Lake County outdoor dining: Restaurant patios make summer extra special
Jun. 1—Suddenly, it's summer.
Outdoor dining, which came into its own during the pandemic, has become so popular that several restaurants with especially favored patios remain busy from lunch through dinner.
On a late April Sunday the line at Redhawk Grille's backyard patio was 20 people long at 3 p.m. No one was in line longer than 10 minutes since the lunch crowd was by then moving out, but a steady stream of diners kept the staff hopping through dinner time.
No reservations are accepted at Redhawk Grille in Concord Township which was among the earliest to open its outdoor patios this year.
"We can seat 242 people outdoors with half of them under the awning," said Danny Cambitta, assistant manager. Burbling water, complete with colorful koi fish, views of the adjacent Quail Hollow Golf Course and borders of tall trees accent the feel of being out in the country.
"We have an outdoor wood-burning fireplace and heaters for when it cools down plus two full sized bocce ball courts," said Cambitta.
Live music enhances the evenings Thursday through Sunday and a late-night menu kicks in after the traditional dinner hour. Red Hawk's jambalaya is a menu favorite although a more recently added scallop ricotta with a lemon cream sauce is becoming quite popular.
Reservations are also not accepted for outdoor dining at Trader Jack's Riverside Grill on a bend in the Chagrin River at 35901 Lakeshore Blvd. in Eastlake.
"Our upper patio is open all year for any time people want to go out and sit near the river," said owner Walt Callam. It's got 70 seats, is covered and heated, with its own bar and contained by overhead garage doors in colder weather, he said. Two other open-air patios with umbrella tables for shade have another 100 seats. "Our location has been a hit since day one."
Perch and other fish dinners are the most popular menu items, but its tropically styled drinks also get a solid thumbs-up from regulars, Callam said. Its blueberry-infused lemon vodka lemonade is especially well received on warm summer days. There's plenty of parking but some diners arrive by boat, docking at Trader Jack's' own pier.
Two levels of outdoor seating, served by a separate bar, are found at Tavern Six, 7592 Chardon Road in Kirtland where blooming plants and umbrella tables contribute to the comfortable atmosphere. "We've been very busy all through the pandemic," said Dan Vitantonio, co-owner with his wife Teanna. "We phased out out bocce courts last year to add more parking,"
In their seven-and-a-half years Tavern Six has acquired a loyal following, and the pandemic transition to curbside dining went smoothly. More than 150 seats are available for outdoor dining which opened for the summer the second week in May.
Since opening a second restaurant — Sage Karma Kitchen in downtown Willoughby — Teanna has tapered off in making the daily cupcakes for which she had become known. "She's at Sage most of the time," he said.
But the salmon entree at Tavern 6 has remained popular as have the many variations of mac and cheese.
Ridgewood Kitchen & Spirits, which has long had aficionados for its secret garden patio, has reconfigured the space for this summer season. Although the restaurant entrance is in a shopping center on the big Route 84 curve in Concord Township, the patio in back is private and cozy with a pair of big trees for shade.
"Most of it is shady," said co-owner Nick Ovensik. "And now instead of having five levels we have two. We opened up the outdoors bar area and redid a lot of our plantings. People seem really pleased with the result."
The restaurant at 9853 Johnnycake Ridge Road has many dishes built around its short ribs and pizzas and is developing recipes for lighter summer appetites and those who eat plant-based diets. "Our strawberry balsamic pizza is a hit," he said. "Although it has some sweetness with the strawberries, it's not a dessert."
Ridgewood's recent Lenten menu drew followers for its not-fried fish options. Its lobster roll is returning for summer along with a variety of specials. Happy hour has its own regular fans.
Firehouse Grille and Pub aims to have its three-part patio open from St. Patrick's Day to Thanksgiving, but staffing issues prevented a March opening this year. "It's getting better," said owner Marty Graham, explaining that the center patio is focused around a large bar, heated, covered and sheltered for dining outdoors. "It has flanks on either side with flowers and umbrella tables for outdoor eating," he said. "We can seat around 100 people outdoors."
True to its name, the establishment was built in the one-time Willoughby Hills fire station at 2768 Stark Drive.
The regular menu has been expanded for summer with many finger food specials plus new salads, he said.
Friday and Saturday evenings are the times to show up at the Yard, devised as the perfect summer hangout at the Rustic Grille at StoneWater in Highland Heights. There's no need to call ahead and a new fire pit, picnic tables, high tops and bar seats accommodate groups, couples, singles and even the family dog. Live music plays from 7 to 10 each night when hours are 5 to 11 p.m.
For dinner, walk over with carry-out from the Rustic Grille or stop in when there's a food truck or rotating meals of pulled pork sliders, smoked brisket, mac 'n cheese, hot dogs, cornbread and chili garlic cucumber salad.
They ask that dogs be leashed and updated on their shots. Water bowls will be placed around and a dog relief area is at the rear of the space.
Outdoor dining inspiration
Redhawk Grille, 7481 Auburn Road, Concord Township
Trader Jack's Riverside Grill, 35901 Lakeshore Blvd., Eastlake.
Tavern Six, 7592 Chardon Road, Kirtland
Ridgewood Kitchen & Spirits, 9853 Johnnycake Ridge Road, Concord Township
Firehouse Grill & Pub, 2768 Stark Drive, Willoughby Hills
The Yard at Rustic Grill at StoneWater, One Club Drive, Highland Heights
