Although it’s been a rainy week so far, we’re fully in patio season in Franklin County and I wanted to put together some suggestions on where to eat and drink outdoors in the area.
Muddy Banks Brewing, Sullivan
The outdoor dining area is ample and includes tables under an overhang to provide shade, as well as an area with cornhole boards and space for kids to play. And, there’s more than beers available to sip on at this brewery. The non-alcoholic options include iced tea, lemonade, coffee, and bottled craft sodas. In addition to the craft beer selections, there’s also cocktails and mead. Pair your bevy with any of the delicious menu offerings that include burgers, wings, salads, and appetizers.
Oak & Front Kitchen + Bar, Washington
Located in downtown Washington, Oak & Front has a lunch and dinner menu, as well as brunch offerings. Find coffee, tea, and soft drinks as well as a selection of wines and cocktails to sip on the patio that faces Front Street.
Hagie’s 19, Union
The varied food menu ranges from pub style bites like mozzarella sticks, wings, and toasted ravioli, as well as mains like burgers, wraps, salads, pizzas, and entrees. Drink choices include tea and soft drinks, as well as beers and cocktails. Hagie’s patio features fans and heaters, as well as roll-up windows that let in sunshine and can be opened or partially closed depending on the weather.
Undergrounds Espresso Bar, Washington
Tucked on the corner of Front and Cedar Streets, the patio at underGROUNDS Espresso Bar is the perfect spot to sip on an iced coffee or other drink. The menu also includes breakfast and lunch offerings like frittatas, sandwiches, and salads, as well as delectable pastries.
John G’s Bier Deck, Washington
With both an upper and lower deck that each gives diners a spectacular view of the Missouri Riverfront, John G’s Bier Deck is a place to unwind with friends, family, and pets. Dine on everything from shareable appetizers to burgers and sandwiches, or enjoy the daily special, any of which will go well with the beer selections or other beverages available.
Pacific Brew Haus, Pacific
This partially shaded outdoor dining space has a mix of high and low-top tables, many of which have attached umbrellas for additional shade, as well as bar seating at the outdoor bar. Find a food selection with items like burgers, sandwiches, salads, pizzas, pastas, and more. There’s a varied bevy menu that includes beer, wine, cocktails, sodas and other soft drinks.
Mangia Bella at Elijah McLean’s, Washington
With a covered eating space and climate controlled area, this outdoor dining space really sets the vibe. This former private mansion turned fine dining establishment offers guests a menu of items like pastas, soups, salads, and entrees with an Italian flare, as well as an extensive wine menu, cocktails, and non-alcoholic selections.
River & Rail Tavern, Labadie
Located in the heart of downtown Labadie, the patio faces Front Street, giving diners a prime view of the historic buildings in the area and features a number of tables complete with umbrellas for shade. Choose from casual dining fare like burgers, sandwiches, salads, soups, wraps, and pizza, as well as a wide beer selection, wine, cocktails, and soft drinks like sodas, lemonade, and tea.
Honorable mentions
Old Bridgeview Brewing, Washington
While it’s not a patio, when the weather is nice the large roll-top windows at the front of the brewery are often open. They allow in a gentle breeze from the riverfront and there are tables along each window, giving you the feeling of sitting outside, while still being under roof.
Riverbend Coffee, St. Clair
The coffee shop offers sidewalk seating via a couple of bistro-style tables that the establishment will place on the sidewalk in front of the business when the weather cooperates.
I know this isn’t a full list of places to dine outdoors in the area. If you have a favorite patio dining space that isn’t included here, leave a comment on my Facebook page and be sure to tag the restaurant in your comment so I can follow them!
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