Leisure

Patio Speedwagon

Five Essential Patios for Spring

The past few months brought a handful of fine patios. You may have noticed. Through the window. While sipping hot whiskey indoors. But now that things are warming up, it’s time to investigate each one before summer renders them uninhabitable. Bask in the vitamin D.

FOR BEERS AND BRATS

The Blind Butcher

The scene: Wood benches, a full bar and 2,100 square feet of prime meat-eating real estate. Plus, like, a bunch of other people there for the same reason you are.
The provisions: Poutine and pastrami egg rolls for dinner. Texas and Belgian beers for before and after.

FOR WORKING ON A BASE TAN

City Park Café

The scene: An entirely outdoor space that made a lot less sense when it opened in November. But now: a sunny hangout for nearby business types and sunbathers alike. And dogs.
The provisions: You’ve got three square meals of breakfast tacos, sandwiches and cold beers. All the picnic essentials.

FOR AFTERNOON APHRODISIACS

Pier247

The scene: Not one, but two patios stocked with wooden tables and neighborhood po’boy aficionados.
The provisions: The kind of stuff you’d find in a beachside hut, like raw oysters, fish tacos and chicken-fried-oyster BLTs. CFOBLT just doesn’t have the same ring to it.

FOR CROSS BREEZES AND BURGERS

Grub Burger Bar

The scene: A sunny little courtyard comprised of metal tables, metal chairs and lots of green plants to block the parking-lot views.
The provisions: Burgers. (We thought that was clear.) They’re topped with things like absinthe mushrooms, ghost chili sauce and peanut butter. No, not at the same time. Unless you ask.

FOR A DAMN GOOD VIEW

HG Sply Co.

The scene: A rebuilt and soon-to-open rooftop with killer views, fire pits and a full bar. The sprawling space connects to Social Mechanics gym, so... expect a pretty flexible crowd.
The provisions: Texas beers, whiskey cocktails and yoga pants.