11 Public Places to Eat Lunch in Cleveland

PERK PLAZA

E 12th Street and Walnut Avenue (Downtown)

Perk Plaza is the perfect place for an afternoon pick-me-up. Benches are scattered across the area, and tables and chairs for an outdoor meal line the square park. The area also beckons lunch-goers by hosting Walnut Wednesdays during the summer, when a food truck armada gathers to feed locals and tourists alike.
(Photo courtesy Emanuel Wallace)

MARKET SQUARE PARK

Market Avenue (Ohio City)

Adjoined to Cleveland’s Westside Market and host to the bi-monthly vendor festival “Open Air in Market Square,” Market Square Park is ideal for the luncher who enjoys some hustle and bustle with a meal. Always active, Market Square has several outdoor eating areas as well as a dining area inside Westside Market. It offers an eclectic vibe that is quintessentially Cleveland.
(Photo courtesy of Instagram user @jhootman113)

PROGRESSIVE FIELD

2401 Ontario Street (Downtown)

Home of the Cleveland Indians, Progressive Field is known by many for packing in fans on game day. However, the field also accommodates foodies with its complimentary picnic tables outside its gates. Whether its to indulge in some pre-game snacks or to catch a quick break from work, Progressive Field provides a city view and a light atmosphere for diners.
(Photo courtesy of Alaina Nutile)

THE ARCADE

401 Euclid Avenue (Downtown)

Nestled in the heart of Cleveland, the old Arcade is within walking distance of nearly anywhere a person would want to go. Its prime location and eye-popping architecture make the Arcade a great spot for an indoor lunch-time experience. Though it does often plenty of restaurant options, it’s also perfect for those sack-lunch days. It offers a massive seating area for dining on a dreary day or for a throwback to the 1890s.
(Photo courtesy of Flickr user Rick Harris)

CLEVELAND PUBLIC LIBRARY COURTYARD

325 Superior Avenue (Downtown)

Cleveland’s public library is a pretty big deal. Centrally located and designed with the classical Renaissance in mind, the library is both an attraction and a history lesson. Adding even more value to the already priceless landmark, the library’s courtyard regales Clevelanders with plenty of seating for a lunch outside. It even comes equipped with a reading “nest” designed by artist Mark Reigelman, fitting for the intellectual in all of us.
(Photo courtesy of Flickr user designmilk)

ROCKEFELLER PARK'S CULTURAL GARDENS

750 E 88th Street (East Side)

(Photo courtesy of Flickr user dchrisoh)

EDGEWATER BEACH

Between Memorial Shoreway and Lake Erie (West Side)

At the base of Edgewater Park sits Edgewater Beach, ideal for diners looking for an escape from the typical Cleveland views. Here, lunchgoers can trade the trees and architecture for sand and waves as the beach looks onto Lake Erie. Though swimming and sunning is an option, the beach also provides picnic tables and benches for quick eaters who don’t prefer getting sand in their shoes.
(Photo courtesy of Flickr user Christa Lohman)

WENDY PARK

Whiskey Island (West Side)

While Whiskey Island is known for its event venue and marina, it’s also home to one of Cleveland’s best kept secrets. Wendy Park is open to the public and is located on the island. Its sporting areas and open fields make it perfect for dog walks or quick games of volleyball. Its benches and resting areas also make it perfect for lakefront lunches and some sunny conversation.
(Photo courtesy of Flickr user Stu Spivak)

WATERLOO SCULPTURE GARDEN

16010 Waterloo Road (East Side)

Waterloo Sculpture Garden is a hotspot for casual diners who enjoy taking a meal with some artsy flare. The garden, chockful of flowers and outdoor art, provides breezy walkways and tucked-away tables and benches for perspective snackers. The garden is free and open to the public. The only thing it asks is to keep food off the sculptures.
(Photo courtesy of Waterloo Sculpture Garden)

BIG CREEK

4101 Fulton Parkway (West Side)

The 175-acre Big Creek Reservation is lauded for its scenic hiking routes and prime fishing spots. However, the lakeside trail is also the home of several picnicking locations suited for anyone who wants a little wildlife on their lunchbreak.
(Photo courtesy of Instagram user @emilykquintero)