When the weather gets warm, the world reemerges in a celebration of all things fun and sun, and what's more fun than gathering with family and friends over a fantastic meal?
Whether you're looking for al fresco dining with exceptional service, a no-fuss patio with fresh bites and beverages, or want to plan a picnic in the shade, this country is full of fine eateries that will hit the mark and then some. We asked our editors to name their favorite spots for outdoor dining in their own backyards, and now, we compile a few of those favorites in our all-state lineup.
See also: 20 of the Best Coffee Shops Across America
From Chicago to Miami, New York City to Los Angeles, Houston to Hawai'i and more, here are a few of the best spots for outdoor dining across America.
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3027 Bolling Way NE; 404-869-9944 / Website
A haven for enjoying French bistro fare and sophisticated sips in a vibrant atmosphere, Le Bilboquet brings a slice of Paris to the center of Buckhead Village. New this season, the Raspberry Beret—made with High West double rye, housemade raspberry shrub, ginger liqueur and orgeat—is perfect for savoring on the restaurant’s patio. Pair with the de-shelled Maine whole lobster a la plancha with almond arugula pesto linguine, cherry heirloom tomato and beurre blanc. If you're looking for more patio and rooftop dining options (even if by "dining" we mean "just having a cocktail"), check the other nine spots on Atlanta's full list.
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108 Neale Ave.; 970-920-5120 / Website
Looking for a perfect picnic spot the whole family can enjoy? On the East Side of town, you'll find this park that allows the Roaring Fork River to flow through. The park creates a perfect spot for children with two swing sets, one with a traditional rubber “U” for seats and one with the buckets perfect for toddlers. The park includes a mix of a giant playset and three picnic tables and benches for picnics and gatherings. The Rio Grande trail runners, bikers, and walkers often make their way through it. That's not all, because Aspen has four more adorable picnic parks on its full list.
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Atlantic Ave. / Website
A stone's throw from the culinary delights of Quincy Market (quincy-market.com), this sprawling green space is the perfect picnicking place. Purchase takeout from one of the 50 restaurants calling the historic hall home before finding a seat in The Rose Kennedy Rose Garden located within the park or settling down by the waterfront. Why have just one picnic this summer? Try a few of the delightful picnic spots on Boston's full list.
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12 S. Michigan Ave.; 312-792-3502 / Website
Serving locally sourced, New American style cuisine, Cindy’s caters to family-style comfort food on its awe-inspiring open air terrace, which offers sweet views of Millennium Park, Lake Michigan and The Art Institute of Chicago. Stop in for brunch to try the decadent buttermilk pancakes topped with whipped mascarpone, macerated blueberries and smoked maple syrup. If savory is more your style, dig into the pastrami smoked salmon with horseradish crème fraîche. Still hungry, or maybe you're in the mood for a drink? Try one of the other 12 places on Chicago's full list of patios, backyards and rooftops.
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341 Pantigo Road, East Hampton; 631-604-2227 / Website
Reopening for the season by Memorial Day Weekend, Moby's is a must-include on our list of top outdoor spots. Delicious food and drinks and incredible vibes are guaranteed at this chic spot—it's the perfect hangout for those warm summer nights. Staying out east all summer? Do give these other outdoor dining eateries a try on the Hampton's full list.
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3550 Wailea Alanui Drive, Maui; 808-573-1234 / Website
Named after the delicate blossom, this posh outdoor lounge at the swanky Andaz Resort draws locals from all over Maui to enjoy music and live entertainment at sunset. This poolside setting is coupled with beautiful views of Mokapu Beach and vibrant scenery nestled among crystal-clear waterfalls. Once the sun goes down, score a seat by the fire pit and order the Kona Squall, a breezy combination of rye whiskey, aged rum, and orgeat and mole bitters. Ready to island hop? Try some of the fine outdoor dining options from O'ahu to Waikiki and more on Hawai'i's full list.
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12141 Westheimer Rd.; 832-360-2222 / Website
Calling all foodies! Find your favorite international products (a cheese lover’s holy grail), savor pastries and desserts to satisfy your sweet tooth, and curate the perfect assortment for your next picnic spread. Its to-go-style platters are perfect for any occasion, as well as its specialty boxes (over 20 varieties to choose from) ranging from hot boxes filled with Mediterranean delicacies like shawarma and falafel pita wraps to salads and even breakfast boxes. Explore the menu and learn more about its to-go finger foods, side dishes, entrees and main dishes. Curbside, delivery and takeout are available. Make every weekend a picnic with the other fine food shops on Houston's full list.
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The Palazzo, 3327 Las Vegas Blvd. South; 702-791-1800 / Website
Serving up Southern Italian cuisine in a buzzworthy setting, LAVO is a dining and lounge experience within Palazzo. Start your night off with signature cocktails in the lounge as the luxurious decor and hit-playing DJ set the mood for a memorable evening, or enjoy a relaxing weekend brunch with friends on the patio that features sweeping views of the Strip. Ready to keep the party going? Check out the other six spots on Vegas' fill list of outdoor dining finery.
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416 W 8th St.; 213-612-0021 / Website
You’ve probably seen Broken Shaker’s hot pink umbrellas somewhere on your social media feed, but this rooftop makes for far more than just a pretty Instagram picture. The Freehand Hotel’s pool deck also happens to be a James Beard Award finalist and winner of Tales of the Cocktail’s Best American Hotel Bar award. Angelenos outside of downtown flock here for weekend pop-ups, next-level carne asada fries and cheeky cocktails like the El Tosoro Blaco-based Extreme Thirst and Vibe Check. Don't go inside yet! There are 16 more spots to explore on L.A.'s list of best rooftop restaurants and bars.
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1636 Meridian Ave., Miami; 786-706-0744 / Website
For a fun and delicious experience, dine at MILA’s beautiful rooftop and explore the delectable menu. Located in the heart of South Beach, dishes like shawarma spiced wagyu gyozas and glazed chicken satay are served izakaya-style on the rooftop lounge. The MediterrAsian favorite also boasts a mean Sunday brunch featuring dancers and good vibes alongside a sweet and savory five-course menu featuring appetizers, egg dishes, robata, a signature entree and dessert. Not only is everything picture-perfect, but the dishes also taste absolutely amazing! More rooftops, patios and backyards are still to be enjoyed on Miami's full list.
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60 Furman St., Brooklyn / Website
Located at the top of 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge, Harriet’s Rooftop is home to perfect views of the Manhattan skyline and the Brooklyn Bridge. If nothing on Harriet’s extensive alcohol list is up your alley, you can never go wrong with one of their signature cocktails. We recommend the Fulton Perrfy if you’re in the mood for mezcal or the Purple Haze for a bubbly cocktail with floral notes. Getting chilly or need a break from the sun? Head down to the 10th floor of 1 Hotel Brooklyn and enter Harriet’s Lounge for an equally sophisticated experience. There's more adventure across the boroughs when you check NYC's full list.
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1650 S Harbor Blvd., Anaheim; / Website
Sprawling across 5,000 square feet, this Anaheim rooftop and bar is impressive in size and its menu. The Fifth OC offers a full restaurant menu of New American fare so that while kicking back beside a fireplace or around a table, you’re sure to stay full and satisfied. Be sure to check out this lively events calendar for weekly happenings like Tiki Tuesday, Whiskey Wednesday and Taco ‘Bout Thursday. Take in the sunset here and at all of the spots on Orange County's full list.
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313 Worth Ave., Palm Beach; 561-835-1600 / Website
This white-linen Italian restaurant originally hails from Milan and serves classic dishes. The Caesar salad and tuna tartare with avocado-cucumber relish are favorites to start, followed by a traditional tagliolini alla Bolognese. Request a seat inside the main dining room or outside on the via. After you've indulged, make the most of your summer by trying all 11 of the finest outdoor dining spots on Palm Beach's full list.
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129 S. 30th St. / Website
Open year round, Cira Green is a destination unlike any other in Philadelphia. Located in University City, this massive elevated park in the sky is a year-round destination for city-goers to escape the ordinary. Whether you’re grabbing a burger and an ice-cold cocktail at the Sunset Social or catching a movie on the big screen with family and friends, the people-watching is just as good as the incredible views of Center City. Philly is full of fine parks and outdoor destinations, though, so be sure to check the full list.
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Leave the picnic basket at home and let Pop Up Picnic Co. provide you with a luxury event and dining experience. Casually lounge in style on soft pillows with its boho setup, or try the OG, which provides a farm table, bistro chairs and candles. Each picnic is draped in chic tabletop decor, flowers and your choice of seasonal charcuterie. Pop Up Picnic Co. also caters to many dietary restrictions like vegan, keto, dairy-free and gluten-free, so no one will be left out of the fun. All of its cheeses, meats and additional pairings are sustainably sourced from local vendors and served with plastic-free and recyclable plates, napkins, drinkware and utensils. San Diego actually offers few fine picnic services, so be sure to check the full list.
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25 Lusk St.; 415-495-5875 / Website
As the masterpiece of executive chef and partner Matthew Dolan, his food and drink menu atop 25 Lusk exudes careful refinement and ingenious complexity. Rooftop 25 is the ritzy destination just off of the 4th and King Caltrain station that builds a scenic and intimate getaway. Feel reinvigorated with their vodka and coffee liqueur Wake Up Call and fresh Garden Martini, best drank with their ethical and sustainably sourced Gulf Shrimp Kebabs, Dungeness Crab Rolls, and Double Cut Cowboy Ribeye Steak. Enjoy even more Bay breeze on San Francisco's full list.
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518 Bryant St., Palo Alto; 650-752-6281 / Website
This bohemian-style restaurant serves a Cal-Indie cuisine with fresh and authentic ingredients and flavors, all on a chic patio setting. Get cozy on one of the outdoor chairs and couches, and start off your dinner with the Ettan salad, filled with mixed greens, avocado, grapes and pumpkin seeds with a fermented curry leaf chutney. Don't stop there. Try each of the five outdoor eateries on the full list for Silicon Valley.
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1120 Maine Ave. SW.; 202-747-5222 / Website
Chic furniture, firepits and greenery set the tone for chef Nicholas Stefanelli’s multi-level dining experience. For panoramic views of the Potomac, head upstairs to the Rome-inspired Terrazza to indulge in saltimbocca di pollo, ravioli and scrumptious cannolis. In the mood for a picnic or different flavors? Check D.C.'s full list of outdoor dining options and perfect picnic spots.
Have even more good eats on your next trip and check out one of our favorite ice cream shops across the United States!
Photography by: Lee Myungseong / Unsplash
