The Best Restaurants for Dining Alfresco
Now that the April holidays have passed, it's officially time to start fantasizing about the warmer months coming up just around the bend. One surefire way to tell that spring is on the horizon is the outdoor furniture and expanded alfresco dining rooms at restaurants around town.
Plenty of restaurants offer outdoor seating during the spring, summer, and fall, but some do a better job with it than others. Alfresco service can be tricky because restaurants have to make sure customers don't feel crowded by diners waiting to be seated, they can't take up too much precious sidewalk space, and they must offer comfort against impending poor weather conditions.
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Of course, some of the most important factors for great alfresco dining are the view and surroundings - restaurants that offer stellar food and a unique, breathtaking skyline view or waterfront setting make the experience of dining outside extra special.
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Click through to see the collection of restaurants across the country serving up the best outdoor dining experiences. Think we missed your favorite alfresco spot? Leave a comment below with your thoughts.
Sociale, San Francisco
Sociale's cozy dining room is softly lit and elegantly simplistic, but it's the patio here that is the true star. Lit with twinkle lights hung in the surrounding trees, the courtyard is the perfect place for a meal on a warm evening (or even a cool one - they have heat lamps; this is San Francisco, after all!) The menu is filled with innovative takes on Northern Italian classics, like wild boar ravioli with brown sage butter, dates, and saba.
Salty's on Alki Beach, Seattle
Salty's on Alki Beach offers diners a unique view of Elliott Bay and the Seattle skyline at once. The waterfront restaurant is known for serving fresh seafood that is prepared in innovative ways. In the cooler months, diners can enjoy their meal inside while still admiring the breathtaking views through the floor-to-ceiling windows.
Blue Duck Tavern, Washington D.C.
The stunning design of the dining room at the Blue Duck Tavern, marked by dark oak furnishings and cool blue accents, is reflected in the outdoor patio with blue chairs, wooden tables, and ivory umbrellas. The fare is classic American food prepared using traditional techniques.
Dante, Boston
Chef Dante de Magistris modern Italian restaurant overlooks the Charles River, offering spectacular views of the water and the Boston skyline.
The Terrace at Trump, Chicago
This rooftop restaurant located atop The Trump Hotel offers majestic views of downtown Chicago. Sip on rum-infused cocktails and enjoy small plates like marinated beef and shrimp skewers, mango-glazed pork belly sliders, and tuna ceviche.
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- Molly Aronica, The Daily Meal
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