BEST OUTDOOR DINING IN HARTFORD & NEW HAVEN

It’s day drinking weather.

It’s spring in New England and while the weather oscillates between sunny skies and storm clouds, we’re busy making reservations for our favorite outdoor dining spots. Chalk it up to spring fever, but there is something about warmer temps that make us want to sit in the sun with a margarita in one hand and chips in the other.

To make things easier for you, we’ve rounded up some of the coolest restaurants with outdoor dining in Hartford and New Haven.

Continue scrolling to discover your new favorite patio below.

First and Last Tavern

First and Last Tavern is a Connecticut Staple, supplying fresh and filling Italian food like crispy brick oven pizza and tasty stuffed mushrooms. While First and Last has multiple locations, we’re partial to its Hartford spot right across from Goodwin park. Nothing says summertime in Hartford like eating fried calamari, while watching an amateur basketball game. A post-dinner stroll by the Goodwin Park Pondhouse will help burn off the extra calories.

Monte Albán

Right on the West End, Monte Albán has been serving up amazing Mexican food for twenty years. With its uber-saturated and dopamine-inducing exterior, Monte Albán’s food is even better and will scratch your itch for chips and salsa, as well as a refreshing cocktail. You can also find burritos, tacos, enchiladas and more at Monte Albán, easily making it a go-to this summer.

Semilla

Hartford’s coffee shop quasi neighborhood living room just renovated its outdoor patio, extending Semilla’s cozy community vibes even further. For our sober-curious or more caffeinated friends, the cafe offers a blend of exciting coffee and tea beverages from espresso spiked tumeric drinks, alongside nostalgic ovaltine and cafe con leche.

Salute

A downtown Hartford staple, Salute offers classic Italian fare with generous portions and an amazing view of Bushnell Park. Located on 100 Trumbull Street, the beloved restaurant is the perfect place to enjoy its infamous cheesy garlic bread and red wine, while gazing at all the passerbys and their furry companions.

Consiglio

Consiglio is an iconic New Haven institution and for good reason. The old-school Italian restaurant initially opened in 1938 and eventually moved from its original location to its current spot when the city underwent renovations. Now, it has a beautiful garden terrace, adorned with romantic lighting, heated lamps and a fire pit.

Sherkaan

Right near Yale University, Indian street food spot Sherkaan blends the old with the new, presenting modern plates with familiar yet exciting flavors. Its patio is decorated with bright blue umbrellas making it hard to miss, while its location gives you the perfect view of downtown New Haven — a must, especially if it’s your first time in the area.

September in Bangkok

A favorite amongst locals and tourists, September in Bangkok is a vibrant and fun Thai restaurant that will transport you with its food and atmosphere. It’s hard not to be happy when you’re sipping Tiki drinks and eating samosa rolls amongst lush flora on State Street.