composed dishes that feature simple, fresh and expertly paired ingredients.
Warm gigante beans with chicken sausage, kale and fresh grana padano ($12) are a lightened-up take on gourmet pasta. The farro salad ($12) is both chewy and crunchy, an unexpected but unrivaled combo. And the ultra-flaky croissants ($5) are skillfully laminated and served with a duo of sweet
pistachio butter and a puckering
marmalade.
Diners are invited to mix and match to their whims, pairing the food with low-ABV cocktails that are boozy enough to be fun but not so boozy that you’ll need a nap afterward.
There’s no table service, and all ordering is done via QR code, which allows diners to close out on their own timeline. This was important to Artale, who wants people to be able to quickly drop in while they’re between errands or events, without being beholden to a server’s timeline.
“This is somewhere where you can just pop in,” she says.
Patron Saint seamlessly occupies an elusive middle space that most establishments altogether ignore. It’s the perfect spot to just be. When you can’t decide between coffee or a cocktail, come here and grab both.
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