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Eat, Drink—and Be Airy!—Erie

Summer is almost here and the patios are open! Check out these local spots with alfresco dining options and enjoy great food in the great outdoors.


An outdoor dining area on a stone-paved sidewalk under a canopy of leafy trees. Wooden tables and chairs are neatly arranged, with vibrant red flowers in a planter in the immediate foreground. Further down the street, additional seating is visible beneath red awnings, complemented by lush hanging baskets overflowing with yellow and orange blossoms. Dappled sunlight filters through the trees onto the sidewalk, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere.

Bay House Oyster Bar and Restaurant

Address: 8 Sassafras Pier, Erie Contact: bayhousepier6.com, or 814.413.7440

Indoor and outdoor dining with stunning views of Lake Erie. Enjoy fresh oysters and craft cocktails at this upscale wood-fired Argentine grill.

Blue Pike Grille

Address: 11950 East Lake Road, North East Contact: bluepikegrille.com, or 814.347.5167

Located at the beautiful North East Marina, this restaurant offers simple, seasonal, handmade fare with an extensive beer, wine and cocktail list. The outdoor dining area featuring expansive Lake Erie views is perfect for lunch, dinner, or drinks with friends.

The Brewerie at Union Station

Address: 123 West 14th Street, Erie Contact: brewerie.com, or 814.454.2200

“Real Food. Real Beer. Real Historic Atmosphere.” This brewpub and restaurant serves up fresh handcrafted ales paired with a unique menu of exceptional quality. Choose a table at the outdoor Trackside Beer Garden, and see trains go barreling by.

The Cab Bar & Grill

Address: 5442 West Ridge Road, Erie Contact: facebook.com/TheCABErie, or 814.838.0507

A patio with umbrella-covered tables only complements the comfortable setting and delicious bar food, featuring BBQ, burgers, wraps and homemade soups. A perfect get-together spot for friends and family.

Calamari’s Squid Row

Address: 1317 State Street, Erie Contact: calamaris-squidrow.com, or 814.459.4276

When you go to Calamari’s, be ready to relax and enjoy the spacious establishment and beautiful outdoor patio with delicious food that is always fresh and made to order.

Cloud 9 Wine Bar & Restaurant

Address: 25 East 10th Street, Erie Contact: cloud9erie.com, or 814.870.9007

A wine bar without pretense, aiming for great food and great wine at affordable prices. The patio is surrounded by a wrought-iron fence, with climbing ivy and canopied and open areas—the perfect place to dine with friends and family.

The Colony Pub & Grille

Address: 2670 West Eighth Street, Erie Contact: thecolonypubandgrille.com, or 814.838.2162

Dine alfresco on the patio, or cozy up next to the fireplace on a chilly night. Offering an exciting variety of sandwiches, ribs and smokehouse favorites, chicken dishes, seafood options, and so much more.

The Cork 1794

Address: 900 West Erie Plaza Drive, Erie Contact: cork1794.com, or 814.651.0332

Whether enjoying a breakfast taco for brunch, crab bisque for lunch, or grilled salmon for dinner, the dining experience is complemented by heated patio seating… perfect for gatherings of friends and family.

The Cove Bay-Side Restaurant & Tavern

Address: 2 State Street, Erie Contact: thecoveerie.com, or 814.454.7160

With great food and top-notch service, enjoy an authentic Key West atmosphere with a beautiful view of Presque Isle Bay. Dine outside under the 40’x50’ tiki hut, or inside near the cozy fireplace.

Erie Brewing Company

Address: 6008 Knowledge Parkway, and 4102 West Lake Road, Erie Contact: eriebrewingco.com, or 814.459.2427

Pair a wide variety of John’s Wildwood Pizzeria menu items with EBC’s unique and seasonal craft brews! A front patio is available and provides a dog-friendly outdoor dining experience.

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill

Address: 680 Millcreek Mall, Millcreek Contact: firebirdsrestaurants.com/erie, or 814.864.1599

Hand-cut steaks, fresh seafood and more at this upscale yet casual eatery. Patio dining available for those warm summer days.

Harbor House

Address: 4454 Buffalo Road, Harborcreek Contact: upick6.com/harbor-house, or 814.611.8106

Craft beer and American-inspired cuisine take the spotlight at this casual eatery. Enjoy a wood-fired pizza on the patio, which includes a firepit and outdoor bar.

Harbor View Grill

Address: 3730 Harbor Ridge Trail, Harborcreek Contact: hrgolfcourseerie.com/harbor-view-grill, or 814.898.4653

There is no better way to finish off a round of golf than sitting back and relaxing on the deck, enjoying dinner with your favorite beverage and taking in the beautiful sunsets of Lake Erie all season long.

Irish Cousins

Address: 3924 Main Street, Lawrence Park Contact: facebook.com/IrishCousins, or 814.899.2060

A menu filled with classics like wings, burgers and pizza, along with a ton of other tasty bites to choose from. A fenced-in outdoor patio area with shady umbrellas and tables is a great spot for enjoying good food, good drinks and good company.

John Russell Brewing Company

Address: 7520 Peach Street, Millcreek Contact: johnrussellbrewingcompany.com, or 814.866.2337

Started by local restaurateurs with on-site brewing, enjoy craft beer and casual pub dining on the outdoor patio with bar.

Lavery Brewing Company

Address: 128 West 12th Street, Erie Contact: laverybrewing.com, or 814.454.0405

Mix together award-winning American craft beers with unique and delicious pub fare and outdoor seating and it’s a winning recipe for a summer afternoon or evening dining experience. Dogs are also welcome on the patio.

Madeline’s Dining & Events

Address: 8844 PA-18, Cranesville Contact: madelinesdining.com, or 814.402.1075

This historic building has been revamped—with warmth, charm and a full menu of seafood, salads, burgers and grilled favorites. Enjoy all of it outside with seating near a pond adorned with ambient lighting.

Oasis Pub & Tiki Bar

Address: 3122 West Lake Road, Erie Contact: oasispuberie.com, or 814.833.1212

Providing patrons with excellent American-style pub fare for lunch or dinner, and a full bar experience. The Tiki Bar is a large outdoor area great for Happy Hours or get-togethers big and small.

Odis 12 Sports Bar & Grille

Address: 3702 West 12th Street, Erie Contact: odis12.com, or 814.452.6347

Erie’s Best Chicken Wing Cook-off winner from 2009 to 2019 serves wings in more than 150 flavors, plus other bar-food favorites. Enjoy them with friends and family in the outdoor eating area.

Oliver’s Rooftop

Address: 130 East Front Street, Erie Contact: oliversrooftop.com, or 814.920.9666

The view of the bay from this rooftop restaurant only adds to the fine-dining experience of the lush and cozy location. Choose from appetizers like baked stuffed brie to entrées such as lacquered salmon, filet mignon, or parmesan herb-crusted walleye.

Peppino’s Italian Chop House

Address: 6590 West Lake Road, Fairview Contact: peppinoschophouse.com, or 814.474.2016

Enjoy a warm summer night with friends in an intimate atmosphere with Italian favorites like gnocchi, veal piccata, chicken parmesan, or smoked chicken stuffed ravioli. Served on the cozy patio, it is sure to be a meal to remember.

Pier 6 Rooftop Bar & Restaurant

Address: 6 Sassafras Pier, Erie Contact: bayhousepier6.com, or 814.413.7437

Two rooftop decks for panoramic views of Lake Erie, the Bayfront, and downtown. Enjoy specialty cocktails, local beer, and chef-prepared dishes.

The Plymouth Tavern & Restaurant

Address: 1109 State Street, Erie Contact: plymouthtavern.com, or 814.453.6454

A menu packed with classic dishes created from scratch. Daily specials incorporate seasonal, local ingredients. Spacious bricked patio with raised flowerbed is great for a relaxing meal.

Public House

Address: 4575 West Ridge Road, Millcreek Contact: upick6.com/public-house, or 814.520.8495

Wood-fired pizza, pub burgers, fresh salads and more! Enjoy your meal on the patio, featuring a firepit and bar.

Rum Runners

Address: 133 East Dobbins Landing, Erie Contact: rumrunnerserie.com, or 814.455.4292

This cozy shack diner serving snacks, burgers and seafood makes it feel like an island getaway, with outside seating overlooking Lake Erie. Enjoy it on a warm summer day or starry night.

Sara’s Restaurant

Address: 25 Peninsula Drive, Erie Contact: saraserie.com, or 814.833.1957

A seasonal staple at the foot of Presque Isle, this restaurant offers a quick bite to eat and excellent ice cream to satisfy your sweet tooth. Lots of covered/open outdoor tables are perfect for families to enjoy a casual meal after a visit to the beach.

Shoreline Bar & Grille

Address: 2 Sassafras Pier, Erie Contact: shorelinebarandgrille.com, or 814.636.1005

Soak in stunning views from this casual eatery in the Courtyard by Marriott, offering indoor seating and an outdoor dining area overlooking Lake Erie. Enjoy scrumptious American dishes and a large selection of libations.

The Skunk & Goat Tavern

Address: 17 West Main Street, North East Contact: skunkandgoattavern.com, or 814.347.9078

New American cuisine serving everything from breakfast burritos at brunch and flat iron steak salad for lunch, to NY Strip for dinner, complemented by fine global wines and craft cocktails. The outdoor café seating only enhances the dining experience.

The Sloppy Duck Saloon

Address: 726 West Bayfront Parkway, Erie Contact: sloppyducksaloon.com, or 814.452.6699

Delicious food, drinks, and lakefront views! Featuring two decks that overhang the water, as well as a main dining area and tiki bar. No matter where you sit, you will have breathtaking views of the bay and, of course, the famous Lake Erie sunset.

Sunset Grill

Address: 508 Erie Street, Edinboro Contact: edinborolakeresort.com/sunset-grill, or 814.734.1033

The casual dining menu of fresh fare including seafood salads, tacos, dips and chips is enhanced by the covered patio, open seating and umbrella-covered tables overlooking Edinboro Lake.

Syd’s Place

Address: 2992 West Lake Road, Erie Contact: sydsplaceerie.com, or 814.838.3089

Established in 1930, this casual eatery serves American cuisine with several seafood specials and an outdoor patio with umbrella-covered tables during the day and warm, ambient lighting for evenings with friends and family.

Tap House

Address: 1109 State Street, Erie Contact: upick6.com/taphouse, or 814.520.5419

Cozy pub with a wood-fired brick oven for specialty pizzas. Enjoy 18 craft beers on tap and two outdoor dining areas.

Two45 Waterfront Grille

Address: 55 West Bay Road, Erie Contact: two45waterfrontgrille.com, or 814.240.7263

Overlooking Presque Isle Bay and boasting stunning water views, this patio is the perfect location for a leisurely meal for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Ugly Tuna Tavern

Address: 1010 Peninsula Drive, Erie Contact: uglytunatavern.com, or 814.835.6667

Serving a variety of classic American eats and tasty libations. Ample outdoor seating on the patio, where dogs are always welcome.

Underdog BBQ

Address: 2714 West Eighth Street, Erie Contact: underdogbbq.com, or 814.790.4001

A leader of the pack in barbeque! Serving everything from pork belly burnt ends to a make-your-own platter of one, two, or three meats and 10 different sides to round out your order. Gather with family and friends on the outdoor patio for a fun summertime escape.

Victorian Princess

Address: 1 State Street, Erie Contact: victorianprincess.com, or 814.240.0442

For anyone who wants to have a new dining experience, energetic Happy Hour, or family-friendly picnic-style fun—all while taking in the exquisite views of Lake Erie—go aboard the Victorian Princess paddle wheeler. Lunch, brunch and dinner cruises are available. Check the website for more details and reservation information.

The Vine

Address: 11884 East Main Road, North East Contact: vinebarandgrille.com, or 814.725.8463

A great place to meet with friends and enjoy some good food and great drinks, including craft beers. The family-friendly restaurant offers a 1,200-square-foot patio to have a great summer meal.

Woody’s Backwater BARge & Grill

Address: 110 East Dobbins Landing, Erie Contact: woodysbackwaterbargeandgrill.com, or 814.860.1385

Right on the water is where this cozy diner serves casual snacks and meals for any liking. Try the butterfly shrimp, gyro or tender pulled pork while sitting on the deck overlooking Lake Erie.

Didn’t see your favorite spot for alfresco dining? Email editors@icmags.com to submit the information. All restaurants are subject to change. Visit the websites for the most updated information.

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