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  • Rooftop 120, 120 Hebron Ave., Glastonbury, claims to be New...

    JOHN WOIKE | woike@courant.com

    Rooftop 120, 120 Hebron Ave., Glastonbury, claims to be New Englands largest four season restaurant and bar. The outside seating area sports a two fire pits radiant heaters to keep you warm as you enjoy the sunset over a cocktail or food. More info.

  • Several of Wood-n-Tap's locations have patios, perfect for indulging in...

    Cloe Poisson / Courant file photo

    Several of Wood-n-Tap's locations have patios, perfect for indulging in "bar bites" and beers under the sun.

  • What goes together better than cheesecake and a Pineapple Pisco...

    MaryEllen Fillo, fillo@courant.com

    What goes together better than cheesecake and a Pineapple Pisco Sour? Info here.

  • With multiple locations across New Haven and Fairfield County, Archie...

    Loumarre Rodriguez / lirodriguez@courant.com

    With multiple locations across New Haven and Fairfield County, Archie Moore's wings are a crowd favorite.

  • Geronimo, with two locations in New Haven and Fairfield, features...

    Sara Grant / sagrant@courant.com

    Geronimo, with two locations in New Haven and Fairfield, features Southwest-inspired cuisine, an enormous tequila selection and - for the brave diners - custom-built tables with live scorpions.

  • Harry's Place, famous for its burgers, hot dogs, fries, ice...

    Courant file photo

    Harry's Place, famous for its burgers, hot dogs, fries, ice cream cones and shakes, is the perfect place to go with family and friends on a sunny day.

  • Market Grille takes advantage of its hilltop view and serene...

    BRAD HORRIGAN / HARTFORD COURANT

    Market Grille takes advantage of its hilltop view and serene setting above Buckland Street, insulated somewhat from the busy hustle of the mall. Outside, they've added an 80-seat patio, complete with its own outdoor bar and a fire pit. Info here: marketgrillct.com

  • Whiskey Smash and Rum Swizzle cocktails at Butchers & Bakers...

    Suzie Hunter | Courant file photo

    Whiskey Smash and Rum Swizzle cocktails at Butchers & Bakers in Farmington.

  • See a food gallery from Blue Plate Kitchen at ctnow.com/bpk

    Richard Messina / Hartford Courant

    See a food gallery from Blue Plate Kitchen at ctnow.com/bpk

  • Indulge in burgers, wings, beer and Moscow mules at this...

    Patrick Raycraft / Courant file photo

    Indulge in burgers, wings, beer and Moscow mules at this Manchester favorite with ample patio space.

  • Chilled Agave Shrimp at the Local Grill in Avon.

    John Woike, woike@courant.com

    Chilled Agave Shrimp at the Local Grill in Avon.

  • Whether your staying in the resort, or just dropping in...

    Richard Messina / Hartford Courant

    Whether your staying in the resort, or just dropping in for a casual meal, the Madison Beach Hotel offers great views of Long Island Sound and a gourmet menu.

  • Whether you're looking to enjoy a meal in the sun...

    RICK HARTFORD/THE HARTFORD COURANT

    Whether you're looking to enjoy a meal in the sun or a nightlife hot spot under the stars, the rooftop of the Elbow Room in West Hartford is always a West Hartford Center favorite.

  • Chamard Vineyard has an on-site restaurant that allows for alfresco...

    Yoon S. Byun / Hartford Courant

    Chamard Vineyard has an on-site restaurant that allows for alfresco dining during the spring and summer months.

  • Newington's Rooster Company is making its mark with rotisserie chicken...

    Cloe Poisson / Hartford Courant

    Newington's Rooster Company is making its mark with rotisserie chicken and comfort-driven entrees. Read more here.

  • This pizza place in West Hartford Center has a brick...

    Carole Goldberg, Special To The Courant

    This pizza place in West Hartford Center has a brick patio with metal tables and chairs that's a fun place to eat in nice weather. The menu is simple, offering pizza, paninis, soup and the like. Info here.

  • Combine Sayulita's top-notch margaritas, luxurious lobster, mango and black truffle...

    STEPHEN DUNN / Hartford Courant

    Combine Sayulita's top-notch margaritas, luxurious lobster, mango and black truffle tacos and a sun-drenched patio, and you'll think you're several time zones away from South Glastonbury. More info here.

  • Luna's Margerhita pizza, with fresh mozzarella, basil, fresh tomatoes, garlic,...

    Donna Larcen / dlarcen@courant.com

    Luna's Margerhita pizza, with fresh mozzarella, basil, fresh tomatoes, garlic, is just the thing for a warm outside day. Info here.

  • The bourbon barbecue wings are the perfect way to heat...

    BETTINA HANSEN, HARTFORD COURANT

    The bourbon barbecue wings are the perfect way to heat up a sunny day at b Restaurants.

  • Do the calories in a Max Burger Fatty Melt count if...

    Cloe Poisson / Hartford Courant

    Do the calories in a Max Burger Fatty Melt count if you eat it outdoors?

  • Try this Thai restaurant's signature cocktail with Skyy pineapple vodka,...

    Rick Hartford / Hartford Courant

    Try this Thai restaurant's signature cocktail with Skyy pineapple vodka, Malibu, blue curacao and tropical fruit juices. Info here.

  • The Glastonbury gastropub sibling of Hartford's Bin228 has a large...

    Suzie Hunter / Hartford Courant

    The Glastonbury gastropub sibling of Hartford's Bin228 has a large patio, ideal for sunny-day cocktails. Read more here

  • Frozen rum cocktails, Latin comfort foods and an expansive patio...

    Suzie Hunter / Hartford Courant

    Frozen rum cocktails, Latin comfort foods and an expansive patio make Hartford's Chango Rosa an ideal warm-weather destination. Read more.

  • A large patio overlooks the Connecticut River at this popular...

    Yoon S. Byun / Hartford Courant

    A large patio overlooks the Connecticut River at this popular summer destination, which opens April 11 for the season and has a happy hour six days a week and live entertainment Wednesday through Sunday. Info here.

  • Happy hour daily from 4 to 6 p.m. Info here.

    Bettina Hansen / Hartford Courant

    Happy hour daily from 4 to 6 p.m. Info here.

  • The casual outdoor dining space sits under a pergola, with...

    Suzie Hunter / Hartford Courant

    The casual outdoor dining space sits under a pergola, with reclaimed-wood tables adorned with simple flower vases, and additional umbrella-shaded picnic tables overlook the farm's grounds. More about Goats 'N Roses here.

  • Enjoy some of the best barbecue and Cajun food in...

    Courant file photo

    Enjoy some of the best barbecue and Cajun food in the area at Black Eyed Sally's.

  • The patio at Market Grille in Manchester.

    Michael McAndrews | Courant file photo

    The patio at Market Grille in Manchester.

  • Box 63 is nestled between Yale dorms at 338 Elm...

    CLOE POISSON | cpoisson@courant.com

    Box 63 is nestled between Yale dorms at 338 Elm St. It features dining on two levels as well as an outdoor patio area. More info.

  • Cosi, one of the many West Hartford Center coffee bars,...

    Courant file photo

    Cosi, one of the many West Hartford Center coffee bars, is a busy place on Sunday mornings. Info here.

  • Mill on the River in South Windsor boasts gorgeous views of...

    Leeanne Griffin / Courant file photo

    Mill on the River in South Windsor boasts gorgeous views of a rushing waterfall and a fountain from its riverside patio seating, an ideal spot for warm-weather dining or cocktails.

  • Calamari Fritte is one of many Italian tapas served up...

    EMILY ABBATE/ THE HARTFORD COURANT

    Calamari Fritte is one of many Italian tapas served up at Molto in downtown Fairfield. Enjoy this dish on their outdoor patio paired with one of their many delicious wines or cocktails.

  • Enjoy more than 30 rotating ice cream flavors to choose...

    Courant file photo

    Enjoy more than 30 rotating ice cream flavors to choose from, along with diner fare like burgers, melts and breakfast items at A.C. Petersen.

  • The 24 Carrot, a carrot juice cocktail with vodka, cardamom,...

    Suzie Hunter | Courant file photo

    The 24 Carrot, a carrot juice cocktail with vodka, cardamom, honey and lemon, at Zohara Mediterranean Kitchen in West Hartford.

  • Mexican, but not your typical tacos and nachos. Read more...

    Suzie Hunter, smhunter@courant.com

    Mexican, but not your typical tacos and nachos. Read more here.

  • Info here.

    Bettina Hansen/ Courant file photo

    Info here.

  • Frozen rum cocktails, Latin comfort foods and an expansive patio...

    Suzie Hunter / Hartford Courant

    Frozen rum cocktails, Latin comfort foods and an expansive patio make Hartford's Chango Rosa an ideal warm-weather destination.

  • Cure in Unionville serves modern fare in a rustic atmosphere....

    Peter Casolino / Special To The Courant

    Cure in Unionville serves modern fare in a rustic atmosphere.  Craft cocktails and house-cured bacon are crowd favorites. Read story here.

  • The patio at Barcelona Wine Bar  in West Hartford Center...

    Rick Hartford, rhartford@courant.com

    The patio at Barcelona Wine Bar  in West Hartford Center has a radiant-heated floor and retractable awnings that allow it to be used all year.

  • Brothers and chefs Wenceslao and Alfonso Martinez prepare every day...

    MICHAEL McANDREWS / Hartford Courant

    Brothers and chefs Wenceslao and Alfonso Martinez prepare every day guacamole for their customers at their restaurant Monte Alban on Farmington Avenue in the West End of Hartford.

  • Millwright's, overlooking a river waterfall, has one of the best...

    Leeanne Griffin, lgriffin@courant.com

    Millwright's, overlooking a river waterfall, has one of the best water views in the region.

  • The outdoor patio and café offer the perfect atmosphere to...

    Courant file photo

    The outdoor patio and café offer the perfect atmosphere to enjoy the Milford scenery or a cocktail at open mic nights at Café Atlantique.

  • The patio at Brio Tuscan Grille is the perfect setting...

    JOHN WOIKE, HARTFORD COURANT

    The patio at Brio Tuscan Grille is the perfect setting for a casual lunch with friends.

  • Lyman Orchards freqently has the grill fired up on its...

    Courant file photo

    Lyman Orchards freqently has the grill fired up on its Apple Barrel deck and serves family-style brunch on weekends and some holidays.

  • This Irish pub in West Hartford Center is a popular...

    Courant file photo

    This Irish pub in West Hartford Center is a popular destination for those seeking a blend of American and Irish cuisine and Irish beers. Happy hour is Monday through Friday 4 to 6 p.m. Info here.

  • Enjoy fresh seafood with great views in Westbrook, Madison and...

    Hartford Courant

    Enjoy fresh seafood with great views in Westbrook, Madison and New Haven at Lenny & Joe's Fish Tale.

  • With a combination of great views of Mystic River, their...

    STEPHEN DUNN / Hartford Courant

    With a combination of great views of Mystic River, their unique Tree House deck, and inventive seafood, Oyster Club is a great dining destination.

  • Bartaco's menu presents affordable street foods (tacos, tamales, ceviche, grilled...

    Stephen Dunn, sdunn@courant.com

    Bartaco's menu presents affordable street foods (tacos, tamales, ceviche, grilled corn with cotija cheese) but doesn't necessarily want to be classified as a Mexican restaurant. Think of it as beach fare, the owners say. Info here.

  • Enjoy alfresco dining, cocktails and people watching on the patio...

    JOHN WOIKE, HARTFORD COURANT

    Enjoy alfresco dining, cocktails and people watching on the patio at Fleming's Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar on South Main Street.

  • Vito's By The Water offers outdoor dining, and most of...

    STEPHEN DUNN/ HARTFORD COURANT

    Vito's By The Water offers outdoor dining, and most of the interior tables look out over the pond. A raw bar is one of the popular features at the restaurant.

  • Cava in Southington recently opened an opulent rooftop patio atop its building,...

    Courant file photo

    Cava in Southington recently opened an opulent rooftop patio atop its building, overlooking West Street with a view of Mount Southington. Read more

  • The Jefe Caliente Margarita at Sayulita.

    Stephen Dunn | Courant file photo

    The Jefe Caliente Margarita at Sayulita.

  • A Pink Monkey frozen cocktail from Chango Rosa in Hartford's...

    Suzie Hunter | Courant file photo

    A Pink Monkey frozen cocktail from Chango Rosa in Hartford's Union Station.

  • NEW HAVEN - CT - 08/11/2010 - Steak Frites, grass...

    Bettina Hansen / Hartford Courant

    NEW HAVEN - CT - 08/11/2010 - Steak Frites, grass fed steak with pommes frites, ketchup, house mayo and Mojo sauce at Caseus in New Haven. BETTINA HANSEN | bhansen@courant.com ORG XMIT: B58631067Z.1

  • Can't take a trip to Lena's without having one of...

    Patrick Raycraft / Courant file photo

    Can't take a trip to Lena's without having one of the classic garlic rolls, whether you dine inside or outside on the deck patio lined with picnic tables, and adjacent to Sully's Pub (happy hour and music on Fridays.) Info here.

  • Enjoy a tasty plate of mussels at Firebox with a...

    Courant file photo

    Enjoy a tasty plate of mussels at Firebox with a glass of wine off of their extensive list.

  • Customers keep coming back, year after year, to enjoy the...

    Courant file photo

    Customers keep coming back, year after year, to enjoy the casual outdoor atmosphere at First & Last Tavern in West Hartford - where the pizza recipe hasn't changed since it first opened in 1936.

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We’ve been waiting all miserable winter for this weather to arrive. With temperatures in the 80s, it’s time to dine and drink outdoors. Pull up a chair (or barstool) on one of these local patios and enjoy the sunshine.

A Pink Monkey frozen cocktail from Chango Rosa in Hartford's Union Station.
A Pink Monkey frozen cocktail from Chango Rosa in Hartford’s Union Station.

Chango Rosa, Hartford

Frozen rum cocktails, Latin comfort foods and an expansive patio (with a signature mural honoring Hartford historical figures as a backdrop) make Chango Rosa an ideal warm-weather destination. 1 Union Place, Hartford, 860-479-6662, changorosa.com.

The 24 Carrot, a carrot juice cocktail with vodka, cardamom, honey and lemon, at Zohara Mediterranean Kitchen in West Hartford.
The 24 Carrot, a carrot juice cocktail with vodka, cardamom, honey and lemon, at Zohara Mediterranean Kitchen in West Hartford.

Zohara, West Hartford

Light, fresh Mediterranean flavors are perfect patio dishes at this West Hartford Center space, which also features vegetable juice-based cocktails. Grab some friends and order rounds of salatim to share. 991 Farmington Ave., 860-955-0300, zoharact.com.

The Jefe Caliente Margarita at Sayulita.
The Jefe Caliente Margarita at Sayulita.

Sayulita, South Glastonbury

Combine Sayulita’s top-notch margaritas, luxurious tacos with lobster, mango and black truffle and a sun-drenched patio, and you’ll think you’re several time zones away from central Connecticut. 865 Main St., 860-430-9941, cantinasayulita.com.

The patio at Market Grille in Manchester.
The patio at Market Grille in Manchester.

Market Grille, Manchester

Market Grille takes advantage of its hilltop view and serene setting above Buckland Street, insulated somewhat from the busy hustle of the mall. Outside, an expansive patio is complete with its own outdoor bar and a fire pit. 110 Buckland Hills Drive, 860-644-1011, marketgrillct.com.

Whiskey Smash and Rum Swizzle cocktails at Butchers & Bakers in Farmington.
Whiskey Smash and Rum Swizzle cocktails at Butchers & Bakers in Farmington.

Butchers & Bakers, Farmington

The restaurant at The Exchange in Farmington, by the founders of Plan B Burger Bar, features a large patio with a covered outdoor bar, ample seating and fire pits. Enjoy coal-fired pizzas, meatballs and craft cocktails while getting some fresh air. 270 Farmington Ave., 860-470-7414, butchersandbakers.com.

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