Igloos, Chateaus, and Grottos to make this the most whimsical–and cozy–dining experience ever
Winter’s still here which means the nights are COLD, there’s a 10pm curfew, and social distancing regulations are still in place, so what’s there to do in Cleveland when you and your friends want a night out on the town? Well actually, there’s plenty to do. Restaurants have gotten creative by offering unique outdoor dining experiences, or cranking up the heat in their patios. So here are just 10 of the places to enjoy a cozy dinner outside in a cozy igloo, patio, or grotto. Just remember to practice safe social distancing rules, and while we checked for accuracy to the best of our ability, things are always changing so it’s best to call ahead.
1. The Oak Barrel
The Oak Barrel is one of Cleveland’s finest brasserie and tap houses and this winter season, locals can enjoy their New American menu with a French twist. The Oak Barrel has promised to take every safety precaution that they can, so guests can enjoy dinner and drinks in their socially distanced patio, complete with fire pits and heat lamps. Who wouldn’t want to enjoy a warm whisky by the fire before digging into a satisfying Croque Monsieur Pizza, made with locally sourced ingredients like house-smoked pork belly, gruyére cheese, and topped with a farm-fresh egg.
Where: 5975 Canal Rd Valley View, OH 44125
2. Rocky River Wine Bar
Facebook / winebarrockyriver
Rocky River Wine Bar has debuted their new winter chalets, beautifully lit private installments for your dining needs. Suited for small gatherings, you and your friends can sit around a communal-style table and enjoy the heated chalets while dining on fine cheese and wine pairings, or delicious starter plates like Roasted Pepper Bisque or Buffalo Chicken Meatballs. According to their Facebook, email munnings.erika@gmail.com for reservations. If the Winter Chalets are a little too pricy, they also have fire pits in the patio to enjoy.
Where: 1313 Linda St, Rocky River
3. Platform Beer Co.
<blockquote class=”twitter-tweet”><p lang=”en” dir=”ltr”>Our Cincinnati tasting room, Locoba, is open for dine-in service. We have a full-service coffee bar with lattes, cold brew, cappuccinos, drip coffee &more. Our draught list is packed & we have carryout. Locoba is open Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Beer’s a great way to warm up when out for dinner, and Platform Beer Company is the place to fill all of your craft beer needs. This location, opened in 2014, has 100+ seating in their tasting room and patio, which are upgraded with heaters. Both are currently open, but guests are required to adhere to safety guidelines. Their beer menu has a revolving selection from Lagers to IPAs, to Sours. The Lot By Platform is also where the nice and toasty igloos are set up for guests to enjoy.
Where: 4125 Lorain Ave, Cleveland, Ohio
4. 16-Bit Bar
16-bit-bar is your place to go if you’re interested in arcade games and dinner. Their arcade room is open–just follow the safety protocol as listed on their website–but if you’re not feeling up for a game night, there’s a heated patio perfect for enjoying their
cocktails named after some serious pop-culture icons like Carrie Fisher and Lisa Frank.
Where: 15012 Detroit Ave, Lakewood, OH 44107
5. Humble Wine Bar
If you’re more into a chilled-out wine night, look no further than Humble Wine Bar offering a selection that ranges from white to red to rose and sparkling. They even have a list of sherries and dessert wines too. Cocktails and beer lovers can rejoice too, as the menu has a nice selection of these as well. And don’t forget about their selection of Neapolitan pizzas and cheese boards to compliment your choice of wine. In order to keep seating safe, Humble Wine Bar is doing reservation only and 90 minutes maximum with a limit of six people. Wearing a mask is mandatory when moving through the restaurant.
Where: 15400 Detroit Ave Lakewood, OH 44107
6. Felice Urban Cafe
Restaurants are striving to make outdoor dining warmer and more luxurious. Felice Urban Cafe has joined in with their new Garden Grotto outdoor dining setup, described as “intimate, heated, ventilated and clear dome-like structures” perfect for six. Reservations can be made for two hours and there is a $250 minimum, with a refundable $50 dollar deposit at the time of making the reservation. Normal patio seating is also available for guests to enjoy dishes like the Caldo de Marisco or the Beef Pho.
Where: 12502 Larchmere Blvd Cleveland, OH 44120
7. Georgetown Vosh
Georgetown | Vosh is an upscale restaurant serving up American food like pasta, meat, and fish alongside expertly crafted cocktails and decadent desserts. While they’re known for their food, Georgetown | Vosh has transformed their outdoor patio into a winter escape with heated igloos in the outdoor area, cozily decorated, and perfect for small groups.
Where: 18515 Detroit Rd, Lakewood, OH 44107
8. Masthead Brewing
Nestled in Downtown Detroit and overlooking some great views is masthead brewing which now occupies the historic Bryant Building. This dog-friendly tasting room offers a ton of seating indoor and out, and good news, their patio . Keep yourself cozy in the heated patio as you sip on some delicious home-crafted lagers, IPAs, and sours.
Where: 1261 Superior Ave, Cleveland, OH 44114
9. Lakewood Truck Park
This indoor/outdoor food truck park with two bars and a rotating selection of trucks is the perfect way to spend an afternoon in the city. Ranging from Mediterranean to BBQ and with a whole menu of crafted cocktails and beers on tap, this foodie haven also collaborates with local events like baseball and yoga. Can it get any better? Well, actually, you’ll be happy to know the patio is heated.
Where: 16900 Detroit Avenue Lakewood, OH 44107
10. Hecks
Burgers, fries, and sides are a staple of Hecks, now at two locations. The Cleveland location is smack dab in the middle of the city and offers indoor and outdoor seating, heated of course. Known for their burgers, but guests can also enjoy their seasonally and locally sourced fare, like their short rib tacos or wild mushroom ravioli. Don’t forget to end with a hand-spun milkshake. The patio’s heated after all.
Where: 2927 Bridge Ave, Cleveland, OH
source via georgetowvosh