12 September patio dining options in the 405 diningscape
Autumn is right around the corner, and hopefully brings falling temperatures so we can all enjoy a little patio dining. Since the pandemic outbreak last year, patios have popped up all around the city. Here are 12 patios I frequent. Shoot me an email at dcathey@oklahoman.com to let me know where you like to patio.
Barrios Fine Mexican Dishes
Address: 1000 N Hudson Ave. Web: https://www.barriosmexicanokc.com/
Food Dude’s Notes: Features a luxurious patio with plenty of cover to enjoy cocktails and a grill-centric menu from A Good Egg Dining group.
Bellini’s Ristorante and Grill
Address: 6305 Waterford Blvd Ste. 100
Web: http://www.bellinisristorantegrill.com/
Food Dude Notes: Long before patios were made popular by pandemic, Bellini’s set the standard for outdoor dining options with a spacious covered patio and sidewalk seating around the perimeter of the restaurant tucked into the Waterford Office complex.
Florence’s Restaurant
Address: 1437 NE 23rd St.
Web: http://www.florences. restaurant/
Food Dude Notes: Since 1952, founder Florence Jones-Kemp has served her home-cooking without outdoor dining, but that all changed during the pandemic. Florence and daughter Victoria Kemp used the time to add a spacious deck out front. Don’t miss the candied yams.
Frida
Address: 500 Paseo
Web: https://fridasouthwest.com/ Food Dude Notes: Opened just before the pandemic, Frida’s expansive patio stands out in the abounding outdoor dining options in the Paseo Arts District. Check out chef Quinn Carroll’s spin on the Southwest flavors.
The Hutch on Avondale
Address: 6437 Avondale Dr.
Web: https://www.hutchokc.com/ Food Dude Notes: Chef David Henry’s culinary patio party is best experienced on the tree-shrouded deck with a classic cocktail. Never skip the biscuits.
Ludivine
Address: 320 NW 10th St.
Web: https://www.ludivineokc.com/
Food Dude Notes: Chef Russ Johnson’s locavore haven has a patio second to none in patio-rich Midtown. If you know of a more satisfying steak sandwich in town, hit me up. Note: Ludivine is now requiring proof of vaccination for entrance.
The Mont
Address: 1300 Classen Blvd, Norman Web: https://www.themont.com/ Food Dude Notes: No better place to enjoy a classic Swirl than this Norman institution’s iconic patio before choosing from the Tex-Mex menu, and now you can take one to-go!
Pizzeria Gusto
Address: 2415 N Walker Ave.
Web: http://pizzeria-gusto.com/ index.html
Food Dude Notes: With a spectacular back patio, and a covered front sidewalk, Pizzeria Gusto has plenty of options for pizza lovers. Don’t sleep on the wings and never skip dessert at a kitchen overseen by chef Kathryn Mathis.
Social Deck + Dining
Address: 1933 NW 23rd St.
Web: http://www.besocialokc.com/ Food Dude Notes: If “deck” is in the title, rest assured outdoor dining is a thing. Jordan and Jamie Winteroth’s dining destination near Oklahoma City University features brunch all day plus flavors from around the globe to inspire the patio-party vibe. Don’t miss the Club Social.
Social Capital
Address: 517 S Hudson Ave. Web: https://www.socialcapitalokc.com/
Food Dude Notes: Overlooking Scissortail Park and featuring endless beers on tap with a strong taco game, Social Capital has announced its downtown presence with authority.
Stella Modern Italian
Address: 1201 N Walker Ave.
Web: https://stella-okc.com/
Food Dude Notes: Lori Burson’s homage to Italian cuisine and Mediterranean luxury, Stella Modern Italian features one of Midtown’s most popular patio spots in a sea of popular patios. The crispy Roman-style pizza is a personal favorite.
Sushi Neko
Address: 4318 N Western Ave. Web: https://www.sushineko.com/ Food Dude Notes: Sidewalk dining has hardly been so inviting since Sushi Neko ramped up its outdoor dining options a few years ago. Heated outdoor booths are built into rock wind-breaks, maintaining the peace in typically windblown Oklahoma. The Yellowtail Special is divine.