Cindy L. / Yelp
Summer days are ahead, which, for food lovers, means one thing: it’s the season to enjoy eating in the great outdoors. No matter where you live in the country, there are plenty of places to enjoy great bites on gorgeous patios, but some restaurants go above and beyond.
These are some of the most out-of-the-ordinary restaurants in America for outdoor eating, and hopefully, one is near you (or somewhere in your travel plans).
Key West, Florida
You can’t exactly wander in at the last minute if you want to eat at Latitudes, located in the Florida Keys, because you can only get there by boat. The award-winning restaurant is located at the Sunset Key Cottages resort, but you don’t have to stay overnight to enjoy the fresh cuisine and the panoramic views of the Gulf of Mexico. One Yelp reviewer says the restaurant is “where culinary magic meets magical views.”
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Palate combines creative cuisine, insane views of the Grand Tetons, art, and a wildlife refuge — all adding up to a unique dining experience. This Open Table Diner’s Choice serves lunch to customers while they watch animals stroll by at the Elk Refuge at the National Museum of Wildlife Art. “Incredible view, wonderful service and amazing food,” says a reviewer on Yelp.
Folsom, California
You probably grew up hearing that you’re supposed to wait to swim after eating, but what about swimming to eat? Such is the scenario at Anchored Eats, a floating restaurant on the waters of Folsom Lake. Customers must swim, paddle, or boat their way over to enjoy a large menu of juicy burgers and other lunch foods, all made right on the boat.
Atlantic City, New Jersey
It will feel like you’re taking a journey to the Middle East when you visit Setaara, a French and Afghan restaurant in Atlantic City that’s known as much for its authentic menu as its exotic decor. The restaurant features a stunning two-story heated courtyard that mimics a Moroccan riad, and is an attraction in its own right, even if you thought you were visiting A.C. for the casinos.
Door County, Wisconsin
Pelletier’s serves up a nightly outdoor cooking show with their dinner. Diners buy meal tickets so they can gather around and watch as a nightly fish boil is made on the restaurant’s outdoor grill. Though Pelletier’s also serves breakfast and lunch, it’s the authentic full boil meal, with homemade coleslaw and a slice of cherry pie, that draws the crowds.
Lesage, West Virginia
There aren’t many places that are like Hillbilly Hot Dogs, a joint that’s basically a junk food junkyard. Hillbilly serves up deep-fried hot dog combinations, burgers and fries on the quirky family property of the owner. Amongst other pic-worthy curiosities, the tourist draw has school buses you can dine in and a legit wedding chapel for quickie vow renewals.
San Francisco
The perfect evening does exist at Foreign Cinema, which feels like a drive-in movie theater, only without the car. Dine under the stars in a scenic garden while also watching a classic film on a big screen. Customers go for the outdoor vibes as well as for the menu, which features a large oyster selection and an extensive brunch menu.
Sedona, Arizona
Dine under the starry night sky at this restaurant that Open Table has called one of the top 100 romantic restaurants in America. Sedona’s majestic red rocks are viewable from every table on the covered patio at Mariposa, which features a Latin-inspired menu with tapas and a range of steak options.
New York
Times Square isn’t exactly known as a spot to immerse yourself in nature, but look up and you might just see the hidden garden at Terrace. This restaurant, which features a menu of brasserie classics, looks out over the city streets. The vibe is “English countryside”, with the decor featuring so much greenery you’ll forget you’re in the middle of cement and sidewalks.
East Hampton, New York
See and be seen at the scene at Moby’s, an East Hampton seasonal hotspot. The setting is a casual backyard filled with picnic tables and fairy lights, which defies its high-profile clientele. The seasonal Italian cuisine and raw bar draw in crowds on summer nights.
Carlsbad, California
Located in the wealthy California enclave of Carlsbad, Campfire aims to provide the experience of eating around the campfire, but makes it upscale. The restaurant features – not surprisingly – camping decor, and guests eat outdoors at wooden tables. There’s also a fire pit where you can roast the restaurant’s version of fancy s’mores.
Las Vegas
If you’re in Vegas, you have to check out the iconic fountains of Bellagio, and there’s no better view than at LAGO. The restaurant offers front row seats to the magic on their patio, where you can watch the show while dining on high-end Italian food. Just take note that this great seat doesn’t come free. Along with the cost of the meal, customers have to pay a fee to get outdoor patio seating.
Big Sur, California
You wouldn’t expect an omakase dining experience in the middle of an eco resort filled with yurts, but that’s exactly what Wild Coast Sushi, located in the woods of Big Sur, offers. Located at the Treebones Resort, visitors can experience a 15-course tasting menu consisting of hyper-fresh sushi while they take in ocean views.
San Leon, Texas
You’ll feel like you’re floating on the water at this seafood restaurant with outrageously stunning views of the Gulf Coast. Located between Houston and Galveston, Pier 6 is situated in the coastal town of San Leon and is run by a second-generation fisherman, so the seafood and oysters here are really, really fresh. There are also bungalow rentals next to the restaurant where guests can stay overnight and make a vacation out of a visit here.
