Eat*Drink*Cleveland: patio

Merwin's Wharf

I wish I could keep this place to myself but the secret's out. Merwin's Wharf is my new favorite spot with a view in CLE. The Cleveland Metroparks did a fabulous job designing both the interior and exterior of this river front gem.

Photo Credit

Garage doors open onto a wrap around patio that includes a wood burning fire pit and a gas fireplace, tons of tables and comfy couches. Rowers, freighters, kayaks and other boats provide regular entertainment as they pass by.

Cleveland Restaurant, Eat Drink Cleveland

The food: My husband and I both had the sockeye salmon special and our friends both had the fried perch dinner. Everyone was very happy with our selections and the prices were good. The beer selection is decent - I think we are spoiled because so many places have a huge craft beer list these days.

The service: We sat at the bar while we waiting for our table and the bartender was great. For dinner, our waitress was prompt, helpful and pleasant.

The only SUPER annoying thing about this place is the they refuse to take same day reservations. Really. When I called twice to clarify this unreasonable rule, I was given some sort of nonsense without any real explanation of why this is their policy. If tables are available, why don't they take a reservation? We had out of town company and 14 of us wanted to eat here but without a reservation there was no way we were taking a chance and having to wait 2 hours for a table. I know that the Metroparks aren't used to running a restaurant but common sense should tell them that if they have open tables and people want to sit at them, they should do what every other normal restaurant does.

Other than that one gripe, we can't complain. The fabulous fire pit and fireplace make summer ending a little easier too.

Here's the details:
Located at 1785 Merwin Ave. Cleveland