Posh patios

Nothing’s classier than an outdoor lunch date at Rise No. 1, the Inwood Village “salon de soufflé” that specializes in French cuisine, following principles of the Slow Food Movement. The menu features several types of soufflés from creamed spinach to escargot, and each contains no more than 413 calories. The European-style patio encourages folks to stay a while. You can also curl up with a book from the in-house library. 5360 W. Lovers at Inwood, Suite 220, 214.366.9900, risesouffle.com

If you’ve ever been to BRead WiNNeRs Café aNd BakeRy for Sunday brunch, you know how loud and boisterous it gets inside. That’s why a detour to the patio is the perfect way to enjoy your eggs benedict and mimosa. Even on a hot summer day, the fans and forestry keep the area cool. 5560 W. Lovers at Inwood, 214.351.3339, breadwinnerscafe.comr

Whether sitting inside or hanging on the patio, R+dkitCheN carries an outdoor feel throughout. Enjoy a pulled pork barbecue sandwich by the cascading fountain, and don’t skip the indulgent banana cream pie. 8300 Preston Center Plaza, 214.890.7900, hillstone.com

Stop in just before the dinner rush, and the huge double deck patio at stRatos GReektaveRNa is a relaxing end to the workday. Stop by after dark, and it’s a full-on nightclub with booming music and belly dancers. The restaurant offers half-price wines on Wednesdays and Sundays. But don’t leave without trying the mango margarita. 2907 Northwest Highway at Webb Chapel, 214.352.3321, clubstratos.com