After a long, seemingly endless harsh winter, there is just about nothing we Milwaukeeans crave more than a little warm, fresh air. The outdoor dining and drinking scene in this city has exploded in the past few years, and yet most patios are packed on a nice sunndy afternoon.

Looking for a little dining al fresco? Here are literally 100 lovely places to do so. Happy summer, Milwaukee.

Alterra at the Lake
1701 N. Lincoln Memorial Dr., (414) 223-4551
alterracoffee.com
Myriad environmentally-friendly features complement the cafe, both indoors and out. A wetland garden captures and filters parking lot runoff, and rain from the roof trickles into barrels and irrigates plants on the grounds. This location serves hot and cold sandwiches, salads and more, making it a great lunch spot, especially when the weather cooperates and you can sit outside.

Anaba Tea Room
2107 E. Capitol Dr., (414) 963-9510
anabatearoom.com
A unique feature of this tearoom is the rooftop seating and garden area. Enjoy crumpets and tea sandwiches and choose from a wide variety of loose-leaf, chai or English-style teas.

The Anchorage
4700 N. Port Washington Rd., (414) 962-4710
You feel like a part of the natural habitat of the Milwaukee River when dining al fresco at this North Shore eatery located inside the Hilton. The outdoor deck has a bit of an upscale, up north feel but make no fish bones about it, the fresh seafood at The Anchorage is some of the city's best.

Annona Bistro
2643 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., (414) 744-2224
annonabistro.com
When the weather allows, guests can dine outside on Annona's back patio, which seats 40. Co-owner Stacy Stangarone opened the patio in 2007, adding music, flowers and lights to her cozy spot hidden from the traffic of Kinnickinnic Avenue.

Apollo Cafe
1310 E. Brady St., (414) 272-2233
apollocafe.com
A quick and cost effective Apollo Cafe lunch or dinner is sure to please even the pickiest gyro lover in brew city. After stuffing your face with Greek delights, it's a short walk to the Brady Street footbridge for a stroll on the lakefront to help you shed those new Greek pounds.

Aqua Lounge and Restaurant
1011 N. Astor St., (414) 272-1011
aquamilwaukee.com
Located on the East Side, Aqua's unique decor makes it a memorable dining experience for everyone. The menu offers seafood, seafood and more seafood, as well as appetizers, salads, steaks and dessert.

Bacchus
925 E. Wells St., (414) 765-1166
bacchusmke.com
Inside the Cudahy Tower, Bacchus brings fine dining into a stylish space. Outdoor patio dining and private dining rooms make dining here an experience for lunch, dinner or special occasions.

Balzac
1716 N. Arlington Dr., (414) 755-0099
http://www.balzacwinebar.com/
Adding to the flavor on the corner of Arlington and Brady, the Hi-Hat Group opened the wine bar Balzac. They offer an untouchable list of rotating wines as well as small plates and appetizers late into the evening. Their outdoor seating is located in the backyard courtyard shared with Apollo cafe.

Bang Thai Cuisine
6107 W. Mequon Rd., (262) 242-4455
bangthaicuisine.com
Enjoy authentic Thai cuisine at Bang Thai. Try the spring rolls, Bangkok chicken and shrimp, and sear rare tuna steak while eating on their outdoor patio.

Barnacle Bud's
1955 S. Hilbert St., (414) 481-9974
barnacle-buds.com
Next to Skipper Bud's down on the KK (Kinnickinnic) River der hey is Barnacle Bud's. A favorite stop for boaters, burger and beer lovers, Bud's is perfect for an afternoon lunch or after-work beer. As seen in the film, "The Lady in the Box."

Bayou Cajun Restaurant & Lounge
2060 N. Humboldt Ave., (414) 431-1511
bayoumilwaukee.com
One of the best patios in the city, this 56-seater overlooks the Milwaukee River and offers a panoramic view of Downtown and the water.

Beans and Barley
1901 E. North Ave., (414) 278-7878
beansandbarley.com
An East Side institution, and one of Milwaukee's vegetarian hot spots, Beans & Barley features some of the city's best soups and sandwiches. The attached grocery store features gifts, magazines, vitamins, produce, sweets and organic, vegetarian and ethnic foods.

Beer Belly's
512 W. Layton Ave., (414) 481-5520
The home of the Belly Burger! A wide range of choices also makes Beer Belly's fish fry one of the best in town. There's also great tenderloin and baby back ribs.

Bella's Fat Cat
2737 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., (414) 747-9746
2974 N. Oakland Ave., (414) 431-8480
bellasfatcat.net
Bella's dishes up creamy custard in an old-style custard/burger stand. Great onion rings, fries, shakes and other treats are the perfect complement to your big burger.

Botanas
816 S. 5th St., (414) 672-3755
botanasrestaurant.com
Seafood, particularly shrimp and fish items, are the specialty at this Mexican restaurant. The food isn't too spicy, and the guacamole is great.

Bremen Cafe
901 E. Clarke St., (414) 431-1932
bremencafe.com
Bremen Cafe, located at the corner of Bremen and Clarke in Riverwest, draws customers from all over the city. Coffee, conversation and free high speed Internet can all be found at Bremen, along with live music from local and touring acts. Work by local artists is on an ever-changing art on display.

Broadway Bistro
241 N. Broadway, (414) 431-2880
241broadway.com/broadwaybistro
In the heart of the Third Ward, this is a great place for lunch or brunch outside on the sidewalk during the warm months. You can BYO (Build Your Own) burger or sample lighter items, such as the grilled tuna sandwich. Brunch features specialties such as mini-morning bun French toast and creme brulee oatmeal.

Brocach
1850 N. Water St., (414) 431-9009
brocach.com
This Irish pub and restaurant offers an authentic-feeling experience and during the warm month, a second-floor terrace with stunning views of the river below.

Buca di Beppo
1233 N. Van Buren St., (414) 224-8672
bucadibeppo.com
Buca offers southern Italian food with huge portions served family-style.

Buck Bradley's
1019 N. Old World 3rd St., (414) 224-8500
buckbradleys.com
A favorite before and after Bradley Center events, Buck Bradley's features the city's longest bar, great casual dining, gourmet entrees, deli sandwiches and daily specials.

Butler Inn
742 N. Glacier Rd., Pewaukee, (262) 691-0840
A screened patio, tropical bar and two gazebos give patrons at Butler Inn options for their outdoor dining experience. Tender Black Angus steaks, homemade soups and salads are some of the restaurant's specialties, not to mention the friendly staff and excellent service.

Café 1505
1505 W. Mequon Rd., (262) 241-7076
Specializing in soups, salads, vegetarian fare and sandwiches, as well as weekly specials, Café 1505 serves up excellent brunch all day Saturday and Sunday. There's also a full carryout menu and an espresso bar.

Cafe at the Plaza
1007 N. Cass St., (414) 272-2494
A truly unique, art deco dining experience -- the Cafe at the Plaza is a favorite of Downtown and East Side dwellers. The Plaza Scrambler and other breakfast items are all made fresh to order, and are available all day long. You will love the quaintness of the building and the lovely outdoor patio.

Cafe Brucke
2102 N. Prospect Ave., (414) 287-2053
cafebrucke.com
This café / bar / restaurant boasts an eclectic beverage and food selection, including an affordable array of appetizers, entrees, soups, salads, sandwiches and desserts.

Cafe Centraal
2306 S Kinnickinnic Ave., (414) 755-0378
Newly opened in Fall 2008, a large garage door opens off the back of Cafe Centraal into a courtyard-like dining area. This Bay View restaurant serves a full menuServing a full menu all day long

Café Hollander
2608 N. Downer Ave., (414) 963-6366
cafehollander.com
This Diablos Rojos creation features an eclectic menu and large, crafty beer selection. Its patio is quaint and overlooks the bustling Downer Avenue.  Page 1 of 4 (view all on one page)

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