DISH

DISH THERE IS NOTHING LIKE DINING OUTSIDE

AS THE WEATHER COOLS

WRITTEN BY JUDY GOPPERT

There are plenty of options around the Kansas City area, with firepits, games, and comfy spots to enjoy a meal outside. Grab a jacket and make one of these hot spots your destination!

Waldo

The Well Bar, Grill & Rooftop

waldowell.com

The Well Bar, Grill & Rooftop takes your experience to a whole new level: the rooftop! The Well is a unique, multi-level restaurant with two separate outdoor areas, a lower-level patio, and a rooftop deck. A slightly upscale feel combined with the casual atmosphere of a neighborhood bar draws a mixed crowd of all ages.

Comfortable and friendly, the chef-driven menu is available seven days a week for lunch, dinner, and late night, and features their famous Boulevard Fish and Chips, Baja “75th” Street Tacos, made-to-order Smac ‘N’ Cheese, The Mahomes Sandwich (a local favorite!) and a variety of burgers, sandwiches, and salads.

Sip on one of their signature cocktails or select from one of 30 craft beers on tap. Several private rooms and semi-private areas can accommodate parties from 20 to 120 guests. With live streaming and all satellite sports packages, The Rooftop Patio is open year-round, and during the winter months a 360 degree clear span heated tent along with fire pits helps keep away the chill.

“The focal point of The Well is really the Rooftop Patio,” says owner Chris Lewellen. “It offers great views of our historic Waldo neighborhood and is a great place to gather with friends and enjoy our full grill and cocktail menus, catch some rays, and play some yard games.”

THE WELL / PHOTO BY REUBEN SAMUELS

Westport

Char Bar

charbarkc.com

Whether you’re looking to indulge in some tasty barbecue or just want to play a good old-fashioned yard game, Char Bar has it all. The patio off the back of the restaurant offers ample picnic tables, fire pits, a stocked bar, and games such as bocce ball, croquet, and corn hole. This is a great spot to spend your day or start your night.

Leawood

Red Door Grill

reddoorgrill.com

Red Door Grill’s patio in Leawood has a major cozy vibe, tucked behind a big brick fireplace and under warm string lights. Come out on any first Saturday and you’ll catch some live, local music on the patio as well.

Crossroads

Affäre Courtyard Patio

affarekc.com

Affäre’s enclosed courtyard patio offers a secluded secret garden getaway. On warm days, enjoy drinks, snacks, dinner, and conversation under the vine-covered trellis while listening to bird songs. Unique fire art sculptures by neighbor Dane Fabrications take center stage at night. During chilly weather, outdoor heaters and blankets provide added warmth. The unique courtyard setting also has served as a stage for weddings and special dinners. Reservations are strongly recommended.

AFFARE COURTYARD PATIO / PHOTO COURTESY OF AFFARE

Downtown

John’s Big Deck

johnsbigdeck.com

John’s Big Deck offers unparalleled views of the Central Business District, and the deck is open seven days a week until 3 a.m. “John’s Big Deck has been a hometown favorite bar for many years. We are a three-story bar with an abundance of entertainment and history,” notes Dane Haller, marketing manager. “Over the past year, we remodeled our famous rooftop deck to give our guests a better view of the city with a beautiful atmosphere. There is something for everyone every day of the week, and we have one of the best bar menus in the city with new features every month!”