Who needs air conditioning?
Angela Kershner / The Citizen
Susan Fedyshyn, of Auburn, left, and Karen Stevens, of Auburn, take advantage of the nice weather to enjoy the outdoor patio at PB5 in Auburn.
Susan Fedyshyn, of Auburn, left, and Karen Stevens, of Auburn, take advantage of the nice weather to enjoy the outdoor patio at PB5 in Auburn.
Finally with our wonderful weather, “People are itching to be outside wherever they can,” said Meg Vanek, executive director at the Cayuga County Office of Tourism.
“You have to take advantage of (the weather) here,” Vanek said. “Especially because we have so little of it.”
Living in the midst of the Finger Lakes offers the perfect opportunity for restaurants to provide a special outdoor dining experience, she added. It is a major draw for tourists seeking out where they can go to enjoy the region.
“People will sit outside anywhere,” Vanek said, “but to get a view like that is unique.”
The Aurora Inn, for instance, is already serving outside and overlooks Cayuga Lake. Cascade Grille in Moravia has a deck that actually hangs over Owasco Lake. Even Curley's, on State Street in Auburn, has a back patio that can be considered waterfront.
“The river runs right behind there. And what's nice about Curley's is the patio is enclosed so you can sit out there no matter what the weather is,” Vanek said. But the menu of places to dine outdoors goes on, waterfront or not, and many are in Auburn. Here's a sampling:
Parker's Grille
With four tables and two large umbrellas for shade, Parker's on Genesee Street, provides the perfect spot to view the going ons of the heart of downtown Auburn. Diners have a full menu at their disposal from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., said bartender Billy Webster. “We get a good happy hour out there,” he said. Customers can come in and choose whether to sit outside as long as there is an open table.
Parisi's Bistro at Five Points
Likely starting shortly after Memorial Day, Parisi's Bistro at Five Points on the Arterial in Auburn will start up its summertime music series from 7:30 to 11 p.m. Thursday nights on the patio. PB5 owner Todd Parisi said the outdoor aspect is a big draw to the restaurant. Normally the deck will seat 20 and a full menu and service is available. However, for the concerts, the seating extends into the parking lot and a crowd of about 50 to 60 will fit, Parisi said. The patio is open every night.
Poppy's Mattie Street Dairy
This old-time favorite for ice cream, Poppy's at Mattie Street Dairy will take orders through the sliding window in the front for those who want to stay in the fresh air. Customers can also come in and take their food back outside if they wish to sit on the bench and enjoy the day, said waitress Michaela Granato. “The other day we had a family of seven come in and take their food outside to eat,” she said. “We always put stuff in a to-go just in case they want to go outside.”
Big Kahuna's
Sit outside and get a Key West atmosphere right on Columbus Street. With a front porch that can seat about 40, Big Kahuna's has one of the larger outdoor dining facilities. Manager Rory Meyers said a full menu and service is available open to close. Umbrellas will offer shade, but the colors that adorn the restaurant will keep it bright.
Pleasant Beach Hotel
Up in Fair Haven, the Pleasant Beach Hotel has a deck overlooking the Bay, said owner Bonnie Scoville. The restaurant is slated to open later this month. “It's beautiful and the sunsets are absolutely incredible,” Scoville said. “And on the Fourth of July, we're right in the middle of it to see the fireworks.” Reopened after about a year of being closed, the patio, which seats 56, is open 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and until 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. The restaurant will also serve Sunday brunch beginning at 8 a.m.
Belvedere Lounge
The Belvedere Lounge on State Street in Auburn is about to kick up its reputation as a local watering hole to make use of warm nights. Owner Mickey Gauthier said a new pavilion behind the bar will feature live music from 6 to 9:30 p.m. every Saturday night, beginning Friday, June 1, with Joe Whiting and Loren Barrigar. Picnic tables will offer a place to sit while enjoying the tunes.
Other options
There are so many places to enjoy the weather. Yesteryear's Cafe, Downtown Deli Taylor's Tavern and Connie's Deli all also serve outside. The Springside Inn in Fleming, Hibiscus Harbor in Union Springs and the Old Erie Restaurant in Weedsport also offer options, Vanek said. Pumpkin Hill Bistro in Aurora offers a great view of the rolling agricultural lands as one dines outside. And then there's Green Shutters, a summertime favorite of Auburn. “A lot of people eat outside there,” Vanek added.
Whatever atmosphere, style of food or view one wants while dining outdoors, the area has something for everyone.
Staff writer Laura Boyce may be reached at 253-5311 ext. 236 or laura.boyce@lee.net
“You have to take advantage of (the weather) here,” Vanek said. “Especially because we have so little of it.”
Living in the midst of the Finger Lakes offers the perfect opportunity for restaurants to provide a special outdoor dining experience, she added. It is a major draw for tourists seeking out where they can go to enjoy the region.
“People will sit outside anywhere,” Vanek said, “but to get a view like that is unique.”
The Aurora Inn, for instance, is already serving outside and overlooks Cayuga Lake. Cascade Grille in Moravia has a deck that actually hangs over Owasco Lake. Even Curley's, on State Street in Auburn, has a back patio that can be considered waterfront.
“The river runs right behind there. And what's nice about Curley's is the patio is enclosed so you can sit out there no matter what the weather is,” Vanek said. But the menu of places to dine outdoors goes on, waterfront or not, and many are in Auburn. Here's a sampling:
Parker's Grille
With four tables and two large umbrellas for shade, Parker's on Genesee Street, provides the perfect spot to view the going ons of the heart of downtown Auburn. Diners have a full menu at their disposal from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., said bartender Billy Webster. “We get a good happy hour out there,” he said. Customers can come in and choose whether to sit outside as long as there is an open table.
Parisi's Bistro at Five Points
Likely starting shortly after Memorial Day, Parisi's Bistro at Five Points on the Arterial in Auburn will start up its summertime music series from 7:30 to 11 p.m. Thursday nights on the patio. PB5 owner Todd Parisi said the outdoor aspect is a big draw to the restaurant. Normally the deck will seat 20 and a full menu and service is available. However, for the concerts, the seating extends into the parking lot and a crowd of about 50 to 60 will fit, Parisi said. The patio is open every night.
Poppy's Mattie Street Dairy
This old-time favorite for ice cream, Poppy's at Mattie Street Dairy will take orders through the sliding window in the front for those who want to stay in the fresh air. Customers can also come in and take their food back outside if they wish to sit on the bench and enjoy the day, said waitress Michaela Granato. “The other day we had a family of seven come in and take their food outside to eat,” she said. “We always put stuff in a to-go just in case they want to go outside.”
Big Kahuna's
Sit outside and get a Key West atmosphere right on Columbus Street. With a front porch that can seat about 40, Big Kahuna's has one of the larger outdoor dining facilities. Manager Rory Meyers said a full menu and service is available open to close. Umbrellas will offer shade, but the colors that adorn the restaurant will keep it bright.
Pleasant Beach Hotel
Up in Fair Haven, the Pleasant Beach Hotel has a deck overlooking the Bay, said owner Bonnie Scoville. The restaurant is slated to open later this month. “It's beautiful and the sunsets are absolutely incredible,” Scoville said. “And on the Fourth of July, we're right in the middle of it to see the fireworks.” Reopened after about a year of being closed, the patio, which seats 56, is open 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and until 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. The restaurant will also serve Sunday brunch beginning at 8 a.m.
Belvedere Lounge
The Belvedere Lounge on State Street in Auburn is about to kick up its reputation as a local watering hole to make use of warm nights. Owner Mickey Gauthier said a new pavilion behind the bar will feature live music from 6 to 9:30 p.m. every Saturday night, beginning Friday, June 1, with Joe Whiting and Loren Barrigar. Picnic tables will offer a place to sit while enjoying the tunes.
Other options
There are so many places to enjoy the weather. Yesteryear's Cafe, Downtown Deli Taylor's Tavern and Connie's Deli all also serve outside. The Springside Inn in Fleming, Hibiscus Harbor in Union Springs and the Old Erie Restaurant in Weedsport also offer options, Vanek said. Pumpkin Hill Bistro in Aurora offers a great view of the rolling agricultural lands as one dines outside. And then there's Green Shutters, a summertime favorite of Auburn. “A lot of people eat outside there,” Vanek added.
Whatever atmosphere, style of food or view one wants while dining outdoors, the area has something for everyone.
Staff writer Laura Boyce may be reached at 253-5311 ext. 236 or laura.boyce@lee.net
The Citizens' Say
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To Dave wrote on May 17, 2007 3:26 PM:
Yeah Dave! wrote on May 16, 2007 11:45 PM:
Dave wrote on May 16, 2007 5:04 PM: