It’s time to enjoy the warm days outside, with food on the plate and drink in hand. While the temperature rises and convertible tops are down, spend some time on a patio – after the seemingly unending polar vortex winter, you deserve it. Here’s our list of the finest local outdoor wining and dining to be found.
Manhattan’s
Manhattan’s 1516 Adams St.
419-243-6675
manhattanstoledo.com
Up the street from the 9-to-5 grind of downtown Toledo, Manhattan’s boasts a large, full service, dog-friendly patio. The variety of table sizes and twinkling lights allow for a quiet evening for two, while the view of Uptown lets guests spot their friends from the sidewalk and invite them to pull up a chair and join the party.
Majestic Oak Winery
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Majestic Oak Winery 13554 Mohler Rd. • Grand Rapids
419-875-6474
majesticoakwinery.com
Break out of the small patio mindset and sip on a glass of wine while strolling through seven acres of rolling grass and vineyards. A majestic oak, as in the winery name, is a favorite spot for many customers, says owner Laura Rufenacht. There’s also a covered shelter with seating. “Our customers can escape close to home. They come back for the quiet surroundings and a friendly atmosphere,” Rufenacht adds.
Swig
219 Louisiana Ave., Perrysburg
419-873-6224
swigrestaurant.com
The popular haven for gastropub fare and craft beer enthusiasts has grown so much in popularity that they added a patio covering to utilize the outdoor seating nearly all year long. Live music on the patio adds flair to in-house made charcuterie and comfort food, and the chocolate-covered bacon sundae makes a great treat for a hot day.
Avenue Bistro
Avenue Bistro 6710 W. Central Ave.
419-841-5944
centralavenuebistro.com
Surrounded by lush greenery, Avenue Bistro’s patio is a secluded gem that you would not expect to find tucked behind a strip mall. The Central Avenue staple is a hot spot for those who want sophistication in a relaxed atmosphere and a place to be seen. A recently added cover overhead and heaters allow guests to dine al fresco in less than ideal weather.
5th Street Pub
5th Street Pub105 West Fifth St.• Perrysburg •419-931-9933
5th Street Pub’s year-round patio is perfect for enjoying an outdoor feel with indoor amenities. Large windows, installed for the colder months, let guests enjoy the weather while staying warm and cozy. The windows come down in the summer but, with ceiling fans and a roof, patrons can enjoy the sunshine without baking in it.
Chowders N’ Moor
Chowders N’ Moor 312 South St.
Waterville
419-878-9105
chowdersnmoor.com
It’s not just the famous white chicken chili that keeps both the Waterville locals and other Northwest Ohioans coming back to Chowders N’ Moor. Outdoor seating offers a great spot to try out their family-friendly fare. With colorful picnic tables, palm trees and nautical decor, guests can dine in a relaxed, vacation-like setting without having to travel too far from home.
Bronze Boar
Bronze Boar20 S. Huron St. • 419-244-2627 • bronzeboar.com
An easy walk from Fifth Third Field and the Huntington Center, the Bronze Boar patio is a prime location for grabbing a beer or a glass of wine before a game or after a concert. Including a wide range of single malt scotches and beers with live entertainment, it’s a weekend destination all its own. Note the Bronze Boar’s historic Warehouse District building, originally built as a horse stable in 1859.
Real Seafood
Real Seafood22 Main St. • 888-456-3463• realseafoodcotoledo.com
The patio at Real Seafood, with its twinkling lights, striped awnings and waterfront view, provides the perfect backdrop for enjoying fresh seafood brought in from the Great Lakes and the Gulf of Mexico. At The Docks, Real Seafood’s patio is an elegant dining experience enhanced by the fresh evening air.
Bar Louie
Bar Louie 4105 Levis Commons Blvd. Perrysburg • 419-874-9774
barlouieamerica.com
After shopping and strolling through Levis Commons, sit and relax on Bar Louie’s patio. On a nice day, it’s a special spot to enjoy legendary specials like $1 burger night, as well as extensive microbrew, wine and signature martini selections. Stop by for happy hour from 4pm to 7pm for drink specials and half price on select appetizers and flatbreads.
Cigar Affair
Cigar Affair 323 Conant St.
Maumee
419-891-0109
Cigar Affair’s “Cigarden” is a smoker-friendly garden terrace perfect for testing its wide selection of Padrons, Perdomos, Olivas and Ashtons. With a location right in the heart of Uptown Maumee, the Cigarden caters to a wide variety of sophisticated cigar aficionados.
Ciao Italian Restaurant
Ciao Italian Restaurant6064 Monroe St., Sylvania • 888-456-3463 • ciaorestaurant.com
A stone floor, vines growing over wooden beams and a large, brick, fireplace turn the Ciao Italian Restaurant patio into a Tuscan retreat full of character. With an herb garden on site, the fragrances of Italy come alive with Ciao’s focus on a seasonal menu with locally grown produce. Menu items from nearly every part of Italy should please even the picky palates.
Zia’s
Zia’s20 Main St. • 419-697-4559 • ziasrestaurant.com
Zia’s intimate outdoor patio on the docks, overlooking the Maumee River, is a prime destination for those who want delicious Italian food with one of the area’s best views. Sitting beneath a cover of lush greenery, outdoor seating combined with Zia’s sophistication make the patio a one-of-a-kind setting for events and dining throughout the summer.
El Vaquero
El Vaquero 24 Main St.
419-690-8330
3302 Secor Rd.
419-536-0471
26611 Dixie Hwy 107
Perrysburg
419-872-1230
vaquerorestaurant.com
With three Toledo-area locations, El Vaquero has several spacious patios that keep it hopping during warmer months. The Docks location offers a beautiful view of the Maumee River and Downtown Toledo. The Secor Road restaurant, their second Toledo location, boasts a large, fenced-in patio, offering a festive respite from the day’s chaos. A Perrysburg location conveniently off I-475, with a patio out front, rounds out the fiesta trifecta, making it a summer hot spot to meet friends for margs.
Bar 145
Bar 1455305 Monroe St. • 419-593-0073 • bar145toledo.com
Beginning in June, Bar 145 is bringing back Pinot on the Patio, its popular (and weekly) Tuesday night summertime soiree, best experienced on the bourbon and burger joint’s patio. With a bar that extends onto the patio, Bar 145 offers uninterrupted enjoyment of long-awaited summer weather. Plenty of open space between the high top tables allows customers to relax and mingle, even in large groups. With heaters and a cover during the winter, Bar 145’s enhanced patio can be enjoyed all year long. Guests can delight in special $15 bottles of wine and savor Chef Robbie’s special pairing menu while live acoustic entertainment plays in the background. The chef’s menu, featuring fresh local fruits and vegetables and artisan cheeses, will change weekly throughout the summer, making each event a unique experience. For those enamored with Bar 145’s flagship foods, the establishment will continue to serve customizable vegetarian and beef burgers, as well as a fine selection of bourbons in all price ranges. Mark your calendars for $5 martinis and burgers on Wednesday nights.
Ye Olde Durty Bird
Ye Olde Durty Bird 2 S. Saint Clair St.
419-243-2473
yeoldedurtybird.com
Ye Olde Durty Bird, known as Downtown Toledo’s gastropub and meeting place, especially before or after any downtown event, touts a large patio –a great sunny-day spot to kick back and enjoy one of the Durty Bird’s specialty frozen drinks, summer wine or summer sangria. With a location directly across the street from Fifth Third Field, it’s a perfect way to begin or end a day with America’s pastime.
Firepit Grille
Firepit Grille 7723 Airport Hwy., Unit A • Holland
419-724-4441 • firepitgrille.com
Firepit Grille’s patio stands out not only because of the year-round glowing fire, but because it can also accommodate 100 people, making it a fun, casual destination for hanging out with a group or hosting an event that retains that backyard barbecue feel. American staple food and an extensive beer and cocktail selection add to the feel just a short drive down Airport Highway.
Bravo! Cucina Italiana
Bravo! Cucina Italiana5001 Monroe St. • 419-472-1200 • bravoitalian.com
Escape the hustle and bustle of Franklin Park Mall and step inside the elegant and inviting rustic Italian patio of Bravo! Cucina Italiana. It’s a great spot for a drink during happy hour or for spending an evening enjoying summery weather and Italian fare.
Ventura’s
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Ventura’s7742 W. Bancroft. St. • 419-841-7523 • toledostripletreat.com/ventura
Open since 1984, Ventura’s authentic Mexican food and famous margaritas are a Toledo favorite and having a patio makes Margarita Tuesdays and a daily happy hour even merrier. The Cajun Chicken Super Nachos, winner of the TCP 2014 Food Challenge, are a great choice for satiating a summer snack fix.
Mulvaney’s Bunker
Mulvaney’s Bunker4945 Dorr St. • 419-531-3800 • mulvaneysbunkertoledo.com
Going above the typical expectations of an Irish Pub, Mulvaney’s Bunker offers live music every Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 6pm-9pm followed by a DJ at 10pm. Along with rockin’ tunes, the full menu of appetizers, burgers, sandwiches and more is offered on the patio as well. With a rooftop covering, the party can keep going despite Mother Nature’s interruptions.
Mancy’s Italian
Mancy’s Italian 5453 Monroe St.
419-882-9229
mancys.com
The refined elegance that makes Mancy’s Italian stand out above the throngs of Toledo-area restaurants transcends onto its brick-lined patio. Its contemporary Italian fare, prepared in an open kitchen letting the aromas of homemade sauces linger through the air, can be enjoyed in a casual setting that’s great for meeting friends and family for a relaxing evening with a cool summer breeze.
Stella’s Restaurant & Bar
Stella’s Restaurant & Bar104 Louisiana Ave., Perrysburg • 419-873-8360 • stellasrestaurantandbar.com
After turning onto Louisiana Avenue in Historic Uptown Perrysburg, the red umbrellas on Stella’s patio invite the hungry to enjoy the warmth of the sun while dining in style. With a new menu under the direction of its new chef, Rob Campbell, and a unique cocktail and drink selection, Stella’s patio is an innovative spot to check out for the first time or return to for a twist on familiarity.
San Marcos Taqueria
San Marcos Taqueria 235 Broadway St., 419-244-2373
2060 W. Laskey Rd., 419-851-0051
719 Galena St., 419-720-0041
sanmarcostaquieria.com
Among the Mexican restaurants in Northwest Ohio, San Marcos stands alone as the only one that began with a couple tables in the back of a Mexican grocery store. Now, the restaurant has grown to include a vibrant patio surrounded by stone bricks with a trickling fountain of water near the center. It’s a great place to spend a sunny afternoon with friends while sharing a pitcher of San Marcos’ margaritas and some delicious beef, chicken or veggie tacos.
El Camino
El Camino 2500 W. Sylvania Ave., 419-472-0700
2072 Woodville Rd., Oregon, 419-693-6695
551 W. Dussel Dr., Maumee, 419-887-0700
elcaminorealtoledo.com
For more than 10 years, El Camino’s patio has been a beacon for patrons who want authentic mexican food and legendary margaritas on one of the largest patios in town at the Sylvania Ave. location. The colorful, and occasionally rowdy, patio, with its flowing pitchers of margaritas, is a well-known favorite for guests coming from all over Northwest Ohio.
Oliver House
Oliver House27 Broadway St.• 419-243-1302 • theoliverhousetoledo.com
The courtyard patio outside The Cafe at the Oliver House is a cozy lunchtime spot to take in the beauty of the historic 19th century architecture while munching on bistro fare in a hip urban atmosphere. If you’re not in the mood for The Cafe’s daily rotation of salads, soups and sandwiches, a fresh bakery item from Petit Fours Patisserie might do the trick while relaxing on the patio.
Rosie’s Italian Grille
Rosie’s Italian Grille 606 North McCord Rd
419-866-5007
rosiesitaliangrille.com
The romantic allure of Rosie’s Italian Grille doesn’t end when you step outside. The elegant patio, with stonework setting and a wall of trickling water gently falling into a fountain, is an escape from the ordinary once guests take their seats. It’s a prime place for enjoying a glass of wine and one of Rosie’s classy traditional Italian recipes.
The Attic on Adams
The Attic on Adams 1701 Adams St.
419-243-5350
theatticonadams.com
Above Toledo’s Greek staple, Manos’ Restaurant, The Attic on Adams is an Uptown Toledo hub for hanging out and enjoying an ever-evolving list of craft beers, cocktails and in-house infused liquors. This year the downstairs patio will be filled with flowers and landscaping done by Derek Bunch. Seating on the patio is already available and will get even better when the patio bar opens on June 16.
Loma Linda’s
Loma Linda’s 10400 Airport Hwy., Swanton
419-865-5455
toledostripletreat.com/lom
Don’t let the Swanton locale fool you, this family-owned Mexican restaurant has been a margarita mecca for Toledoans for almost 60 years. With a magician on Wednesdays, a mariachi band on Fridays and a top-secret margarita recipe, Loma Linda’s patio is the place to be for a fun, familiar atmosphere.
Forest View Lanes
Forest View Lanes 2345 W. Dean Rd., Temperance
734-847-0415
forestviewlanes.com
Two miles north of Toledo is a wonderland filled with sand volleyball courts, corn hole games and a full-service patio made for enjoying over 50 menu items, over 50 different types of beers, and live music. If that isn’t enough to make this more than your average bowling alley, stop by on Saturdays or Sundays to test out the Bloody Mary and Mimosa Bar before putting on your game face for Forest View’s recreational activities.
Gross Electric
Gross Electric 2807 N. Reynolds Rd.
419-537-1818
grosselectric.com
Whether its a commercial patio or home patio, lighting fixtures from Gross Electric make any patio stand out. Outdoor lighting from the local electrical guru will add curb appeal while helping families take advantage of outdoor spaces after dark. Their selection of unique and stylish fixtures aim to please all tastes.
Buster Brown’s Big Dog Lounge
Buster Brown’s Big Dog Lounge313 Conant St. • Maumee • 419-893-0229
With a neighborhood bar feel, pool tables and a patio out back, Buster Brown’s is an unassuming establishment for knocking back a few beers and jawing with friends over who cheers for the better sports team. With live music, karaoke nights and $1 jello shots, Buster Brown’s patio can be relaxing or a party depending on the night.
Degage Jazz Cafe
Degage Jazz Cafe 301 River Rd., Maumee
419-794-8205
historiccommercialbuilding.com
Just down the street from Uptown Maumee, Degage’s patio, off the first floor of the Historic Commercial Building, is a quiet refuge, great for chatting with a friend or a romantic night out. The tranquil view of tree-lined streets and historic homes is the perfect setting for savoring Chef Joe Jacobson’s locally-sourced cuisine.
