Al Fresco Dining — Outdoor Dining Hot Spots in Every Direction
Fall is arguably the nicest time of year in the Bay Area. The afternoons are sunny, the nights just bordering on crisp. And while fog and rain can keep us dining indoors much of the year, autumn is the perfect time to take advantage of eateries with outdoor space. Whether you’re looking for a place to take a colleague to lunch or take a date to dinner, here are our top picks for al fresco dining around the Bay.
San Francisco
620 Jones | An Evening Out!
With a stunning rooftop bar near Union Square, 620 Jones boasts a heated terrace with a modern-industrial aesthetic. Known for its artisan cocktails, this is a fantastic place for a happy hour hobnob as well as a stylish space to sit down and dine. The menu focuses on comfort food, with such classics as pizza and tater tots alongside more sophisticated almond-pesto gnocchi and local rock cod. Beautifully landscaped, the rooftop is an ideal place to take in a San Francisco sunset.
La Mar | Let’s Get Lunch
On Pier 1½ along the Embarcadero, adjacent to the Ferry Building, enter La Mar Cebicheria Peruana, the upscale Peruvian seafood restaurant envisioned by global restaurateur Gaston Acurio. “Lonche” on the waterfront patio overlooking Treasure Island includes Peruvian fare such as cebiche clasic, crab sanguche, and homemade empanadas. Truly seafaring patrons dock their vessels or take a boat taxi in, but you can also get there on the MUNI F train or from the Embarcadero Bart station.
East Bay
Va de Vi Wine Bar | An Evening Out
“It’s all about wine!” is a literal and apt Catalan Spanish interpretation of this Walnut Creek wine bar’s name. And if you like your wine (accompanying delicious food) al fresco, you’ll love Va De Vi’s rustic outdoor patio with its tree-shaded iron tables and laidback vibe. The small-plate menu includes such succulent dishes such as Achiote chicken tacos and blue-cheese stuffed dates. There are plenty of gluten-free eating options and an imaginative cocktail list for those who prefer liquor.
Sideboard | Let’s Get Lunch
With a dedication to using local, organic, sustainable ingredients, Sideboard in Danville is a Green Certified restaurant where simple healthy fare and bakery delights complement expertly brewed coffee and espresso drinks. The inside is airy and the outside even more so. When owners Erin and Ford Andrews moved the cafe to a bigger spot on Railroad Avenue a few years ago, they were able to expand with a rear patio ideal for celebrating our gorgeous East Bay days.
North Bay
Terrapin Crossroads | An Evening Out
Local music legend Phil Lesh’s culinary passion project, Terrapin Crossroads, is not just a fantastic place to grab a drink in San Rafael. The restaurant’s outdoor patio is adjacent to a new waterfront park they call “The Backyard.” This is a spacious outdoor performance space where you can see some pretty famous musicians jam while drinking your local microbrew in the shade cast by a palm tree.
Half Day Cafe in Kentfield | Let’s Get Lunch
One of Marin’s most beloved lunch spots is also one of its most tucked away. Half Day Cafe, near the intersection of College Ave and Sir Francis Drake, is a local favorite with one of the best terraces for daytime dining. Brunch is a huge draw at this spot rich in comfort food and country atmosphere. Try the brioche french toast made from a coffee-Kahlua batter or any of the delicious house-made pastries.
If you’re looking for that al fresco experience a little closer to home, we recommend you check out our listings!
