Mother Nature has been teasing us – toying with us even. Here it is, late October and nary a sweater touched, a wool sock adorned, a scarf wrapped. The hair is still frizzy and the a/c continues to crank. But, by golly, the optimist in us has gone into full-fledged autumn-mode: dining al fresco. Every year, about this time of year, Houstonist wills the weather to get cooler by changing our dining strategy to all-al-fresco-all-the-time. The stars align and everything is right in the world when we find restaurants with great food and scenic patios. No, we’re not talking about the sidewalk patios hastily thrown out near the street so you can eat your meal and watch the cars go by. We’re talking about restaurants that actually incorporate the outdoors into the dining experience – you know, green stuff, maybe some trees, a wood deck, or even –gasp- a fountain! A quick poll among Houstonist staff helped develop our list of fave patios. If you’ve got one not on this list, do tell, please! At this rate, we’ll be able to dine outside clear through March.
Check out our list after the jump...
In no particular order:
Backstreet Café (1103 Shepherd): House turned restaurant, the breezy backyard patio, with huge oak trees and water fountain, is one of the best in the city and the food is familiar and comforting with a bit of posh. Try the crabcakes and eggs for Sunday Brunch. $$
Hobbit Café (2243 Richmond): Great outdoor deck tucked away so that conversation isn’t drowned out by the sound of a busy Houston street. Sandwiches have quirky Lord of the Ring-like names but are also tasty. $
Empire Café (1732 Westheimer): Though a little close to busy Westheimer, they do a good job in buffering with some potted plants. We don’t usually go here for the food, but the cakes and caffeinated beverages are fantastic. $
Hollywood Vietnamese, Chinese, French Restaurant (2409 Montrose): Great location, huge patio with a fountain that works most of the time. They also allow you to bring your (well-behaved) pooch onto the patio if you ask really nicely. $
Taco Milagro (2555 Kirby): More of a place to see and be seen than a place for fabulous food. The outdoor area has a definitive L.A. feel. Though surrounded on two sides by a concrete parking lot, the closeness of all the tables and two big fountains make it an enjoyable place to sip margs. $$ (not because the food is expensive, but you might want to wear your trendiest outfit if you're going to be seen here.)
Original Berryhill (2639 Revere St): Most Berryhills have patios, but the original location is a Houstonist favorite. Delish fish tacos and corn enchiladas. $
Edloe Café & Deli (6116 Edloe): Arguably the best "loose-meat" cheeseburger in town (it has grated cheddar cheese IN it!). $
Cafe Brasil (2604 Dunlavy): The front and back patio have great vines and trees throughout. The food is better than Empire's, but the desserts are nothing to write home about. $
Goode Company BBQ (5109 Kirby): Is there any other way to eat BBQ except on old wood picnic tables outside? Don’t forget to save room for the pecan pie. $
Onion Creek (3106 White Oak): This very Austin-y café is 80% deck, 20% indoor dining – just the way we like it when it’s 80 degrees outside. The multilevel deck is always packed by patrons ordering beers by the pitcherful. Our favorite dish on the menu is the potato salad. It’s a meal all on its own and the best we’ve ever had. $
Ousie's Table (3939 San Felipe): This vine-enclosed patio is often used for weddings and other receptions and events. They turn on white Christmas lights and set out lanterns at night to turn up the romance. The food is absolutely delicious, especially the three-cheese mac-n-cheese. $$
Vito’s Deckhouse (5810 Beverly Hill): Vito's has shade-making things on their expansive deck and tons of different types of beer to taste/guzzle. $
Rudyards (2010 Waugh): Nice deck, good pub grub food, plenty of smokers. $
Brennan's (3300 Smith): The oak-shade covered patio is divine for weekend brunch. Though pricey, this is a Houston institution and makes for great special occasion dining. $$$
Market Square Bar & Grill (311 Travis): The back patio has a New Orleans-ish feel, meaning no view but plenty of brick and charm. Try the blue cheese burgers. $
Raven Grill (1916 Bissonnet): Nice side patio with herb planters give this restaurant that cozy, neighborly feel. $$
Did we miss your favorite? Leave us a comment to let us know!
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