Now’s the time for our short weather window in which it’s not sleeting or sweltering outside. Here are a few of our favorites neighborhood spots to enjoy an open-air meal.
Rise no. 1 at Inwood Village
Bread Winners Cafe & Bakery: The location at NorthPark Center boasts a spacious patio looking out to the CenterPark Garden — a great way to enjoy an iced coffee or refreshing mimosa. The Inwood Village patio will do fine, too. (La Duni Kitchen just across the way also is a good choice for garden dining).
Rise no. 1: Speaking of Inwood Village, this neighborhood bistro has a charming atmosphere inside and out. You don’t go there for the patio, though. You go for the culinary feat that is the souffle, or the “masterpiece of French cuisine,” which can be made either savory or sweet. The rustic outdoor seating makes it that much more enjoyable this time of year.
Mi Cocina: This local Tex-Mex favorite at Preston and Forest has a fairly large patio in the back, perfect for indulging in a Mambo Taxi (the cocktail treat that recently got some national exposure on “Conan.”)
Stratos Greek Taverna: You can’t beat the rooftop dining at this lively Greek restaurant on the outskirts of the neighborhood.
Sevy’s Grill: There’s not one but two covered patios at this neighborhood dining institution, which draws a sophisticated crowd. The artfully prepared dishes look almost too good to eat.
