The weather is heating up and that means one important thing on Ohio’s north coast – patio season! All the best restaurants with patio, deck, or porch dining areas are brushing off their umbrellas, extending their awnings, and putting up the string lights to welcome in the season of eating outdoors.
Enjoy as we run down several local favorite patios.
On the Islands
The Backyard at the Frosty Bar, Put-in-Bay – The Backyard is an outdoor venue which offers fresh-fruit margaritas and specialty cocktails along with Frosty’s famous pizza. The Backyard also offers Big Man’s Burrito Stand, an outdoor concession offering burritos, tacos, and nachos all made with fresh ingredients.
The Boardwalk, Put-in-Bay – At The Boardwalk’s Main Deck and Rita’s Cantina, there is a variety of concession dining with tons of seating on a huge outdoor deck overlooking the bay with views of Gibraltar Island and Perry’s Victory & 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 chicken grilling wafts through the island air as you’re walking downtown. That delicious smell? The grill-masters cooking at Chicken Patio, famous for their wine-basted BBQ chicken. With “patio” in its name, the venue in front of the Historic Park Hotel and adjacent to the world-famous Round House Bar has been serving dinners made from a secret recipe for more than 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. Or, you can choose to enjoy a brew at the outdoor biergarten.
Hazard’s Microbrewery & Restaurant, Middle Bass Island – Located at the St. Hazard’s Resort, this secluded favorite eatery features nautical décor with a Caribbean vibe. Porch seating includes a hand-carved tiki bar made in Bali. Enjoy burgers, wings, and pizza just steps from the resort pool.
Kelley’s Island Wine Company, Kelleys Island – This boutique winery located on a country farm (yes, there is a country farm on an island!) features plenty of outdoor seating, both on the wrap-around porch and throughout the expansive property. Enjoy fresh pizzas and small plates from the winery or grab some southwestern fare from the adjacent KI Cantina. Kids can enjoy the farm animals and the onsite playground.
The Keys, Put-in-Bay – This waterfront favorite offers bright colors, fire pits, and signature frozen cocktails. The menu offers Caribbean and South Florida favorites including Conch Fritters, Peel & Eat Shrimp, additional seafood, sandwiches, and burgers. Plus, this patio prides itself in being pet-friendly!
West Bay Inn, Kelleys Island – Known as the place to be for the nightly sunset viewing and cannon salute, West Bay Inn offers a huge patio with amazing views, outdoor games, and live entertainment. The huge menu features entrees, salads, flatbreads, sandwiches, and kabobs. Transient boat docks are available for “dock &