John Petkovic, The Plain Dealer

Cleveland Patio Guide 2018

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The signs of summer are often deceiving, but you know it’s here – finally – when you’re raising a glass, outside, on a patio.

Roll out the Cleveland Patio Guide 2018.

Some offer a secluded getaway. Some pair well with al fresco dining. Some come with stellar views of the city and the water.

OK, here we go… Here’s to the golden days of summer.

Story and photos by John Petkovic, The Plain Dealer

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Jekyll's Kitchen

17 River St., Chagrin Falls; 440-893-0797: Is this a postcard? It might as well be at this patio, which overlooks the picturesque falls in Chagrin Falls. Excuse me, bartender: I’ll have a Manhattan to go with that priceless view.

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Guarino's

12309 Mayfield Rd., Cleveland; 216-231-3100: The patio at this circa-1918 institution is a deal you can't refuse – an old garden with an immaculate arrangement of lights, greenery, flowers and statues. Very peaceful and, yes, Dean Martin loved this joint.

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Bar 32 at the Cleveland Hilton Downtown

100 E. Lakeside Ave., Cleveland; 216-413-5000: The views of Lake Erie and the city from the 32nd floor of the Hilton makes it a destination for out-of-towners and locals alike. Mmm, goes down well with a vodka-and-tonic.

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East 55th on the Lake

5555 N Marginal Rd, Cleveland; 216-431-3349: It’s all about letting life pass by over a drink. This Cleveland Metroparks spot rolls out a wide list of elixirs to go with a menu and live music. But it’s the views of the marina and its proximity to the lake that makes it feel like an island.

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Puente Viejo

1220 Huron Rd E, Cleveland; 216-713-2689: This Playhouse Square newbie rolls out a new twist on the tacos-and-tequila concept, sleek décor and stylish lighting -- and a patio that is as secluded as it is cosmopolitan.

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Batuqui

12706 Larchmere Blvd., Cleveland; 216-801-0227: This Brazilian bistro in Larchmere pairs flair with a welcoming atmosphere. Hey, it’s located in a home – which makes it, um, homey. One Caipiroska, please.

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East End

1330 Old River Rd., Cleveland; 216-785-9996: Gently down the stream, life is but a dream. This perch overlooking the Cuyahoga boasts two patios with some of the best sightlines in the area, even as it retains a secluded vibe.

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Town Hall

1909 West 25th St., Cleveland; 216-344-9400: Yes, this trendy yet chill patio draws a diverse lot, thanks to its eclectic cocktail list and theme. But it's also a happening spot for dogs. At least that's what Lucy, a beautiful golden doodle, told me last time I went. Like I said, it draws a diverse lot.

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Nuevo Modern Mexican

1000 East Ninth Street, Cleveland, 216-737-1000: This jumping eatery has brought new flair to the area with its fiesta vibes, margaritas, tequilas and views of Lake Erie, North Coast Harbor and Voinovich Park.

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Creekside

8803 Brecksville Road, Brecksville; 440-546-0555: The wind rustles through the leaves as the creek down below trickles along. Call it a leafy getaway, where peace of mind and a delightful food and drink menu reign. Where Brecksville feels like a staycation.

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Vosh/Georgetown

1414 Riverside Dr., Lakewood; 216-767-5202: It looks like something you might find in a park. Not just any park – perhaps Central Park. Except that you're in Lakewood, amid the brick walls and tall trees, and feeling that summer is endless.

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Shooters on the Water

1148 Main St., Cleveland; 216-861-6900: This west bank of this Old Flats institution boasts a patio where you watch the lake, the river and downtown. And, just as nice, you can party like it’s 1989.

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100th Bomb Group

20920 Brookpark Road, Cleveland; 216-267-1010: This WW II-themed restaurant feel like a flight to another time. The cocktails trump anything on a United flight and there's lots of leg room to watch the planes go by.

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Fire

Shaker Square, 13220 Shaker Square, Cleveland; 216-921-3473: This long sidewalk patio is casual yet sophisticated. No surprise, chef Doug Katz imagined such a vibe when he planned it for his Shaker Square destination. Laid-back in the city and doing fine…

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Coastal Taco

1146 Old River Road, Cleveland; 216-727-0158: The casual menu is a fine fit for the sprawling patio overlooking the Cuyahoga. Especially when it's summer and the sun is beating down.

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Yuzu

13603 Madison Ave., Lakewood; 440-799-8343: Egads, this patio has gone to the dogs! This Japanese gastropub boasts a dog-friendly patio. It comes with a menu complete with “dog beer” and a “dog biscuit flight.” P.S. – Humans are welcome, too.

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Felice Urban Cafe

12502 Larchmere Blvd., Cleveland; 216-791-0918: This Mediterranean-tinged spot located in a restored turn-of-the-century home is full of warm, homey vibes -- from the menu to a patio set in a refurbished barn out back. Perfect place to piddle the summer away.

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Azure Rooftop Lounge at The 9

2017 East Ninth St., Cleveland; 216-239-1200: This snazzy rooftop spot rolls out mod décor and themed soirees. But check out the views of those buildings, the architectural grandeur. Cleveland looks fine up here

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Flying Cranes Cafe

13006 Larchmere Blvd, Cleveland; 216-795-1033: You’d be hard-pressed to find a more enchanting getaway than the patio of this Asian spot in Larchmere. It’s rolling in greenery and covered with a wooden awning and is about as secluded a place as you’ll find. (Photo by Scott Shaw, The Plain Dealer)

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Washington Place Bistro & Inn

2203 Cornell Rd., Cleveland; 216-791-6500: This stylish garden secludes you from time. Check out the old rooftops of Little Italy and the towers visible over these walls. Even the traces of modernity — the mod décor — are balanced by the old brick and classic flower arrangements.

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Pier W

12700 Lake Ave., Lakewood; 216-228-2250: The patio at Pier W feels like the deck of a ship, offering what might be the best views around of Lake Erie and the city. It has few peers. (Note: It opens mid-May.)

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La Dolce Vita

12112 Mayfield Rd., Cleveland; 216-721-8155: Owner Terry Tarantino worked as a landscaper before opening this Italian eatery. Well, the landscape is perfect here — a sidewalk café where you play voyeur over a cappuccino. Like Fellini said, “The good life.”

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Stone Mad

1306 West 65th St., Cleveland; 216-281-6500: Stone Mad looks and feels like a pub in Ireland. The patio’s plain ol’ maddening — constructed out of stone tables, meticulous masonry and that fireplace.

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Collision Bend

1250 Old River Road, Cleveland; 216-273-7879: Yes, it's located in the 19th-century building that once housed the storied Watermark restaurant. It also boasts that beloved Watermark patio, whose views helped make the Flats a magnet for generations of partyers.

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Johnny's Bar

3164 Fulton Rd., Cleveland; 216-281-0055: The sculpted bushes, breezy vibes and sophisticated layout are reminiscent of some garden estate in Italy. Good job, Gianni!

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Bakersfield

2058 West 25th St., Cleveland; 216-443-0460: This Ohio City hang pairs country music and party vibes with tacos and tequila. The party spills out onto a patio that is energetic yet homey.

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Bruno's Ristorante

2644 West 41st St. Cleveland; 216-961-7087: When in Cleveland, do as the Romans. The patio is adorned with flowers, ivy, iron gates, colorful umbrella, a fountain and cappuccino on the table. Alfresco dining at its best.

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Greenhouse Tavern

2038 East Fourth St., Cleveland; 216-443-0511: The rooftop patio of this East Fourth spot offers stellar views of the world passing by, not to mention the bright lights of the street and the people down below.

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Sarita

14523 Madison Ave, Lakewood; 216-226-5200: Is this a patio or a getaway from the world? The immaculate greenery, flowers, vines and trellis overhead sure does a good job of telling the world: Leave me alone

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Luca Italian Cuisine

2100 Superior Viaduct, Cleveland; 216-862-2761: This tucked-away spot offers a wonderful views of the skyline, warehouses, Flats and the Cuyahoga River. A top spot, no doubt.

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Moosehead Hoof & Ladder

7989 Columbia Road, Olmsted Falls; 440-235-5511: The patio of this charming eatery juts into the woods overlooking Rocky River. Check out the trees, leaves, flowers, plants, greenery. And listen good for the sound of the river and the rustling of the deer and rabbits in the woods. It's good to feel cut off from civilization.

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Merwin's Wharf

1785 Merwin Ave., Cleveland; 216-664-5696: This Cleveland Metroparks area offer’s one of Cleveland's most unique combinations of industry and nature, and a stellar mix of bridges and wild greenery. You get to see it all from this sprawling patio, which lounges along the Cuyahoga River. Life is but a dream.

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Bar Louie

1352 West Sixth St., Cleveland; 216-452-5500: More than a patio, it’s an all-out bar that wraps around West Sixth and St. Clair. Even better, it’s a buzzing hang-out that keeps on going late into the evening.

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Barrio

806 Literary Rd., Cleveland; 216-999-7714: Raise a margarita, munch on a taco and soak in the vibes. The mural of that flapper adds to the spirit; the stone fireplace and potted plants give it a cozy atmosphere.

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Brew Garden Strongsville

16555 Southpark Center, Strongsville, 440-234-1002: The greenery and pond around this pastoral perch can be deceiving. Believe it or not, you’re a stone’s throw from Southpark Mall. Believe it: This is a summery getaway.

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Clifton Martini

10427 Clifton Blvd., Cleveland; 216-965-0221:Tailor-made for a lazy, sunny afternoon, where you sit back and watch the world drive by… Hey, world, you don't know what you're missing here.

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Don's Pomeroy House

13664 Pearl Rd., Strongsville; 440-572-1111: I could drink lemonade all summer at this breezy spot – where the grove of thick old trees, white-picket fence and luscious plants make you feel like you’re lounging somewhere down south.

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Dante

2247 Professor Ave, Cleveland; 216-274-1200: It’s secluded and quiet and that brick wall, gate and greenery provide enough privacy to make Dante feel like an escape from the crowds of partyers roaming the streets of Tremont.

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L'Albatros

11401 Bellflower Rd., Cleveland; 216-791-7880: A creative mix of stylish décor and leafy, organic charm that is reminiscent of South Beach.

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Hi and Dry

2221 Professor Ave, in Tremont; 216-566-9463: A beer, some duckpin bowling and a patio that feels like a picnic for partyers.

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Larchmere Tavern

13051 Larchmere Blvd, Shaker Heights; 216-721-1111: This neighborhood mainstay is nestled among the antique shops of Larchmere. No surprise: It's a classic gem of a restaurant located in a building that has housed bars and eateries since the 1940s. The sidewalk seating is reminiscent of some classic spot you might find in a movie.

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Prosperity Social Club

1109 Starkweather Avenue, Cleveland; 216-937-1938: The patio at this Tremont mainstay feels like a backyard party, with retro décor and a vibe that is anything but exclusive.

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Corleone's

5669 Broadview Road, Parma; 216-741-0220: Corleone’s rolls out an upscale take on traditional Italian cuisine. There’s also the atmosphere that’s a world away from the strip-mall surroundings, especially when you step onto the patio.

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Edwin's

13101 Shaker Square, Cleveland; 216-921-3333: The linens on the tables might strike an upscale note, but the vibe is casual and the sights and sounds of Shaker Square make it feel like a night out in the city.

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Fahrenheit

2417 Professor Ave., Cleveland; 216-781-8858: Alfresco dining and sidewalk sipping – both are welcome on the sidewalk in front of Fahrenheit, which boasts a well-manicured patio that comes with flowers, spacious seating and fine views of world walking by.

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Herb's Tavern

19925 Detroit Rd, Rocky River; 440-331-9870: The location has been kicking since the 1920s and operating as Herb’s for 55 years, with a patio – and a menu and vibe -- that transcends time. Classic.

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Flannery's

323 Prospect Avenue, Cleveland; 216-781-7782: They’ve been throwing back pints for years on the spacious sidewalk patio of this downtown stalwart – seemingly without a care in the world, even when the crowds from The Q and East Fourth rush back and forth. Cheers…

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Houlihan's

25651 Detroit Road, Westlake; 440-808-9090: This massive yet secluded patio boasts an outside bar, tables, trees, an outdoor kitchen, lights and enough people to make it feel like a quaint little town.

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Great Lakes Brewing Company

2516 Market Ave., Cleveland; 216-771-4404: Eliot Ness was supposedly involved in a shootout here. Yes, there’s bullet slug in the wall, but most patrons couldn't care less – except maybe when they're ordering an Eliot Ness Amber Lager.

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Hansa Brewery

2717 Lorain Avenue, Cleveland; 216-281-3177: Nothing like a Black Flag Schwartzbier, some potato pancakes and a night in the biergarten. This two-tiered patio-terrace brings Oktoberfest to Ohio City.

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Edison's Pub

2373 Professor Ave, Cleveland; 216-522-0006: An institution that manages to stay hip while maintaining an “everybody’s welcome” attitude. Now have a seat at a picnic table and sip on a beer.

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Le Petit Triangle Cafe

1881 Fulton Road, Cleveland; 216-281-1881: I'll steer clear of the whole Cleveland vs. Paris rivalry. But Cleveland could definitely use more places like Le Petit if it ever wants to compete. The Ohio City eatery rolls out a French-themed menu that's as delightful as this Parisian-style street cafe. One crepe, please.

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The Harp

4408 Detroit Ave., Cleveland; 216-939-0200: The Harp reminds me of winter — maybe it’s the fireplace and rich polished woodwork, the whole cottage vibe. Then you walk out onto the patio, see Lake Eire, er, I mean, Erie and you realize its summer and a breeze.

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Hofbrauhaus

1550 Chester Ave., Cleveland; 216-621-2337: This 1,000-seat beer garden feels like a never-ending Oktoberfest. There are rows picnic tables and partyers doing their best to drink like they’re in Bavaria. Ein bier, bitte!

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Hodges

668 Euclid Ave., Cleveland; 216-771-4000: A snazzy, sprawling patio with a clever drink list on a fantastic view of the skyline and the street – and yet it feels secluded from it all.

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Zanzibar Soul Fusion

13114 Shaker Square, Cleveland

216-752-1035, zanzibarohio.com

Love those Walleye Cakes and the Chicken & Waffles hit the spot. But this perch of this soul fusion spot also has well-manicured bushes, cushy seating, tables you can eat at or just lounge around. But more than that, it let’s you kick back and watch the places and faces of Shaker Square.

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Hoopples

1930 Columbus Road, Cleveland; 216-575-0483: This blue-collar joint overlooking the Cuyahoga River offers a great view of the skyline and an even better feel for old-school Cleveland. Check out the bridges and raise a glass to the vintage decor. This isn’t a T-shirt or a postcard — it really is Cleveland.

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Lago

1091 West Tenth St., Cleveland; 216-862-8065: It’s a summery cocktail crafted with spacious layout, chic décor and stellar views of the area. The outdoor bar and cushy couches give a club-feel at night.

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Leather Stallion Saloon

2205 St. Clair Ave., Cleveland; 216-589-8588: Times have changed since the Stallion opened in 1970 as a leather bar. These days, the joint is casual when it comes to attire and attitude. Especially on the LS patio, which hosts an array of bashes -- everything from laid-back after-work hangs to a Sunday soiree stocked with flowing beers and DJs spinning beat-heavy tunes for happy-go-lucky partyers.

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Lopez Southwest Kitchen

2196 Lee Road, Cleveland Heights; 216-932-9000: The Southwestern cuisine is the ticket. But the patio at this Mexican bar-restaurant is an all-out fiesta, especially when one of the margaritas of its wide-ranging menu. Or go with one of the mojitos…

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Luxe

6605 Detroit Ave., Cleveland; 216-920-0600: It reminds me of some pad in South Beach. Except that you never feel like you’re crashing someone else’s party.

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Market Garden

1947 West 25th St., Cleveland; 216-621-4000: This spot connects Cleveland's past and present with views of the hustle and bustle of West Side Market and the beer scene of West 25th Street.

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Flying Monkey

819 Jefferson Avenue, Cleveland; 216-861-6659: Just because it’s named after those critters in “The Wizard of Oz” doesn’t mean the fun-loving regulars are cowardly lions when it comes to getting down. The lively patio makes sure of that with live bands and party wizards. This round’s on me, Toto.

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Momocho

1835 Fulton Road, Cleveland; 216-694-2122: Ah, you can’t beat sipping away summer day with a blood-orange margarita on this Ohio City patio. Well, actually you can. The guava margarita is even better. The neighborhood vibe and that big Day of the Dead mural are pretty good too.

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Porco Lounge

2527 West 25th Street, Cleveland; 216-802-9222: This patio proves that, yes, a Tiki bar can be an island. OK, maybe it isn't a garden paradise. Maybe it isn't even "Gilligan's Island." But the tall, exotic drinks on the table and hula girls and Tiki gods dancing in my head do the trick.

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Nighttown

12387 Cedar Rd., Cleveland Heights; 216-795-0550: This Cleveland Heights mainstay has a jazzy vibe, but it’s pure picnic time on the patio — spacious, quiet and mellow and just right for a pint.

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The Oak Barrel

5975 Canal Road, Valley View; 216-520-3640: Yes, the location makes it a popular stop before or after a movie at the Cinemark or a hike in the valley. But they also come for the rustic look, casual vibes and eclectic menu – and, of course, the sprawling patio where all these attributes are accented with a fire pit, cushy seating and those barrels all around.

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Alley Cat Oyster Bar

1056 Old River Rd., Cleveland: 216-574-9999: Look around: at the city skyline, the river, the bridges, passing trains, the massive freighters navigating the Cuyahoga. Stellar views all around.

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Academy Tavern

12800 Larchmere Blvd, Cleveland; 216-229-1171: Amid the antique shops of Larchmere sits this old gem of a bar — open since 1939, with a vintage vibe. Walk out the door and you’re somewhere else: A leafy green hideaway with vines on the walls, a stony fountain and a place in the shade, far from the city.

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Rusty Anchor at Music Box Supper Club

1148 Main Ave., Cleveland; 216-242-1257: This west bank spot rolls out a number of stellar views – to go with a full-on menu and a wide range of beers, summery vibes and live music in the summer.

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Pura Vida

170 Euclid Ave., Cleveland; 216-987-0100: Located in the old May Co. building, this bar-eatery offers up a stellar view of Public Square.

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Rivals Sports Grille

6710 Smith Road, Middleburg Heights; 216-267-0005: This sprawling 4,000-square-foot patio is lined with greenery and lanterns. And, yes, sports fans. A go-to place for a beer, dinner and a game on the tube.

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Rocky River Brewing Company

21290 Center Ridge Road, Rocky River; 440-895-2739: Beer is the calling card for this gastropub, but its “Fin’s Island Bar” makes for a breezy outpost…a piece of the Florida Keys in Rocky River.

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South East Gears & Cheers,

23333 Aurora Road, Bedford Heights; 440-232-0029: Check out the cool bar with the garage-doors and the retro décor. Check out the grill on the patio. Bike nights. Car cruise nights. Live bands. This is Harley Heaven.

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The South Side

2207 West 11th St., Cleveland; 216-937-2288: You don’t need a weatherman to tell you where the wind blows here — because the patio is open year-round. It features two sides, indoor/outdoor, along with a stone fireplace, comfy seats and tables that put plastic picnic fare to shame.

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Spice

5800 Detroit Avenue, Cleveland; 216-961-9637: Call it a secluded getaway from the street and the city adorned with colorful flowers to go with a drink list that makes you want to get lazy on a sunny afternoon.

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Table 45

9801 Carnegie Ave., Cleveland; 216-707-4045; tbl45.com: Call it a leafy getaway in the city, catered with sangria, naan and mod décor. Yes, it still feels like the city – you can see the buildings and the cars drive by. But the flowers and greenery balance the white décor and obscure the volume of the world. The watermelon sangria sure helps...

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Olesia's Place

11204 Royalton Road, North Royalton; 440-877-9054; Is this North Royalton or some European country inn? You'd be hard-pressed to tell the difference at Olesia's Place – and not just because it eatery rolls out a worldly yet traditional take on Ukrainian-American cuisine. The patio has a pastoral, Euro feel about it, from the green surroundings to the presentation of the food. Let's hear it for casual yet worldly.

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Treehouse

820 College Ave Cleveland; 216-696-2505: “Lovely day for a Guinness,” says the toucan mural on the wall. Good idea – I’ll have one at this laidback place that feels like a picnic in Tremont.

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Tremont Taphouse

2572 Scranton Road, Cleveland; 216-298-4451: Check out the impressive beer list. Or the food, the homey vibe. Whoa, the patio is stellar, too, and it serves all of those things to boot.

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Velvet Dog

1280 West Sixth St., Cleveland; 216-664-1116: The spectacular views of downtown from this rooftop patio are the draw. Bonus: The mood is jumpy… Lez partay…

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Trentina

1903 Ford Dr, Cleveland; 216-421-2900: The patio at this Italian-flavored eatery is intimate -- not only because it’s small but also because the umbrellas, greenery and location set it apart from activity in and around of University Circle.

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Twist Social Club

11633 Clifton Blvd., Cleveland; 216-221-2333: This West Side institution manages to be a gay-friendly club and a laid-back corner bar. But Twist also boasts a patio that spills life out onto the sidewalk of Clifton Boulevard and back into the club, especially when it’s summer and it’s party time.