Enjoy the summer sun and fresh air at these outdoor dining spots.
Be it a brunch in the breeze, sunset supper or a leisurely lunch on a terrace, dining outdoors is one of the simple pleasures of spring and summertime. Enjoy an al fresco feast at one of these top 10 outdoor dining restaurants in the U.S.
Biga on the Banks -- San Antonio
Bruce Auden is the dean of contemporary cuisine in San Antonio; he introduced us to it and he helps keep it thriving with a contemporary menu that retains its Asian and Latino influences as it continues to benefit from the use of local produce. The airy dining room with its perch over the River Walk is a fine frame for starters such as duck confit bao buns or barbecue lamb shank "open-face" ravioli.
It also defers to more profound plates like the seared red grouper with chipotle grits and Hill Country venison chops. We like the wine list, heavily but not parochially domestic, as much for its straightforward eclecticism ("really big wines" anyone?) as for its reasonably gentle pricing. Wines by the glass, taken at the bar with appetizers, are a pleasant possibility. And we admit to being inordinately fond of the sticky toffee pudding with English custard that betrays the chef's London upbringing. Read more at City Guides.
Boka -- Chicago
A chic, stylish place for foodies.
Giuseppe Tentori initially came from Milan -- sans English skills -- to work in top Chicago kitchens. Now, he continues to work magic at this hip boîte. Boka's menu, which was already good, has gotten considerably better with time. With pastry chef Elizabeth Dahl (formerly of Naha) at his side, this place is the whole package. We find first-courses are a real strength -- complex, artful and highly seasonal.
Treats include a delicate smoked salmon and potato terrine with quinoa salad and spicy turnip purée and black truffle, and apple risotto with chamomile-dusted chicken thigh. But that's not to say entrées don't deliver. Duck breast nestles with cherry-cinnamon spätzle with macadamia nuts and cauliflower purée. An indulgent duo of grilled beef tenderloin and short ribs gets a break from the everyday with sweet potato, red cabbage and salsify. When it comes to Dahl's finales, expect the unexpected and know it will somehow work. Milk chocolate panna cotta arrives with Trappist ale sorbet; sourdough crêpe cake with cider crème fraîche and Honeycrisp apples is a multi-textured affair. The wine list is large and (surprisingly) affordable. Read more at City Guides.
