While the rest of the U.S. bakes in the heat of early summer, in SF we’ve already kissed goodbye a couple of warm days and are once again bundling up against the June gloom.
But that doesn’t mean we have to give up our seasonal dreams of eating alfresco. Choose the right patio and your brunch or happy hour can be blessedly fog- and wind-free, no matter how cranky Karl’s feeling.
From the Marina’s aptly named The Patio to the Mission’s winning izakaya restaurant Rintaro, here are nine warm and cozy patios to snuggle up on this summer.
The Patio
(Courtesy of @thepatio.sf)
In May, The Patio in the Marina completed its namesake’s long-awaited renovation: a warm and cozy outdoor space anchored around a fire pit. A green wall bedecked in native plants is charming by day while, after dark, the warming flames stave off the fog. Whatever the time, the recessed sanctuary is an atmospheric space for lively conversation, low key canoodling, and sophisticated cocktails like the Basque Cap, which combines infused gin with tangy txakolina wine. // 3232 Scott St. (Marina), thepatiosf.com
Fable
(Courtesy of @fablerestaurant)
This sweet spot in the Castro has a patio that’s as welcoming as it is warm for a seasonally-inspired lunch, dinner, or weekend brunch. The sheltered, botanical garden-like space is rich in plant life, with walls both white-washed and wood. A glass paneled ceiling lets in the light and heat lamps keep all three of its decks as comfortable as any indoor restaurant in town. // 558 Castro St. (Castro), fablesf.com
Starbelly
(Courtesy of @starbellysf)
With its rustic wood paneling, the patio at the Castro’s Starbelly is like a cozy cabin at the heart of the city. The California comfort food purveyor’s covered space is heated, strung with twinkly lights, and accented with vivid greenery. It’s the perfect spot to capture that intimate outdoor vibe without the bone-chilling gloom. // 3583 16th St. (Castro), starbellysf.com
Camino Alto
(Courtesy of @caminoaltosf)
One of Cow Hollow’s best kept summer secrets, the covered patio at the easy-going Camino Alto was tailored made for the SF climate. Its Mexican-influenced California cuisine is at its best in the adorable space, which is heated, capped in skylights, and edged in calming dark blues and natural wood. //1715 Union St. (Cow Hollow), caminoaltosf.com
Rintaro
(Courtesy of @himikorainstick)
The patio at the Bib Gourmand Izakaya spot Rintaro is a darling hideaway far from the Mission’s hustle. The courtyard evokes Japanese tranquility with its paper lanterns, firefly lights, and well-positioned plant life—the ideal ambiance for Yakitori-grilled goodies, heart-warming udons, and enough sake to make the clouds part. // 82 14th St. (Mission), izakayarintaro.com
Zazie
(Courtesy of @zazie_sf)
The long-standing Cole Valley brunch favorite is beloved as much for its charming patio as it is its wide selection of eggs benedicts and miracle pancakes. The comfy, dog-friendly space decked out in wooden booths and living green walls that are an antidote to the fog, complete with a French accent. // 941 Cole St. (Cole Valley), zaziesf.com
Philospher's Club
(Courtesy of @sf.philosophersclub)
If Karl is raging when there’s a game on, head straight for the Philosopher’s Club. The West Portal dive has more than 60 years of practice fighting off the June gloom in the mostly sheltered succulent garden out back. Heat lamps and high-octane drinks keep the space toasty enough to stay glued to the big screen outdoor T.V. all the way through the ninth inning. // 824 Ulloa St. (West Portal), @sf.philosophersclub
Foreign Cinema
(Courtesy of @foreigncinemasf)
Enclosed on all four sides, the howling winds can’t touch you on one of the city's most celebrated patios. At Foreign Cinema, heat lamps and close quarters keep the courtyard cozy at weekend brunch while, at dinner, the soft, flickering glow of the nightly film adds an extra touch of magic. // 2534 Mission St. (Mission), foreigncinema.com
Um.Ma
(Courtesy of @daniellelazier)
The patio at the Inner Sunset’s hip Korean barbecue spot Um.Ma doesn’t just have wind-blocking walls and heat lamps galore. Its patio picnic tables are set with heat sources of their own: Personal-sized grills for cooking up S(e)oul-warming eats like pork spareribs and beef bulgogi. // 1220 9th Ave. (Inner Sunset), ummasf.com
