CLEVELAND, Ohio — Greater Cleveland locals are lucky to live in an area with so much natural waterfront space from Lake Erie to the Cuyahoga River and beyond.
Northeast Ohioans also know that they have to make the most of the short summer season and enjoy being outside and by the water.
Thankfully, several Northeast Ohio restaurants and bars have incorporated waterfront patios for dining and drinking. Folks can relax and reconnect over a great meal with a rivaling view of the lake, rivers and even waterfalls. Here are 23 Greater Cleveland bars and restaurants with waterfront patios to check out this summer.
Nuevo Modern Mexican and Tequila Bar
1000 E. 9th St., Cleveland
Nuevo Modern Mexican downtown might be one of the best waterfront views in the area. The Mexican restaurant and tequila bar has an expansive patio overlooking North Coast Harbor with the Cleveland skyline in the background. Even if you don’t sit outside on the patio, it’s hard to miss the view from anywhere in the restaurant.
Pier W
12700 Lake Ave., Lakewood
When most people think of waterfront dining in Cleveland, Pier W is the first place that comes to mind. It’s been around since 1965, and the cruise ship-inspired decor of the interior only adds to the nautical element of the location. Plus, Pier W’s widely acclaimed seafood is some of the best in town, so it’s truly a place to enjoy everything the water offers.
Dano’s Lakeside Pub
4856 Coleman Dr., Akron
Dano’s Lakeside Pub offers lively outdoor patio seating at its Akron restaurant located right on the shore of Turkeyfoot Lake in Portage Lakes State Park. Customers arrive to Dano’s both by car and boat because of its accessibility to the water.
Shooters
1148 Main Ave. STE 4, Cleveland
Basically, the entire East and West Banks of the Flats is waterfront dining thanks to its location on the Cuyahoga River. Shooters is one classic bar and restaurant made for day drinking and enjoying live music. The waterfront cafe has been setting the tone for the summer seasons in the Flats since it opened in 1987, and this year will be no different.
Tinkers Creek Tavern
14000 Tinkers Creek Rd., Walton Hills
Tinkers Creek Tavern in Walton Hills offers a seasonal patio for dine-in customers to enjoy when the weather is nice. The patio is essentially located on the bank of Tinkers Creek, with the flowing water soundtracking diners’ relaxing dinners outside. Tinkers Creek Tavern’s menu includes options like beef sliders, tater kegs and build-your-own burgers.
Collison Bend Brewing Company
1250 Old River Rd., Cleveland
Collison Bend Brewing Company might have one of the most impressive waterfront patios on the Flats East Bank. The riverfront views are immaculate, with an outdoor bar and plenty of lounge space. Many boats even dock along the patio, allowing passengers to stop for a bite, which just makes the Cuyahoga River feel even more like an integral part of the restaurant’s vibe.
The Shipwreck Patio at The Shipyard
500 Shipyards Way, Lorain
Over in Lorain, The Shipwreck Patio at the Shipyard is a summer-ready patio on the Black River. The patio serves a seasonal menu and craft co*cktails in the outdoor space that’s glittered with umbrellas and picnic tables.
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Glamper
1052 Old River Rd., Cleveland
Glamper is a pop-up bar concept in the Flats that’s totally camp-themed, including its rooftop patio space. The bar is open during the weekends during the summer season, overlooking the Cuyahoga River. Glamper adds to its backyard barbecue concept by serving cold beer and grilled bites.
Music Box Supper Club
1148 Main St., Cleveland
Music Box Supper Club is another West Bank Flats location with an amazing indoor-outdoor patio concept on the river. The bar and restaurant hosts a wide variety of different events, from live music to magic shows. There’s always something going on at the Music Box and when the summer weather is at its peak, the environment just feels even more upbeat.
Merwin’s Wharf
1785 Merwin Ave., Cleveland
Merwin’s Wharf, the restaurant located at the Lakefront Reservation, is great for dining on the Cuyahoga River. The restaurant, thanks to its location in the Metroparks, feels extremely connected to the natural world. Sandwiches, salads, appetizers and more make out the approachable menu that offers something for everyone.
Pick’s at Portage Lakes
530 Portage Lakes Dr., Akron
Pick’s at Portage Lakes might be one of the most impressive waterfront dining spots in the area. The restaurant has four bars, more than 20 boat slips for docking and more, with ample outdoor seating to enjoy the view.
BrewDog Cleveland Outpost
1956 Carter Rd., Cleveland
BrewDog’s Cleveland location is in the heart of the city, located on the Cuyahoga River. The brewery and restaurant has both a huge indoor and outdoor facility. BrewDog’s patio area has a bar, seating, outdoor games and plenty of space for lively events.
Chez François
555 Main St., Vermillion
Chez Francois in Vermillion is a destination dining experience for many local foodies. The restaurant’s renovated Chez Riverfront Cafe featured a brick patio that can be enclosed with glass doors. The menu is the same as the inside restaurant with a few additional light options, and Chez Riverfront Cafe also has adjacent docks for boaters.
The Lakehouse
1146 Old River Rd., Cleveland
The Lakehouse is a Flats East Bank restaurant that took inspiration from its waterfront location to make a space that feels like a lakefront cottage. The expansive outdoor patio has a full bar, several tables and games for people to play while sipping on co*cktails. The seafood-heavy menu only adds to the way the restaurant makes you feel like you’re on vacation, even if you live right around the corner.
LockKeepers
8001 Rockside Rd., Valley View
LockKeepers is nestled in between the Erie Canal and the Cuyahoga River, and its patio offers amazing views of the water and the scenic Cuyahoga Valley. LockKeepers is a great date-night spot to enjoy upscale Italian and American cuisine with a view that rivals the food.
Alley Cat Oyster Bar
1056 Old River Rd., Cleveland
Alley Cat Oyster Bar in the Flats is a date-night destination. Its location overlooks the Cuyahoga River and is a great view for lively people-watching. Plus, the menu includes elevated co*cktails, plenty of oysters and other upscale plates for a delicious dinner in the clouds.
Bar 32
100 Lakeside Ave. E., Cleveland
Bar 32 is located on the 32nd floor of the Hilton Cleveland Downtown and its rooftop features premiere lake views that every Clevelander needs to experience. You can sip on a delicious co*cktail, snack on bites like shrimp ceviche and watch the sunset over the Cleveland Browns stadium.
Rum Runners
1085 Old River Rd., Cleveland
An additional option on the Flats East Bank for tiki co*cktails on the water is Rum Runners. Aside from a robust co*cktail menu from its outdoor bar to crowd-pleasing bar snacks, it’s an easy option that has something for everyone on the water.
E55 on the Lake
5555 N. Marginal Rd., Cleveland
E55 on the Lake is another patio option from the Metroparks in the Lakefront Reservation, on the opposite side of town from Merwin’s Wharf. It’s a casual spot for American bar staples best enjoyed while watching a sunset over Lake Erie.
17 River Grill
17 River St., Chagrin Falls
One of the best places to enjoy the scenic Chagrin River Falls is at 17 River Grill in town. The classic American restaurant serves brunch, lunch and dinner on its picturesque patio.
Margaritaville
1150 Front Ave., Cleveland
Margaritaville is the final Flats East Bank bar and restaurant on our list that has a rooftop worth visiting. Dubbed the Landshark Rooftop Bar, the terrace area makes you feel like you’re chilling at the beach with a perfect view of Lake Erie. The vibes are amplified even more if you’re sipping on a frozen margarita while wearing a Hawaiian shirt while you’re hanging out up there.
Summer Place
12900 Lake Ave. Unit 2, Lakewood
Summer Place takes its name seriously. The lakeside restaurant feels like a vacation right in Lakewood. Menu items like grilled oysters, caviar-topped deviled eggs and Maryland blue crab dip add to the vibe.
1330 on the River
1330 Old River Rd., Cleveland
1330 on the River is a part of the Flats waterfront dining roster on the East Bank. The restaurant has a huge terraced patio overlooking the Cuyahoga River to enjoy delicious bites and co*cktails in a shady space.
Alex Darus writes about food, dining and drinking for Cleveland.com, check out her latest posts here. You can reach her with story ideas at adarus@cleveland.com. Follow her on Instagram @alex_darus.
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