**Related Video Above: In case you’d like to make summer foods on your own hidden patio (aka your back yard), see above
CLEVELAND (WJW) — You can’t see these patios from the road. They’re high in the sky or tucked out back or just off the beaten path. These are the Northeast Ohio patios you may have heard whispered about at parties or discovered one day while walking through your neighborhood. They’re out in the open, but hidden all the same.
Yes, with Ohioans taking their (limited) patio season so seriously, we wanted to compile a list of gems you need to be checking out this summer with your favorite people. Some are high-end restaurant patios, some are bars or breweries.
It’s only a smattering of spots of course. We highly recommend getting out and exploring and finding your own gems to add to this list.
Take a look below:
Academy Tavern
12800 Larchmere Blvd., Cleveland; 216-229-1171
One of the longest running bars in Cleveland period, this eastside spot offers not only an incredibly homey inside, they also have a lovely patio that offers up a somewhat secluded feel from the outside world. While there, order a burger or side of wings. Stay awhile.
All Saints Public House
1261 W. 76th St., Cleveland; 216-675-0028
A patio like this, tucked away in the Battery Park neighborhood, is going to fill up quickly on a gorgeous evening. Plan accordingly and get there early. You’ll experience a bougie terrace-like space with fun co*cktails to go along.
Bar 32
Hilton Cleveland Downtown, 100 Lakeside Ave. E.; 216-413-5000
That view, man, that view. Here you’re getting a glorious look at Lake Erie and all that comes along with it (including the wind). The space is located on the 32nd floor of the downtown Hilton, offering late-night food until 11 p.m. They do not take reservations, but do offer delicious drinks.
Carney’s Top of the Flats
1329 Washington Ave., Cleveland; 216-273-0731
It’s a small space sandwiched between brick and the sky. You won’t find chandeliers or the fanciest of co*cktails, but there is something unquantifiable about this space at this Irish bar, situated, as the name suggests, at the top of the Flats West Bank. Sometimes there’s music, and sometimes people just chatting around a small fire.
The Fairmount
2448 Fairmount Blvd., Cleveland Heights; 216-229-9463
Tucked in behind the Cedar Fairmount neighborhood bar, when the patio finally opens for the summer season (and heat lamps are no longer needed) it’s like stumbling upon an oasis with bar and table seating. The house-made ginger beer is not to be missed here.
Garden of Eden
Metropolitan at the 9, 2017 E. 9th St., Cleveland; 216-313-8810
Rooftop bars in downtown Cleveland come with their own connotation, but this one isn’t just for late-night revelers. Instead, this bar at the top of the 9 feels fancy, but not over-the-top. A must-stop to impress your friends from out of town.
Guarino’s
12309 Mayfield Rd., Cleveland; 216-231-3100
When it’s time to get that old-school Italian food fix and you’re going out to Little Italy, you’d be remiss to not consider the Guarino’s back patio. It feels like your grandparents’ backyard, but packed in with a lot more tables. The place has been running for more than 100 years, they must know what they’re doing.
Johnny’s on Fulton
3164 Fulton Rd., Cleveland; 216-281-0055
Not to be confused with Johnny’s downtown, this classic white tablecloth restaurant in the Clark-Fulton neighborhood offers up all the American standard favorites and has done so for decades. But on the patio, on a beautiful summer’s night, it somehow all feels like a breath of fresh air.
Jukebox
1404 W. 29th St., Cleveland; 216-206-7699
It’s a Hingetown spot where all are welcome, plus, they have pierogis. The patio out back offers covered seating and a couple of yard games. Perfect for you and all your nearest and dearest. The respect of good music should also bring you through the door.
The Lake House Kitchen
7508 OH-43, Kent; 330-678-8946
A lake view without the bigness of Lake Erie. Nestled right on the side of East Lake, the former Twin Lakes Tavern spot is still here as a relaxed neighborhood bar, but the food (seafood forward) is more elevated. Is there anything better than sipping on a Sangria, or beverage of your choice, on a secluded lakeside patio during sunset?
Missing Mountain Brewing Co.
2811 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls; 234-706-2212
From Front Street, you wouldn’t know about the large, overhanging patio in the back looking out on the Cuyahoga River. Perfect for enjoying a cold, tasty beer on a warm summer’s eve. Also, being a brewery, the spot is family-friendly as well.
Nano Brew
1859 W. 25th St., Cleveland, 216-862-6631
There are quite a few patios on West 25th Street to choose from. This one, though, seems somehow more quiet than the others, offering shade, multiple stories and a mighty good beer selection.
Poppy
12502 Larchmere Blvd., Cleveland; 216-415-5069
As this restaurant (brought to you by the people behind Salt in Lakewood) is located in a 100-year-plus-old house, the patio has no choice but to feel like someone’s backyard. Eat well and drink well here, all while enjoying the night sky.
Red the Steakhouse (downtown)
417 Prospect Ave. E., Cleveland; 216-664-0941
You’re downtown about to go to a show, or a concert, or maybe it’s just a night out with the one you like most, and you think maybe you want a steak, but also you want to be on top of the city? That’s what the Red’s downtown rooftop patio is all about.
Sarah’s Vineyard
1204 W Steels Corners Rd, Cuyahoga Falls: 330-929-8057
On your way to a concert at Blossom? Sarah’s Vineyard and its vast outdoor area is here to help with those in need of a little wine. The pizzas are also a must-order to help wash it all down with. It doesn’t quite feel like Napa Valley here, but it sure is beautiful.
Tinkers Creek Tavern
14000 Tinkers Creek Rd, Walton Hills; 216-642-3900
In the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, this tucked-in tavern offers a patio that seems to be nearly on top of the creek. It’s almost like picnicking after hiking to a secluded hideaway, except you didn’t have to pack anything or cook.
Honorable mentions:
This list could go on and on. Here are some other gems — Porco lounge & Tiki Room, Gervasi Vineyard, Prosperity Social Club, Forest City Brewery and L’Albatros.
Last thing
Service industry employees who are keeping you fed and watered on the patio are worthy of your support and patience. Tip well, and be as understanding as possible. Happy dining.
