The 10 Best Rooftop Restaurants & Bars in Cleveland, OH
Cleveland may not be the first city that comes to mind when you think of rooftop bars and restaurants, but it has a surprisingly vibrant scene for those looking to dine and drink with a view. From trendy cocktail bars to upscale restaurants and clubs, Cleveland has something to offer for every taste and budget. In this post, we’ve compiled a list of ten of the best rooftop bars and restaurants in Cleveland that are sure to elevate your dining and drinking experience.
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published on August 5, 2023 and last updated on October 15, 2023. Please refer to restaurant websites and social media pages for the most up-to-date information.
For more recommendations on where to eat and drink around Cleveland, check out our city page.
Bar 32
100 Lakeside Ave E, Cleveland, OH 44114
(216) 413-5000
Located on the 32nd floor of the historic Hilton Cleveland Downtown, Bar 32 is a wonderful destination for those looking to enjoy delicious signature cocktails and small plates with a stunning view. Bar 32 offers up live entertainment on Fridays and Saturdays, so make sure to check out their event schedule if you’re looking to head over during the weekend. With its large glass windows and panoramic views of Cleveland, Bar 32 makes for a special night out.
Luca Italian Cuisine
2100 Superior Viaduct, Cleveland, Ohio, 44113
(216) 862-2762
Luca Italian Cuisine isn’t just one of the best Italian restaurants in Cleveland. It’s one of the best restaurants in the city, period. Luca has won numerous awards, including Best Italian. As soon as you enter the door, you begin to realize why. This is fine Italian dining at its best. Everything is made with only the finest and freshest ingredients. With a focus on the classic recipes and traditions of Northern Italy, dishes such as the Pappardelle Alla Bolognese are absolutely mouthwatering. Luca also has an in-house sommelier who can help you find the perfect glass for whatever the meal or occasion is. Add in a stunning view of the Cleveland skyline, and Luca Italian Cuisine is a must-eat.
Punch Bowl Social
1086 West 11th Street, Cleveland, OH 44113
(216) 239-1508
Punch Bowl Social may be a national chain, but that doesn’t mean that it’s not a great place to go. In fact, Punch Bowl Social Cleveland provides spectacular views of the city, all while being conveniently located near the Brown’s FirstEnergy Stadium. If you haven’t been to a Punch Bowl Social before, then you’re in for a treat. Spanning 27,000 square feet, this place isn’t just one bar. There are several that are spread throughout the space. Each one has wonderful craft cocktails and beer to enjoy. You can also get something to eat from their from-scratch menu. For a place this size, the food is surprisingly good!
Luxe Kitchen & Lounge
6605 Detroit Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44102
(216) 920-0600
Sometimes it’s all in the name, and at Luxe Kitchen & Lounge, that’s the truth. The drinks and dishes are luxurious, both in appearance and flavor. When it comes to craft cocktails, Luxe absolutely nails it. Their House Manhattan, Luxe Margarita, and Smoke & Spice are all fantastic. When it comes to food, they offer vegetarian options, burgers, pizza, and specialty entrees. Definitely check out some of their shared appetizer plates as well. The roasted bone marrow, blackberry chutney, and fresh horseradish on toast points are divine.
The Garden of Eden
2017 East 9th Street, Cleveland, OH 44115
(216) 313-8810
The Garden of Eden isn’t the first rooftop bar to grace the 5-Star Metropolitan at The 9, but it is the newest and does not disappoint. The Garden of Eden replaced the popular Azure Rooftop Lounge in May of 2022. This elevated escape from the hustle and bustle of the city provides a unique and almost dreamlike atmosphere. The open-air rooftop terrace is dotted with relaxing and comfortable sofas, tables, and standard bar seating. All of this is surrounded by stunning panoramic views of the Cleveland skyline. Along with the view, the drinks are top-notch as well. Try the Strawberry Fields cocktail, containing Maker’s Mark, strawberry purée, lemon juice, and honey simple syrup. It’s stout but not lacking any flavor or depth.
Alley Cat Oyster Bar
1056 Old River Road, Cleveland, OH 44113
(216) 574-9999
On the east bank of the Cuyahoga River, you’ll find Alley Cat Oyster Bar. With gorgeous views of the Cleveland shore both inside and outside on the patio, you’ll always have something to look at while you enjoy your food and drinks. Alley Cat is more than just a bar too. They have flavor-packed dishes in addition to oysters. Although, let’s be honest, you didn’t come here not to order oysters, right? Alley Cat also has a diverse range of cocktails, wine, and beer, so that there’s something here for you, no matter what you like to drink. We definitely recommend Alley Cat Oyster Bar for Happy Hour, too. It takes place from 3-6 pm Monday through Friday. So come relax, have a drink, eat some fresh oysters, and watch the river traffic go by.
The Harp
4408 Detroit Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44113
(216) 939-0200
Cleveland has its fair share of Irish pubs. However, most of them don’t provide the views that The Harp does. The menu features traditional Irish pub dishes that are smack full of flavor. Recommending Fish and Chips may seem like an easy way out, but The Harp’s are well worth it. The interior transports you back to Ireland from the second you walk in the door. This place cares about its patrons, and as such, the service is fantastic. If you want to have a pint, there aren’t many places better than The Harp.
Velvet Dog
1280 West 6th Street, Cleveland, OH 44113
(216) 664-1116
Located in Cleveland’s famous Warehouse District, Velvet Dog is a vibrant dance club that makes for an adventurous night out. If you love to dance, then this is the place for you. The rooftop has cabanas that can be reserved for private parties and events. With its dazzling colors, vibrant atmosphere, delicious drinks, and unique vibes depending on what floor you’re on, Velvet Dog is a must-try experience whether you’re just visiting Cleveland or if you call it home.
Nano Brew Cleveland
1859 West 25th Street, Cleveland, OH 44113
(216) 862-6631
Nano Brew Cleveland has delighted patrons for over a decade with their delicious food and beer. There’s plenty of space to watch the game, hang out with friends after work, or unwind over the weekend. The main attraction here is the burgers. Fresh, never-frozen, and 100% Angus Beef topped with a potato bun, these burgers have their ingredients locally sourced from Ohio farms. They’re so good that they’ve been voted the most unique burger in Cleveland. Nano Brew is one of Cleveland’s best sports bars, in addition to being one of the best LGBTQ-friendly establishments in the city. It’s a place for everyone to feel welcome and have a good time. Oh, and their patio has pretty decent views too.
Pier W
12700 Lake Ave, Lakewood, OH 44107
(216) 228-2250
Pier W is a little bit out of the way since it’s not in downtown Cleveland. However, it’s one of Cleveland’s most well-known and downright delicious seafood restaurants. That, plus the stunning views you can get of downtown Cleveland from across the water, is why so many people rave about this place. The drinks lounge has some of the best rooftop views that you can find anywhere. The food is spectacular no matter what time of day it is. Their Sunday brunch is one of the best in the city. Oh, they’ve also won Wine Spectator’s Magazine’s Award of Excellence for the last 15 years. If you’re visiting Cleveland, you have to come to Pier W.
For more recommendations on where to eat and drink in the city, check out our Cleveland page, here!
Featured Blog Posts
10 Restaurants Worth the Splurge in Cleveland, OH
Are you planning a night out in Cleveland where money is no object? Rest assured that the city is ready to satisfy your desire for splurging. However, you don’t want to waste money on hype when there are so many well-known restaurants and hidden gems that are definitely worth the bill. Check out this guide to 10 restaurants worth the splurge in Cleveland, OH.
7 Most Spectacular Speakeasies in Cleveland, OH
The allure of a speakeasy is obvious to anyone who visits one of these hidden-in-plain-site bars. Finding an obscured or unusual entrance, providing a secret word or using a special door to enter, only to be rewarded with a swanky bar, spectacular cocktails and an unmatched prohibition-era vibe. Some of the most fun spots in Cleveland are these sometimes-underground gems, the spectacular speakeasies hiding right underneath our noses.
Bellie Up at Cordelia: The Best Meal in Cleveland
My plan was to get a burger. Instead, I ended up eating one of the most impressive meals I’ve ever had. Join me as I recount my remarkable experience enjoying the Cordelia “Bellie Up” tasting menu.
A Guide to Downtown Cleveland’s East 4th Street
Right in the heart of downtown Cleveland lies East 4th Street, a revitalized pedestrian-friendly street jam-packed with restaurants, bars, and people. When it comes to food, it’s hard to miss, whether you’re craving a slice of pizza or a multiple-course chef’s table dining experience. Here are our favorite places to eat and drink on East 4th Street.