12 Cleveland Patios You Have to Hit Up This Summer

Who doesn't love getting high in summer? Climb a few flights of stairs at Greenhouse Tavern and find yourself high above East Fourth, enjoying commanding views of diners and pedestrians below. This rooftop bar is home to some of the best pop-up events in town, so keep an eye on the restaurant's social media feeds for the next rooftop fête. Or, stake out a spot out front and enjoy an icy cocktail as you watch East 4th's passersby.

2038 E. Fourth St., 216-393-4302

Just last year, Nano Brew in Ohio City — what that one guy at Eater.com called one of the "best new craft beer bars in the country" — dusted off the expansive back patio that for years was Garage Bar's signature feature. New beer hall-style picnic tables, lighting, landscaping, heating and, of course, a never-ending supply of over-hopped suds already is making this one of the busiest plots in town.

1859 West 25th St., 216-862-6631

Felice Urban Café is best known for its Craftsman-style home setting. But it's the outdoor bar, built within a converted wooden carriage house, that attracts diners all summer long. A covered patio adjacent to the garage bar means never having to say "let's eat inside" come spring showers. Bonus: The patio boasts great views of the restaurant's huge kitchen garden.

12502 Larchmere Blvd., 216-791-0918

Summer west of the Cuyahoga doesn't officially commence until John McDonnell swings open the wide French doors of his lovable Tartine Bistro. The compact brick-paved courtyard becomes the restaurant's front porch, uniting neighbors in food, wine and conversation. This truly is a hidden-gem hideaway.

19110 Old Detroit Rd., 440-331-0800

We've been fans of Tremont Tap House from the moment it opened. It was TTH, after all, that first and fully introduced diners to the gastropub concept, merging ambitious fare with a stellar craft beer list. Going on about seven years, this place – this patio – should be near the top of every Cleveland diner's list of alfresco eats.

2572 Scranton Rd., 216-298-4451

Going on two decades, Lopez Southwest Kitchen has been the place on Lee to sip margaritas beneath the open sky. Ever since chef Michael Herschman joined the team a few years back, we also can eat to our hearts' content beneath that open sky. While smaller than many current (read sprawling) patios, Lopez's is petite, elegant and just boisterous enough to be fun.

2196 Lee Rd., 216-932-9000

That new-patio smell finally has faded from Momocho's freshly laid piazza, which was recently installed when owner Eric Williams ripped up his entire patio to start fresh. Now, in addition to an expanded footprint, the alfresco dining room features new landscaping, fencing, lighting, and umbrellas.

1835 Fulton Rd., 216-694-2122

You won't find a better view of the Cleveland skyline than the one from the rooftop patio bar at Black Pig. Take the elevated route above West 25th Street and Ohio City to the sequestered and quaint perch above the Black Pig for one of the most relaxing spots in the bustling neighborhood.

1865 West 25th St., 216-862-7551

Cropicana is gone, Sunset Grille is back, and Whiskey Island remains one of the only places in town with bona fide lakeside dining. Hugging the shores of Lake Erie, this hedonistic summer getaway has enough open-air lawn seating for every boat owner in town.

2800 Whiskey Island