A "garden oasis." A bonus food truck on the patio. A cocktail "like an orange Dreamsicle... but with alcohol." Rochester Magazine readers pick their six best restaurants for dining al fresco in the Med City.
Twigs Tavern and Grille
Alone among the top six restaurants, Twigs has not just one, and not even two, but three separate outdoor dining areas that can accommodate up to 120 people. Within the outdoor area, a small stream separates two of the areas, all enclosed by large pine trees making it seem that you are truly dining outside and not in the middle of a city.
Surrounded by multiple flowers and plants (cattails, even), this downtown "garden oasis" (as owner Michelle Salz calls it) features plenty of corners and private spaces to sit outside (we recommend the spot by the fireplace) and enjoy an intimate dining experience (we recommend the fish tacos, or in-house smoked ribs) Salz is also enthusiastic about Twigs' extensive gluten-free menu, with a separate kitchen. dedicated to gluten-free dishes (we recommend the Applewood Smoked Meatloaf by Papo).
As Roch Mag's top-vote getter for Rochester's Best Outdoor Dining (this year, and on a regular basis), Twigs outdoor area feels like you're a long way from downtown.
Five West | Joe Ahlquist / Rochester Magazine
Five West
"A casual, fun place to dine outside with plenty of space for about 100 customers" is how General Manager Shawna Refsland describes Five West's outdoor patio and full bar. You can also rent a separate private dining area with outdoor patio for private parties. Most notably, Five West is very dog friendly as well, providing dog treats and water bowls for your furry companions.
A refreshing cocktail (the rum-based Island Hopper is perfect for summer) or mocktail (we go with the Tropical Punch) while noshing on Five West's Buffalo Chicken Wontons (a repeat winner of Rochester Magazine's Best Appetizer voting) as you look over the nearby pond makes for a fun relaxing outing with friends.
Purple Goat | Joe Ahlquist / Rochester Magazine
Purple Goat
Seating roughly 200 people, the outdoor dining area at the Purple Goat also has about half the seating area covered with a canopy to protect customers from light rain or the summer sun. The spacious area has a kid playground area, outdoor game area, and a section for live music. And it's all tastefully decorated with plants and flowers (plus a few heaters to keep the customers warm in case of chilly temperatures).
Either way, it's the perfect spot to sit outside and drink one of our favorite summer concoctions, the Purple Goat Punch ("an Orange Julius inspired drink for the 90s mallrat in all of us"). And take General Manager Charles Morris up on his recommendation for the Chipotle Salmon and Rice bowl.
Whistle Binkies on the Lake | Sophia Marschall / Rochester Magazine
Whistle Binkies on the Lake
A casual, fun atmosphere sitting in some comfortable patio furniture surrounded by flowers while catching a breeze coming of the lake-heaven.
As owner Kelly Amundson would recommend, eating one of their many different varieties of salads, especially in the heart of the summer heat, is the best way to eat a little lighter, but still delicious fare. We're big fans of the Caprese Chicken and Avocado salad (grilled chicken with mixed greens, mozzarella balls, cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and avocado).
There are plenty of seats in the outdoor patio, with about room for 160 patrons. Even in iffy weather, sitting in the covered section of the patio-the Beer Garden-still allows customers the outdoor experience, all within view of the almost- nightly sand volleyball league games.
Hot Chip | Sophia Marschall / Rochester Magazine
Hot Chip
General Manager Bryce Nicholson describes the outdoor dining area of Hot Chip as "A wide open space, decorated with bright colors and a nice view of the river."
Then add to that the burgers- like the Olive Your Buns Burger (with truffle cream cheese) and the Mac to the Future Burger (with habanero mayo and smoked gouda)-from Rochester's Best Burger Place and drinks like their boozy shakes and the Main Squeeze ("like an orange Dreamsicle... but with alcohol").
Oh, and now you can also walk-just a few steps-to the Homeboy Sandwich Co. food truck, which according to the owners, "is parked on the Hot Chip Burger Bar patio and we roll out whenever the sun's shining and the skies are smiling." Homeboy Sandwich Co.'s mission: "To serve up sandwiches you've never even dreamed of-packed with quality ingredients, sourced locally when we can."
Tap House on Historic Third | Sophia Marschall / Rochester Magazine
Tap House on Historic Third Street
The original downtown location of the Tap House offers that classic rooftop outdoor dining with gorgeous views of the downtown Rochester skyline. Sure, you can try one of the 50 different beers on tap, selections. that rotate over time. Or you can. take owner Natalie Victoria's recommendation for her favorite cocktail, the Blackberry Mojito, which Victoria says is the most- ordered item on the menu (and a former Best Cocktail winner in Roch Mag voting).
And we've said it before, but at least once, you need to try out one of our favorite spots to sit in at the bar on all of Rochester the rooftop.
"We have a nano window on the second floor that opens up to the rooftop patio," is how Victoria described it previously. "On the other side of the window is a smal six-seat granite bar. When sitting at that bar, you're at an elevated position, so it gives you a bird's eye view of the second floor as we as the Rochester skyline. There's a fireplace behind the seats-it's really quite cozy and private."
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