ON THE TOWN

Warm months draw diners outdoors

This is the season to dine al fresco.

Many outdoor dining options are available in the Toledo vicinity. But be sure to try them while the weather is still so pleasant.

The newest place is Social, a gastro pub that opened Tuesday across from the Town Center at Levis Commons in Perrysburg with a steady flow of curious customers. As the name suggests, it's a place to socialize.

For those not so inclined to dine outside, a homey den-like atmosphere with white linen napkins and tablecloths awaits indoors where the floors are so shiny they look wet. At the far end of the room is a three-sided bar.

The menu will change every two months, and the first one includes loaded deviled eggs, calamari, oxtail, warm spinach salad, fried bologna sandwich, stuffed roasted red bell pepper, fish tacos, salmon, pulled pork sandwich, build-your-own mac and cheese, homemade soups and desserts, and more, all on white china. There is a children's menu as well.

Phil Carothers and Ann Stoiber, both of Perrysburg, enjoy Social's outdoor patio.

PHOTO GALLERY: Outdoor dining is in season

Everything is bought locally, said Mike Graber and Singh Grewal, owners with Bruce Gradkowski, formerly of the University of Toledo and now with the Pittsburgh Steelers. The hours are noon to midnight and the kitchen is open the entire time.

LaRoe's Restaurant in Grand Rapids has a patio that overlooks the Maumee River and when you are done dining, you can take a stroll along the river on the walkway.

Herbie's in Haskins between Perrysburg and Bowling Green is a fun place to spend leisure time. The patio includes a bar with swings for seats and a sand box floor. There are heaters in the winter, so folks can enjoy the setting even in colder weather.

Chowders N Moor in Waterville has a small but fun patio for those who want to enjoy the outdoors.

Webbers Waterfront Restaurant and the River Cafe and Marina, both with large decks, are just outside of Point Place on the Ottawa River in Erie, Mich., ideal destinations for boaters.

Danny and Dannielle Letellier sip margaritas as they wait for a table on the patio at El Camino Real.

Cigar Affairs in Maumee has a patio, as does the Casa de Montecristo Fine Cigars at Tres Belle Wine and Martini Lounge in Perrysburg at Levis Commons. Smokers can puff away and not disturb the guests indoors.

Degage Jazz Cafe in Maumee and Burger Bar 419 in South Toledo also have patios.

The main drag in Perrysburg presents many choices for dining al fresco, including Swig, Casa Barron, and Stella's. Or stroll a few blocks and enjoy 5th Street Pub's screened porch.

The Town Center at Levis Commons in Perrysburg has several restaurants with patios including Bar Louis and Tea Tree Asian Bistro.

Element 112 in Sylvania is a New York-style restaurant that is a favorite of many locals, and the doors open to the patio in warm weather. Close by is Treo, which also has a patio.

Monroe Street has several restaurants with patios including Shorty's True American Roadhouse, CIAO, Bar 145, and Mancy's Italian.

Justin Zeisloft, Perrysburg, left, Kevin Davis and John McFarland, right, both of Bowling Green, enjoy a cigar in the Cigarden at Cigar Affairs in Maumee.

Rosie's Italian Grille on McCord Road has a nice-sized patio that is decorated with plants and a water fountain. Loma Linda's on Airport Highway has a large outdoor patio as does Ventura's on Bancroft Street and El Camino Real on West Sylvania Avenue. Arnie's Toledo at Central Avenue and Secor Road has outdoor seating, too.

The Docks at International Park, overlooking the Maumee River and downtown Toledo, has a string of restaurants and all of them have patios that face the water: Forrester's on the River, Real Seafood, Zia's Italian, and El Vaquero.

Downtown Toledo and the surrounding area offers several restaurants with outdoor space, including Table Forty 4, Best Western Premier Grand Plaza Hotel, Ye Olde Durty Bird, PizzaPapalis, Manos Greek Restaurant, Wesley's, and Manhattan's.

In Oregon, Bayshore Supper Club's outdoor dining area is also popular.