Best Outdoor Eats?

[Chocolat a la Mode]

So we're currently in that brief period where you can actually relax out of doors without being torched to death, but I'm finding myself short on good places to eat where I can also make the most of the nice weather. The only place I know off the top of my head is the Queen Creek Olive Mill, but it's gotten so popular that I'd have to beat away the crowds with a stick just to hope for a spot under the olive trees. Does anyone have a preferred spot, or just any spot they know? Any kind of food and any kind of outdoor area is welcome for suggestion!

[Brownie Queen]

I like the patio at Chelsea's Kitchen, personally. https://chelseaskitchenaz.com/

The food is kind of meh, but I still enjoy eating a snack and having pre-dinner drinks at El Chorro Lodge. https://elchorro.com/

The bar at Elements is wonderful to sit at. https://www.gurneysresorts.com/scottsda ... g/elements

[Chocolat a la Mode]

Thank you so much for the recommendations! I'm going to see about stopping at Chelsea's this week

[Wilbur]

The little alley with Novel Ice Cream in Mesa across from the Museum of Natural History is an ideal little romantic spot in the evenings.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/ESCM8pe7C2KZXYxf7

If your kids (or you) are at that stage of life where they (or you) are fascinated by airplanes, the seating at Volanti above the Scottsdale Airport Terminal is terrific. The food is oversalted bar food, but the views for plane spotters are great.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/c3tWo4HjwYvmNjJv6

The outdoor / grotto area of Carlsbad Tavern extends the loose definition of "outdoor dining shoulder season" dining by a month because of the shade and the water.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/c3tWo4HjwYvmNjJv6

If you need to project a little more style but also want to loll about in shorts, many of the golf clubs have outdoor service with nice views. Particularly in the late afternoon, these can work for a group with mixed ages and interests. These are ones that don't require any membership to reserve a table or cabana:
- We Ko Pa
- McCormick Ranch Golf Club
- Papago Golf Club

[exit2lef]

I'll second the recommendation of Chelsea's. In late spring, it can be fun to eat there right before (or after) sunset and combine the meal with a short stroll along the canal to see the bats emerge from their human-made cave: https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/phoenix-bat-cave

Other ideas:

Ocotillo. There is a section full of picnic tables that are popular with people who bring children and/or dogs along. There is also a north patio with a more adult feel. Both are well shaded. https://www.ocotillophx.com/

Gertrude's. Most of the seating is outdoors and you have the Desert Botanical Garden available for exploration before or after a meal. https://dbg.org/visit/dining/gertrudes-restaurant/

Sottise. A lovely veranda to go with the French menu. https://www.sottisephx.com/

Farish House. A nice patio along Third Street and a French/Mediterranean menu. https://farishhouse.com/

Caffe Boa. Shaded patio off Mill Avenue in downtown Tempe with a mostly Italian menu: https://www.cafeboa.com/

[Chocolat a la Mode]

Sorry for the late reply! The weather's been holding out nicely so we may dare hope for more patio time yet (knock on wood). I may need all of it to try all these tasty looking recommendations!

The little alley with...

I can't believe I didn't think of Downtown Mesa! I've been wandering around that area more often lately, and that alley looks so cozy. I'm also completely enchanted by Carlsbad Tavern, and the idea of watching runway comings and goings has similarly stuck in my mind. I can handle oversalted bar food with good enough conversation and a strong beverage, LOL. I love this list, thank you!

I'll second the recommendation of Chelsea's...

More bats! I actually have to admit that I'm a sucker for bats. This may be the impetus I need to drag my friends on a bat tour :] Sottise and Farish House strike me as lovely for a special family occasion sort of place...I'll be sweating buckets taking my (opinionated) (<- said lovingly) French grandmother, but that's what the patio breeze is for. Thank you thank you!