Are you in the mood for mussels, king crab legs, or fish and chips? If so, several Ohio restaurants prove you don’t have to live near the ocean to enjoy your favorites from the sea. The chefs use catches from coast to coast and around the world, and their bold flavors keep diners returning for more. The eateries include:
Bender’s Tavern (137 Court Avenue SW, Canton)
Once a favorite of football legend Jim Thorpe, Bender’s Tavern has welcomed hungry diners since 1902. It’s one of the oldest restaurants in Canton, and if the walls could talk, they would have plenty of stories to tell.
The menu includes a variety of seafood dishes, from tasty appetizers to hearty entrees. Try the steamed Maine mussels, Glacier Bay crab cakes, or Chilean sea bass. You won’t be disappointed.
Pier W (12700 Lake Avenue, Lakewood)
Step into Pier W to discover why it was a Cleveland Magazine Silver Spoon Award winner in 2024. Its unique design resembles the hull of a cruise ship, and offers a picturesque look at Lake Erie and the downtown Cleveland skyline.
Seafood offerings include Maine lobster pasta, grilled Great Lakes Walleye, and oven-roasted cedar plank salmon.
Jolly Rogers Seafood House (1715 East Perry Street, Port Clinton)
Offering stunning water views, the Jolly Rogers Seafood House is a “beloved Lake Erie institution” known for its signature dishes, friendly service, and warm, casual setting. You can watch as your fish is breaded, and every dish is as fresh as it is flavorful.
Choices include walleye, fish and chips, and perch (a customer favorite). Round out your meal with the restaurant’s famous onion rings.
Brennan’s Fish House (102 River Street, Grand River)
Brennan’s Fish House has served the finest from the “lake, land, and sea” since 1973. It’s found inside a building that has been in continuous operation since 1865, and the walls are spotted with artifacts that tell its storied history.
For dinner, try the shrimp scampi, fresh sea scallops, or stuffed orange roughy. A baked potato, coleslaw, and bread and butter will round out your feast.
Alley Cat Oyster Bar (1056 Old River Road, Cleveland)
Situated along the east bank of the Cuyahoga River, the Alley Cat Oyster Bar boasts expansive water views, whether you’re in the dining room or on the patio.
The carefully curated menu features many seafood favorites. They're made from the finest ingredients, and pair well with a craft beer or a refreshing cocktail. Offerings include walleye sandwiches, lobster rolls, and king crab legs.