A month’s worth of patio dining ideas to enjoy while you still can

I’m no meteorologist, but with good patio weather hanging on by a thread, there seems no better time to reflect on the best patios I’ve had the good fortune to enjoy this summer.

I am of the opinion that beyond the labor of love that takes place in the kitchen, food at a restaurant can be elevated by two things — excellent service and atmosphere. A great outdoor space on the perfect day can make the memory of what was a ho-hum meal a whole lot more satisfying after the fact.

The simple act of dining under the cover of sky is unbelievably fulfilling — whether it’s a terrace, court, enclosure, piazza, deck or patio.

In honor of this Aug. 31 celebration, here are 31 outdoor spots worthy of seeking out before cooler days are ushered in. These restaurants are all very different, but they all share one thing in common — splendid outdoor spaces worthy of seeking out.

Brio Tuscan Grille

The Greene, 4459 Cedar Park Drive, Beavercreek

Website: www.brioitalian.com

Carillon Brewing Company

1000 Carillon Blvd, Dayton

Website: carillonbrewingco.org

Carmel’s Southwest Grill

1025 Shroyer Road, Dayton

Website: www.carmelsgrill.com

Caroline on the Square

5 S. Market St., Troy

Website: thecarolineonthesquare.com

Chuy’s

Austin Landing, 10445 Innovation Dr., Miamisburg

Website: www.chuys.com/locations/ohio/dayton

Coco’s Bistro

250 Warren St., Dayton

Website: www.228coco.com

Dublin Pub

300 Wayne Ave., Dayton

Website: dubpub.com

El Meson

903 E. Dixie Drive, Dayton

Website: www.elmeson.net

Elsa’s Kettering Sports Grill

1216 E. Stroop Road, Kettering

Website: https://elsas.net

Fifth Street Brewpub

1600 E. 5th St., Dayton

Website: www.fifthstreet.coop

Franco’s Ristorante Italiano

824 E. 5th St., Dayton

Website: www.francos-italiano.com

Jimmie’s Ladder 11

936 Brown St., Dayton

Website: www.jladder11.com

La Piazza

2 N. Market St., Troy

Website: www.lapiazzatroy.com

Lily’s Bistro

329 E. 5th St., Dayton

Website: lilysbistro.com

Little York Tavern

4120 Little York Road., Vandalia

Website: www.littleyorktavern.net

The Oregon Express

336 E. 5th St., Dayton

Website: www.oregonexpressdayton.com

Pasha Grill

The Greene, 72 Plum St., Beavercreek

Website: www.pashagrill.com

Peach’s Bar and Grill

104 Xenia Ave., Yellow Springs

Website: www.peachsgrill.com

Salar Restaurant and Lounge

400 E. 5th St., Dayton

Website: salarrestaurant.com

South Park Tavern

1301 Wayne Ave., Dayton

Website: southparktavern.com

Thai 9

11 Brown St., Dayton

Website: www.thai9restaurant.com

TJ Chumps

1100 East Dayton-Yellow Springs Road, Fairborn

12 East Linden Ave., Miamisburg

559 S. Main Street, Englewood

7050 Executive Blvd., Huber Heights

Website: www.tjchumps.com

The Pub Beavercreek

The Greene, 39 Greene Blvd., Beavercreek

Website: experiencethepub.com

The Trolley Stop

530 E. 5th St., Dayton

Website: www.trolleystopdayton.com

Roost Modern Italian

524 E. 5th St., Dayton

Website: www.roostdayton.com

Wheat Penny Oven and Bar

515 Wayne Ave., Dayton

Website: www.wheatpennydayton.com

The Winds

215 Xenia Ave., Yellow Springs

Website: www.windscafe.com

Ye Olde Trail Tavern

228 Xenia Ave., Yellow Springs

Website: www.thetrailtavern.com

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