Toca Madera Bird's Nest patio (photo by Connie Anderson)
FINALLY, FALL WILL arrive this week. Grab a bite and a drink or linger over a multi-course meal at these cool spots — the patios are calling!
Brenner's on the Bayou
It’s hard to compete with this picturesque setting on acres of rolling grass with a cascading waterfall and lush foliage. The glass-wrapped two-story dining room has views from every table, plus a wrap-around covered patio. Indulge in prime steaks, seafood and notable wines, or hit the luxurious outdoor Blue Bar for small plates and libations.
Flora Mexican Kitchen
When you think of dining outdoors, this epic undertaking hovering over Buffalo Bayou’s Lost Lake has all the right stuff for an alfresco respite. Your destination — the patio — feels like sitting in a fine treehouse in the woods. But Flora isn’t just a pretty face: Serious fare like pork shank with mole rojo and Gratify ceviche please both Mexican food fans and ladies-who-lunch-and-brunch.
Hamsa/Badolina Bakery
Hamsa (photo by Kirsten Gilliam)
Rice Village people-watching, along with buzzy drinks, pastries and modern Israeli fare, keep these adjacent outdoor spaces hopping. Crisp garden furnishings with ornate umbrellas and lush landscaping add to the charm – Hamsa even sports roll-up doors to bring the outdoors in. Catch brunch, dinner, or simply share a salatim with creamy labneh, hummus, beet salad and much more.
Hotel Granduca
Il Giordino at Hotel Granduca
Posh poolside seating awaits at Il Giardino lounge, which translates to “the gardens.” The full-service Italian menu features decadent pastas, pizzas, salads, burgers and more. Shareable sides and specialty cocktails are delish.
Hugo's
Hugo's patio (photo by Shannon O'Hara)
Tucked away from Westheimer behind a tall white wall lies this tranquil shaded patio with a gurgling fountain and fans. Come for lunch, happy hour or dinner. Must-orders include margaritas, lobster tacos, carnitas, and the weekend brunch buffet is justly famous.
Hungry's
Hungry's Rice Village
Hungry? Vegans and meat eaters, you’ve come to the right place. Popular on weekends for its sprawling Rice Village patio and second floor covered balcony, the affordable, massive menu is also a draw. Tuck into a market chopped salad, crispy eggplant tacos, or a slew of burgers. Brunch on egg Benedicts, waffles, omelets, and the winning smoked salmon avocado toast. The new location on Woodway also has a lovely patio!
La Griglia
La Griglia's courtyard
Maybe it’s the plush banquettes, the shrubs and lemon trees hugging each table, or the patio bar, but this still new Courtyard with a retractable roof feels a little like you’re sitting on a patio in Tuscany. Don’t miss the generous salads — namely the Caesar — or the must-have classic Snapper La Griglia with prawns, jumbo crab and Barolo sauce. Chef kiss!
Musaafer
Musaafer terrace
The second-floor terrace has a little bar with treetop views, enchanting dangling lamps, and semi-private cabana-draped daybeds with tables that make it feel worlds away. You might be tempted to take a catnap, but then you’d miss exciting fare like Indian-inspired Mithu’s Coriander Shrimp, the golden hour Lodhi Garden cocktail, or an eye-popping dessert.
Toca Madera
Toca Madera's Bird's Next patio (photo by Connie Anderson)
Still smoking-hot Toca Madera, known for fine Mexican fare and party-vibe dining, recently introduced weekend brunch starting Oct. 19. Come hungry and thirsty for sweet and savory entrees, the raw bar, signature starters, and the new mimosa kit. Anticipate DJs and live entertainment from 11am-4pm. For a real treat, request the “Bird’s Nest” patio with cush seating and an airy wisteria-wrapped metal cage covering to filter out the sun.
Treebeard's
Treebeard's Memorial patio
The most recent location in Memorial’s Hedwig Village has a nifty indoor-outdoor seating area spilling over from the bar (weekday happy hour, FYI). New culinary director — the first for the 46-year-old Houston brand — veteran chef Matt Marcus is facilitating modern menu additions. But the beloved classics like red beans and rice, shrimp etouffee, hearty Southern specials, and fresh salads will always remain.
Zanti
Zanti River Oaks
The slick Italian newcomer to the River Oaks Shopping Center makes for a perfect spontaneous patio perch. Roomy and covered, the plant and fan flocked space invites you to spread out and take your time. Menu faves include arancini, chicken piccata, seared halibut with pasta fregola, and the charcuterie board.
Fady Armanious, Brigitte Kalai AND Alicia Smit (photo by Priscilla Dickson) 
