7 Best Restaurants in Port Clinton

• 252 W Lakeshore Dr, Port Clinton, OH
• docksbeachhouse.com
• $$
• Patio vibes and pub grub: Try the burgers and onion rings
• No reservations needed

Think about a Spring Break vibe without the crazy crowds or obnoxious partiers. You’re left with lake views, sandy beaches, comfort food, and ample patio space to enjoy your margarita or refreshing Modelo. Welcome to Dock’s Beach House, one of the neighborhood’s best lakefront eateries, chock-full of fan favorite entrees like mac & cheese, fall-off-the-bone ribs, and two full bars to get your party started. 

While peak times can get busy, you’ll never usually wait longer than half an hour for a seat. A nice perk? Want to elevate your whole dining experience? You can rent jet skis from Dock’s to hit some waves after your meal — only in Port Clinton!

2. Jolly Roger’s Seafood House

• 715 E Perry St, Port Clinton, OH 
• facebook.com/Jollyrogerseafoodhouse
• $$
• Seafood: Try the fried perch and walleye filets
• Reservations recommended

Did someone say fish and chips? Jolly Roger’s has you covered with the freshest and most mouth watering filets in Port Clinton. If you’re after a famous Lake Erie walleye on a platter or fish & chips any and every way, this is the place for you. 

Round, spacious patio tables to bring the whole family? Check. Lakeside views and scenery? Done. Clam, shrimp, clams, walleye, perch, calamari, and even oysters and chips? Yes again. 

Enjoy the breeze as you delight in the fruits of Lake Erie with Jolly Roger’s town-favorite menu of local seafood. 

3. Ørchard Bar & Table-Catawba

• 3266 NE Catawba Rd, Port Clinton, OH 
• orchardoncatawba.com
• $$$
• New American fare: Try the Wagyu beef and King Crab
• Reservations recommended

Imagine the deliciousness of a steakhouse, seafood joint, and farmer’s market — surely, you can’t experience all three in one place, can you? The Orchard Bar & Table merges flavors across all three niches in its impressive menu of USDA Prime steaks, King Crab Legs, Rosemary-Mint Lamb Chops, and handcrafted cocktails. 

Pro tip? Head over during happy hour for more affordable eats and drink specials. Plus, you can check out the on-site Farm Stand for a laid-back glass of wine and stone-baked pizza within the vineyard. Our crew loves to head over on Wednesdays for half-price bottles of wine as well. 

4. Ciao Bella Ristorante Italiano

• 3880 East Harbor Light Landing Dr, Port Clinton, OH 
• ciaobellaohio.com
• $$
• Italian cuisine and pizzeria: Try the  Wild Mushroom and Truffle pizza
• Reservations recommended

Harbor Light Landing is a multi-use outdoor collection of businesses that stretches across pier-style walkways and a small marina, where lakeside views are the norm at every angle. Been a while since you had Italian? Ciao Bella has you covered. 

Some of our favorite flavor notes? Think decadent wild truffles, juicy sausage, and rich, creamy alfredo that make your mouth water with just one bite. While Ciao Bella serves up all the Italian classics, it also offers some more playful dishes, like bacon-wrapped date appetizers, rich butternut ravioli, and a unique salmon-lobster combination bisque.

5. 1812 Food & Spirits

• 2590 E Sand Rd, Port Clinton, OH 
• 1812foodandspirits.com
• $$$
• War of 1812-themed upscale American restaurant; freshly cooked Walleye
• Reservations required

Our favorite thing to do in Port Clinton? Fishing charters to catch our own Walleye — the sense of accomplishment is simply unparalleled. Except for, of course, the moment you taste your own catch. 1828 Food & Spirits is one of the few Port Clinton restaurants that will cook and clean your fish for you and serve it to you for dinner. 

Talk about sea to table! After all, as owner Kevin Lowe says: “You hook ‘em; we cook ‘em.”

The chefs here cook a mean walleye filet, but they also offer other crowd favorites like Triple Lobster Tails, Chicken Parmigiana, and hand-cut steaks. For added ambiance, they have outdoor seating on a breezy terrace.

6. Bistro 163

• 1848 E Perry St #10, Port Clinton, OH 
• bistro163.org
• $
• Casual American fare on a budget: Try the elevated 163 Grilled Cheese
• No reservations

Care for a side of fuzzies in the tummy with your afternoon lunch? Head on over to the area’s only non-profit restaurant completely volunteer run Bistro 163. 

This pay it forward cafe offers affordable luncheons (suggested price is $12 per dish), including dishes like grilled cheese, salmon, and our absolute favorite? Homemade bread pudding du jour. 

Plus, the restaurant offers free community meals to give back to the neighborhood every 2nd and 4th of the month. If any restaurant in Port Clinton unites the community together, it’s Bistro 163. 

7. Mendoza’s Restaurant

• 101 E Perry St, Port Clinton, OH 
• facebook.com/p/Mendozas
• $$
• Mexican fare: Pancho Villa Salad
• Reservations not required

Anyone craving tacos asada or cheesy enchiladas? Skip the fast food variety. Port Clinton has a gem for every traveler who craves Mexican fare: Mendoza’s. The interior is something out of a 1970s American diner—after all, the restaurant namesake specifies both Mexican and American fare. This is a great spot for touristy photos to make memories last a lifetime. 

As for the food? Indulge to your heart’s content with the wet burrito, dripping with salsa verde and bursting at the seams with delectable, juicy meat and gooey cheese. Or, you could opt for the juicy beef chorizo tacos. Extra points for supporting local — this is a family-run joint where you’ll often see mother and son serving up Mexican specials to a busy clientele. They also offer takeout for an easy night in.



Eat Your Heart Out in Port Clinton with Commodore Perry!

Bottom line? Port Clinton is a fisherman and foodie’s paradise. Enjoy delectably local seafood at this lakeside town’s many world-class eateries. 

Afterward, relax and retreat to your cozy accommodations here at Commodore Perry. It’s time to finally indulge in vacation. Book your Port Clinton trip today!