And catching a few rays on a mid-day escape from the office is always a good morale booster. We have a passion for outdoor dining and crave the days of the year when it's possible to do so comfortably. One sunny day last summer, while enjoying lunch inside one of Stephen Avenue's finer establishments, we experienced first hand the power of the patio. A few minutes later, a casual aquaintance, who we had seen at one of the prime outdoor tables, strolled into the cafe with his lunch partner. Confused, we asked him if it had been too hot outside for him.
Restaurateurs value their patios and decks.
We always enjoy the Southwestern plaster and wagon wheel look of the patios at Mescalero. With full walls, fountains, and good food, the two patios take us back to Santa Fe with just a quick visit to Victoria Crossing. Not far away, on 17th Avenue, is one of the oldest and most well vined of the patios-Cilantro. Another plastered wall creates a cozy enclave there and an old porch adds a second, rain-proof level to the cafe. Also on 17th Avenue, the Living Room has recently enclosed their patio, creating a better separation from the street for their nicely treed yard.