PATIO season a photo

Essay

Shutting down Gay Street and turning downtown into a walkable destination for incredible outdoor dining was one of the best things to come out of COVID

When D'Ascenzo's sprawls out into the street, it's so easy to imagine yourself at a Roman cafe while enjoying your artisanal gelato - buon appetito! 

Seafood is a perfect pairing for a sunny afternoon. Throw in fresh-squeezed cocktails, and Greystone Oster bar will have you feeingl like you're in Stone Harbor without ever leaving the borough. 

Sundried tomatoes have the capacity to turn a creamy penne dish into a summer staple, and while the environment is always lively inside Avalon, somehow it just tastes better when you're seated right in the middle of Gay Street. 

There's a good reason they call 'em the dog days of summer. It's hard to imagine a more relaxing evening than being seated along West Chester's iconic red brick sidewalks, hanging at Kildare's with a cold pint and your best friend. 

11,375 photos ERIK WEBER

Pro Tip: as the summer wears on, the days grow longer and the sun grows hotter, you can always find shade on the patio at Mercato. Enjoy the outdoors while soaking up Moscow Mules instead of sunshine.

@westchesterviews