CLEVELAND, Ohio -- We hope that summer never leaves -- not just because it seems to leave before it shows up.
There are few things better than summer in Ohio. So we savor the season by wasting, er, I mean, enjoying the days away in summertime. We sit there doing nothing, hoping that somehow we can slow the time down to a crawl so that summer never leaves.
We do it with friends, with drinks, outside on a patio.
There are many great patios in the area. Some provide seclusion from the world. Some offer a view of the world passing by.
Here are 60 patios were you can do both while toasting summer. The 2015 edition of the Cleveland Patio Guide features a number of new entries, reflecting just how serious this summer patio thing has become. Enjoy the views, the drinks and the company...
(Share your favorite patios -- and the views of the lake, river and city that go with them -- with the hashtag #clepatio on Twitter and Instagram, too. They'll be featured on cleveland.com.)
100th Bomb Group
20920 Brookpark Road, Cleveland
216-267-1010; 100thbgrestaurant.com
The retro World War II-themed restaurant across from the airport is great for watching the planes come and go. There's also the vintage decor, which makes the place feel like a flight to another time. And, yes, the classic cocktail menu is better than anything you'll get on a United flight - and there's lots and lots of leg room here.
Academy Tavern
12800 Larchmere Blvd., Cleveland
216-229-1171; academytavern.com
The old gem of a bar from 1939 sits amid the antique shops of Larchmere. So it already feels like a walk into another time. Perfect match for the patio -- a leafy green hideaway with vines on the walls, a stony fountain and a place in the shade that feels far from the city.
Azure Rooftop Lounge at The 9
2017 East Ninth St., Cleveland
216-239-1200; metropolitancleveland.com
OK, we can talk about the mod couches and elaborate "VIP" chairs. Or even the shower up here. But it's the view, er, actually, the many stellar views that make this spot transcend mere trendiness. Azure provides a 360-degree view of downtown: Playhouse Square and Rhodes Tower to the east; the Terminal Tower to the west; Lake Erie to the north; and Progressive Field to the south. You look fine from here, Cleveland.
Bar Louie
1352 West Sixth St., Cleveland
216-452-5500; barlouieamerica.com
This sidewalk spot wraps around West Sixth Street and St. Clair Avenue and features a full bar, ample seating and a great view of the Warehouse District. Whoa, I think that's a tipsy partyer teetering in high heels. Whoops. Hope she's OK. Oh well, what else is there to do but have another sip?
Barking Spider Tavern
11310 Juniper Road, Cleveland
216-421-2863; barkingspidertavern.com
Even when the world is crazy and angry, this patio is a village of good vibes. It's low-key, laid-back and a flashback to the 1960s vibe that ruled when this part of town was a hippie bastion. Communal vibes, man.
Barrio
806 Literary Road, Cleveland
216-999-7714; barriotremont.com
Raise a margarita and a taco to the good-time girl who lords over this Mexican-flavored Tremont spot. She's no lush. She's the flapper mural overlooking Barrio's chic but simple patio -- one that rolls out a stone fireplace, potted plants and a cozy atmosphere.
Batuqui
12706 Larchmere Blvd., Cleveland
216-801-0227; batuquicleveland.com
This just-opened bistro-bar feels like home. Wait, it is located in a home - in Cleveland's Larchmere neighborhood. There's also an easygoing Brazilian vibe to go with a quaint patio that runs from the porch of the house to the sidewalk. OK, now time for another Caiporoska....
Brew Garden
18950 Bagley Road, Middleburg Heights
440-234-1001; brewgarden.com
Check out the beer list, which rolls out dozens and dozens of IPAs, porters and stouts, lagers and ales. Look at the exotic decor -- Tiki masks and plastic palm trees. But somehow I can't stop thinking that Timofey Mozgov is gonna walk through that gate any minute to hang out with his "Favorite Daytime Bartender at The Brew Garden." Oh, cool: Hi, Mozgov.
Bruno's Ristorante
2644 West 41st St., Cleveland
216-961-7087; brunosristorante.net
When in Cleveland, do as the... Ah, forget it, just do as the Romans do wherever you are and you're bound to approach la dolce vita. It's especially easy at Bruno's -- an Italian escape from the American city. The pressed-concrete patio is adorned with flowers, ivy, iron gates and colorful umbrellas - to go with a fountain in the back and this cappuccino on the table. Yes, "alfresco" is Italian... No surprise.
Clifton Martini
10427 Clifton Blvd., Cleveland
216-965-0221; cliftonmartini.com
First, let's raise a toast to The Clifton - one of the area's top vodka cocktails. OK, OK, three more of those. But we can't forget the patio - tailor-made for a lazy, sunny afternoon where you sit back and watch the world drive by on Clifton Boulevard. And then you think to yourself, "World, you really are clueless if you don't know what you're missing here."
Don's Pomeroy House
13664 Pearl Road, Strongsville
440-572-1111, donspomeroy.com
Check the map -- are we in Strongsville or the South? Actually, don't check; just bring me a lemonade. You see, this grove of thick old trees, white picket fence and luscious plants behind this mid-19th-century mansion make for a perfect setting on a breezy day.
Edison's Pub
2373 Professor St., Cleveland
216-522-0006, edisonspub.com
Past the bar, popcorn machine, booths and pool table, there is a door. Walk through it, and you will find yourself among friends, sipping beer at a picnic table amid the leafy green vines and a vibe that rewards conversation.
Felice Urban Cafe
12502 Larchmere Blvd., Cleveland
216-791-0918; feliceurbancafe.com
This Mediterranean-tinged restaurant with a homey vibe and sophisticated menu is located in a restored turn-of-the-20th-century home. Ah, but check out the refurbished barn out back. It features a bar with art on the walls and cafe seating - and a menu of small plates and drinks for piddling the summer away.
Fire Food and Drink
Shaker Square, 13220 Shaker Square, Cleveland
216-921-3473; firefoodanddrink.com
Doug Katz imagined a big-city vibe when he planned the patio outside this popular hangout in Shaker Square. He's right, this does feel like the big city - except that Fire also rolls out a very different vibe: It's laid-back, and you don't have to rush to be anywhere. In other words, best of both worlds.
Flannery's Pub
323 Prospect Ave., Cleveland
216-781-7782, flannerys.com
Yes, we know about the Irish pints here. But amid the sips and guzzles comes a moment of clarity: This downtown stalwart has a killer sidewalk patio that is spacious, fun and never pretentious. OK, now back to the pint.
Flying Fig
2523 Market Ave., Cleveland
216-241-4243, theflyingfig.com
It's so close to West 25th Street and yet so peaceful sitting here on the sidewalk of Market Avenue at the Fig -- a serene sister to the brew-haha of West 25th.
Gamekeeper's Taverne
87 West St., Chagrin Falls
440-247-7744, gamekeepers.com
Gamekeepers has long been a favorite patio hangout. But that hasn't stopped the eatery from always upgrading the patio. Let's see: brick, stone and a fireplace to go with trees, lights and a spacious yet cozy vibe. A bit New England, a bit more Chagrin Falls.
Graffiti Social Kitchen
1261 West 76th St, Cleveland
216-651-6969; graffitisocialkitchen.com
It's located in the old Reddstone spot, so, yes, there's something familiar about this patio. It's still leafy, what with the trees and greenery. But it's undergone a nice paint job, and the deep red goes well with the flowers, the colorful watermelon basil sangria and that cute white dog staring at me.
Great Lakes Brewing Co.
2516 Market Ave., Cleveland
216-771-4404; greatlakesbrewing.com
Of course they come for the beer. But don't sell that sidewalk short. A mere 100 feet from the hustle and bustle of the West Side Market and West 25th Street, it provides a shady day, even when the sun is blasting like a furnace. Great Lakes takes up most of the sidewalk on its side of the street, so you feel like there's space. So chill out.
Greenhouse Tavern
2038 East Fourth St., Cleveland
216-443-0511; thegreenhousetavern.com
Wow, look at all those people down there on the street - the foodies, strollers, folks heading to a ball game. Yes, the world passes us by and it's all good from this rooftop patio. Man, this Manhattan tastes pretty good.
Guarino's
12309 Mayfield Road, in Cleveland's Little Italy
216-231-3100; guarinoscleveland.com
Years ago, Jack White used to come here to sip wine and find peace. No, the other Jack White - you know, the racketeer named James Licavoli. I could see why. 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.
The Harp
4408 Detroit Ave., Cleveland
216-939-0200; the-harp.com
The inside of the The Harp boasts a fireplace and rich polished woodwork, the whole cottage vibe. Then you walk out onto the patio and you see everything Cleveland - from downtown to the warehouses to city industry. Ah, Midwestern Scenic goes well with a Smithwick's.
Hodges
668 Euclid Ave., Cleveland
216-771-4000; thedriftwoodgroup.com/restaurants/hodges
We should go on about the snazzy, sprawling patio. But I'm still focused on this fantastic view of the skyline and downtown's vibrant future on a renovated Euclid Avenue. Excuse me, bartender: I'll have a Pimm's Cup to go with that view.
Hofbrauhaus Cleveland
1550 Chester Ave, Cleveland
216-621-2337; hofbrauhauscleveland.com
Whoa, it's like a never-ending Oktoberfest out on this 1,000-seat beer garden. Well, actually even the heartiest of Bavarians run for cover when it gets too cold. But they love to party on this sprawling patio, which features rows and rows of picnic tables. It also features a recently-installed Maibaum. You know, a tall, wooden pole that's been a European tradition going back centuries. It signifies various things across Europe, but the end result is usually the same: a party.
Hoopple's
1930 Columbus Road, Cleveland
216-575-0483; hoopples.com
Located on a bluff overlooking the Cuyahoga River, this blue-collar joint offers a great view of the skyline and the bridges. It's also part of an up-and-coming neighborhood that attracts as many skateboarders and rowers as it does drinkers. But Hoopples hasn't changed -- it's still a slice of old-school Cleveland.
Houlihan's Westlake
25651 Detroit Road, Westlake
440-808-9090; houlihans.com/my-houlihans/westlake
Houlihan's in Westlake rolls out a massive yet secluded patio with an outside bar, tables, trees, an outdoor kitchen, lights and enough people to make it feel like a quaint little town, population 75. Call it Bliss, where they drink and eat themselves happy.
Johnny's Bar
3164 Fulton Road, Cleveland
216-281-0055; johnnyscleveland.com
Johnny's - great name for a joint, I must admit. But there's more to this quaint bar. Check out the patio, which features a meticulous garden in the back that looks like something you'd find on an estate in Europe, not in the middle of the city. Whoa, those sculpted bushes reminded me of something I once saw in Italy. Good job, Gianni!
L'Albatros
11401 Bellflower Road, Cleveland
216-791-7880; albatrosbrasserie.com
I could say the patio of this French eatery is reminiscent of someplace I saw in South Beach. Except that the South Beach place was a lesser version of this spot - a creative mix of stylish decor and leafy, organic charm.
La Dolce Vita
12112 Mayfield Road, Cleveland
216-721-8155; ladolcevitamurrayhill.com
Owner Terry Tarantino worked as a landscaper before opening this Italian eatery. Well, the landscape is perfect here - a great sidewalk cafe where you play voyeur over a cappuccino. The patio behind the restaurant is snazzy and manicured. Ah, as Fellini said, "the good life." Now if only Anita Ekberg would show up.
Le Petit Triangle Cafe
1881 Fulton Road, Cleveland
216-281-1881; lepetittrianglecafe.com
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 the vibe of this Parisian-style cafe. It's small - some might say too cramped out front. Ah, shut up and have a crepe.
Leather Stallion Saloon
2205 St. Clair Ave., Cleveland
216-589-8588; leatherstallion.com
The times and crowds have changed since the Stallion opened in 1970 as a leather bar. These days, the joint is pretty laid-back and casual when it comes to attire and attitude - especially Sundays, when the patio gets going. The grill smokes, the beers flow and the DJ spins beat-heavy tunes to a crowd of happy-go-lucky summer partyers amid the ivy-covered walls. Partay Heartay.
Local Tavern Parma
5513 Pearl Road, Parma
440-882-3365; local-tavern.com
The LT has brought a new energy to this space since opening this year - yes, because of the improved food menu, but also because of the patio. Amid the bamboo-and-cabana vibe is a reasonably-priced drink list. There are also music and bike nights. OK, time to stop talking and have a margarita.
Lopez on Lee
2196 Lee Road, Cleveland Heights
216-932-9000; lopezonlee.com
The Southwestern cuisine and tequila list might be the tickets. But the patio at this Mexican bar-restaurant is an all-out fiesta - a courtyard patio where a pitcher of margaritas makes Cleveland Heights feel like some cantina located elsewhere. Now if only these friends of mine would show up for a game of cards.
Luxe
6605 Detroit Ave., Cleveland
216-920-0600; luxecleveland.com
This Gordon Square eatery approximates a trendy backyard party. Casual and laid-back, it also makes for fine alfresco dining. The flowers, decor and sleek vibe are a bit reminiscent of some pad in South Beach -- minus the dress codes, dog-filled Gucci bags or velvet-rope dramas. In other words, it's stylish without being pretentious, and you never feel like you're crashing someone else's party.
Market Garden
1947 West 25th St., Cleveland
216-621-4000; marketgardenbrewery.com
Yes, it looks out at the West Side Market. Check out market stands, the hustle and bustle, the vendors and the shoppers. Then look at this beer and be thankful that you have nowhere pressing to be.
Merwin's Wharf
1785 Merwin Ave, Cleveland, OH 44113
216-664-5696; merwinswharf.com
This Cleveland Metroparks spot has brought new life to this area -- one of Cleveland's most unique combinations of industrial and natural environments and a stellar mix of bridges and wild greenery. You get to see it all from this sprawling patio, which sits along the Cuyahoga River and features an outdoor fireplace to go with a great view of boats and rowers rolling down the river. Life is but a dream.
Moosehead Hoof & Ladder
7989 Columbia Road, Olmsted Falls
440-235-5511; mooseheadrestaurant.com
Is there a patio more secluded than this one? The back of this eatery - housed in a circa-1940s firehouse - juts into the woods overlooking Rocky River. So much so that you feel cut off by civilization. Look around - all you see are trees, leaves, flowers, plants, greenery. Listen up, and you'll hear the sound of the river and the deer in the distance.
Nighttown
12387 Cedar Road, Cleveland Heights
216-795-0550; nighttowncleveland.com
This Cleveland Heights club-bar-restaurant-institution might have a jazzy vibe. But it's pure picnic time on the patio -- spacious, quiet, mellow and just right for a pint. Or two. Or . . . Jazz plays inside. Outside, it's all about the soothing vibes of summer. The murals, hanging lights and flowers on the patio provide a colorful counterpoint to the laid-back vibe. Are you ready to get mellow?
Olesia's Place
11204 Royalton Road, North Royalton
440-877-9054; olesiasplace.com
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 the 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.
Pier W
12700 Lake Ave., Lakewood
216-228-2250; selectrestaurants.com/pier
The patio at Pier W has few peers. It's feels like the wide deck of a ship, offering what might be the best views around of Lake Erie and the city. There's the downtown skyline. The wide-open waters. The sunset. Don't forget the summer cocktail menu. No worries there; I won't.
Players on Madison
14523 Madison Ave., Lakewood
216-226-5200; playersonmadison.com
Is this a patio or a secluded getaway that takes you out of Lakewood or anything resembling a street? Yes, there are umbrellas for the sun. But the immaculate greenery, flowers, vines and trellis overhead do a good job of telling the world: Leave me alone.
Porco Lounge
2527 West 25th St., Cleveland
216-802-9222; porcolounge.com
This patio proves that, yes, a Tiki bar can be an island. Porco rolls out just enough Polynesian decor to transform West 25th into someplace else. 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 are just enough to tell the world to shove off, shut its mouth and get lost.
Prosperity Social Club
1109 Starkweather Ave., Cleveland
216-937-1938; prosperitysocialclub.com
OK, it is a bar. But the patio feels like a backyard party, with retro decor and a vibe that is anything but exclusive. The social club welcomes all sorts, most of whom are sociable in this backyard.
Rivals Sports Grille
6710 Smith Road, Middleburg Heights
216-267-0005; rivalscleveland.com
Whoa, it's like a mini gated community for partyers, families and sports fans. Behind the black gate is a sprawling 4,000-square-foot patio lined with greenery and lanterns. In the middle of it all is a cabana that doubles as a summery sports bar, with multiple TV sets. The beer is just as impressive, with a number of reasonable-priced specialty brews.
Rocky River Brewing Company
21290 Center Ridge Road, Rocky River
440-895-2739; rockyriverbrewco.com
Beer is the calling card for this gastropub, no doubt. But the patio is hardly just a place to gulp suds - and not just because it's called Fin's Island Bar. Yes, there's a bit of a Tiki vibe. But it's more like some woohoo outpost you might find in the Florida Keys - where you can sip a brew, lap up summer, talk about Cleveland sports teams and imagine you're in Key West.
Rusty Anchor at Music Box Supper Club
1148 Main Ave., Cleveland, on the west bank of the Flats
216-242-1257; musicboxcle.com
What a lazy afternoon it is. What a view this is. This recent addition to the west bank of the Flats rolls out a number of stellar views - to go with a full-on menu and a wide range of beers. The Rusty Anchor, part of the Music Box, will also be host to live music during the summer. But let's return to the views. Just check out the bridges, skyline, Flats, lake and river.
Shooters on the Water
1148 Main St., in Cleveland's Flats
216-861-6900; shootersflats.com
The Flats never died - the action just moved to Shooters, which boasts a patio where you watch the lake, the river and downtown. And, just as nice, you can party like it's 1989.
South East Gears & Cheers
23333 Aurora Road, Bedford Heights
440-232-0029; segearsandcheers.com
Where do you start at this biker-themed superstore of patios? There's the cool bar with the garage doors and retro decor. A grill on the patio. Car cruises. Live bands. Bike nights. Hot dogs and hog -- this is Harley Heaven!
Spice
5800 Detroit Ave., Cleveland
216-961-9637; spicekitchenandbar.com
This locale has been so many things, everything from a mac-and-cheese spot to a modern taqueria. The one constant has been that patio - a secluded getaway from the street and the city. Spice as one-upped previous tenants, adding colorful flowers to go with a list of drinks and small plates that make you want to get all lazy on a sunny afternoon.
Sterle's Country House
1401 East 55th St., Cleveland
216-881-4181; sterlescountryhouse.com
Sterle's new take on the Old World includes it's ever-changing patio. Yes, it hosts lives music and grilled meats, made right on the patio. It also does a Bloody Mary bar on Sundays. As they say, Leben ist sehr gut in einem Biergarten.
Stone Mad
1306 West 65th St., Cleveland
216-281-6500; tinyurl.com/ohy9wdu
The enchanted cobblestone drive came from Scranton Road. But 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. Who's mad? Not me, because I am here and happy.
Tartine Bistro
Old River Shopping Area, 19110 Detroit Road, Rocky River
440-331-0800; tartinebistro.com
Somewhere between Cleveland and Paris is... Rocky River? Tartine feels like some quaint old Parisian nook you might find in the Latin Quarter. The charming sidewalk patio will make you feel like sipping wine delicately, even if you're a wino at heart. All it needs is an accordion player named Pierre. Oui!
Town Hall Ohio City
1909 West 25th St., Cleveland
216-344-9400; townhallohiocity.com
When it rolled into Ohio City, Town Hall quickly became the place to be seen - especially on the patio, which boasts a mod look and attracts a clubby clientele. Things have diversified some, thanks to eclectic themes such as vegan night or the diverse cocktail list. But this is one place in town where you can bet that there will be a crowd.
Treehouse
820 College Ave., Cleveland
216-696-2505; treehousecleveland.com
The big toucan mural on the wall says "Lovely day for a Guinness." Gotta believe him, judging by the crowds that pack and drink on the patio. It's leafy and lively, not to mention a regular stop for locals and bike hounds. Yup, the bird is the word.
Tremont Tap House
2572 Scranton Road, Cleveland
216-298-4451; tremonttaphouse.com
This once-quiet area started buzzing when Tremont Tap House brought a buzz to this old spot. (Remember Trinka's? The Starkweather?) You can credit the impressive beer list. Or the food and homey vibe. But the patio is stellar, too, and it serves all of those things to boot.
Velvet Dog
1280 West Sixth St., Cleveland
216-664-1116; velvetdogcleveland.com
I passed four very tipsy, teetering partyers as I walked up the stairs to the rooftop patio of this Warehouse District club. You know what that means: It's always party-hearty time here. The exotic decor and spectacular view of downtown from this rooftop re even better.
Vosh/Georgetown
1414 Riverside Drive, Lakewood
216-767-5202; voshclub.com
Vosh and its sister location, Georgetown, share a patio that 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. One of the best spots in town to kill an hour in the summer.
Washington Place Bistro & Inn
2203 Cornell Road, Cleveland
216-791-6500; washingtonplacelittleitaly.com
It's one thing to be secluded from the hustle. 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 decor) are balanced by the old brick and classic flower arrangements. In other words, you can come for romance or to romanticize the past.
Whiskey Island Still & Eatery
2800 Whiskey Island, Cleveland
216-631-1800; facebook.com/sunsetgrilleohio
The Cleveland Metroparks now runs this spot, which offers an upgraded menu and a wide drink selection to go with the live music. But it's still the location that sets this baby apart. The setting sun is more brilliant than glitzy decor or a zillion beer taps. Just ask any of the dogs lounging around, living it up as the sun sets over the lake.
Wonder Bar
2044 East Fourth St., Cleveland
216-298-4050; wonderbarcleveland.com
This spot once housed the original Otto Moser's, a classic Cleveland landmark that is now in Playhouse Square. Wonder Bar tries to recall a bit of that old vibe - and not just because it has a 40-foot bar, classy woodwork and a vintage look. It also boasts a small but cool patio that captures a big-city feel where you can sip classic cocktails amid the lights and street life.