SET YOUR ALARM
Toast on Market, 736 E. Market St. — You're likely to face a long wait if you want to enjoy weekend brunch at this popular downtown eatery, but the lemon soufflé pancakes and hash brown casserole are well worth the exercise in patience.
North End Café, 1722 Frankfort Ave. — Offering one of the best and most popular breakfast menus in town, there's something about North End's rustic patio that makes the orange spice French toast taste even better.
Wild Eggs, 1211 Herr Lane — The Westport Village location of Wild Eggs has expanded and its new outdoor patio, known as the “Chicken Coop,” is now open.
RAISE A GLASS
Sol Aztecas, 2350 Frankfort Ave. — Sip on your favorite frozen margarita while enjoying authentic Mexican cuisine at this Clifton eatery.
BBC on 4th, 660 S. Fourth St. — This downtown spot is a beer lover's paradise, especially in the summer, when you can drink your American Pale Ale while basking in the sun, a breeze blowing through your hair.
Napa River Grill, 1211 Herr Lane — During happy hour (4:30 to 7 p.m.), you can snag half-price appetizers and glasses of wine, along with other drink specials. But get there early or you'll be standing while you sip your Mariah Zinfandel.
KEEP IT CLASSY
Proof on Main, 702 W. Main St. — Esquire dubbed this one the best new restaurants in the nation in 2006, so the food is going to cost you — some entrees are nearly $30. But you can enjoy your meal at one of the restaurant's outdoor tables to make for an even better summer dining experience.
Seviche, 1538 Bardstown Road — Pull up a chair, nosh on upscale Latin cuisine and enjoy one of the most beautifully eclectic parts of town.
Avalon, 1314 Bardstown Road — Take a drive down Bardstown Road on a nice day and you'll see the chic outdoor dining crowd is already flocking to this hot spot.
THE SOCIAL SCENE
Sports & Social Club, 427 S. Fourth St. — Joining the ranks of other great outdoor dining spots in Fourth Street Live, this newcomer is already buzzing. While it's a great place to catch a game, you can grab a seat on the patio and truly feel part of the city's center.
Boombozz Taphouse, 1448 Bardstown Road — The newly opened Taphouse offers more than 20 beers on tap. Take your pie and brew to the cozy strip of outdoor seating and enjoy some people-watching at the busiest intersection in the Highlands.
O'Shea's, 956 Baxter Ave. — The party never seems to stop here. If folks are willing to stand in line in freezing winter weather to get into this place, you can be sure it will be hopping this summer.
DECKED OUT
Rocky's Italian Grill, 715 W. Riverside Drive, Jeffersonville — As if the delicious and affordable Italian cuisine weren't enough, Rocky's patio also offers a wonderful river front view to enjoy with your dinner.
Molly Malone's, 933 Baxter Ave. — The raised beer garden at Molly Malone's is sure to be packed with Baxter Avenue bar hoppers this summer.
Monkey Wrench, 1025 Barret Ave. — The rooftop patio is the perfect place to enjoy those two-for-one burgers that Monkey Wrench offers every Tuesday.
