Top 10 Locations for Alfresco Dining in America
Summer is officially here with the solstice coming through this month of June! And with the warmer months, places all across the USA are getting ready to enjoy eating outside in the sunshine – or the light of the moon. Minus Arizona… this is the time of year where we hibernate and enjoy the air conditioning much like the winter equivalent elsewhere. According to our friends at Dating Advice, these are the top 10 locations for alfresco (fancy word for outside) dining in America. They took a survey of 3,000 seasoned (pun intended) foodies to identify the 150 most romantic locations for alfresco dining in 2024 as well. If you love dining in nature, this is the list to save and share with your friends and family! As the days brighten and the evenings lengthen, this idyllic season beckons us to revel in one of life’s simple yet profound pleasures, alfresco dining. Drum roll please, the top 10 are as follows:
1. Historic District, Savannah, Georgia
The Historic District in Savannah, Georgia slides into first place easily. The historic streets are lined with ancient oak trees covered in Spanish moss, with cozy cafes and upscale bistros. Couples can enjoy traditional Southern fare or international cuisine in charming courtyards and sidewalk settings and then take a romantic walk after dinner or canoodle on a park bench with these outstanding views.
2. French Quarter, New Orleans, Louisiana
In second place is the French Quarter in the heart of New Orleans, Louisiana. Sidewalk cafes and courtyard restaurants offer a taste of local Creole and Cajun dishes as you soak in the bustling atmosphere and historic surroundings. A lingering air of vampires, folklore and voodoo seduces visitors in a truly one of a kind memorable experience. If you’re scared of getting lost, simply handcuff yourself to your partner… you’ll get in free a lot of places that way as freaks abound here!
3. West Village, New York City, New York
The West Village in NYC’s quaint and artistic streets will probably always be in the top three. Lined with a variety of restaurants offering outdoor dining, couples can enjoy intimate garden patios and small terraces with everything from gourmet meals to casual brunches in a picturesque neighborhood setting. When I was in my NYC era, Greenwich Village was the place to be with its medley of mohawks, misfits and rebels galore. And ironically felt much safer there than Philly!
4. Ocean Avenue, Carmel by the Sea, California
My first experience visiting Carmel by the Sea, California was flying out for a visit before moving across the country and staying at the German inspired Hofsas House as my home base. It’s truly a fairy tale town with a beautiful ocean at the end of the rainbow. With stunning views of the Pacific, Ocean Avenue offers a relaxing dining experience. Couples can sample the local seafood on outdoor terraces and enjoy a perfect view of the sunset over the ocean. Just don’t wear heels as those cobblestones are crazy crooked and sideways… you’ve been warned!
5. Downtown, Charleston, South Carolina
In one of America’s oldest cities, Charleston, South Carolina, couples can enjoy Low country dishes and classic Southern specialties in the lush, open-air environments of Charleston’s finest restaurants. Also don’t miss the Charleston Tea Garden for an after dinner stroll, there’s so much grounds to explore and make memories! Not to mention tasting delicious sweet tea, perfect for those hot summer days.
6. Downtown Asheville, North Carolina
Coming in sixth place, Downtown Asheville, North Carolina features outstanding views of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains, and offers a variety of outdoor dining options from rustic beer gardens to rooftop restaurants. This green space has a vibrant art scene and amazing architecture like the Basilica of Saint Lawrence. The Downtown Art District features museums and galleries with the River Arts District, a former factory buildings that hosts artist studios.
7. Harbor Town, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
With panoramic views of sparkling water and red and white striped lighthouse, it’s no surprise Harbor Town came in seventh. Seafood is the highlight here, with fresh catches served daily, and couples can choose from casual dockside eateries to upscale dining. Hilton Head Island, South Carolina is pretty pricey so budget accordingly and scoop up those happy hour deals when you can!
8. Provincetown, Cape Cod, Massachusetts
Provincetown, Cape Cod, Massachusetts comes in eighth place. Known for its artistic community and beautiful seascapes that includes waterfront patios and decks where you can enjoy fresh oysters, clams, and other seafood delights while watching boats drift by on Cape Cod Bay. It’s a small town for sure but you’d be surprised how many steps you can fit in!
9. Old Town, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Coming in at number nine, the cozy restaurants in Old Town, Albuquerque, New Mexico offer a blend of Native American and Mexican cuisines, which couples can enjoy in the quaint courtyards and patios that dot this historic area. The 100-year-old rich brown adobe houses house New Mexican eateries with enchiladas and sopaipilla including tiny artisan shops with stunning San Felipe de Neri Church nearby at all times. If you’re looking for photo worthy Southwestern vibes, this is your place!
10. Waikiki, Honolulu (Oahu), Hawaii
Surprisingly on the last of the list (probably due to cost), is the world-renowned Waikiki, Honolulu (Oahu), Hawaii. This stunning location offers an island full of dining options along the beachfront that lean heavy on seafood. From luxurious resort restaurants to casual seaside bars, couples can enjoy tropical cocktails and a diverse range of cuisines with stunning views of the Diamond Head. Want to learn more about the Big Island? We got you! Also, a great way to try a lot of local cuisine is find food trucks and support small businesses. You still get those open sky vibes but on a budget. Happy dining alfresco across the USA!
