Summer officially arrives today, its presence made especially sweet by the long, dreary winter and damp, chilly spring.

Celebrate this carefree season's sunny days and balmy nights by lingering at one of the Indianapolis area's open-air dining spots. Whether you're looking for a Hoosier version of a chic Parisian sidewalk cafe, a starlit haven for a romantic rendezvous, or an offbeat retreat with a touch of the unpredictable, you'll find a home at these cool alfresco hot spots.

Price check

$ - under $10
$$ - $10 to $20
$$$ - over $20

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. Broad Ripple Brew Pub

842 E. 65th St., (317) 253-2739

Sure, in Paris you'd be sipping Bordeaux, but you'll find plenty of toast-worthy options here among the handcrafted microbrews and English-style cask ales. On warm days, diners clamor for spots on the L-shaped patio, sipping beers and enjoying tasty pub grub. Meanwhile, an ever-changing mix of couples, singles, groups and pets passes by, enjoying the Broad Ripple scene. $ to $$

3. Chatterbox Jazz Club

435 Massachusetts Ave., (317) 636-0584

The towers of the Murat Theatre glow nearby and the Athenaeum beckons, but you'll be hard-pressed to move beyond the cozy patio confines of this longtime music hot spot. The bar menu is limited to finger food -- although the Patties of Jamaica are standouts. $

4. Meridian Restaurant

5694 N. Meridian St., (317) 466-1111

While guests on the sun-splashed patio dine at cafe-style tables rather than the white-cloth-draped versions inside, the gourmet experience is no less impressive. 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 signature smoked corn puree soup. $$ (lunch) to $$$ (dinner)

5. 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 perfect for a quiet meal. 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. $ to $$

Ready for Romance

1. Rooftop Garden

1105 Shelby St., (317) 687-4857

Located atop the Fountain Square Theatre Building, the Rooftop Garden features drinks and dinner from the ground floor's shelBi street cafe & Bistro. Mellow tunes drift across the tables from a subtle sound system, but your attention will be focused on the stunning view of the Downtown skyline. And don't worry about bumping into high chairs on your way to the table -- the space is reserved for age 21 and older. $$ (dinner)

2. Dunaway's Palazzo Ossigeno

351 S. East St., (317) 638-7663

Demand for tables on the roof of the Indiana Oxygen Building runs high during summer nights. A bit closer to Downtown than the Rooftop Garden, Dunaway's provides a more immediate view of the skyline and fewer tables for an intimate dining experience. While the roof's ambiance is casual, an upscale menu prevails, as does an extensive wine list. $$ (lunch) to $$$ (dinner)

3. 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 celebrate their engagements and anniversaries 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. $$ to $$$

4. Rick's Cafe Boatyard

4050 Dandy Trail, Eagle Creek. (317) 290-9300

Westsiders, take heart. Your own romantic marine retreat awaits on the edge of Eagle Creek Reservoir. Take a seat on Rick's large deck and watch boaters drift in and out of more than 100 slips just beyond the rails. A date with a picky palate will find plenty of choices on the menu, ranging from sandwiches and pizzas to seafood; fresh fish is brought in daily. $$ to $$$

5. Mallow Run Winery

6964 W. Whiteland Road, Bargersville, (317) 422-1556

Mallow Run Winery sits on eight acres of land just south of Indy, part of 600 acres originally settled in 1835 by ancestors of current owner John Richardson. The 8winery's first grapes were planted in 2000, and now nearly 600 vines grow on the grounds. 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 Mallow Run vintages, of course -- while you gaze over the vineyard's gently rolling hills. $

The Wild Side: Live animals, live music, live 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 events surrounding the upcoming Brickyard 400 to take in NASCAR sounds and intriguing people-watching. $ to $$

2. Traders Point Creamery

9101 Moore Road, Zionsville, (317) 733-1700

Traders Point is known for its organic products and extensive year-round farmers market. The two come together from 5 to 8 p.m. each Friday, with Farmers Market Dinners. Snag a seat on the deck and enjoy the pastoral setting, complete with more than 200 contented grazing cows. $$ (dinner)

3. Bub's Cafe

220 Second St. SW, Carmel, (317) 844-2822

Designed to appeal to more "grown-up" tastes than its sister eatery, Bub's Burgers & Ice Cream, the Cafe's reasonably priced breakfasts and lunches are the perfect excuse to grab a table on the patio and watch the colorful parade of walkers, joggers, bikers and Rollerbladers pass by on the trail. The sight of dogs in sunglasses: priceless. $

4. 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 -- especially her delicious omelets made with Indiana eggs -- stand out. $$ (local)

5. 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, scoot in at picnic-table-style seating and groove to live music (sometimes wild, sometimes mild) while munching on authentic German food. Wash it all down with a tall, frosty Warsteiner or wheat beer. But get a sitter for the kids -- this is a 21-and-older venue. $

- By Julie Cope Saetre / Star correspondent