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Open-air dining
Posted: Jul 30, 2008 in Things to do, Dining
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VENUE INFO
Summer's dog days are here, but we won't complain. Celebrate this carefree season's sunny days and balmy nights by lingering at one of the area's outdoor dining spots.
Just Like Paris (well, almost)
1. Stardust Terrace Cafe
Indiana History Center, 450 W. Ohio St., (317) 232-1882
It's not the River Seine, but the newly cleaned Central Canal flows just feet away from the cafe-style tables. Popular local caterer Hoaglin To Go provides gourmet sandwiches, soups and salads, along with an appropriately French quiche of the day. Savor a sunny lunch, or settle in on Thursday evenings for dinner and Concerts on the Canal.
2. Meridian Restaurant
5694 N. Meridian St., (317) 466-1111
Alice Carter Park and Meridian Street's gracious historic homes provide the scenic backdrop for innovative lunch and dinner entrees from executive chef Dan Dunville. Make sure to try his smoked corn puree soup.
3. Cobblestone Grill
160 S. Main St., Zionsville, (317) 873-4745
Stroll the quaint brick Main Street and you'll notice a gated patio area reminiscent of New Orleans' French Quarter. Here, more brick meets greenery to form a cozy garden spot. Chef Michel Wilson prepares sandwiches and pasta for lunch, and steaks, seafood and a tempting strawberry-jalapeno pork for dinner. A bonus for dog owners: on Mondays, pooches can join their owners on the patio for Dog Night.
Impress a Date
1. Dunaway's Palazzo Ossigeno
351 S. East St., (317) 638-7663
Demand for tables on the roof of the Indiana Oxygen Building, with its immediate skyline view, runs high during summer nights. While the roof's ambiance is casual, an upscale menu prevails, as does an extensive wine list.
2. Bella Vita at the Marina
11699 Fall Creek Road, Geist, (317) 598-9011
Gently lapping water. Drifting boats. Handsome homes beckoning across the waves. No wonder couples get engaged on the spacious patio of this upscale Italian eatery on the shores of Geist Reservoir. After feasting on brick-oven pizza or classic pasta dishes, stroll down to the sand-strewn Beach Bar to catch one of the lively summer bands.
3. Mallow Run Winery
6964 W. Whiteland Road, Bargersville, (317) 422-1556
Mallow Run Winery sits on eight acres of land just south of Indianapolis, part of 600 acres originally settled in 1835 by ancestors of owner John Richardson. On select Saturday nights, bring a blanket or lawn chairs and escort your date for an evening of gourmet pizza from Bazbeaux, accompanied by live music and wine, while you gaze over the vineyard's gently rolling hills.
The Wild Side: Live animals, music and people-watching
1. Dawson's on Main
1464 Main St., Speedway. (317) 247-7000
This relative newcomer to the Speedway dining scene serves up casual dishes such as flat-iron steak, smoked baby-back ribs and blackened pan-seared grouper on a patio within 100 yards of Turn One of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Line up early during major events to take in the sounds and intriguing people-watching.
2. Petite Chou by Patachou
823 Westfield Blvd., Indianapolis, (317) 259-0765
If you like to dine with your dog, head to Broad Ripple's Petite Chou, the latest location of the vaunted local Patachou franchise. Owner Martha Hoover's dedication to health-conscious food and local products makes menu items stand out.
3. The Biergarten at the Rathskeller
401 E. Michigan St., (317) 636-0396
Step into this walled patio area adjacent to the Biergarten's lively Kellerbar and listen to live music while munching on authentic German food. Wash it all down with a tall, frosty Warsteiner or wheat beer.
- By Julie Cope Saetre / Indy.com correspondent
