TThe weather is getting warmer, and that means one big thing on Ohio’s North Shore: patio season! All the best restaurants with patios, decks, or porches are taking down their umbrellas, extending their awnings, and putting up string lights to welcome the outdoor dining season.
Enjoy as we tour several local favorite patios.
On the islands
The Backyard at Frosty Bar, Put-in-Bay – The Backyard is an outdoor venue that features fresh fruit margaritas and specialty cocktails as well as the famous Frosty Pizza. The Backyard also features Big Man's Burrito Stand, an outdoor concession featuring burritos, tacos and nachos, all made with fresh ingredients.
The Boardwalk, Put-in-Bay – On the Boardwalk’s main deck and at Rita’s Cantina, you’ll find a variety of concession restaurants with ample seating on a huge outdoor terrace overlooking the bay with views of Gibraltar Island and Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial. With a variety of concessions, there’s something for everyone, including the Boardwalk’s famous lobster bisque.
Chicken Patio, Put-in-Bay – The fragrant aroma of grilled chicken wafts through the island air as you stroll through the downtown area. That delicious smell? The grill masters cook at Chicken Patio, famous for its wine-washed barbecue chicken. With “patio” in its name, the venue across from the Historic Park Hotel and adjacent to the famed Round House Bar has been serving dinners made with a secret recipe for over 65 years.
The Goat, Soup and Whiskey, Put-in-Bay – This small chain (with additional locations in Colorado and St. Croix) offers farm-to-table recipes on a lovely covered porch overlooking the restaurant’s herb garden. You can also opt to enjoy a beer in the outdoor biergarten.
Hazard's Microbrewery and Restaurant, Middle Bass Island – Located at St. Hazard's Resort, this secluded favorite features nautical decor with a Caribbean vibe. The porch includes a hand-carved tiki bar made in Bali. Enjoy burgers, wings, and pizza just steps from the resort's pool.
Kelley's Island Wine Company, Kelley's Island – This charming winery on a country farm (yes, there’s a country farm on an island!) has plenty of outdoor seating, both on the wraparound porch and throughout the expansive property. Enjoy fresh pizza and small plates from the winery or sample Southwestern fare at the adjacent KI Cantina. Kids will enjoy the farm animals and on-site playground.
The Keys, Put-in-Bay – This waterfront favorite features bright colors, fire pits, and signature frozen cocktails. The menu features Caribbean and South Florida favorites including conch fritters, Peel & Eat shrimp, extra seafood, sandwiches, and burgers. Plus, this patio is proud to be pet-friendly!
West Bay Inn, Kelleys Island – Known as the place to watch the sunset and salute the cannon every night, the West Bay Inn offers a huge patio with stunning views, outdoor games and live entertainment. The extensive menu includes appetizers, salads, flatbreads, sandwiches and kabobs. Boat docks are available for “dock and dine.”
On the North Shore
Ciao Bella Ristorante Italiano, Port Clinton – This restaurant’s surprising location in the Harbor Light Shopping Center off SR 53 is made even more surprising by its charming atmosphere and inviting outdoor patio. Enjoy delicious Italian cuisine overlooking a man-made lake. The lunch and dinner menu features classic Italian pastas as well as other specialties.
Gideon Owen Wine Company, Catawba – This 150-year-old winery has stood the test of time as a premier destination for oenophiles and diners alike. Formerly Mon Ami, this winery offers a full-service restaurant and tasting room. The outdoor space includes a large, secluded back patio, as well as cozy fire pits and a bar on the outdoor terrace.
Hidden Beach Bar, Marblehead – Hidden Beach Bar is exactly what the name suggests… hidden (definitely off the beaten path, located at Shrock’s Marina), beach (located in a marina, but offers a sandy shoreline), bar (serves some of the most delicious boat drinks in the area). Enjoy a delicious perch sandwich or other specialty while you’re visiting by boat or car.
Orchard Bar & Table, Catawba – This farm-to-table restaurant features fresh, seasonal ingredients from its gardens and surrounding vineyards and orchards. This delicious food can be enjoyed on a beautiful patio overlooking one of Catawba’s oldest apple orchards. For more casual fare, don’t miss the adjacent Orchard Farm Stand, which offers wood-fired pizza and sandwiches, as well as another lovely outdoor patio area.
In the Central Shores
Bait House Brewery, Sandusky – Sandusky’s first microbrewery, located in a former bait shop, has expanded over the years to include a full kitchen and a large, pet-friendly outdoor patio. Sip craft beers while enjoying a pub burger, a lake walleye sandwich or the “Spicy Sandusky” – their take on Nashville hot chicken.
Bay Harbor Waterfront Dining, Sandusky – Sandusky’s casual yet elegant restaurant is a mainstay on the Cedar Point Peninsula, located near the marina. Bay Harbor offers fresh seafood, prime rib and a spectacular wine list. An outdoor patio lets you enjoy your meal while watching the boats come and go from the marina or the sunset over Sandusky Bay.
Crush Wine Bar, Sandusky – Another local favorite, Crush offers small plates, pizza, and pasta in a casual environment. There’s dining seating along the adjacent alleyway and a wine garden filled with comfy outdoor sofas out back. A great place to spend an afternoon or evening!
Dockside Café, Sandusky – Dockside is an outdoor concession with a huge patio and plenty of lakeside seating located in the city-owned Paper District Marina. Enjoy uninterrupted sunsets and bay views while dining on a seasonal menu – popular dishes include their burgers and perch tacos.
J Bistro, Sandusky – This fine dining restaurant offers steaks, seafood and pastas along with a wide selection of wines and daily specials. The outdoor patio is popular, especially in the evening, under the twinkling lights while being entertained by live musicians.
OH Taco, Sandusky – Looking for authentic Mexican street tacos, served with signature margaritas, that you can enjoy while overlooking the beautiful Jackson Street Pier? OH Taco also offers aerial views from Moseley’s rooftop bar.
The Original Margaritaville, Sandusky – A definite local favorite, this casual and fun restaurant features house-smoked barbecue, ice-cold drinks and a 10,000-square-foot patio that overlooks a waterfall on Cold Creek.
On the East Coast
At François/Touché Wine & Martini Bar, Vermilion – This upscale French restaurant offers fine dining along the Vermilion River. The outdoor Chez Riverfront Café features a new brick patio, sliding glass doors that close in case of inclement weather, a more informal and relaxed dress code, and the same menu as the indoor dining room with a few additional lighter options. Dock-and-dine is available with the adjacent Vermilion Public Docks.
Old Fish House, Huron – Along the Huron River is Lake Erie’s smallest bar, but the patio offers plenty of space for diners to enjoy Lake Erie perch baskets and sandwiches, as well as burgers and appetizers. This patio offers dockside dining and is pet-friendly. Don’t miss the Bloody Mary Bar on Sundays.
Pier Pub, Huron – Neighboring the Old Fish House, the Pier Pub is also located along the Huron River near the Huron Lighthouse. Enjoy watching the boats float in and out of the lake. The menu includes smashed burgers and lobster rolls, as well as walleye tacos and fresh salads.
Where are you dining “OUT” this season??
Click here for ALL restaurants available in Shores & Islands Ohio that offer outdoor seating.
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