• Grab a bite while seated in a patio area.outdoor restaurant image by Gina Smith from Fotolia.com
  
  Many dining establishments in the United States have outdoor patio seating arrangements, which allows patrons to take in the scenery. This is primarily seen in resort cities in warm climates, such as Miami and New Orleans. However, locations with colder temperatures, like Minneapolis and Chicago, will offer heaters to provide warmth to the restaurant's guests. Also, outdoor patio seating will oftentimes allow patrons to smoke.
  
  

Incontro Restaurant

• Located in Franklin, Mass., Incontro is an Italian restaurant located in a building that was constructed in 1883. This upscale restaurant has an elegant atmosphere and features the Metropolitan Lounge area, a billiard room and outdoor patio seating. No one under 21 can enter the lounge area. Incontro was a recipient of Wine Spectator's "Award of Excellence" in 2007, and has been featured in the Boston Globe. Incontro serves lunch and dinner every day of the week. The lunch menu includes eggplant parmigiana and steak tips panini, while the dinner menu has entree selections such as veal osso bucco and scallop risotto. Incontro has separate dining rooms for private events and banquets.
  
  Incontro Restaurant
  860 W. Central St.
  Franklin, MA 02038
  508-520-2770
  incontrorestaurant.com
  
  

The Backyard

• The Backyard is an outdoor patio restaurant that is situated in the W Hotel in Los Angeles' Westwood area, about a 10-minute drive from the 18-hole course at the Los Angeles Country Club. This courtyard-style dining establishment has an elegant ambiance and vibrant-colored furniture, and is located right by the hotel's pool. The Backyard serves breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week. This restaurant has been featured in the Los Angeles Times. Breakfast items include smoked salmon omelet, Benedict-poached eggs and cinnamon French toast. Entrees include Dungeness crab, Virginia striped bass and Moroccan roasted chicken. Reservations are accepted. The Backyard has facilities for special events, such as private parties and corporate lunches.
  
  The Backyard
  W Los Angeles-Westwood
  930 Hilgard Ave.
  Los Angeles, CA 90024
  310-208-8765
  thebackyardw.com
  
  

Broussard's

• Broussard's is a steak and seafood restaurant in New Orleans' historic French Quarter. The restaurant has an upscale atmosphere and offers three dining rooms, as well as a courtyard seating area. Much of the original architecture at Broussard's, which was established in 1920, remains and has undergone restoration. Broussard's serves dinner Monday through Sunday as well as Sunday brunch. Entrees include salmon Jean Lafitte, New Orleans bouillabaise (a combination of shrimp, oysters and scallops in a tomato broth) and veal sirloin Bonaparte. The menu also offers desserts such as sarotti chocolate fudge mousse and crepes Broussard. Reservations are accepted.
  
  Broussard's
  819 Rue Conti
  New Orleans, LA 70112
  504-581-3866
  broussards.com