Here are our picks for some affordable summertime dishes to order at a half-dozen of the best outdoor dining spots. It doesn't hurt that these are all priced right. Stay tuned for more of our outdoor dining picks throughout the summer. Send your suggestions for spots we should hit up in the next few months to alexis.e.larsen@hotmail.com.
Bar Louie
The Greene, 4492 Glengarry Dr., Beavercreek
(937) 427-3900
Why it rates: A nice large patio, garage doors that open to the whole restaurant when the weather is nice, super happy hour specials on food, draft beer, wine and martinis from 4-7 p.m. Monday through Friday make Bar Louie a worthy destination.
Be sure to order: A burger. Options like the Chicago Stockyard burger topped with Parmesan-blue cheese, mushrooms, romaine, onion, tomato, Worcestershire sauce and peppercorns and the Backyard BBQ burger made with cheddar, barbecue sauce, bacon and fried onion straws are good, but they are great when you can purchase them for their Tuesday one dollar burger night that takes place on Tuesdays from 5 p.m. to close with the purchase of a beverage.
Coco's Bistro
250 Warren St., Dayton
(937) 228-2626
Why it rates: Coco's has two great outdoor dining spaces and a relatively new menu sporting some wonderful dishes and a friendly staff that's always ready to help steer you towards just the thing you're looking for.
Be sure to order: One of their pizzas. They are priced right, go great with almost any cocktail on the menu and can be shared if you are looking to have a food adventure with friends. The Margherita ($12 - garlic basil olive oil, fresh mozzarella, sea salt Roma tomatoes, cracked black pepper and basil), Moroccan ($14 - roasted broccoli, sweet corn, red bell pepper, toasted curry oil, manchego, spicy crème fraiche and scallions) or the Gem City Classic ($15 - pepperoni, fennel sausage, caramelized onions, house marinated black olives, roasted garlic, pizza sauce, melted mozzarella and provolone, garlic oil and fresh sage) all hit the spot.
El Meson
903 E Dixie Dr., West Carrollton
(937) 859-8229
Why it rates: An indoor patio when weather isn't cooperating and an awesome new outdoor expanded patio make this West Carrollton classic a summer must.
Be sure to order: Tapas! For $14, sample classics from Spain featuring assorted Spanish Chorizo (pamplona, Cantimpalo, Soria and Cantimpalitos), Jamon Serrano, Manchego sheep cheese, olives and caperberries. We also love the empanadilla platter with the salmon — a beef option is also available. Served with wonderful dipping sauce, it will fill you up without breaking the bank ($12 or $7 for a half order). And there's plenty more options where that came from. This is a great spot to head to with friends and order a bunch of small plates to share.
Lily's Bistro
329 E 5th St., Dayton
(937) 723-7637
Why it rates: There are a ton of great patios in the Oregon District, but one of the most gorgeous is hidden in the back of Lily's Bistro. They also have another patio outside with great views of Fifth St. under the cover of shade.
Be sure to order: Lily's has several dishes made for summer. Grilled peaches with goat cheese-almond stuffing and balsamic reduction ($6), specialty deviled eggs ($8) and watermelon and cucumber salad with Vietnamese vinaigrette, feta cheese, jalapeno and basil ($9, can be prepared vegetarian or vegan) are all examples of dishes that lend themselves perfectly to summer.
TJ Chumps
12 E Linden Ave., Miamisburg
(937) 859-4000
Why it rates: All of the TJ Chumps locations have patios, but we give our vote for best Chumps patio to Miamisburg. It's open, but covered with an outdoor bar. Bonus for bikers — it's right off the trail and a great spot to grab grub on your way to your next stop.
Be sure to order: Smoked salmon bruschetta ($6.99) with smoked salmon dip on a baked flatbread, flash fried and drizzled with balsamic vinegar topped with diced tomato, red onion, green onion, and shredded Parmesan. The chicken salad plate ($7.99) is also a nice option when it's hot out.
The Winds
215 Xenia Ave, Yellow Springs
(937) 767-1144
Why it rates: One of the best restaurants around consistently offers the atmosphere, menu and service to back it up. The menus for brunch, lunch, dinner and "Saturdays at the bar" all vary and offer diners an adventure. The patio, which has seen significant updates relatively recently, will transport you to another place.
Be sure to order: We love the menu for "Saturday at the bar" that is served up from 2-5 p.m. on Saturdays. The duck sausage corn dog ($10) served with a carrot salad is a delicious twist on an old favorite. Lima beans and mussels ($10) tossed with wood-smoked Spanish pimento, fresh mint and scallions is another wonderful creation made with familiar ingredients.
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