2022 Best of Lake Erie: Hot Spots
Discover destinations to kick back, relax and enjoy the best that our Great Lake has to offer.
Amazing Ambiance: Oliver’s Beer Garden
Floor-to-ceiling windows reveal wide and open views of Erie’s bayfront and the historic US Brig Niagara ship — and energy from the bustling Harbor Place fills the rooftop restaurant and outdoor beer garden. It’s the crown jewel atop the Hampton Inn & Suites and chock full of entertainment.
“Throughout the restaurant are pictures from the 1813 Battle of Lake Erie — snippets of information,” says Courtney Kihm, manager. “You get a little history lesson as you walk through the restaurant and see the collections of pictures and beautiful bay views.”
The Beer Garden features a signature brew from Rusty Rail Brewing Company called Ship Faced! It’s pet friendly, offers limited boat docking and serves up food from Oliver’s own food truck. Inside the restaurant, Chef Rick handcrafts dishes with a focus on seafood, especially in summertime.
“Salmon and halibut are our best-sellers,” Kihm says.
Erie, Pennsylvania, 814-920-9666, oliversrooftop.com
Nightlife: Sunset Bay Beach Club
This waterfront dance club offers indoor dancing, an expansive waterfront patio bar, live music, DJs — no wonder it draws a vibrant beach crowd day and night.
Happy Hour isn’t just for weekdays, with two-for-one drinks. Aside from the club, Sunset Bay’s five acres of beachfront also offers attractions like Cabana Sam’s Beach Bar & Grill for casual bites and beverages, including kids’ meals, Sunset Bay Deli, Beaches and Cream for cones, and a snack bar.
Irving, New York, 716-934-9953, sunsetbayusa.com/beach-club
Outdoor Event and Concert Venue: Sole at Woodlawn Beach
There’s so much to take in at Sole at Woodland Beach — beach games, live entertainment, the Sandbar with favorites from the local family restaurant Ilio DiPaolo’s like the Sole Sausage Sandwich and custom cocktails like Sandy Cheeks made from grapefruit and pineapple juices, soda and peach schnapps. Sip on a Buffalo Bay Breeze of Tito’s vodka, pineapple and cranberry juice. Located at Woodlawn Beach, the setting is billed as a top spot for New York weddings, while Sole is a go-to for fun and sun.
Blasdell, New York, 716-824-3500, soleatwoodlawnbeach.com
