The Seafood At These 9 Waterfront Restaurants In Ohio Is Out Of This World
With sunshine, warmer temperatures and summer on its way, there’s nothing like a delicious seafood restaurant by the water—wouldn’t you agree? Whether you prefer your fish fried, fresh lobster, or surf and turf, Ohio has you covered when you’re in the mood for your favorite seafood dish. The following are 9 waterfront restaurants that serve some of the best seafood in the state. (Of course, the views aren’t bad either.)
See which ones you’ve been to before and which ones you need to add to your restaurant bucket list:
This landmark Cleveland area restaurant is suspended over Lake Erie to give customers a cruise-like dining experience. With more than 50 years of business, this beautiful restaurant has received numerous awards and recognitions, including one of Travel + Leisure‘s "America’s Top 5 Romantic Restaurants" in 2011. From the atmosphere to the seafood, everything is exceptional here. (Pictured is the Hawaiian grilled Marlin with goat cheese tomato risotto.) You'll find Pier W at 12700 Lake Ave. (Winton Place), Lakewood, OH 44107.
Tucked away along the Sandusky River, you'll find this quirky restaurant that's known for its excellent perch and walleye. (Pictured above is the 1 lb. Perch Dinner served over a bed of fries with coleslaw.) It's located at 420 Sandusky Ave., Fremont, OH 43420.
Expereince fresh seafood from Boston, Florida and the Great Lakes at this local favorite in Toledo. (Pictured: Grilled Arctic Char with rice pilaf, pea purée and roasted pepper relish.) Real Seafood Company Toledo is located at 22 Main St., Toledo, OH 43605.
4. Dockers Waterfront Restaurant and Bar (Kelleys Island)
Enjoy views of Lake Erie, from Cedar Point to Mouse Island, at this popular seafood joint on Kelleys Island. Known for their homemade crab cakes and lobster bisque, this restaurant features the best of the best seafood. It is located at 114 W Lakeshore Dr,, Kelleys Island, OH 43438.
With delicious oysters, shrimp cocktails and a surf and turf burger, this place is well known for its wide variety of seafood options and waterfront view of the Cuyahoga River. Alley Cat Oyster Bar is located at 1056 Old River Rd., Cleveland, OH 44113.
6. Dock's Beach House Bar and Grille (Port Clinton)
This popular lakeside eatery features a casual tiki bar, delicious pub grub, live entertainment and the beautiful shores of Lake Erie. Dock's Beach House is located at 252 W Lakeshore Dr., Port Clinton, OH 43452.
With fresh fish caught daily and cooked with expertise, you will experience what is arguably the best perch sandwich in Ohio at New Sandusky Fish Company. What this restaurant lacks in appearance, it makes up for in quality of food. The next time you’re in the Sandusky area, this no-frills seafood shack is worth a detour. You'll find it at 235 E. Shoreline Drive in Sandusky.
8. Pirate’s Cove Tropical Bar and Grill (Cincinnati)
Near the Ohio River within Four Seasons Marina, Pirate's Cove Tropical Bar and Grill is southern Ohio's own little slice of paradise, waiting for you. With tropical decor, delicious food, live music and even a pirate or two wandering around, this unique restaurant is fun for the whole family. (And if you're dining with picky eaters, the non-seafood selection on the menu is just as impressive.) Pirate’s Cove Tropical Bar and Grill is located at 4609 Kellogg Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45226.
With gourmet burgers and tacos, live entertainment and scenic views of Cedar Point Amusement Park and Lake Erie, you couldn't ask for a better experience. Dockside Cafe is located at 611 W Shoreline Dr., Sandusky, OH 44870.
Have you ever been to any of these restaurants before? If so, we want to know what your experience was like!
April is the Ohio staff writer for Only in Your State. She is an Ohio native with a Bachelor of Science in Journalism from E.W. Scripps School of Journalism. With more than 10 years of writing experience and a background in news reporting for local Ohio newspapers, she's published pieces in multiple print and online publications. When she's not on deadline or chasing after her toddler, she's hunting for hidden gems in Ohio or getting lost in a good book.
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