My friends at Good Morning Texas asked if I would share my favorite picks for al fresco dining with their viewers. Dallas has an amazing array of restaurants to choose from that feature world-class chefs, beautiful decor and amazing menus. I met up with Paige McCoy Smith today to give them (and you) a few of my favorite hot spots. Watch the segment above or by visiting http://on.wfaa.com/1NsU9KC
Bread Winners
I love the New Orleans-style courtyard patio they have at the Uptown location, but I am also a huge fan of the patio at their NorthPark Center location. Parents can enjoy their meal while the kids run and play on NorthPark's Center Court. Win-win! Their Plano location has a beautiful outdoor fireplace that’s great when the weather gets cooler. And all the Parkies gather at Inwood Village to sip cocktails on their beautifully landscaped patio. And they just announced they are opening their 5th location in Trophy Club next year. http://www.breadwinnerscafe.com
Henry's Majestic
Located right off the Katy Trail, this venue offers patrons a beautiful al fresco patio experience (that's dog-friendly) complete with pool table & TVs. On the weekends, they have a Sparkle Bar where you can create your own champagne cocktails and have live music. http://www.henrysmajestic.com
Katy Trail Ice House and the Katy Trail Ice House Outpost
You can’t beat the laid back atmosphere of KTIH for a great night out with friends (human and canine). The menu at the Outpost in Plano is the same at the original Katy Trail Ice House with bar food including jalape単os bottle caps, steak house onion rings and nachos. For bigger plates there are fat burgers, a variety of sandwiches and a few salads. And of course the requsite barbecue: ribs, briskets, chopped beef sandwiches, sausage plates. http://katyicehouse.com
Souk at Trinity Groves
Tired of burgers and salads? Then you will love escaping to the Mediterranean and enjoying offerings from Souk at Trinity Groves. On the weekends they have belly dancers for your amusement/pleasure. And after dinner you can enjoy toking on a hookah. Very exotic. http://soukdallas.com
Jaspers at Shops at Legacy in Plano
Shops of Legacy has really stepped up their game in the past couple of years making it Plano’s chicest place to gather. It’s not only a fabulous place to shop but there are a lot of great bars and restaurants in the center. Jasper’s is owned by one of my favorite chef, Kent Rathbun, so you know the food is amazing. They offer a happy hour every single day from 2-6pm and have delicious munchies like blue cheese potato chips and Blistered Shishito Peppers so you can refuel after a long afternoon of shopping. http://www.jaspersplano.com
3 Stacks Smoke & Tap House in Frisco
3 Stacks combines the old-school finger lickin’ goodness of a BBQ experience with modern amenities like 30+ beers on tap, 26 TVs and a dog-friendly patio with a retractable roof. http://www.3stacksbbq.com
Where do you like to hang out for an al fresco dining experience? Leave your favorite spots in the comments below!