Satisfy Your Outdoor Dining Cravings at These Palm Beach Gardens Favorites

Outdoor dining is a popular pastime in Palm Beach Gardens thanks to the city's year-round pleasant weather and abundance of restaurants with patios, courtyards, and al fresco seating areas. During the COVID-19 pandemic, an emergency order allowed many local eateries to expand their outdoor seating capacity onto sidewalks, parking spaces, and beyond their original footprints. This provision has now been turned into a permanent, expedited approval process for outdoor dining, giving restaurants the flexibility to accommodate more guests outside.

From tropical hideaways to chic downtown courtyards, Palm Beach Gardens offers diverse outdoor dining spaces to match all sorts of cravings and occasions. Read on for some of the top restaurants around town to satisfy your appetite for al fresco cuisine.

Perks of Outdoor Dining in Palm Beach Gardens

What makes outdoor dining so popular and enjoyable in Palm Beach Gardens? For starters, the city's warm climate lets diners eat outside comfortably year-round. The laidback, tropical vibe also enhances the experience. Patios range from lushly landscaped to urban-chic, providing both intimate and lively ambiances. The variety of cuisines and restaurant concepts means groups or couples can always find an ideal outdoor space and menu.

The allowances permitting expanded outdoor seatingcapacities during COVID have now paved the way for more permanent al fresco options. Restaurants can apply for expedited approval to accommodate larger patio areas. This provides more opportunities to enjoy Palm Beach Gardens' beautiful weather and dine surrounded by fresh air and greenery.

Best Restaurants for Al Fresco Dining

Cafe Chardonnay

Located in the exclusive PGA National Resort community, Cafe Chardonnay delights guests with its charming courtyard dining area. Towering fishtail palm trees provide shade over the tables, transporting diners to a tropical oasis. The menu features seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients like fresh Florida seafood and produce. Sit back with a fruity cocktail or a glass of wine and graze on small plates perfect for sharing.

PB Catch

This trendy seafood spot in Downtown at the Gardens boasts a huge outdoor patio outfitted with breezy ceiling fans, string lights, and comfortable wicker chairs. The spacious seating area provides a relaxing place to enjoy PB Catch's signature dishes like their plateau de fruits de mer seafood tower. Other menu highlights include sushi, locally-caught fish, and creative libations. It's an ideal spot for an indulgent date night under the stars.

Cafe Boulud

The elegant French-inspired Cafe Boulud offers one of the most luxurious outdoor dining settings in Palm Beach Gardens. The restaurant's courtyard transports guests to an enchanted secret garden, overflowing with blooming flowers, trickling fountains, and tropical foliage. Intimate tables sit under covered pergolas, promising shade on even the sunniest days. Share creative takes on seasonal French classics with your dining companion at this magical escape.

Avocado Grill

Avocado Grill's lively outdoor area strings lights across a canopy of vibrant umbrellas, giving the patio an inviting, festive vibe. Tucked into the walkable Downtown at the Gardens complex, it's a perfect spot for outdoor drinks, small plates, and people-watching. Their menu puts a modern twist on American classics, with items like the Drunken Shrimp made with tequila and the Grilled Skirt Steak Chimichurri. With an extensive cocktail lineup and wine list, it's easy to linger for hours.

The Cooper

For a swanky outdoor dinner date, book a table in The Cooper's intimate courtyard in the heart of Downtown at the Gardens. Ringed by lush tropical plantings, the patio features a fire pit and heat lamps to take the chill off in the evenings. Settle into a cushy booth or lounge chair with refined entrees like seared scallops or a dry-aged ribeye cooked over a woodfire grill. End your meal on a sweet note with The Cooper's decadent dessert menu and nightcap cocktails.

More Outdoor Dining Spots to Try

Beyond those five favorites, Palm Beach Gardens has even more restaurants offering al fresco atmospheres. A few other noteworthy patios include the rooftop at Rok:Brgr and the terrace at Houstons. For casual waterside dining, grab a burger and beer on the deck at Duffy's Sports Grill. Or check out Sweetgreen's picnic tables on Northlake Boulevard when you crave healthy fare with an outdoor ambiance.

Tips for Planning Your Outdoor Dining Experience

To ensure an enjoyable outdoor dining experience in Palm Beach Gardens, keep these tips in mind:

• Make reservations in advance, especially on busier nights like Fridays and Saturdays.
• Ask about patio availability if seating is limited.
• Check projected weather forecasts and bring layers if needed.
• Most restaurants have a smart casual dress code.
• Inquire about early or late dinner seatings for more patio availability.
• Request a table on the patio when booking or upon arrival.

With beautiful weather year-round, Palm Beach Gardens provides the ideal setting for wining and dining al fresco. The city's diverse restaurants offer a range of inviting outdoor spaces to match any dining occasion. From the elegance of Cafe Boulud to the laidback seafood vibes of PB Catch, foodies have their pick of courtyard, patio, terrace, and lounge seating areas.

Bring your appetite and get ready to soak up South Florida's tropical ambiance while savoring creative cuisines. With COVID-era allowances making outdoor dining expansions permanent, restaurants now have more flexibility than ever for memorable garden, streetside, rooftop, and courtyard setups. Book your next dinner date or family outing at one of these top outdoor dining spots around Palm Beach Gardens.