Take a Seat and Eat in the Great Outdoors

Recent monsoon-like weather notwithstanding, this is the season for outdoor dining. From city to suburb, and roof-top perch to pond-side piazza, the region boasts al fresco options to suit all moods, tastes and pocketbooks. 

We couldn't list all of the region's outdoor options here, but the following are some of our favorites. 

The Elbow Room

For an elevated perch above the action in West Hartford Center, you can't beat a seat on the Elbow Room's roof-top deck. The location is as much fun as the menu of American faves and cocktails. Those uncomfortable with heights can take a seat in the sidewalk cafe and get great views of the action from there. Owner Benny Delbon presides. Order up one of his Trader Benny's Suffering Elbow drinks, and enjoy the people-watching.

The Elbow Room is at 986 Farmington Ave., West Hartford. For more information, visit www.elbowroomct.com or call 860-236-6195.

The Angry Olive Bistro & Restaurant

La dolce vita is dished up daily at this Rocky Hill favorite where a 40-seat patio beckons in fair weather. Umbrellas shade diners who sit surrounded by flowers and shrubs. Order up a selection of antipasti and you could almost believe you're in Roma. 

The Angry Olive Bistro & Restaurant is at 1625 Silas Deane Highway, Wethersfield. For more information, visit www.theangryolive.com or call 860-257-8402.

Evergreens at the Simsbury Inn 

How about an award-winning brunch served on an outdoor terrace garlanded with blossoms? Or dinner under a canopy of stars? Whether you're in golf attire or an evening gown, Evergreens' innovative Continental-American cuisine awaits.

Evergreens is at 397 Hopmeadow St., at the Simsbury Inn, Simsbury. For more information, visit www.simsburyinn.com or call 860-651-5700.

Firebox Restaurant 

The stone patio at Hartford's Firebox Restaurant boasts a few fresh renovations this season. Raised flower beds and new trellises (soon to be covered with blossoming vines) create a lush retreat for the downtown office crowd. A view of the adjacent Billings Forge Farmer's Market is another attraction, along with the restaurant's inspired menu of seasonal, locally sourced fare. 

Firebox Restaurant is at 539 Broad St., Hartford. For reservations or information, visit www.fireboxrestaurant.com or call 860-246-1222.

Feng Asian Bistro and Hibachi

Feng in Canton is owned by the Ginza restaurant group, which owns and operates a stylish collection of area eateries. (There are two other Fengs – one in Hartford and another in Millbury, Mass., and two Ginza Japanese Cuisine & Hibachi locations, one in Bloomfield and the other in Wethersfield.) In Canton, diners are invited to sit outdoors with a view of the action at the open-air shopping complex, the Shoppes at Farmington Valley. The sushi tastes delicious whether you're seated indoors or out.

Feng Asian Bistro and Hibachi is at 110 Albany Turnpike, Canton. For more information, visit www.ginzacorp.com or call 860-693-3364.

Apricots Restaurant & Pub

Take me to the river: Kick back at one of the outdoor tables overlooking the beautiful Farmington River and enjoy Apricots' classically inspired contemporary American fare – from a chopped salad and grilled ahi tuna burger to quinoa-stuffed yellow peppers and grilled Midwestern filet mignon. 

Apricots is at 1593 Farmington Ave., Farmington. For more information, visit www.apricotsrestaurant.com or call 860-673-5405. 

Wood-n-Tap Bar & Grill

Connecticut's answer to the Cheers bar is the Wood-n-Tap. Whichever restaurant you frequent (there are branches in Hartford, Farmington, Rocky HIll, Vernon, Southington, and Orange), you can count on several things: a welcoming come-as-you-are atmosphere, an admirably consistent menu of comfortably priced American favorites, an amiable staff, and a comfortable spot – indoors or outside – to enjoy your meal.

For all the info you need about all the Wood 'n Taps, visit www.woodntap.com.

Vito's by the Water

The name says it all. Vito's by the Water has an outdoor patio that overlooks the pond at Windsor's Griffin Park. The restaurant is one of several in the Greater Hartford area that is owned and operated by the Maffucci family. Like the others, it specializes in Italian food ranging from pizzas and lobster ravioli to the house signature Chicken Angelica.

Vito's by the Water is at 1936 Blue Hills Ave., Windsor. For more information, visit www.vitosct.com or call 860-285-8660.

Max Group Restaurants

Maxing out options for outdoor dining is the Max Restaurant Group. Out of the group's eight restaurants, seven offer al fresco seating, so depending on where you are when hunger strikes, try Max's Oyster Bar or Max Burger, both in West Hartford Center; Max Fish or Max Amore, both in Glastonbury; Max-a-Mia in Avon; Trumbull Kitchen in Hartford; or Max's Tavern in Springfield, Mass.

Everything you need to know about the Max restaurants can be found at  www.maxrestaurantgroup.com.

LaSalle Market & Deli

For lighter meals grabbed on the go or early dinners with the kids, don't miss the funky charm of Collinsville's LaSalle Market. Step up to the counter to peruse the day's offerings, which range from freshly made pizzas to inventive sandwiches to salads and other prepared foods. Take a seat outdoors under the awnings on the small terrace and enjoy the flavor of small-town America.

LaSalle Market & Deli is at 104 Main St., Collinsville. For more information, call 860-693-8010.