Sidewalk seating can be hit or miss, depending on the sidewalk in question, naturally. But there's something authentic and pleasant about the sidewalk patio at Le Petit Triangle Café — it just feels so European. This quaint assemblage of red bistro seating makes a natural setting to enjoy a savory crêpe and a glass of wine.
Eat: Ham and brie crepe
Drink: Prosecco
1881 Fulton Rd., 216-281-1881,
Thanks to a long and storied history, Players on Madison has built one of the largest and most loyal fan bases on the West Side. So consider it a sort of thank you when after two decades, the restaurant finally installed a patio. The sun-dappled space might not be huge, but it is tasteful, and a pergola offers protection from the blazing sun.
Eat: Patio garden pizza
Drink: Domaine Drouhin pinot noir
14523 Madison Ave., 216-226-5200
Boasting both covered and open-air seating, Market's generously sized patio has you covered rain or shine. Good beer, hearty comfort food, and a festive fire pit round out the amenities of this popular Rocky River spot.
Eat: Ribeye Philly
Drink: Dogfish Head 60 Minute IPA
1137 Linda St., 440-799-4292
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.
Eat: Adobo-braised wild boar taquitos
Drink: Cucumber margarita
1835 Fulton Rd., 216-694-2122
Countless restaurant owners have been seduced by this welcoming front patio on Clifton Boulevard. But where (many) others have failed, Clifton Martini and Wine Bar is thriving. This likeable wine bar inherited one of the roomiest and most beloved verandas on the West Side and is making the most of it.
Eat: Chocolate 'Confusion' Cake
Drink: Old vine zinfandel
10427 Clifton Blvd., 216-965-0221
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.
Eat: Chicken quesadilla
Drink: PBR
2800 Whiskey Island, sunset-grille.net
