Best Outdoor Dining in Phoenix

Before we start to feel those triple-digit temperatures creep in again in Phoenix, I say it’s time to head outdoors, enjoy the Valley’s awesome alfresco feasting spots and indulge in a tasty meal, to boot.
House of Tricks Tempe-based House of Tricks dishes up incredible, top-of-the-line Contemporary American fare (current menu items include candy cane beets with pea tendrils, brussel leaves, frisee sprigs, French feta and Pommery vinaigrette; pecan-smoked salmon with lemon crema, red onion, avocado and capers; and seared coffee-cardamom-crusted duck breast with bacon-caramel apples, yam puree, baby bok choy and pomegranate gastrique). Plus, House of Tricks is home to one of the Valley’s most lovely alfresco feasting areas. The patios, which are surrounded by vibrant gardens, are most beautiful at night when they are lit-up with twinkle lights. http://www.houseoftricks.com/site/.
Sassi No wonder so many people get married at Scottsdale’s Sassi restaurant. The Italian restaurant, which dishes up some of the Valley’s most delish pasta, proffers amazing mountain and city-light views. And Sassi’s atmosphere makes diners forget they are in Arizona. The stunning architecture transports diners into Southern Italy, adding to the restaurant’s romance and outdoor-dining appeal. www.sassi.biz.
Lon’s at the Hermosa Inn Paradise’s Valley’s Lon’s at The Hermosa Inn has long been home to one of the Valley’s most spectacular spots to dine outdoors. Guests are invited to warm up by the fire or simply sit back and take in the majestic views that surround Lon’s. And there’s that delish menu of theirs: roasted jidori chicken, braised beef short ribs with truffled cream corn, roasted maple-leaf duck breast, to name a few of the outstanding dishes. www.hermosainn.com.
Quiessence It’s nearly impossible not to be considered one of the Valley’s most lovely outdoor dining spots when you’re located at Phoenix’s The Farm at South Mountain. While Quiessence restaurant dishes up an ever-changing menu of Contemporary American cuisine (the menu changes daily, based on what’s seasonal), its scenic surroundings don’t change. Alfresco diners are surrounded by towering tree, fire pits, intimate and romantic seating and twinkle lights. http://www.quiessencerestaurant.com/.
Four Peaks Brewery For the ultimate in laidback, super casual outdoor dining, get a seat at Tempe’s Four Peaks Brewery. On the sprawling outdoor patio, patrons can enjoy Four Peaks’ not-your-average bar grub and amazing lineup of brews. The Four Peaks patio is a fitting spot to unwind after work with a beer in hand or round up your pals on the weekend. No frills but plenty of fun. www.fourpeaks.com.