CLEVELAND, Ohio -- In Greater Cleveland, our waterfronts are one of our greatest assets. Whether we're stand-up paddling on Lake Erie, kayaking on the Cuyahoga River or watching freighters glide by, every day we're finding more and more ways to soak up the views. That includes dining out.
While there are certainly plenty of patios to give the full breezy experience -- and by all means, we take advantage of our warmer days -- it doesn't mean we can't indulge in the spectacular sights all year long. Consider the frozen sights of winter from the expansive windows of Pier W or cozying up around the fire pits of Merwin's Wharf as summer turns to fall.
The renovation of the Flats has offered a front-row seat to some of the best new ways to experience dining on the water, but we also have classic standbys along creeks and overlooking canals and rushing falls. This is your guide to some of the best restaurant that are serving up scenery as good as their food.
ALLEY CAT OYSTER BAR (1056 Old River Rd., Cleveland, 216-574-9999, alleycatoysterbar.com)
Fresh oysters lend themselves to a breezy, waterfront view, and it's a seamless mix in the hands of Cleveland restaurateur Zack Bruell. This seafood destination is a sprawling, two-story restaurant with seasonal open-air dining. Even in the chillier months, it offers an industrial chic interior to complement its Flats surroundings. Perhaps lesser known is Alley Cat's extensive wine list, along with a co*cktail menu, to accompany the medley of walleye, bass, crab cakes, mussels and more.
COASTAL TACO BAR AND CHILL (1146 Old River Rd., Cleveland, 216-727-0158, coastaltacobar.com)
Of course, a bodega-inspired taco shack belongs along the waves, and the East Bank of the Flats' Coastal Taco is all about sharing the beachy experience with friends. There's already a shared love of tacos throughout Cleveland, so why not take it up a notch? Not only are tacos served communal-style here, they like to put the emphasis on play. Step out on the patio and you'll find games like hacky sack and giant Jenga.
CHEZ FRANCOIS(555 Main St., Vermilion, 440-967-0630, chezfrancois.com)
Long known as one of the great destinations for fine dining in Northeast Ohio, Chez Francois offers waterside dining with sophistication. Wine dinners and prix fix menus are a specialty here, along with elevated, seasonal a la carte fare. The Vermilion Public Boat docks are right next to its most casual Riverfront Cafe, where you can drift in and enjoy a meal.
THE HARP (4408 Detroit Ave., Cleveland, 216-939-0200, the-harp.com)
The view from this Irish pub may be a bit more industrial, but it's a quintessential Cleveland patio to experience watching the sun lower over the city. Pair that with a pint, and you have an easygoing place to unwind over a Shepherd's Pie and boxty. It may be situated along Detroit Shoreway, but everyone's a little bit Irish at the Harp.
JEKYLL'S KITCHEN (17 River St., Chagrin Falls, 440-893-0797, jekyllskitchen.com)
Visitors come from all over to experience the falls in the picturesque town of Chagrin Falls. Among its old-fashioned appeal is Jekyll's, where dinner overlooking the rushing water is part of its antiquated charm. Shop the boutiques and take in the quaint surroundings, then revel in the warmth of equally delightful service and broad-ranging menu.
LOCKKEEPERS (8001 Rockside Rd., Valley View, 216-524-9404, lockkeepers.com)
Relaxed sophistication defines this elegant eatery. With a wrap-around patio overlooking the historic Ohio and Erie Canal, indulging in al fresco is made for sharing a bottle of wine and warm weather. Among the greenery, dine on fresh, house-made pasta and Italian cuisine with inspired seasonal twists.
MERWIN'S WHARF (1785 Merwin Ave., Cleveland, 216-664-5696, clevelandmetroparks.com/Merwins-Wharf/Merwins-Wharf1.aspx)
To some, waterfront dining in Cleveland is an activity assigned solely to the summer months and a few stray spring and fall days when the temperature is just right. Not so, say the outdoorsy types at the Cleveland Metroparks. Their riverside eatery is equipped with fire-pits and heaters on the patio so you can cozy up with hearty, elevated pub fare past your average patio season. That patio scenery is a draw, but so are its surroundings. Located directly between Crooked River Skatepark, where you'll see kickflips and ollies under the bridge, and Heart Crane Memorial Park, where sculptures honor the late Northeast Ohio-born poet, it's one of the most distinctly Cleveland corners of the city.
NUEVO (1000 E 9th St., Cleveland, 216-737-1000, cleveland.nuevomodmex.com)
Nuevo made quite a splash at its first location in the heart of Akron, and the home of its newest outpost on the East 9th St. pier poises the Mexican restaurant to make just as big of an impression. Filling two stories, including an upper-deck patio, the upbeat Nuevo serves up fun, casual fare for an atmosphere that's as suited for a lakeside happy hour as it is a family day out.
ON TAP GRILLE(562 Portage Lakes Dr., Akron, 330-644-1664, ontapgrille.com)
Take a seat on the wooden deck patio next to docked boats and crack a summery ale. The beachy vibe here seems absolutely made for flip flops and frozen drinks at the height of summer. For shared snacks and filling pub fare, the old standards are all here: wings, creatively-topped burgers, sandwiches and wraps and their specialty fish tacos.
PICKLE BILL'S(101 River St., Grand River, 440-352-6343, picklebills.com)
Beachside kitsch down to a swing-set bar and colorful, Margaritaville-meets-tiki bar novelty is abound at Pickle Bill's, the delightfully quirky Grand River seafood shack. Nibble on Bill's famous deep-fried pickles and dive into lobster, shrimp and surf and turf platters.
PIER W (12700 Lake Ave., Lakewood, 216-228-2250, pierw.com)
The ever-elegant Pier W is timeless. For 50 years, its name has been synonymous with its view as much as its fresh, sustainable seafood cuisine. The waterside and downtown panoramas are its trademark, and only add to its sleek, sophisticated ambience. Though it may be one of the city's most coveted destinations for special occasions and romances, it also boasts a smashing happy hour and surprisingly eclectic brunch spread. The addition of its patio adds even more wave-crashing panache.
THE RUSTY ANCHOR (148 Main Ave #200, Cleveland, 216-242-1250, rustyanchorcle.com)
For those who like their rock with a side of lobster, the Rusty Anchor is home to the best of both worlds. As the dining companion to concert venue Music Box Supper Club, Rusty Anchor has a full menu of seafood to accompany the sounds of traveling acts. Linger outside on the patio overlooking the Cuyahoga River while sipping music-themed co*cktails. The "Honey in a Bucket" beverage is inspired by local bluegrass band Honeybucket and the "Tickled Pink" is a rum-filled tribute to local group Lounge Kitty.
SHOOTERS ON THE WATER (1148 Main Ave., Cleveland, 216-861-6900, shootersflats.com)
Time to let loose. This long-standing high-energy Flats destination is all about chasing sunshine and chasing shots. Even for a more laid-back day, the vibe here is all about relaxing and living up the summer. Of course, the party goes on all year round. This is Cleveland, after all - we don't let a bit of snow spoil our fun, and certainly never our libations.
TINKERS CREEK TAVERN (4000 Tinkers Creek Rd., Walton Hills,216-642-3900, tinkerstavern.com)
You don't have to be feeling adventurous to spend the day dining next to the rushing water at Tinkers Creek Tavern. Whether you're out for a hike or just looking to grab a bite, this cozy, comfort food-filled restaurant in Cuyahoga Valley National Park is a respite nestled in the woods. It's an escape for anyone looking to tune out and unplug from the bustle of the city and surround themselves with the natural world.
WHISKEY ISLAND STILL & EATERY (2800 Whiskey Is., Cleveland, 216-631-1800, whiskeyislandstillandeatery.net)
Boats, beach volleyball and brews. It seems Whiskey Island's summery hangout has it all. The open-air restaurant can be a bit tucked away for the unacquainted, but it's well-worth worth seeking out. Watch the sunset over the lake while noshing on casual eats and flowing drinks with friends around picnic tables.
(777 Cahoon Rd., Westlake, 440-835-3090, white-oaks.com)
Resting creekside among its wooden surroundings, this tranquil and romantic restaurant emanates warmth. With its boozy Prohibition-era history, White Oaks has a legacy in Cleveland that began when it opened its doors in 1928. It retails its old school allure, with a fireplace and wall of windows overlooking the water.
If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.
