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Before you know it, summer will arrive and we’ll be engulfed in those near-intolerable triple-digit temperatures that I don’t even want to think about.

Now’s the time to enjoy our glorious patio weather. Sit outside among the enjoyable temperatures, staring at views of our stunning mountains and eating food that makes you understand why ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ was named a City of Gastronomy a decade ago.

While this list is absolutely not comprehensive, we’re sharing with you some of our favorite restaurant patios in the area.

The best of the best

At these spots, you go for the patio just as much as you go for the food.

´³´Ç´³´Ç’s, 76 W. Washington St.

Outdoor dining is pretty much your only choice at ´³´Ç´³´Ç’s, formerly known as LaCo and La Cocina. If you want to dine outdoors, this is the place to be, with its trees and year-round twinkling string lights. The menu includes wine-braised mussels, a birria sandwich and lots of shareable plates.

Locale, 60 N. Alvernon Way

Locale’s patio can only be described as beautiful. When you’re asked if you’d like indoor or outdoor seating, it’s one of those few spots where outdoor is always your first choice. The patio is lined with palm trees and string lights, with grass at your feet in some areas. Enjoy bruschetta, eggplant parm and nine different pasta options.

The Barnyard, 11011 E. Tanque Verde Road

The patio is much larger than the indoor area at The Barnyard, but the patio is still usually the one to fill up quicker. There’s lots of shade, plus an area with yard games for the kids. Expect a menu of steak frites, craft pizza, handhelds like pulled pork and French dip, pork chops and other American classics.

°ä´Ç°ù²ú±ð³Ù³Ù’s, 340 N. Sixth Ave.

Corbett’s has become a pickleball destination since opening in 2023. There are five pickleball courts in total, plus a stage for live music, a beer garden and murals on the walls. It’s a perfect spot for an event like a baby shower or a birthday gathering. The menu includes burgers, salads and entrees like seared salmon and roasted chicken.

Mercado District, 100 S. Avenida del Convento and 267 S. Avenida del Convento

There’s a reason the Mercado District is often busy. The bustling entertainment area is filled with events that include live music, farmers markets, antique fairs and even a gem show in February. In the MSA Annex, you can sit outside among shops and eateries like Beaut Burger, Rollies, Kukai, Westbound and Decibel Coffee Works. The Mercado San Agustin just steps away includes Agustin Kitchen, Dolce Pastello, La Estrella Bakery, Presta Coffee Roasters and Seis Kitchen. In the middle of both areas, you’ll find juice bar El Zumitos and pizzeria Whole Slvce.

Cafe a la C’Art, 150 N. Main Ave.

This might be one of the most charming patios of all, thanks to the vines along the walls and the colorful decor. Whether you choose the chilaquiles, salmon Benedict or any of the other brunch favorites, make sure you also get a pastry.

Wildflower, 7037 N. Oracle Road

Like the others on this list, Wildflower has an outdoor area perfect for munching on your short rib ravioli, scallops or New York strip. It’s cozy even on those chilly nights, thanks to portable heaters. Don’t forget the delicious Bars of Sin for dessert.

Blue Willow, 2616 N. Campbell Ave.

Blue Willow is known for a lot of things. Among them: the tasty brunch, the gift shop up front and the patio. It’s where you can dine on chorizo scramble and blueberry pancakes, pick up a coffee mug or trinket from the store, and enjoy the day’s weather on the patio — all in one place.

The Monica, 40 E. Congress St.

Enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner at The Monica, where the outdoor patio features a large mural that Joe Pagac completed for El Tour de ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥. Menu favorites include carne seca pizza and Sonoran lasagna. Sister restaurants El Charro Cafe and Charro Steak & Del Rey also have patios.

The Coronet, 198 W. Cushing St.

Charming is the best way to describe The Coronet’s outdoor dining area. It’s a place you want to be, all while enjoying fine-dining options like Oaxacan white mole, stuffed quail and sea bass.

³Ò´Ç±¹¾±²Ô»å²¹â€™s, 711 E. Blacklidge Dr.

Govinda’s has been serving vegetarian food for more than three decades. The patio is peaceful, thanks in part to the fountains and koi pond. Food includes a fruit and salad bar alongside a buffet with veggie entrees, pasta and dessert.

Poco & Mom’s, 7000 E. Tanque Verde Road

Taste New Mexican flavors at Poco & Mom’s, home to outdoor tables that surround a fountain and umbrellas to keep you shaded on those warmer days. Eating queso dip, green chile pork stew or hatch enchiladas on a patio in perfect weather? Yes, please.

Views, views, views

If views are what you’re looking for, here’s where to go.

The Moonstone, 930 E. Second St. inside Graduate ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥

This is ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥â€™s highest rooftop bar and the views alone are worth the paid parking in the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ area. Sit outside to see lush views of the campus below, accompanied by misters on the patio, tasty nachos and the very-purple namesake cocktail.

Blanco Cocina + Cantina, 2905 E. Skyline Dr.

If you ask Reddit, Blanco’s patio is one of the most recommended spots for those looking for a view. Sit outside to see distant views of the mountains alongside our magical blue skies. Order a cocktail to enjoy with your machaca tacos, fajitas or burrito bowl.

Noble Hops, 1335 W. Lambert Lane

Take one look at Noble Hops’ Google page, and you’ll be convinced. The views of the mountains are stunning, especially with that orange hue at sunset. The gastropub serves everything from stuffed acorn squash to shrimp and grits to Buffalo chicken sandwiches.

Vivace, 6440 N. Campbell Ave.

In 2023, OpenTable released a list of the most popular outdoor dining destinations in the nation, and six spots in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ were among the rankings. That included one ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ spot: Vivace. The patio is quaint with mountain views and a fountain in the middle. Several pasta dishes are on the menu along with entrees like veal piccata, seared beef tenderloin and New Zealand salmon.

CORE Kitchen & Wine Bar, 15000 N. Secret Springs Dr. inside The Ritz Carlton

As you can only imagine, the view from The Ritz Carlton’s fine-dining eatery CORE is a fabulous one. Dine amid mountain views and palo verde trees. Scallops, lobster tail and seafood risotto are all on the menu here.

Amid the desert

Some might say desert views are striking enough to go in the last category. While I agree, I thought I’d separate these three patios from the rest. At these spots, you’re literally surrounded by desert scenery.

Tohono Chul Garden Bistro, 7366 N. Paseo del Norte

Tohono Chul boasts 49 acres of nature, from the very tall saguaros to nature trails perfect for birding. Near the entrance of the park and surrounded by trees, you’ll find the Garden Bistro serving up brunch favorites like chicken and waffles, blue corn tamales and chicken salad croissants. Don’t forget the bottomless prickly pear mimosas.

ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Botanical Gardens, 2150 N. Alvernon Way

Tucked inside the beautiful ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Botanical Gardens is Edna’s Eatery by Charly’s Grill. Dine under the mesquites just steps away from a cactus garden and native plants. Find items like a brisket sandwich and green chile potato hash on the menu. (Garden admission is required to visit Edna’s.)

Saguaro Corners, 3750 S. Old Spanish Trail

While your go-to at Saguaro Corners might be a seat near the floor-to-ceiling windows inside, the patio is also a worthy option. Just minutes from Saguaro National Park, you can see the Rincons and cacti from the patio. The menu includes comfort foods like mac and cheese, burgers, baby back ribs and fish and chips.

If you just want to lounge

If you have all the time in the world and simply want to catch up with friends without the pressure of other diners waiting for your table, here’s where you can stay a while.

Slow Body Beer, 831 E. 17th St.

Slow Body Beer is meant to be a community space, both indoors and out. The owners want you to settle in. Choose from a menu of beers, sours, shrubs, seltzers and non-alcoholic beverages.

Borderlands Brewing Company, 119 E. Toole Ave.

While Borderlands has multiple locations, the best patio is probably at its downtown location. It’s large and dotted with string lights above. Beyond the brews, tacos and handhelds are on the menu.

For a quick bite

If you’re just searching for a spot you can drop by for a quick bite or coffee on the patio, here are a handful of fast-casual spots with great al fresco options.

Barista del Barrio, 1002 S. Grande Ave.

Truth be told, Barista del Barrio often has a line. While you might not get out as quick as you’d like, the line is a true testament to how good everything is. There’s a reason it was in the running for a James Beard Award last year. The seating area is fully outdoors and cozy, perfect for your coffee and breakfast burrito.

Ugly But Honest Pizza, 733 S. Stone Ave.

ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥â€™s newest pizzeria is not only home to giant slices of pizza — it’s also home to the very iconic Ugly But Honest sign that was once part of Wanslee Auto Sales, which opened in 1933. The pizzeria has a vintage gas station vibe with build-your-own and specialty pies.

Cafe Passe, 415 N. Fourth Ave.

ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ was devastated when Cafe Passe closed its doors for a year due to renovations. But blue skies returned when the beloved coffee shop finally reopened — the secret garden-esque patio in the back and all. The coffee is quick, but if you want to stay longer, order French toast or a burger from the menu.

Coop by CowPig, 429 N. Fourth Ave.

Just a few doors from Cafe Passe is Coop, known for its delicious chicken tenders and signature sauce. A few months ago, Coop only had a couple tables out front. Now you can head to the back of the restaurant where there’s a full outdoor dining area, including checkered table cloths and a giant game of Connect Four.

Dining alongside live music

If you’re someone who wants a little live entertainment to accompany your meal, these two spots are the way to go.

Cup Cafe at Hotel Congress, 311 E. Congress St.

We probably don’t have to tell you this, but Hotel Congress has a packed entertainment schedule for its plaza area. The patio is expansive, and the dinner menu is filled with favorites, including stuffed chicken gnocchi, duck stew and vegan tamales. But you won’t want to leave without dessert.

St. Philip’s Plaza, 4280 N. Campbell Ave.

Three restaurants are pointed toward the center of St. Philip’s Plaza, which often hosts live music. Order tacos from Reforma, a steak from Union Public House or pasta from Proof. Ren Coffeehouse is also an option for caffeine and pastries.

For the dogs

It’s likely that most, if not all, of the patios on this list and beyond will allow dogs. But there are two special ones we’d like to shout out.

Ghini’s French Caffe, 1803 E. Prince Road

Fun fact: Ghini’s was actually the first official pet-friendly patio in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥. The cafe also has a “pampered petâ€� menu for dogs, which includes puppaccinos and scrambled eggs. For the humans, though, the signature dish is the Eggs Provençal.

MotoSonora Brewing, 1015 S. Park Ave.

Yes, MotoSonora has a very lovely and very large outdoor space as part of its brewery for craft beer fans. But MotoSonora also has a small dog park where the good boys and girls can roam off-leash.