OLD PUEBLO GRILLE 60 N. ALVERNON, Tucson 520-326-6000 The entrance to the restaurant passes directly by the pation dining area, which contnues all the way around to the north side of the building. The mature palms and other flora surrounding the Grille have been flourishing there for years through several previous restaurant incarnations. Breakfast service is only on the weekend, but lunch and dinner are served daily. The Grille prepares fire-crack shrimp with a red chile sauce that delivers a real kick. The wok-charred salmon adds a new twist to the popular fish. Pan-seared halibut, grilled shrimp and fish tacos are other seafood-oriented choices. Angus sirloin steak also is on the menu, as well as Southwestern specialties like chicken rellenos served with Jack cheese, roasted tomatoes, and black beans with corn over a red pepper sauce. The Southwestern shrimp in cram basil sauce is served over penne pasta. If you can't find something on the menu you're not really hungry. www.metrorestaurants.com/restaurants/opg-a-restraurant.htm
RIC'S CAFE' 5605 E. RIVER RD, Tucson 577-7272 The restaurant is very charming, and the patio is one of Tucson's best. Water cascades from the plaza fountain, and then meanders around the area, reaching its final destination on a 3-D map of Arizona that is built into the lawn. The restaurant is open daily for lunch and Sunday brunch until 2 p.m. brunch is one of the many things for which Ric's is known. In the evening, the view of the city lights is gorgeous, and you can relax while taking in the scenery and listening to the sounds of soft jazz. Menu choices include dishes from regions across the country.Monte Cristo sandwich, hamburger, country chicken, rib eye steak and Ric's famous honey chipolte pork ribs. Open 7 nights a wwk with jazz every Friday and Saturday from 7 to 10 p.m.
DAKOTA CAFE & CATERING COMPANY 6541 E. TANQUE VERDE RD, Tucson 520-298-0588 Dakota Cafe & Catering Company is tucked away in Trail Dust Town, near the intersection of Grant and Wilmot. Dakota is a rare find because it sits near the entrance of a re-created frontier town, replete with stores and shops that cater to people in search of a bit of the "old West." In the evening, a kid-size train whistles by the restaurant patio, which is lit with tiny white lights, reminiscent of a starry night. The evening echoes with the cowboy songs of the Sons of the Pioneers, et al, adding to the ambience. The pation- open for lunch and dineer- is quite large and even offers a separate smoking area. The crab quesadilla is made with green chiles, cheddar and jack cheeses and served with rasted salsa. The pork roulade is a tenderloin filled with chorizo, chiles, onion and jack cheese, served with a garlic cream sauce. Homemade dressings are a nice additon to the mouth-wtering salad selection: chutney chicken salad, cobb salad, and scallop salad. www.dakotacafeandcatering.com
THE OLIVE TREE 7000 E. TANQUE VERDE, Tucson 298-1845 The Olive Tree has a beautiful dining area with lush greenery surrounding a fountain at the rear of the restaurant. This is an ideal place to enjoy lunch under a sunbrella or an evening under the stars. It turns out that the patio is a favorite location for many couples to exchange vows. Moussaka, one popular traditional offering, is a mainstay of many Greek restaurants. I have seen the dish prepared in numerous ways, but the Olive Tree's blending of sliced eggplant, ground lamb and bechamel sauce, baked and served piping hot is a winner.
EL CHARRO 311 N. COURT AVE, Tucson 520-622-1922 El Charro has been on Court Street since 1968 and is the oldest family run restaurant in the region. The highlight of that patio is the fountain of metal sombreros, with water cascading from one sombrero to another. The tranquil trickling is a pleasure to the ear. Be sure to look toward the roof on the north side of the patio to see the carne seca cage, where meat is dried in the open air to make the restaurant's signature dish. The menu is extensive, with such favorites as green corn tamales and chicken enchiladas. And the sounds of mariachi music bring a festive ambience to the patio while you sip a margarita. The restaurant's El Mercado location, which has been around for several years, recently added a large patio where you can enjoy traditional Sonoran cuisine. www.elcharrocafe.com
THE GRILL AT HACIENDA DEL SOL 5602 N. HACIENDA DEL SOL RD, Tucson 520-529-3500 The Grill at Hacienda Del Sol prepares some of the finest food in Tucson. The restaurant offers an unforgettable under the stars dining experience. The patio has the recent addition of a wood awning for protection from the elements and to enhance the already stunning appeal of the building. www.haciendadelsol.com
ARIZONA INN 2200 E. ELM ST. Tucson 520-325-1541 The Arizona Inn is an all-time favorite of Tucson residents and visitors alike. It is one of the few remaining family owned hotels in the country. The Inn's patio is directly off the main dining room, which is magnificent when the trees are in bloom. Another patio is off the bar area, and an additional one is outside the Africa Room. The landscaping and architecture reflect another age, one that is not forgotten at this historic property. http://www.arizona-inn-tucson.com/
CAFE TERRA COTTA 3500 E. SUNRISE DRIVE, Tucson 520-577-8100 Alfresco dining at Cafe Terra Cotta is a must, with the Catalinas as the perfect backdrop. Food is beautifully prepared. Pizzas are baked in a wood fired oven. In addition to sunbrellas to protect clientele from the sun, the restaurant has space heaters to take the evening chill away just in case it gets too cold. www.cafeterracotta.com