Is there a street or area in St. Louis that has a high concentration of sidewalk seating and outdoor patios?

Many St. Louisans are enjoying patio time, with temperatures forecast to be seasonal over the next two weeks. Outdoor dining is becoming more popular than ever for a few reasons, including pandemic-related reasons.

This question is especially timely as many restaurants don’t reserve patio tables. Or, in other words, Can we cruise by and check out the area, then try our luck?

Webster Groves along Lockwood Boulevard

The roughly one-mile and a half stretch of Big Bend/Lockwood Avenue, Webster Groves is one of the most popular areas.

To see an abundance of tables spread out across a covered area next to the Frisco Barroom, head to the Old Orchard section of Webster. Weber’s Front Row also has some outdoor tables. You can also walk down Old Orchard Avenue and check out the corner perch Meyou That Eatery, Highway 61 Roadhouse (which recently acquired ownership ), as well as the two patios at nearby Big Sky Cafe (one hidden in the back). Boardwalk Café is known for its large portions, affordability, and delicious breakfast and lunch.

Turn left and continue west on Lockwood until you reach Cyrano’s Cafe. This building boasts an elevated patio as well as two-tops that are secluded in front. Don’t forget Webster Groves Garden Cafe as you travel west on Lockwood. Here you can have a coffee or pastry, or eat late lunch.

After a pleasant drive by Webster University, the action picks back up at Gore Avenue. Clover, The Bee offers sidewalk seating for breakfast or lunch. Some patrons are surprised to discover that the pasta dishes are just as delicious as the pizza. Nearby, C.J. C.J. You can also find sidewalk tables at Sushi Station or San Jose Mexican Restaurant further up Gore. These tables offer a great view of freight trains passing by.

Hidden, but worth it, is a visit to Layla’s patio, just off Lockwood at 20 Allen Avenue. This patio, which is located behind DDMaur, makes a great choice for a healthy, delicious meal. There are also several umbrella-covered tables at the Saint Louis Bread Co..

The sidewalk tables at The Block are located less than a block away from the busy tables at Olive + Oak. This restaurant shares its patio with Perennial at Lockwood. Perennial offers lunchtime menus; O+O serves dinner. Parkmoor sells Kingburgers, onion rings and SnoBalls. Robust boasts a vibrant, expanded patio. If you have never tried Detroit-style pizza before, then consider visiting Jet’s Pizza.

Clayton, close to Carondelet & Hanley

There are several options for fine dining within a few hundred yards of each other at the corner of Hanley and Carondelet in Clayton. The 801 Chuphouse is located above the Still Point Fountain. It has a 25-seat counterpart at 801 Fish. A smaller, slightly more elevated version at Casa Don Alfonso is hidden behind trees and plantings. You’ll find The Capital Grille as well as Tony’s. Both have a lot of greenery and the former has a louvered roof.

One block away, you’ll find the covered patio of Cantina Laredo as well as the sidewalk tables at Wasabi Sushi Bar or Pastaria. Here dinner is always accompanied by a west-to-east breeze. Cafe Napoli is the best spot in the city to enjoy al-fresco dining and drinking. Louie’s Wine Dive is a few steps away. Here, all wine bottles can be 25% off during happy hour, which runs from 4-6 p.m. every day.

There are also other options available, though they are less spread out than the CWE, S. Grand, Southhampton neighborhoods, and the brick patios dot Soulard. The Streets of St. Charles development is home to 15 restaurants, with more on the way. And one that is so obvious it warrants an entire article: The Delmar Loop.