Where to Dine Al Fresco

Enjoyable spots for patio dining as the weather warms up:

IKE’S QUARTER CAFE
Ike’s tree-covered patio with brightly colored flowers is one of the finest outdoor dining spots in the foothills. Ike’s specializes in Creole food, using fresh, organic ingredients.
401 Commercial St., Nevada City
530-265-6138 IkesQuarterCafe.com

KANE’S FAMILY RESTAURANT
The attractive outdoor patio at Kane’s is a big lure. There are market umbrellas, and the elegant surroundings include brick, wrought iron and palm plantings.
120 E. Main St., Grass Valley
530-273-8111 KanesRestaurant.com

MARIA’S MEXICAN RESTAURANT
An outdoor patio includes cowhide chairs, a fountain and pink flowering plants. The surroundings let you escape South of the Border, where you can eat Maria’s authentic Mexican food and sip a Margarita.
226 East Main St., Grass Valley
530-274-2040, MariasGrassValley.com

MATTEO’S PUBLIC
Matteo’s Public has a large brick patio in the heart of the historic district. There’s live music, ranging from Bluegrass to Brazilian jazz, Thursday-Sunday. The beer and wine pub, featuring upscale comfort food, is family friendly.
300 Commercial St., Nevada City
530-265-0782 MatteosPublic.com

MONKEY CAT
The Palapa bar at Monkey Cat is one of the foothills’ best outdoor patios for dining and cocktails, with a South Seas décor. Monkey Cat’s patio is Wi-Fi accessible and dog friendly.
805 Lincoln Way, Auburn
530-888-8492 MonkeyCat.com

SUMMER THYME’S BAKERY & DELI
Summer Thymes has a patio out back that lets you bask in the sun while enjoying its made-to-order breakfasts and piled-high sandwiches. Entrees are made from scratch, using fresh (often local and organic) ingredients. It also is dog friendly.
421 Colfax Ave., Grass Valley
530-273-2904 SummerThymes.com

TOFANELLI’S GOLD COUNTRY BISTRO
Tofanelli’s handsome outdoor patio is a popular spot in the historic downtown. A stainless steel, slow-cook smoker is cranked up to offer barbeque ribs, chicken, tri-tip steak or pulled pork.
302 W. Main St., Grass Valley
530-272-1468 Tofanellis.com

Painting of Ike’s patio by Roseanne Burke