I can't bear to stay inside when spring rolls around; it's only pleasant to be outdoors about three months of the year in Texas, and I don't want to miss any of it! Below, I've rounded up my favorite places to find both sustenance and fresh air:
Best outdoor happy hour
The deck at Manny's, hands down. Enjoy a view of the river and Cameron Park while sipping a $4.25 margarita (3-7pm) and munching on Sic 'Em Queso topped with ground beef, crema and guacamole. All those bright colors and margarita machines basically scream, "it's 5 o'clock somewhere!"
Best picnic spot
Xristo's is my top choice, and many of yours I suspect, since Xristo's has sailed into the championship of our 254Eats bracket challenge. Grab your best pal and a few sharables from the a la carte menu, and you've got yourself a pack-less picnic. I like to take my food across the street to Indian Springs Park, spread a blanket under the oaks and catch the breeze off the water.
Best outdoor lunch
Lula Jane's, all day... or at least until 3pm. I don't even bother to look up the lunch special before dropping in, because everything is SO GOOD. Their patio is quiet and shady, and you can grab a post-lunch $0.50 cup of coffee to power through the afternoon.
Best place for an outdoor meeting
The roof deck at Dichotomy. Free wifi, business-y views of downtown... and you can opt for a cocktail over coffee if said meeting will be tedious.
We'd love to hear from you! Share your favorite springtime spots below.
