food

Patios That Were Worth the Wait

Now that al fresco dining is not only bearable but downright enjoyable, here are a handful of must-try patios.

Patios That Were Worth the Wait

Summer 2020 was more oppressive than ever, thanks only in part to the heat. But October is here, and — not a moment too soon! — so is patio weather. Houstonians are finally able to enjoy al fresco dining, supporting local restaurants safely while also reconnecting with friends over a meal. Here are CityBook's picks for primo patios this month!

The Annie Café & Bar

Take Sunday Funday outside: The Annie has relaunched Sunday brunch, and this Sunday from 11am-3pm, the patio will be bustling with energy thanks to a new cocktail list — a giant Manmosa, or a Whatamelon margarita, anyone? — and live music! A rotating crew of local DJs will be posted up inside, and outside, mariachis will perform on the patio. Weekday lunch resumes this week as well.

Bottled Blonde

The new-to-Houston concept boasts a 1,500-square-foot patio and 40 (!) televisions in a sports-bar-meets-biergarten setting on Washington at Shepherd. Expect an extensive selection of craft beer, along with weekend brunch, late-night bites and a killer happy hour that incudes half-off pizzas from 3-6pm on weekdays.

East End Backyard

Dynamo-star-turned-nightlife-impresario Brian Ching unveils his latest concept, East End Backyard, not far from his Pitch 25 sports bar, next week. Funded through NextSeed, it's been in the works for a year and a half — and the opening, while delayed from Ching's initial timeline, ends up coming at a time when Houstonians are itching to spend all their time outside. The patio bar — 20,000 square feet! — touts a 3,500-square-foot fenced-in dog park, plus food trucks and more than two dozen beers and ciders on tap. There's plenty of colorful seating, along with a few picnic tables and shade-providing trees, in what the bar is branding as “the biggest backyard in Houston."

East End Backyard opens to the public next weekEast End Backyard opens to the public next week

Ostia

Houston native and rising-star chef Travis McShane helms the kitchen at Montrose's newest neighborhood restaurant. Italian for “host," Ostia is an indoor-outdoor oasis for farm-to-table-inspired Italian and Mediterranean eats. The terracotta-and-stucco-bedecked patio feels worlds away from Houston, and is a nice place to post up and enjoy a cocktail. The spot is also now serving lunch!

Pondicheri

The modern-Indian go-to in Upper Kirby recently renovated and expanded its patio, making it a perfect date-night or brunch spot. Fall flavors are currently working their way into the mouthwatering menu. Might we suggest the new baked fenugreek sweet potatoes, topped with toasted spices — or making a reservation for Fried Chicken Tuesday? Plus: Happy hour is every day from 3-7pm, and upstairs, the Bake Lab now offers entirely vegetarian and plant-based dishes.

Pondicheri expanded its patio into the parking lotPondicheri expanded its patio into the parking lot

Sixty Vines

Sustainability is on the menu at Sixty Vines in Rice Village, where the second-floor terrace (with an indoor-outdoor private dining space) is highly in-demand. The wine-centric restaurant has several initiatives and promotions throughout October, which is National Sustainability Month. Customers can help Sixty Vines reach its goal to reach a zero-carbon footprint simply by imbibing. This week's special: Order a 750-milliliter carafe of wine and receive a complimentary order of hummus or zucchini. Next week, enjoy half-price wine-on-tap!

AT TOP: Brunch cocktails at The Annie, by Kirsten Gilliam

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