When it comes to outdoor dining, the Gateway City has plenty of places to enjoy your cuisine outside, whether on a patio or at the bank of a lake. With cultural dishes to suit every taste, St. Louis has something for everyone. Here are some of the top spots to dine outside this summer in St. Louis:

The Boathouse at Forest Park

The Boathouse is one of the most beautiful places to eat in St. Louis, especially in the summer season. Located at the edge of Post-Dispatch Lake in Forest Park, this restaurant’s beautiful outdoor seating is a popular choice for guests. Going back as early as 1894, St. Louis residents have enjoyed dining on the banks of Post-Dispatch Lake at the former boathouse. The current boathouse has been around for 20 years and is a favorite spot to dine and relax with a great view of the park across the lake. They’ve recently handed their kitchen over to Sugarfire Smoke House, and St. Louis residents are thrilled. Come relax in the fresh air as you enjoy one of their many delicious options. The Sugarfire Barbecue Pulled Pork and the Seared Fish Tacos are two favorites of locals. The patio is dog-friendly, so you can even bring your pup along if you’d like. They’re open Monday through Saturday from 11:00AM - 10:00PM and Sundays from 10:00AM - 2:00PM for brunch and with their regular menu from 2:00PM - 9:00PM.

Olio

This gem, hidden in South St. Louis, is another popular spot to enjoy some outdoor dining. They’ve been serving Mediterranean and Israeli-inspired cuisine since 2012 in the Historical Botanical Heights neighborhood, not far from Tower Grove Park. You can expect delicious rustic dishes in an intimate and comfortable setting. With revolving dishes, this restaurant will have you coming back all summer. A popular choice is to try one of their amazing hummus plates with pita. One standout feature here is their custom-made hearth oven. They use traditional methods of crafting and shaping their dough with freshly-milled Missouri-grown wheat and bake it in the wood-burning hearth. Stop in during their daily hours from 11:00AM-midnight.

Element

At Element, you can dine on a meal crafted with locally-sourced ingredients while soaking up the gorgeous view from their rooftop patio and bar. You’ll find contemporary American cuisine here, with small plates and entrees like their Arancini or Ginger Chicken Tortellini. Their award-winning outdoor terrace is situated atop the unique brick building that houses the restaurant itself. The atmosphere is luxurious yet casual, with a fine-dining feel suitable for a date night. Inside, you’ll find a comfortable but elegant space, with modern decor mixed with rustic elements. Check them out at their 1419 Carroll St. location Tuesdays through Thursdays from 5:00 - 9:00PM and Fridays and Saturdays from 5:00 - 10:00PM.

The Block

Over in the Central West End, you’ll find The Block, a restaurant and butcher shop in one. A local favorite year-round, they have a great patio to enjoy during the warmer months. Their rotating menu consists of locally-sourced, farm-fresh ingredients, and their full-service meat counter offers fresh cuts for you to take home. They’re just as intentional with their handcrafted cocktails as they are with their food, so if you’re in the mood for a beverage, you can’t go wrong here. The large fenced-in patio is inviting, with charming greenery and twinkle lights. Stop in any day of the week for a delicious meal in this fantastic spot.

Schlafly Bottleworks

This brewpub is the largest locally-owned independent craft brewery in Missouri, and it prides itself on its brewing history which began in 1991. Today, you can enjoy their craft beers as well as some delicious bites, like their Pale Ale Beer Bread or Pork Schnitzel a la Holstein. They have plenty on draft to try, including refreshing summer options like the Hibiscus and Lemongrass Blonde Ale or their Summer Lager. On a hot St. Louis summer afternoon, you can escape the sun on their covered patio. If you plan your visit accordingly, you can catch their Schlafly Farmers Market on Wednesdays from 4:00 - 7:00PM. It’s held in their parking lot and is well stocked with fresh produce and meats to take home. Located at 7260 Southwest Ave, Schlafly’s is open 7 days a week.

When you’re in the mood to enjoy your meal in the fresh air over the AC, sample the culinary culture of St. Louis at any one of these popular spots. Celebrate summer and dine al fresco at a comfortable patio or hip rooftop. With a variety of cuisines and beverages to satisfy your tastes, St. Louis delivers when it comes to summertime dining.