It’s the second week of March, and there’s snow on the ground.

Most years, I wouldn’t be too upset.

But I am upset.

I am UNREASONABLY upset.

We can blame those few warm days we had mid-February that really got our hopes up for an early spring- I know I had visions of warm walks through German village and summer festivals at Columbus Commons dancing around in my head! There’s nothing better than walking into your favorite restaurant during the summer and asking the host for a seat on the patio. You order a few more glasses of wine than what you should, and put your feet up next to the firepit. Because why not? It’s summer. Summer is about celebrating that horrible Ohio winter you just experienced, and being able to walk outside and still maintain feeling in your face.

At least that’s what I’m celebrating.

Why can’t Columbus just be transplanted somewhere a little warmer?

Anyways, to get us through the stretch that is the next two and a half months until actual summertime, I’ve put together a list of the ten best patios to visit (or frequent) this summer. So sit back, relax, and picture yourself asking the server for a third drink on one of these patios filled with sunshine, friends, and maybe even a herd of puppies.

The Columbus Patios Rundown

#1: Seventh Son Brewing

When someone mentions puppies, you can’t just ignore the fact that puppies were mentioned and wait until later to talk about said puppies. So here we are at Seventh Son Brewing, the ULTIMATE location for Pups on the Patio. If you have a pup of your own (and especially if you don’t), this is a great spot to frequent in the fast approaching summer days. Grab a locally-brewed draft and get yourself ready to pet a lot of floofs, because this event is so popular you may not even be able to walk around the crowded patio.

But is that really a bad thing? Being in a traffic jam of puppies with a cold beer in your hand sounds pretty ideal to me.

#2: Cosecha Cocina

Mosey on up the street to another sunlit patio that just begs you to day drink. What is it about margaritas and the warm sun on my shoulders that just feels so…good. Great usage of vocabulary, I know.

The Cosecha patio is also pup-friendly (I’m sensing another blog list coming) and the servers are more than happy to make sure that your dog’s water bowl is refilled as often as your own glass. The authentic inspired Mexican menu boasts fun taco selections such as Cochinita Pibil (pork shoulder) or Fried Plantains. Even if you’re an avid carnivore, I’m telling you. TRY the fried plantain tacos, guaranteed they’ll be your favorite. I also fell head over heels in love with the Caramelized Sweet Potato Small Plate. Although it’s not much of a dish to indulge in on a hot summer day, I’d order those savory babies any time of the year. They’re that good!

#3: Fox in the Snow (Italian Village)

Honestly, Italian Village has this patio thing DOWN. Take a few more steps south and you’ve landed at what I’m assuming is the most Instagrammed location in Columbus. Sure, I’m sure about everyone and their brother has heard of FITS and their legendary Egg Sandwich, but it just had to make its way on to the list. Grab your girlfriends on a sunny Sunday morning and indulge in their mouth watering cinnamon roll or their just as infamous blueberry fruit galette.

The only downside to this patio is that everyone else loves it too. Luckily, FITS opened up its second location this past winter in German Village. Although it doesn’t sport a patio quite like this one, it’s just as satisfying and you might actually find an open seat.

#4: The Eagle

I have a confession- I’ve never eaten at The Eagle. My best friend swears by their mac & cheese skillet and fried chicken, but I’ve just never found myself there for dinner. (I’ve also pledged allegiance to Hot Chicken Takeover being the only fried chicken I’ll ever actually like/eat). Drinks on the other hand? I’m game.

Fried chicken and sweet potato casserole or not, The Eagle’s patio is one to visit while you’re in the Short North, even if it’s just for drinks. People watching is prime, and there’s almost always an open spot at one of their over-sized picnic tables for a seat. The ultimate bang for your buck is their $10 bourbon punch that comes served in a Chumley’s schooner lookalike. This baby is BIG. If you’re a sucker for fresh fruit in your drink, they’re not shy about the number of blackberries swirling around in the bottom of your glass.

Start your Short North bar crawl on The Eagle’s patio and your night is sure to start off strong..but no guarantee that it will last long if you have more than one bourbon punch.

#5: Local Cantina (Brewery District)

Ah, here we are again. Margs and patios and patios and margs. Although just about every Local Cantina has a patio in its own form, I’ve found that I enjoy the Brewery District outdoor space the most.

#6: Cap City Diner (Dublin)

If you didn’t get a chance to catch the new Cap City Diner patio when it first opened last summer, shoot this one to the top of your list when the temps start to rise. The new Bridge Park addition to Dublin is beautiful, and the way that the sunset beams onto the shaded Cap City patio is one you can’t miss, especially on half off wine night. While construction within the Short North seems to be growing at an alarming rate, I’ve found myself looking for happy hour options outside of downtown. Driving around crowded streets for 35 minutes just looking for a place to park your car is overrated in my book. That’s why I’m loving this new Bridge Park area of Dublin. which includes the following (and is still growing!):

• VASO Rooftop
• Local Cantina (Dublin)
• PINS Mechanical Co
• FADO Irish Pub
• RAM Brewery
• Fukuryu Ramen
• Kilwins

#7: Old Dublin

While we’re talking Dublin…take two left turns past the new Bridge Park area of Dublin and you’ll find Old Dublin, which just so happens to be the epicenter for patios. I couldn’t pick just one! Tucci’s and Oscar’s both have beautiful outdoor spaces, and they know it. Pick any weeknight and you’re likely to find outdoor musicians who will entertain you during your meal. Although most La Chatelaine restaurants have patios, I find the one in Old Dublin to be especially relaxing. Located far enough away from any main roads, you almost forget that you’re 20 minutes outside of the biggest city in Ohio. (Plus their happy hour starts on weekdays at 2pm soo… who’s with me?)

#8: Grandview Cafe

Baby, they’re back.

Okay, so Grandview Cafe has been back for quite awhile (May 18, 2017 to be exact), but you really can’t beat a double decker patio that overlooks a bustling Grandview Avenue. We all enjoyed the brand new outdoor space last summer, but did we get enough?

Hell no.

Now that GV Cafe finally has (most) of their kinks worked out, you don’t have to wait five lightyears for your drink, and your food might actually come out hot. And did I mention brunch? Enjoy this fab cinnamon roll in one hand and a mimosa in the other. While pretty much anything on their brunch menu looks divine, there’s something about an $8 cinnamon roll that tells me it’s gonna be a good one.

#9: Northstar Cafe (Short North)

If you’re one of the few that enjoys dodging orange traffic barrels on your way to a mid-week lunch, congratulations! The best veggie burger in the city (and if we’re being dramatic, the world) is your reward. I’ve made it one of my personal goals in life to convince as many meat-loving carnivores who turn their nose up at the sound of “beans in a burger” to take even just a bite of this sandwich. One bite is all it takes, and they’re hooked on the savory combination of beets, brown rice, black beans, and fresh toppings that ~somehow~ still end up tasting like a juicy burger. Still skeptical? Try it. My track record for Northstar-burger-persuasion is perfect.

Fresh and imaginative brunch selections (ehem..ricotta pancakes), massive salads with a gob of fresh goat cheese on top, perfectly crispy garlic sweet potato fries, etc. I could sit here and fawn over every menu item at Northstar, but I’ll leave that to you to try something new next time you select Northstar as your noon-time patio of choice.

#10: PINS Mechanical

Does anyone else just default to PINS when you have friends coming in town and need something to do? I don’t know what it is about the need to keep out-of-town guests occupied, but it stresses me out. I’ll load everyone in an Uber and release them at PINS like kids in a Chuck-E-Cheese.

Bye, have fun! See you in a few hours!

Everyone seems to have a blast between pinball, ping pong, giant Jenga, or just hanging out by the fire. Although PINS keeps their patios open all year round with those blessed heat contraptions, let’s be honest. The experience is MUCH more enjoyable when you’re not freezing your Por’ketta buns off.

Runners-Up:

+Mission Coffee Co

Although technically not a patio, I’m a huge fan of this place when the weather is good and the garage door is wide open. It helps that they’re pet friendly and pour a fantastic mocha latte. (And I don’t even like mocha lattes!)

+Lindey’s

Again, another shoe-in to the patio list. If you’re looking for a more upscale dining experience while still enjoying some fresh air, Lindey’s is your place. Want the atmosphere but don’t want to fork over the cash? Sit (inside) at the bar for their happy hour, which runs 4:30-6:30 on weekdays and all drinks are half off.

+Hofbrauhaus

Do they let you dance on the patio tables outside too? Asking for a friend.

+Giant Eagle Market District (3rd Ave)

Three words: Outdoor Wine Tasting. Giant Eagle Market District hosts their 5 for $8 wine tastings every Friday, and during the summer they hold it outdoors and throw in some live music to boot. If you can live with the parking lot as your view and possibly having your boss see you slamming sips while they’re doing their weekend grocery shopping, this is the place for you.

+Balboa

Reverting back to my patios and margs theory here. Plus it’s a hop away from Grandview Cafe, if you’re not feelin’ that vibe and want something a little more chill.

+Paulie Gee’s

Wait. What?!

You heard it. Word on the street is that TJ from Paulie Gee’s is workin on something super cool out back. Make sure you ask him about it next time you stop in for a pizza flight!

+Oddfellows

When the clock strikes 2am and the crowds are shooed from the bar, you’re pretty much already standing in line for the best drunk food in town. God bless the combo that is Oddfellows +  Late Night Slice.

Thanks for reading, and let me know if you have any perfect summer patios that should be added to the list! Best Rooftops in Columbus and Dog-Friendly Restaurants are coming up in the future, so I’d love to hear from you all on those too.