As one of three local waterfront restaurants, Merwin's Wharf -- owned by the Metroparks and opened in July – was destined to be popular from the start. More casual than the exquisite Pier W, less woo-hoo party-hearty than Shooters, Merwin's Wharf is an ideal all ages destination. I've visited three times recently, for drinks with my husband, for a girls night out on the patio, and a family meal inside.

For all three visits, the location was just right. On the first two visits we enjoyed the amazing patio setting – and for once amazing is not too strong a word. Try finding a more beautiful, uniquely Cleveland locale than this. Not possible. Watching the kayakers and cargo ships pass by from Merwin's rustic-chic patio with a Charleston Iced Tea and Merwin's Mule (their take on a Moscow Mule) was a lovely way to spend an evening.

The patio was also the setting for my second visit, a girls night out on which we enjoyed some of Merwin's appetizers – the strongest section on the laid-back joint's straightforward menu. The Vega-Nachos ($10) -- crisp pita chips topped with black bean hummus, guacamole, pico de gallo, pickled jalapenos and olives -- nicely spiced up the evening without being too hot. The Freighter Frites ($9), were an innovative take on potatoes that take Merwin's to the top of the local fries class – thick-cut but not soggy fries topped with housemade chorizo, beer cheese, lime sour cream, scallions and rosemary. An ideal choice for sharing over a leisurely cocktail and sunset.

One quibble: Service was quite slow on this visit (and only this one). But our food was comped without us even asking, a nice touch that brought me back again.

We moved inside on my third visit, though with the floor to ceiling doors open the view was almost as stellar. (And with huge space-heaters and cozy fire-pits outside, patio dining should be possible for quite a while longer.) This time, it as family night. Again, the location was just right.

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