Dining outdoors in Northeast Ohio

By Sean Lackey, Gandalf's Pub & Restaurant

While many Northeast Ohioans travel to places down south for sunshine and warmth, there is no reason to leave home during the summer when outdoor patios play host to al fresco dining and libations.

Snuggled under a canopy of trees overlooking the city’s main street, Gandalf’s Pub & Restaurant’s charming patio seats up to 50. And an adjacent all-season room provides additional seating with an outdoor vibe.

In the true sense of a pub, Gandalf’s is a neighborhood gathering place serving libations and hosting live music on weekends. From beer on tap to fancy raspberry swirl martinis to Irish coffee spiced with whiskey, the bar delivers on a fun time. And on Sundays, the Bloody Mary bar features the Irish Rose Mary topped with corned beef and cheese, along with a dozen other concoctions.

Every Saturday night, weather permitting, the restaurant hosts live music from 7:30 to 11:00 p.m. Music genres range from classic rock, reggae, Irish folk, acoustic duos and just about any band with a fun following. For those looking to spend the day outdoors, the patio also has live music on select Sundays following brunch, including a monthly appearance by The New Barley Corn.

To complement the outdoor setting, the restaurant has introduced a new summer menu featuring lighter fare with seasonal ingredients. For the freshest summer flavors, the chef picks herbs from the restaurant’s own garden to flavor the food. The mixologists also use herbs, such as mint in the Mojito, and muddles them in cocktails for a flavor burst.

Gandalf’s Pub & Restaurant is located at 6757 Center Road in Valley City. Dining hours are Tuesday and Wednesday, 11:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.; Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to midnight; and Sunday, 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. For reservations, call 330-483-1190 or visit GandalfsPub.com.