If you need to go out to eat and drink during the pandemic, experts recommend you at least do it outside to mitigate the risk of contracting COVID-19. Well, who eats outside in the middle of a Cleveland winter? Lucky for those that want to brave the elements and the virus, these restaurants and bars have adjusted by adding heaters, igloos, tents and more to keep Clevelanders warm throughout the winter. (Just be mindful that infectious disease experts warn of a false sense of security when outdoor setups begin resembling indoor setups with four walls and inadequate air flow.)
Jukebox
1404 West 29th St., Cleveland
A music-themed neighborhood bar in the Rock N’ Roll capital? Sounds like the perfect spot and that’s what this Hingetown haunt is. The warm, brick-lined space features industrial lighting fixtures, rock and roll themed art and decorations, and the namesake jukebox, a 100-CD version stuffed with various Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inducted musicians, beginning in the ’50s and running clear through modern indie rock and hip-hop. Jukebox has added 800 square feet of covered patio to keep us warm through the cold months
Photo via @JukeboxCle/InstagramLakewood Truck Park
16900 Detroit Ave., Lakewood
Located at the corner of Detroit and Edwards, this spacious lot is now officially home to a year-round courtyard coupled with an indoor bar, rotating food trucks and al fresco entertainment. The outdoor venue could not come at a better time for consumers, who desire to be outside as much as possible, even in the winter season.
Photo by Anisa RrapajLuxe Kitchen & Lounge
6605 Detroit Ave., Cleveland
Before there was Toast, Brewnuts, Spice, Astoria, XYZ Tavern and sweet, Sweet Moses there was Luxe Kitchen, an early speculator in the then up-and-coming neighborhood of Detroit Shoreway. When it opened 15 years ago, the oh-so-haute bistro joined area mainstays like Rincon Criollo, Happy Dog, Latitude 41 and Gypsy Beans, which perhaps was the first piece on the chessboard of this so-called urban renaissance. Today, guests can expect great chef-driven food, fun drinks and amazing service.
Photo by Emanuel WallaceThe Fairmount
2448 Fairmount Blvd., Cleveland Heights
Located in the Cedar Hill neighborhood, the Fairmount takes pub food to the next level. With a warm and lively atmosphere and one of the best patios in town, you’re missing out if you haven’t been. They don’t have igloos but they do have a bunch of space heaters.
Photo via The Fairmount Cleveland/FacebookThe Rustic Grill
1 Club Dr., Highland Heights
At Stonewater Golf Club in Highland Heights, their upscale bar and grill has four heated igloos to warm up in this winter. Enjoy a cold beer and a hot burger while staying warm in the igloo.
Photo via @TheRusticGrill/InstagramThe South Side
2207 West 11th St., Cleveland
Casually hip and artfully unpretentious, this clubby Tremont tavern offers good food, cold beer, stylish surroundings and frequent appearances by local bands and DJs. And if all that isn’t reason enough to visit, remember that during warm weather, the handsomely landscaped patio is one of the coolest destinations in town and they now have igloos to enjoy it in the winter as well.
Photo via @TheSouthSideCleveland/InstagramPlatform Beer Co.
3506 Vega Ave., Cleveland
The Ohio City-based brewery owned by Justin Carson and Paul Benner debuted with a wee 3-barrel system in the summer of 2014. Six months later the team upgraded to its current 10-barrel system, supported by a battery of new 15-barrel fermentation and conditioning tanks. It’s a microbrewery that feels like a bar you just want to chill at for hours, especially now that they added some heated igloos in addition to their heated shipping containers.
Photo via Scene Archives17 River Grille
17 River St., Chagrin Falls
Rick Doody, the founder of Bravo and Brio, took over the space that was formerly Jekyll’s in Chagrin Falls and knocked it out of the park The concept is similar to Doody’s Cedar Creek Grille, with upscale modern American food with a comparable price point, but not a straightforward copy. Located on the Chagrin Falls, you can stay warm with their heaters on their gorgeous patio while overlooking one of the more picturesque views of any restaurant in town.
Photo via 17 River GrilleSixth City Sailor Club
668 Euclid Ave., Cleveland
The Euclid Avenue space that was formerly Hodge’s and before that Zinc Bistro was recently claimed by the team behind East Fourth’s Society Lounge. Sixth City Sailor’s Club, a downtown neighborhood cocktail bar, opened this August. The concept takes advantage of the wonderful courtyard patio that for years has served as a gathering space for downtown residents and workers. For a concept described as “bar first and restaurant second,” Sixth City boasts a menu that is far better than it needs to be. The captivating roster reads like a beachside table tent. Shrimp fritters, fried clams, clam chowder and lobster rolls will have diners reflexively reaching for bibs and lemon wedges.
Photo via Sixth City Sailors Club/FacebookThyme X Table
583 Dover Center Rd., Bay Village
Since opening at the tail end of April, the modestly proportioned bistro has been at the top of the dance card for many residents of this placid lakeside suburb. With space heaters and a covered patio, you’ll stay relatively warm here. Chef-owner Michael Smith appears to have captured the curiosity and support of the community with his spiffed-up tavern concept, where the menu trades ambitious for approachable at nearly every turn.
Photo via @ThymeXTable/Instagram16-Bit Bar+Arcade
15012 Detroit Ave., Lakewood
Grab a beer at the bar and unleash your 13-year old self by heading to 16-Bit in Lakewood. Whether it’s Burger Time, NBA Jam or Off Road, there’s an arcade game there that will bring you and your partner back to childhood. “He’s On Fire!” And now you can warm up by the fire heaters on their patio.
Photo via @16BitBar/InstagramMerwin’s Wharf
1785 Merwin Ave., Cleveland
Unparalleled atmosphere paired with discounted wine, cocktails, and appetizers. Everyone rave about the sights, the sounds and the ambiance. Everything from couches in front of a roaring fireplace and cocktail tables beneath strings of fairy lights, to their new heated igloos, to giant Jenga and cornhole, it’s enough to make you want to move in to this Metroparks run establishment.
Photo via @CleveMetroparks/InstagramMarket
1137 Linda St., Rocky River
Delicious, award-winning bloody marys? Check. Boozy brunch? Yep. A modern, well-thought out menu with something for everyone? That too. And now they’ve added two outdoor igloos to enjoy all of that in.
Photo via @MarketBeer/InstagramFelice Urban Cafe
12502 Larchmere Blvd., Cleveland
Set in a charming turn-of-the-century Craftsman-style home, the unique and eclectic eatery has grown to become one the most beloved spots in the neighborhood. During summer, diners flood the expansive patio and fill up the attractive carriage house, which was transformed into a farmhouse-chic bar. Come the colder months, the house swells like a wintertime beehive, with activity on the main floor with four-season patio, in the second-floor barroom, and in the chill attic lounge. And now they have igloos added to their patio. While there, guests enjoy wonderful cocktails and a menu filled with small plates and entrees with a decidedly Mediterranean bent.
Photo via @FeliceUrbanCafe/InstagramTaza
Multiple Locations
Another output from the owners of Aladdin’s, this local favorite, where kabobs are grilled over charcoal and you can watch warm pita bake in a Lebanese stone oven, makes you feel like you’ve been whisked away to the Middle East. An upscale, opulent decor adds a touch of authenticity to the proceedings, where colorful textiles offer a warm embrace. Hummus is spiked with spice, pita is fresh as can be, and a well-rounded mix of meze — items meant to be shared — is at the ready to bring the table together. With heaters on the patio, you can enjoy a meal all winter long.
Photo via @TazaLebaneseGrill/InstagramAstoria
5417 Detroit Ave., Cleveland
Astoria manages to put a smile on our faces morning, day or night. The retail market keeps our pantry flush with gourmet foods like imported cheeses, cured meats, olives and wine. The animated dining room is where we land for full meals of tender wine-poached octopus, veal and ricotta meatballs, pizzas, and grilled lamb chops. And now, they have a heated patio where it’s 75 degrees all the time to keep up with these COVID times.
Photo via Astoria Cafe and Market/FacebookBetts Restaurant
2000 East Ninth St., Cleveland
In March, the Kimpton Schofield Hotel in downtown Cleveland shuttered its restaurant Parker’s. It was replaced by Betts Restaurant, which now has some igloos in the heart of downtown to enjoy an outdoor meal this winter.
Photo via @EatAtBetts/InstagramToast
1365 West 65th Street., Cleveland
This lovely wine bar with some of the best wines and most creative, throwback cocktails in town is fully equipped with a heated patio for the winter. Oh, and the menu is damn good too. They have an Italian beef that rivals those found in Chicago and some tasty buffalo cauliflower and duck and beef meatballs.
Photo via @Toast Cle/FacebookRocky River Wine Bar
1313 Linda St., Rocky River
This small plate and wine bar establishment is a favorite amongst the Rocky River community. That’s even more the case now with their brand new chalets, which are heated. A glass of wine in a chalet? Sounds nice.
Photo via @RockyRiver WineBar/Instagram