Al Fresco Dining Weekend

The weather is forecast to be beautiful around here this weekend, and a small group of us are thinking about dining out Saturday evening -- literally.

I know of a few places around town that feature al fresco dining, but I'm sure I haven't captured them all....any suggestions?
East End is preferable and more convenient, but we're flexible...thanks in advance.

In the East End/St. Matthews area, Havana Rumba and 211 Clover Lane come to mind.

In the Highlands, Avalon has a great patio area.

[Robin Garr]

This may not matter to you, but it matters to me and to a lot of other people I know: With passage of the city's smoking ordinance, the outdoor dining areas at many restaurants have become the de facto smoking sections. And I'm sorry, "it's open air" does not work for me as an excuse. When the party at the next table fires up, you know it, indoors and out.

Just to stir the pot, given that the no-smoking ordinance was based - at least for public-policy purposes - on the health protection of restaurant employees, I think it would be fairly easy - and would stand constitutional muster - to extend the ban to dining areas outdoors.

T

the outdoor dining areas at many restaurants have become the de facto smoking sections. And I'm sorry, "it's open air" does not work for me as an excuse. When the party at the next table fires up, you know it, indoors and out.

John -

Perhaps we are on your list. Now to Robin's point...we agree that smoke is an intrusion on others dining experience and that is why we provide an non-smoking environment, including the tables on our patio.

Favorite dining places in the out of doors:

1. Mayan Cafe - love the menu and love the little "patio" between the buildings. Great late at night.
2. Maido - been awhile since I have been, as I've given up sushi for the time being, but it's a large, open area.
3. El Mundo - back area is great, but not so much for the front sidewalk (too narrow a sidewalk)
3. Palermo Viejo - not many tables, but a nice front area
4. Baxter Station - nice, secluded back patio
5. Kashmir - in the heart of the Bardstown/Baxter corridor; ample spacing between tables
6. BBC on 4th - Theatre Square runs circles around 4th St. Live
7. Carly Rae's - great porch, just wish I was more into the menu
8. (added) - Captain's Quarters - Nothing like being on the water

Temporarily unavailable - La Bodega - love the tall tops out front, looking forward to their return

Not a fan:
1. Havana Rumba - especially on weekends, the front tables get crowded by those people waiting for tables
2. Ramsi's - most of the time it's semi-outside at best, the tables are too close, and the waiting crowd often overflows into the area

(Added) Need to try soon:
NABC Bank Street

John,

We LOVE eating outside! Here are some of our favorites:
1. Corbett's
2. Captain's Quarters
3. Carly Rae's
4. Mojitos
5. North End

DEb

Captain's Quarters probably has the nicest outdoor dining area around. Somehow sitting on the hillside overlooking the river just makes the evening very relaxing.

no smoking inside ( obviously ) or out at baxter station. we have been that way since the first "smoking ordinance" was passed. if i could ban it within 20 feet of a door, i would.
andrew

I appreciate the suggestions; many I was already familiar with, while others are new....more ideas are welcome...thanks.

John,

Baxter Station should have been on my list too. ( Sorry Andrew). They also have heaters if the temp drops a bit.

Deb

Favorite dining places in the out of doors:

3. Palermo Viejo - not many tables, but a nice front area
4. Baxter Station - nice, secluded back patio
7. Carly Rae's - great porch, just wish I was more into the menu

(Added) Need to try soon:
NABC Bank Street

I second the above from Matthew. I should have included Bank Street in my suggestions, as we tried it last weekend and loved it (see my post from earlier this week). Even if you're "inside," with the large bay doors open, the whole restaurant is basically outside.

Amici's in Old Louisville has a really nice outside dining area.

Don't forget about Varanese on Frankfort Ave...

Don't forget about Varanese on Frankfort Ave...

OMG, Yes........also the sushi place that down Frankfort from there .... they have a WONDERFUL deck, but I can never remember the name ....I just go there, and order, and pay

Don't forget about Varanese on Frankfort Ave...

OMG, Yes........also the sushi place that down Frankfort from there .... they have a WONDERFUL deck, but I can never remember the name ....I just go there, and order, and pay

Can't believe I forgot Varanese. Ug. Yes, good option.

The sushi place is Maido, referenced above.