Really big poll! Favorite al fresco dining

[Robin Garr]

Okay, it's summer, we've worked the smoking/patio theme to the limits of endurance and LEO Weekly is coming out with its annual Al Fresco Dining section tomorrow.

What better time than to do a load-capacity test on the new forum's poll software with a "Favorite Al Fresco" survey!?

I've listed my best shot at the top 40-plus, and have included "Other," of course, for the great ones that I've surely left out. You may choose up to five picks, and you may come back and change your picks. Have at it!

I picked four that I enjoy. One of which really isn't that great for al fresco dining but the nostalgia factor did weigh in heavily. (Dining outside with overhanging bulbs strung over the grounds and eeteee tiny private cottages filled with men drinking longneck beers in their tee shirts, well, that's summer!) {having just reread this post I realize it may have been taken for sarcasm but I was serious - dining outside at Mike Linnings is one of the very most pleasant memories from my childhood that I can think of. No snarling intended. And now I want a fish sandwich. }

OK, you didn't have one of my very favs listed. The Brewery! Additionally, it's not really full time outdoor, but Varanese when the sliding glass is open is very California Al Fresco, in my humble opin!

I am going to abstain from voting, since I have a dog in the fight so to speak, but am curious and would love any more feedback from the forum. What makes these your favorite al fresco dining? Is it the actual outdoor space itself, the overall restaurant, the food, combo of factors, etc?

Ned I have not visited your restaurant but you are certainly on my list !
What I look for (in any sort of dining ) besides great food and good service is ability of that restaurant to take me ...I dunno...elsewhere. Take me outside of my usual surroundings and make me forget where I am. I think the best al fresco dining area are little oasis' . As long as service doesn't suffer because the diner is out, away from the main restaurant. Selena's deck is great because it feels like a garden. Captain's Quarters has the river to look at. Mike Linnings (for me) is the old timey atmosphere. August Moon's deck makes you feel like you are dining up in the trees. I bet Nappa has it's own great atmosphere too. I just did not know you even had outdoor dining. (My fault, I don't get out and around much lately.)

Taco Punk has a nice new outdoor seating area.

Marketplace's al fresco dining is exquisite. If you haven't been, get there.

Also, I'm shocked I'm the only one so far to vote for St. Charles Exchange. John and I call their outdoor dining spot "The Grottio" (grotto/patio), It's downstairs from the main restaurant, and it's brick-lined and cool as a cucumber. There's a bar/beverage station down there, too, so no waiting for drinks to be tromped up and down the stairs. Don't miss it, and don't miss Mark Ford's food, either.

[Robin Garr]

Also, I'm shocked I'm the only one so far to vote for St. Charles Exchange.

It was my No. 6.

I'm a little surprised that this poll isn't taking more action. Maybe choosing 5 from 41 options is too much of a time waster? After this one runs for a week, maybe I'll try taking its top 10 and assembling them into a shorter poll inviting folks to pick one for the champeenship.

Some places like CQ or Linnig's are a gimme since they abut the river. One of the problems with a lot of choices is the view is dominated by a (too) busy street or a parking lot. Some places we like that are by a busy street but pretty well insulated to provide cozy al fresco are Ramsi's, Flanagan's & Le Gallo Rosso.
But there's one new spot that might command more attention when it's been around longer and that's Olive Leaf Bistro in Jeff. The pastitsio is yummy. And their dining patio has a killer view of the river, Waterfront Park and the Big Four Bridge. The street it is on, Riverside Drive, is never jammed / annoying with traffic.

I picked five, but some of my favorite restaurants .. Volare .. Porcinis .. Asiatique .. Majids .. are not ones. I picked Buckheads in Jeff because of the view. The place is decent but not a favorite but I enjoy the setting.

I'm a little surprised that this poll isn't taking more action. Maybe choosing 5 from 41 options is too much of a time waster?

The Internet has destroyed all our attention spans. When I see something like this where I have to scroll and scroll to see all the options, my eyes just roll back in my head and little wisps of smoke trickle out of my ears.

Azalea's

[Robin Garr]

Azalea's

Bauer's!

To be perfectly honest..It's awfully hard to beat my own back porch this time of year. I seldom cook anything inside as I absolutely love my grill and my own comfy outdoor furniture.