Come warm summer weather, we take every opportunity to sup on the sidewalk or sip wine on an umbrellaed patio. Plan your alfresco dining around these knockout views, waterfront seats, hidden tables under the stars and new patios with vibrant cocktail scenes—and fire pits to keep the chill off.



BALLARD



Brimmer & Heeltap [SECRET GARDEN] Why here: An already popular neighborhood hangout, Brimmer & Heeltap is upping its summertime cool factor with the expansion of the garden hideaway that flanks the restaurant. A fiberglass-canopied patio will add 10–15 seats outdoors (there were already a few tables); there’s a promise of a fire pit; and owner Jen Doak has revamped a shed in back to include a roll-up garage door and its own bar for private parties (groups of 15-20) and overflow on busy nights. Eat: The prawn cocktail is big enough to share or small enough to devour on your own. Drink: It’s a drink! It’s a dish! It’s the pickled oyster shooter with cucumber, lime and gin! 425 NW Market St.; 206.420.2534; brimmerandheeltap.com





La Isla [PUERTO RICAN] Pull up a stool in the snug space under the storefront’s awning and watch Ballardites meander down Market Street while you munch on a plate of empanadillas, those tasty, tiny meat turnovers. Rum fans have plenty to cheer here, including craft cocktails and a salad dressed in a boozy vinaigrette. Set your watch to island time and order the ropa vieja, the shredded skirt steak sauced in spicy adobo. Finish up with a piece of tres leches cake. Lunch and dinner daily. 2320 NW Market St.; 206.789.0516; laislaseattle.com

Ray’s Café [SEAFOOD] Why here: Ray’s Café (above Ray’s Boathouse) is an iconic, only-in-Seattle experience, especially the deck, where the jagged Olympic Mountains and lapping waters of Puget Sound create an unforgettable backdrop for dinner alfresco. Eat: Start with the outstanding smoked salmon skewers and splurge on king crab legs with drawn butter.

Drink: The Bloody Mary here is terrific: spicy, strong and packed with veggies. It’s an ideal match for most of the seafood.

Insider tip: If you don’t have reservations, expect to wait Lunch and dinner daily. 6049 Seaview Ave. NW; 206.782.0094; rays.com

Walrus and the Carpenter [OYSTERS] [HIDDEN PATIO] It’s easy to feel cool when dining at The Walrus and the Carpenter, a haven for foodies in the know. The much-celebrated (and small) restaurant offers outdoor communal seating at picnic tables adjacent to the back parking lot. Far from feeling gritty, the small patio with wood picnic tables has an urban industrial atmosphere, with its location adjacent to the back parking lot and overlooking the many commercial shipping operations just off Salmon Bay. With heat lamps overhead, this patio is a sure bet in any weather. 4743 Ballard Ave. NW; 206.395.9227; thewalrusbar.com



Percy’s & Co. [PUB] This cocktail lounge on Ballard Ave is visually impressive already, but the covered patio out back is something to experience, too. What can only be described as a cross between a porch and a greenhouse, the wooden back perch is filled with hanging ferns and other green foliage. The patio is heated, and wool blankets conveniently hang from hooks at each of the six communal wooden picnic tables, which are made comfortable with olive-colored cushions. Ceiling fans and aroll-up garage door should keep the patio from becoming too hot when the sun comes out to play. 5233 Ballard Ave. NW; 206.420.3750; percysseattle.com



Bastille Café & Bar [FRENCH] [COVERED PATIO] At this Parisian-style bistro, wooden tables are nestled under a clear ceiling that allows in light, but holds back occasional summer sprinkles. With a fireplace on the terrace, heaters and sliding transparent-panel “walls” that open and close at the ready, Bastille is a sure bet anytime of the year for its traditional French cuisine and its focus on Northwest ingredients. 5307 Ballard Ave. NW; 206.453.5014; bastilleseattle.com

BELLTOWN

Pintxo [HIDDEN PATIO] [TAPAS] Even folks who have lived in Seattle all their lives don’t realize this tiny tapas restaurant has a charming, New York–style exposed brick hideaway sandwiched in between two brick buildings. The result is an adorable, absolutely utopian slice of Belltown real estate that is the highlight of any evening. The best time to come is at dusk, when the party lights turn on and the tensions of the day turn off. The sherry cocktails and Spanish wine list help, too. 2219 Fourth Ave.; 206.441.4042; pintxoseattle.com



BELLEVUE



520 Bar and Grill [AMERICAN] [GARDEN PATIO] The patio out back is popular when the weather is gloomy, but once the sun pops, so do the huge umbrellas at this popular Main Street destination. The outside area is lined with hedges and a trellis to keep it a truly private section of the traditionally busy restaurant. The white-linen-draped tables, which seat as many as 50 sun lovers, beckon customers outside, but if you just want a little nosh while you watch the game (there is a flat-screen TV outside), order one of the signature cocktails, such as the cucumber cooler, and a chicken Caesar salad, and be grateful that the only traffic you’ll encounter here is a surge of folks getting off work to soak up some rays. Bellevue, 10146 Main St.; 425.450.0520; 520barandgrill.com



Scotty Browns [AMERICAN] [SIDEWALK PATIO] If there was ever a perfect location for a sleek, modern outdoor patio, it’s in the interstitial spaces of downtown Bellevue populated by the well-heeled workers of the Eastside. That’s where you’ll find Scotty Browns—in a hidden-gem urban enclave rubbing elbows (bent with drink in hand) with the likes of The Bravern, Bellevue Square and various Microsoft towers. It’s a prime locale for dining al fresco on your lunch break or grabbing a cocktail after work. Take a seat on one of the beckoning leather couches that surround blazing fire pits (when it’s chilly) or curl up in one of the colorful orange chairs that, along with pretty potted green shrubbery, add a splash of color to an otherwise masculine décor that is equal parts urban and rural, and 100-percent inviting on a sunny day. Bellevue, 958 111th Ave. N.E.; 425.449.8869; scottybrownsrestaurant.com/bellevue

CAPITOL HILL



Linda’s Tavern [AMERICAN] Hard to believe that when this landmark opened on Capitol Hill nearly 20 years ago, it served only potato chips and nuts. Hooray for the lineup of hangover helpers cranked out by this busy kitchen. The bacon, eggs and crispy hash browns platter tastes even better when enjoyed at the perpetual party on the funky, fun patio tucked away in the back. Music fans will want to check out the rad jukebox. Brunch Sat.–Sun., dinner daily. 707 E Pine St.; 206.325.1220; lindastavern.com

Oddfellows Cafe [AMERICAN] [HIDDEN PATIO] Why here: Bring your dog and meet a friend at one of the few white metal bistro tables on the sidewalk, then prepare for some of the best people watching within city limits (especially the tony types coming and going at Totokaelo next door). Best table: The one farthest from the door is best if you plan to camp out; that way, people aren’t inching past you quite as often in the narrow space. What to order: The Ploughman’s Lunch covers all your bases: cheese, meat, pickles, salad and baguette. You’ll want a half-bottle of prosecco with that. Insider tip: Check out the “secret patio” out back—tucked between two ivy-covered brick walls with little 2-seater bistro tables and twinkling lights strung overhead. 1525 10th Ave.; 206.325.0807; oddfellowscafe.com

Poppy[NORTHWEST] Savory summer herbs and edible flowers destined for the menu gently scent the air on Poppy’s secluded back patio, where a subtle fence surrounds the poppy orange tables and chairs. We love the ever-changing creations arranged on the thali plates, and every meal should begin with a carefully crafted cocktail from the seasoned bartenders. Dinner daily. 622 Broadway E; 206.324.1108; poppyseattle.com

Terra Plata [NORTHWEST] Why here: In a city not known for its rooftop-dining scene, there’s a treasure to be found atop Terra Plata: a triangular deck that echoes the salvaged-wood sensibility of the main dining room. Best enjoyed with a drink in hand and the sun high overhead. Eat: Carefully blistered shishito peppers get a hit from a squeeze of lemon and dash of sea salt. Drink: Share a bottle of R. López de Heredia’s Viña Gravonia Viura. Extras: Dine amid the edible garden of potted herbs and veggies. 1501 Melrose Ave.; 206.325.1501; terraplata.com

Poquitos [MEXICAN] [ENCLOSED PATIOS] Off the main room at Poquitos, you’ll find a fully glassed-in, atrium-like bar area, complete with high tables and stools, along with a few benches and, of course, several seats at the bar. Although not technically outdoor dining, this oasis of natural light heats up on sunny days and gives the impression of dining in a greenhouse—very tropical, which complements the fresh Mexican dishes, and the house-pressed aguas frescas and seasonal margaritas made with local fruits. Turn up early for happy hour and snag a table, as well as some superaffordable snacks, such as the traditionally prepared grilled corn with crema, lime and Cotija cheese. 1000 E Pike St.; 206.453.4216; vivapoquitos.com



Marjorie [SIDEWALK PATIO] When the sun comes up, so do the rolling doors of this offbeat Capitol Hill restaurant, located in the courtyard of Chloe Apartments. The absence of walls doubles the size of the cozy spot by extending it onto an adorable little patio dotted with handmade and brightly colored tables and chairs, greenery and pretty flowers. It’s a romantic environment (especially at night when the candles twinkle) that mimics the beloved patio of the original Belltown Marjorie. Up the nostalgia quotient by ordering the signature plantain chips and a rum cocktail. 1412 E Union St.; 206.441.9842; marjorierestaurant.com



Café Presse [CHIC SIDEWALK HANGOUT] Why here: There’s always something seasonal and delicious to eat at Capitol Hill’s effortlessly chic Café Presse. And at the handful of sidewalk tables, midday rosé is not only acceptable, it’s encouraged.

Best table: Any of the small bistro tables will do. What to order: Regulars know that simple omelets and croque monsieur never disappoint, but it’s worth investigating seasonal dishes, especially salads and starters, which always prove original and inspired.1117 12th Ave.; 206.709.7674; cafepresseseattle.com



Cafe Barjot [PEOPLE-WATCHING PATIO]Why here: There’s just something happy about this petite neighborhood café, whether it’s the poppy orange accents or the friendly welcome from the staff. It’s nice to drop by for breakfast, lunch or dinner to sit on the sidewalk patio and watch the people (and their dogs) walk by. Best table: Any of them will do, and since there are only a few bistro tables, parties of two will have the most luck scoring a seat outside. What to order: The cured smelt, radish and ricotta toast, with a Campari-and-soda sipper on the side. 711 Bellevue Ave. E; 206.457.5424; barjotseattle.com

