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Merwin's Wharf is a bar-restaurant opened that opened Tuesday in Rivergate Park on the East bank of the Flats. It is owned by the Cleveland Metroparks.

(John Petkovic/The Plain Dealer)

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Hiking? Check. Rowing? Check. Birdwatching? Check.

Cocktails?

Imbibing a hurricane or margarita is probably the last thing that comes to mind when you think of the Cleveland Metroparks. But that's about to change with the opening of Merwin's Wharf.

On Tuesday, the Cleveland Metroparks opened the full-on eatery-bar on the East Bank of the Flats. I say "full-on" because I found it hard to believe the Metroparks would own and operate such a spot until I saw it.

Merwin's, 1785 Merwin Ave., features a 110-seat restaurant, with a menu that serves a wide array of familiar items to go with things like Thai-style mussels. It also rolls out a sprawling patio that that sits along the Cuyahoga River. There's an outdoor fireplace to go with a great view of the river.

Merwin's is located in Rivergate Park.

Then there's the drink menu. I only had the Charleston Iced Tea – a smooth summer elixir – one of eight special cocktails that included a pina colada, a hurricane, as well as a spiked lemonade and Merwin's take on a Moscow Mule. The "Merwin's Martinis" list was just as broad, with a number of fruity potions.

That's not to say that this is going to be the old party-hearty Flats all over again -- and not just because it is aiming for families.

Invariably, the drink and food lists will take a backseat to the location – in Rivergate Park, a 2.8-acre area just north of the Columbus Road Bridge and Hoopples bar. It's one of Cleveland's most unique combinations of industrial and natural environments – a stellar mix of bridges and wild greenery.

"Rivergate Park is the collective name for that recreational hub area that's coming together," says Joe Yachanin, spokesperson for the Cleveland Metroparks. "It includes the Cleveland Rowing Foundation and the planned Crooked River State Park."

Teams of rowers cruised down the Cuyahoga as I sipped on the spiked iced tea. That and the stellar view of the skyline and Cleveland's industrial foundations made for a fine summer day. The sunset made for a perfect nightcap.

One problem: Getting there. Thankfully, the problem is about to get remedied with the re-opening of the Columbus Road Bridge.

"The Metroparks is really trying to help people reconnect with the water, whether it's the lakefront or the Cuyahoga River," says Yachanin. "In the past, there was so much industry there that it made it difficult.

"The area will be linked to the Towpath Trails," he adds. "Our goal now is to have a whole network of paths going through urban areas."

Guess I'm going to have to go hiking one of these after all, to check out their take on the Moscow Mule. Or maybe that hurricane.

The restaurant will be open 3-10 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 3-11 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday, noon to 9 p.m. on Sunday and closed on Monday.