20 New Patios in Cleveland You Should Enjoy This Year

Betts

“Betts will offer something for everyone – at all times of the day,” according to a press release. The new eatery will be open for weekday breakfast, lunch and dinner, and weekend brunch. The menu will feature “elevated, health-conscious fare that caters to all diets, including vegan, gluten-free, keto, dairy-free and vegetarian.” Located on the ground floor of the gorgeously restored building at E. Ninth Street and Euclid Avenue, Betts will be under the watch of executive chef Rob Stauch, who is tasked with finding a balance between healthy and flavorful dishes. The streetside patio, which included igloos for the winter months, is perfect for downtown spring dining.

Photo via Betts

Mojo World Eats 2196 Lee Rd., Cleveland Hts., 216-932-0000

The food at Mojo is every bit as exciting as I remember. Built for mixing and matching, the menu features two dozen options (down from three-dozen pre-Covid) priced from $7 to $17. All the bases are covered in terms of vegetarian, seafood and meat based concoctions, most displaying the chef’s flair for weaving cross-cultural influences into a seamless finished product. And there is no better place to enjoy it all than on Mojo's patio.

Photo via Douglas Trattner

All Saints Public House, 1261 W.76th St., 216-999-7074

For decades – going all the way back to Snicker’s and continuing with Reddstone and Graffiti – this property has always been known for its spectacular and rambling patio. That patio also has received some much-needed attention in the form of new furniture, fixtures, lighting and landscaping.

Photo via Douglas Trattner

Proof, 2258 Professor Ave., Cleveland, 216-583-0551

A sturdy Southern Pride smoker planted on the rear patio turns out meats like brisket, pulled pork, pork belly and chicken, all slow-smoked over fruit wood. In true smokehouse fashion, those items are sold by the pound and half-pound and paired with pickles, onions, cornbread and a choice of sides. But those foods also arrive in the form of nachos, steamed buns, tacos and sandwiches. And there's no better place to enjoy some BBQ than on a patio, which Proof has out back.

Photo via Proof

Sixth City Sailor’s Club, 668 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, 216-938-7392

The business takes advantage of the wonderful courtyard patio that for years has served as a gathering space for downtown residents and workers. And the menu is there to match, with dynamite smash burgers, beachside seafood fare and Cleveland staples like a Polish boy, as well as more upscale entrees.

Photo via Douglas Trattner

Lakewood Truck Park

Located at the corner of Detroit and Edwards, the spacious lot is now officially home to a year-round courtyard coupled with an indoor bar, rotating food trucks and al fresco entertainment. The outdoor venue could not come at a better time for consumers, who desire to be outside as much as possible.

Photo by Anisa Rrapaj

Avo Modern Mexican, 2058 W. 25th St., 216-331-6961

While Bakersfield had an occupancy permit allowing 145 guests, Zeller is setting the table for a few spots more than 80 to accommodate social distancing. When spring rolls back around and the patio is reborn, there will be room for another 30 or so on the other side of the garage doors. Zeller and Mesenburg, who also operate Char in Rocky River, Barra Tacos in Sandusky and Amherst, and Lago at Lakeside, a seasonal eatery in Marblehead, will be taking a creative approach to Latin cuisine. Zeller says that while he's been cooking Mexican foods since he was old enough to press tortillas, Avo is inspired by trips to places like Dallas, where contemporary Mexican, Tex-Mex and Latin-fusion foods are elevated to fine-dining experiences.

Photo by Doug Trattner

Chatty’s Pizzeria, 28611 Lake Rd., 440-471-4485

Matthew Harlan recently opened the doors of his casual Italian eatery in Bay Village. The longtime Michael Symon Restaurants chef and manager – “Chatty” to his mates – has reshaped the former Vento la Trattoria space within the Metroparks Huntington Reservation. The family-friendly bistro will feature two styles of pizza along with charcuterie boards, burrata salads, and meatball sandwiches. The food will be accompanied by a short but sweet beer, wine and cocktails list. All best enjoyed on the patio with beautiful views of the surrounding nature.

Photo Courtesy Di DeRubba

The Last Page

100 Park Ave. Ste. 128, Orange Village

In a blurry sea of fast-casual monotony, The Last Page is a welcome detour. It’s a modern-day supper club, for lack of a better descriptor, where there’s more to the plot than simply the food on the plates. Timed almost perfectly to coincide with the return not only of indoor dining, but all out celebrating and socializing and an awesome patio hidden behind trees at Pinecrest, the lively environment offers a delicious escape for those ready to exit isolation.

17 River, 17 River St., 440-893-0797

Starters include lobster bisque, biscuits and honey butter, and crispy fried shrimp and calamari. Salad choices feature tomato and burrata, a wedge and Cobb. There are a handful of sushi rolls and burgers, but also entrees like fish and chips, cedar-plank salmon, pan-roasted chicken and pork chop Milanese. For steak lovers, there are three chop choices: an 8-ounce filet, 20-ounce ribeye and steak frites starring grilled sirloin, french fries and Bearnaise. All available on the patio which boasts scenic views of Chagrin.

Photo Courtesy Rick Doody