For those of us who love eating and drinking outdoors, there has never been a better time to live in Cleveland. And after enduring two years of Covid, the demand to be outside has never been higher. From sun-soaked beer gardens and buzzy sidewalk patios to secluded garden getaways, these are some of the best places to eat and drink outside this summer.

Sigara Böre?i at Anatolia Cafe 2270 Lee Rd., Cleveland Heights A little bit Greek, a little bit Middle Eastern and perhaps even slightly northern Indian, the names, ingredients and flavor notes of Anatolia’s authentic Turkish cuisine will strike familiar chords for veteran tabletop travelers. Sigara Boregi is a light pastry dough filled with a blend of feta cheese and fresh herbs and one of a number of awesome dishes on Anatolia’s menu. Photo via Anatolia Cafe/Facebook Credit: Scene Archives
Alley Cat Oyster Bar 1056 Old River Rd., Cleveland If it’s seafood with a view you’re after, Alley Cat’s double-decker riverside patio is the place to book. We’re absolute suckers for the selection of white wines by the glass, which pair so well with a few dozen oysters on the half. Toss in some peel-and-eat shrimp, smoked fish dip and a lobster roll and lean into summer with a smile. Credit: Scene Archives
The South Side 2207 West 11th St., Cleveland Everything is oversized at the South Side: the menu, the portions and the patio. This Tremont mainstay is great for large groups because the corner patio is huge, the menu has something for every appetite and the kitchen hits homeruns with every plate. This is also where you’ll find one of the busiest brunches in town. Credit: Scene Archives
Hofbrauhaus 1550 Chester Ave., Cleveland Filled with beer, music and lederhosen, Hofbrauhaus overloads the senses. Grab your friends and have a rowdy night on the town at this beer hall that will transport you to Germany for the night. Credit: Scene Archives
Bar 32 100 Lakeside Ave. East., Cleveland The views from this cantilevered “rooftop” patio on the 32nd floor of the Hilton Cleveland hotel are nothing short of dramatic. If you’re looking for a place to enjoy craft cocktails and light bites 400 feet above the shoreline, head straight to the top of this shiny tower. Credit: Scene Archives
Boss Dog Brewing Company 2179 Lee Rd., Cleveland Heights Brothers Josh and Jason Sweet have settled into a lovely groove at this Cleveland Heights watering hole. After converting the former Lemon Grass restaurant into a contemporary brewpub, they went to work on the exterior. Today, that spacious rear patio is one of Lee Road’s best alfresco bars. Credit: Scene Archives
BrewDog 1956 Carter Rd., Cleveland We must tip our caps to this Scotland-based brewery for transforming a desolate patch on the Scranton Peninsula into one of the city’s most impressive riverside beer gardens. The surrounding city, bridge and water views are breathtaking, the beer selection pairs house cult faves with guest locals, and the food is surprisingly praise-worthy. Credit: Scene Archives
Forest City Brewery 2135 Columbus Rd., Cleveland This brewery, located in Duck Island, between Tremont and Ohio City, recently updated its beer hall and started hosting live music nights in addition to their story club, improv group and cinema group. Try a flight so you can sample all of their delicious beers. Open at noon on weekends. Credit: Scene Archives
Tinkers Creek Tavern 4000 Tinkers Creek Rd., Walton Hills Set close against a rural, tree-lined road, and just at the border between Walton Hills and Valley View, Tinkers Creek Tavern is a casual watering hole and restaurant in a remarkable natural setting on the Cuyahoga River. Photo via Tinkers Creek Tavern Credit: Scene Archives
Cru Uncorked 34300 Chagrin Blvd., Moreland Hills If you’ve dined at Cru, the elegant French American restaurant in Moreland Hills, then you know that no expense was spared in the construction. That same ethos continued when creating the outdoor dining spaces. We’re loathe even to label the space as a “patio” because the meticulous column-lined peristyle is – like everything here – in a league of its own. Credit: Photo Provided
Whiskey Island Still and Eatery 2800 Whiskey Island, Cleveland Before social media ruined the phrase “hidden gem,” Whiskey Island truly earned the designation. The restaurant at this chill lakeside park has been through more name changes than Diddy, but the “No shirt, no shoes, no problem” vibe has been a constant. This grassy, sandy perch essentially functions as a 20-acre restaurant patio, where boaters at the nearby marina mingle with volleyball players and day trippers. Attempts to fancify the food offerings over the years have been roundly and rightly rebuffed by the clientele, who demand little more than cold beer and hot fries. Here, the music is always live and festive, the crowds robust and the sunsets dreamy. Credit: Scene Archives
Twin Oast Brewing Company 3630 NE Catawba Rd., Port Clinton Even if you’d rather drink White Claw than craft beer, this spectacular Catawba Island destination should be a part of your summer travel plans. Like many of the best destination breweries, this one is set on a majestic sweep of land that provides guests with plenty of room to roam. The 60-acre property is dotted with fruit orchards, flower gardens, water features and endless lawn. This retreat is home to weekly, monthly and annual events that are as much a draw as the beer. Credit: Photo Provided
Cloak and Dagger 2399 West 11th St., Cleveland Cloak and Dagger is a serious cocktail bar disguised as a vegan restaurant. The latest seasonal drinks menu is filled with smashing summer elixirs that guests can enjoy steps from Tremont’s Lincoln Park. Pair the bar’s creative spin on a classic Pimm’s Cup with savory meat-free snacks from the kitchen. Credit: Scene Archives
Garden of Eden 2017 East Ninth St., Cleveland Azure Sun Lounge was put to bed to make way for the Garden of Eden, a splashy new rooftop oasis at the Metropolitan at the 9. The 12th-floor height immerses guests in the surrounding skyline as opposed to hovering above it. Easygoing happy hours and early dinners will give way to a DJ-fueled lounge vibe in the evenings. Credit: Scene Archives
Fat Cats 2061 West 10th St., Cleveland The views of downtown from Fat Cats’ small but jaunty patio are reason enough to visit this Tremont pioneer. But so too is the globally inspired menu, offering up an eclectic mix of unique and delicious dishes like steamed buns, grilled octopus, Filipino pancit and adobo fried chicken. Great service and an attractive wine list add to the experience. Credit: Scene archives
Lucky’s Café 777 Starkweather Ave., Cleveland Perennial Best of Cleveland “Best Brunch” winner, Lucky’s Cafe cleans up annually thanks in large part to chef Heather Haviland’s heavenly cheddar-scallion biscuits with scrambled eggs and sausage gravy, a category killer if ever there was one. Bleary-eyed diners also flock to this Tremont coffee house for honey-coated granola, gingerbread waffles topped with maple-roasted apples, breakfast burritos stuffed with scrambled eggs, and the ever-famous Shipwreck, a dizzying mish-mosh of eggs, hash browns, bacon and cheddar. Hit up Lucky’s during the week for the same great food; there’s no rule that says brunch can only happen on weekends. Credit: Scene Archives
Luxe Kitchen & Lounge 6605 Detroit Ave., Cleveland Luxe’s patio gets no shortage of love from local diners for a variety of reasons, not the least of which are the zippy cocktails springing from the alfresco bar. We love the lush greenery, generous umbrellas, occasional live music and dog-friendly vibe, but it’s the food that separates this patio from its brethren. The broad Italian-Mediterranean menu is packed with compelling dishes that will appeal to vegans and meat-eaters alike. Many are built for sharing alongside a bottle of wine. Tying it all together is a dedicated, professional staff that genuinely seems to care. Credit: Scene Archives
Porco Lounge & Tiki Room 2527 West 25th St., Cleveland Porco Lounge & Tiki Room is only about eight years old, but its dedication to professionally blended cocktails — even silly sounding ones — has helped its reputation grow at a brisk rate. The Mai Tai is the best of the bunch, a cold fusion of fresh fruit juices with coconut rum and a soupçon of almond. In 2016, the Food Network named the bar one of the best tiki bars in the country. Credit: Scene Archives
Gigi’s on Fairmount 3477 Fairmount Blvd., Cleveland Heights For nine years now, people have been rightly singing the praises of this tony wine bar and bistro. Like all great businesses, this one seems to get better with age. And that applies to the tasteful sidewalk patio, where neighbors meet up to share a bottle of wine and those signature mix-and-match bruschetta boards. Credit: Scene Archives
Buckeye Beer Engine 15315 Madison Ave., Lakewood “Buckeye Beer Engine has great wings and the engine hot was always a great blend to me of very spicy sauce that still had great flavor. Plus you can get a basket of tots which is a big plus,” Valan_Luca Credit: Scene Archives
Felice Urban Cafe 12502 Larchmere Blvd., Cleveland It’s no secret that one of Northeast Ohio’s most delightful outdoor dining spaces lives on the Cleveland-Shaker border. The professionally designed landscape features plenty of comfortable furniture, a wood-fired pizza oven, fire pit with seating and that sharp alfresco bar in a converted outbuilding. Credit: Scene Archives
Georgetown 18515 Detroit Ave., Lakewood Step off busy Detroit Avenue, stroll through the wrought-iron gate and you enter the secluded courtyard patio at Georgetown. From the gravel paths and twinkling lights to the towering trees and lush undergrowth, this quiet spot is always in high demand. The extensive menu offers scores of tempting small plates and mains. Credit: Scene Archives
Merwin’s Wharf 1785 Merwin Ave., Cleveland Leave it to the Cleveland Metroparks to transform an used riverside parcel into a casual restaurant worth seeking out. Kayakers can paddle right up to the dockside patio to enjoy a comforting mix of appetizers, salads, sandwiches and entrees. The restaurant also happens to offer a great selection of beers from local breweries. Credit: Scene Archives
Johnny’s Bar 3164 Fulton Ave., Cleveland Fine-dining and patios don’t always mesh, but they do at this celebrated Italian bistro. If crossing the threshold of this 100-year-old “corner saloon” is a pleasant surprise, so too is the quick stroll into the magical garden patio. If you think those stuffed peppers and long-bone veal chops taste great indoors, just wait until you try them outside. Credit: Scene Archives
Nuevo Modern Mexican 1000 E 9th St., Cleveland Thanks to the good people at Nuevo, Cleveland finally landed a worthwhile destination restaurant within walking distance to the attractions at North Coast Harbor. This contemporary glass, wood and steel structure offers plenty of outdoor seating with killer views of the harbor, lake and skyline. Wash down those mod-Mex plates with punchy margaritas. Credit: Scene Archives
Hola Tacos 12102 Madison Ave., Lakewood From the family who also operates the beloved Barroco Arepa Bars in Lakewood and Westlake, they have assembled a concise but compelling menu of traditional tacos that represent a nice selection of regional classics at Hola Tacos. Al pastor tacos are made “al trompo,” with thin-sliced pork carved from a rotating spit and garnished with pineapple, onions and cilantro. Cochinita pibil tacos consist of slow-roasted adobo-marinated pork capped with pickled red onion. Coal-fired steak is at the heart of the carne asada tacos and roasted cauliflower serves as the filling for a vegetarian selection. Credit: Scene Archives
L’Albatros 11401 Bellflower Rd., Cleveland If we had to pick one restaurant patio on which to pitch a tent all summer long, it would be this one. Zack Bruell’s timeless French brasserie has anchored University Circle’s dining scene for 15 years thanks to a combination of exceptional food and top-flight service. Transplant those key features into an impeccable garden setting and you create a regional destination like L’Albatros. You can find us at the small but well-stocked outdoor bar knocking back glasses of chilly Sancerre while we decide between the mussels frites and roasted cod. Credit: Photo Provided
The Van Aken District 3401 Tuttle Rd., Shaker Heights Once again, the Van Aken District has converted a portion of the area’s main thoroughfare, Tuttle Road, into a turf-lined pedestrian-only seating area. The sun-soaked outdoor space functions as the patio for Market Hall eateries like Banter, On the Rise, Domo Yakitori, Scorpacciata and Lox, Stock and Brisket. And because the lane is a Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area, diners can stroll with alcoholic beverages purchased at Craft Collective. Throughout the season, the site also plays host to farmers’ markets, makers’ markets and live entertainment. Credit: Scene Archives
Larder 1455 West 29th St., Cleveland In late April, the James Beard Foundation announced the nominees for its Media Awards, which includes Book, Broadcast Media and Journalism. Chef Jeremy Umansky of Larder was on the list. His book, “Koji Alchemy: Rediscovering the Magic of Mold-Based Fermentation,” co-authored with Rich Shih, is up for an award in the Reference, History, and Scholarship category. In 2019, Umansky, along with partners Allie La Valle-Umansky and Kenny Scott, earned a semi-finalist spot in the Best New Restaurant category for Larder. Credit: Scene archives
La Dolce Vita 12112 Mayfield Rd., Cleveland Sitting on La Dolce Vita’s sidewalk patio and watching the neighborhood go by is one of summer’s most enduring and enjoyable pastimes. Owner Terry Tarantino holds court from this prime perch, doling out bon mots alongside delectable platters of sausage-stuffed peppers, cacio e pepe and chicken Marsala. Credit: Scene Archives
Guarino’s Restaurant 12309 Mayfield Rd., Cleveland Little Italy’s cutest secret patio hides behind Cleveland’s oldest restaurant. Around since the Woodrow Wilson administration, this timeless ristorante recently updated and enlarged the back garden to accommodate 100 guests. There, surrounded by blooming vines planted by Vincenzo Gaurino 75 years ago, guests enjoy hearty standards like lasagna, manicotti and veal saltimbocca. Credit: Scene Archives
Zanzibar Soul Fusion 13225 Shaker Square., Cleveland Zanzibar enjoys one of the roomiest and most appealing sidewalk patios on Shaker Square. Watch the trains go by while you dig into soulful Southern cuisine like fried green tomatoes, shrimp and grits, fried chicken and waffles and mac and cheese. When you’re trying to decide where to brunch, put this convivial spot at the top of the list. Credit: Scene Archives
Lindey’s Lake House 1146 Old River Rd., Cleveland Coastal Taco turned into Lindey’s Lake House. While the name may and concept may have changed, the ownership group is the same and they kept the same fun atmosphere starting daily at noon and there’s also good food for this joint in the East Bank of the Flats. Credit: Scene Archives
Local West 7402 Detroit Ave., Cleveland If you don’t live nearby, you might not be familiar with this exceptional sandwich shop. The combinations are inspired, the ingredients second to none and the portions border on aggressive. Out front is sun-soaked patio, where diners devour pressed Cubanos, salmon BLTs and one the city’s best Italian beef sammies. Credit: Scene Archives
Proof Bar-BQ 2258 Professor Ave., Cleveland One of Tremont’s newer patios also happens to be one of the neighborhood’s best-kept secrets. While Proof’s snazzy subterranean dining room is petite, the 100-seat piazza out back offers plenty of room to spread out under the stars. Where better than a backyard to rip into some smokey barbecue and top-shelf whiskey. A new chef and a refreshed menu have given Tremont’s only barbecue joint a lift going into summer. Diners can still bank on killer Texas-style ‘cue, but now can also look forward to some creative and seasonal specials. Credit: Courtesy Proof
Cozumel, Cleveland Heights Soon after Michael Herschman closed Mojo in Cleveland Heights, the owners of Cozumel came knocking. With eight locations across Northeast Ohio, Cozumel is one of the largest and best known local Mexican restaurant chains – but none of them are on the east side of town. The “essentially turnkey” property will open quickly – as soon as July. The owners will redo the restrooms and the bar, swap out all the furniture, paint the walls and a few more cosmetic tweaks. Down the road they will undertake some more significant renovations. When it does open, Cozumel fans can look forward to the same approachable, affordable and delicious Mexican and Tex-Mex-style fare, including quesadillas, tacos, burritos, enchiladas, fajitas and combination platters. Larger plates such as carne asada, crab and shrimp stuffed chimichangas, and camarones al mojo de ajo (garlic shrimp) are also on offer. There’s a full bar with beer, wine, margaritas and top-shelf spirits. Credit: Scene Archives
Nano Brew 1859 West 25th St., Cleveland In 2013, Thrillist named this local brewery’s burger as one of the best 33 burgers in America. Pair one of Nano Brew’s award-winning burgers (or sliders) with any of their 24 draft beers — they’ve got you covered until 2:30 a.m. Photo via Scene Archives Credit: Scene Archives
Tavern of Little Italy 12117 Mayfield Road., Cleveland When TOLI opened seven years ago, it brought something new and different to the neighborhood. In place of another upscale Italian or Italian American trattoria is a casual pub serving approachable American foods like salads, burgers and flatbreads. TOLI also brought to the ‘hood great alley and rear patios that are a gift to alfresco diners. Credit: Courtesy Photo
Credit: Scene Archives
Indie 2038 East 4th St., Cleveland When Greenhouse Tavern closed, East 4th Street lost its only public rooftop bar. Now the restaurant is home to Indie, where owners Gabriel Zeller and Julie Mesenburg have buffed up the faded rooftop bar for a new generation. Enjoy frozen drinks and bar snacks while watching the action at street level. Credit: Scene Archives
The Harp 4408 Detroit Ave., Cleveland An Irish bar on steroids, the Harp isn’t just your corner joint with a few shamrocks on the wall. It boasts a large Irish-influenced menu and a spacious patio with a view of the lake and it opens daily at 11:30 a.m. (11 a.m on Sunday, closed on Monday). The music’s as likely to be rootsy rock or blues as Irish. Credit: Scene Archives
1330 On The River 1330 Old River Rd., Cleveland This relevant newcomer to the Flats has reworked the former East End property into a stylish waterfront bistro a few steps off the beaten path. Head to the rear of the restaurant, where a small, tasteful patio offers views of the river and enjoy dishes like bacon-wrapped figs, pesto chicken sandwiches and grilled lamb chops with Brussels. Credit: Scene Archives
Academy Tavern 12800 Larchmere Ave., Cleveland The Academy Tavern has been serving “food and liquor since 1939.” This old-school saloon is where locals start their night with a burger and a beer or end it with a dozen wings and a boilermaker. And when the weather finally changes over, everybody takes the footloose action out back where the party goes until close. Credit: Scene Archives
Velvet Tango Room 2095 Columbus Rd., Cleveland For many years, the English-style garden patio behind Velvet Tango Room was reserved for the privileged few who managed to gain access to the famous “back room.” These days, any group can enjoy the ivy-covered space with its own mini putting green simply by making a reservation. During the week, all guests are invited to take their cocktails back to that charming urban allotment. Credit: Scene Archives
Nora 2181 Murray Hill Rd., Cleveland This corner bistro has been home to Little Italy stalwarts like Salvatore’s and Il Bacio, but Nora is giving those classics a run for their money thanks to fresh ingredients and inspired cooking. In season, the trim and stylish dining room is complemented by a charming sidewalk patio that looks out to the red-bricked road that is Murray Hill. Credit: Scene Archives
Acqua Di Luca 500 West St. Clair Ave., Cleveland One of Cleveland’s most compelling new seafood-focused restaurants also happens to boast one of downtown’s best patios. After a complete transformation of the former XO Steaks interior, the owners moved on to the outdoors. Less of a sidewalk patio than a tasteful extension of the dining room, this stylish wraparound porch in the heart of the Warehouse District is alfresco dining at its finest. Credit: Emanuel Wallace
Chez Francois 555 Main St., Vermilion Picture yourself easing into the slips next to this rightly famous bistro in your freshly varnished runabout. The Vermilion River serves as an elegant backdrop for a stellar meal starring the same fine French food as indoors, but in a more casual and informal environment. Leave the jacket and tie at home and savor the good life. Credit: Scene Archives
Sasa 13120 Shaker Square., Cleveland For 20 years, sushi lovers have been following chef Scott Kim around town to enjoy his deft take on Japanese cuisine. This lively and eclectic izakaya on Shaker Square offers a delightful and unconventional mix of sushi, sashimi, rolls, small plates and noodle bowls. This might be the only place in town where a diner can sit outside and grill tender pieces of beef tenderloin over a searing-hot rock. Credit: Scene Archives
Rocky River Wine Bar 1313 Linda St., Rocky River Like a fine wine, this Rocky River hideaway continues to improve with age. In warm weather or cold, crowds descend upon this seasoned wine bar – and for good reason. The small plates and wine pours transform a simple happy hour meetup into a festive occasion. Better still, take that party outdoors to the rambling patio that boasts genuine wine-country appeal. Credit: Scene Archives
Lakewood Truck Park 16900 Detroit Ave., Lakewood Five years in the making, Lakewood Truck Park finally opened last summer, just in time to take advantage of alfresco social-distance partying, starting daily at 11 a.m. The 12,000-square-foot property features two bars, a rotating selection of food trucks and plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. Fun events like yoga, cornhole tourneys and Tiki Tuesday with live steel-drum music keep the vibe lively and beverages flowing. Credit: Scene Archives
All Saints Public House 1261 West 76th St., Cleveland All Saints inherited one of Cleveland’s most celebrated patios and managed to improve almost every aspect of it. Beneath a canopy of mature trees lies a picturesque landscape with an outdoor bar, water features and comfortable furniture. The menu is loaded with well-built items like Cubanos, beer-battered fish and chips and double-bone pork chops. Credit: Scene Archives
Mason’s Creamery 4401 Bridge Ave., Cleveland Season 35, Episode 10 Mason’s Creamery makes small batches of ice cream and rotates through flavors, so the more you visit, the more you can try. And no matter the specific flavors in stock, they always make sure to have vegan options. And don’t forget to check out their ramen during the winter months. Credit: Scene Archives
Astoria Market and Cafe 5417 Detroit Ave., Cleveland Astoria opens at 11 a.m. (10 a.m. on weekends!) and serves up excellent tapas AND has a great market, but the crowning jewel is their wine and cocktails menu. Credit: Scene Archives
The Spotted Owl 710 Jefferson Ave., Cleveland Last year, Covid forced the temporary closure of Spotted Owl as we knew it, but it birthed an entirely new alfresco experience dubbed Twin Palms. This year, cocktail lovers will be getting a “best of both worlds” situation. The spacious brick wall-ensconced greenspace home to Twin Palms will be open to guests once again, but so too will the celebrated cocktail bar. This summer, visitors can order what they want and drink it where they want. Credit: Heidi M. Rolf
The Tavern Company 2299 Lee Rd., Cleveland Heights About 15 years ago, when this property still was home to the Colony, owner Jim Brennan converted a row of brick garages behind the tavern into an indoor-outdoor bar with attached patio. These days, that spacious and secluded patio is as busy as ever thanks to an elevated pub menu, neighborly service and a shared history that unites an entire community. Credit: Scene Archives
Toast 1365 West 65th Street., Cleveland Don’t look to Toast to supply the neighborhood’s largest or most glamorous patio. But size doesn’t matter when it comes to pleasure, which is dished up in the form of exceptional cocktails, interesting wines and a menu just large enough to scratch most itches. Credit: Scene Archives
Dinerbar on Clifton 11801 Clifton Blvd., Lakewood We never expected to recover from the loss of the Diner on Clifton, but owner Perry Drosos pulled a rabbit out of the hat with Dinerbar. This gleaming “modern American diner” just steps from the original is better in all regards. Key new features include a full bar, updated menu and tidy front patio on which to enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner classics. Credit: Courtesy Dinerbar on Clifton
Flight Cleveland 5712 Detroit Ave., Cleveland It’s officially rose season, and when it comes to exploring the fresh crop of summer sippers, there are few better places than Flight. Located in buzzy Gordon Square, this generously proportioned patio is a welcoming perch to sip varietals from around the globe. Order a flight, find a new favorite, and buy a bottle to go. Credit: Provided by Restaurant

For 25 years, Douglas Trattner has worked as a full-time freelance writer, editor and author. His work as co-author on Michael Symon's cookbooks have earned him four New York Times Best-Selling Author honors, while his longstanding role as Scene dining editor has garnered awards of its own.