Summer means grilling, gorgeous weather and best of all — eating and drinking outside.

Despite its long winters, Buffalo is home to many first-rate restaurants and bars with awesome patios. We’ve put together a list of our favorites in some of the areas where our apartment communities are located.

Patio weather in Buffalo is only a few months long, so be sure to stop by one of these places to bask in the warmth of summer before it’s too late.

Buffalo’s Best Patios

Elmwood Village / Downtown

Cecilia’s – Located at 716 Elmwood Ave, Cecilia’s boasts one of the largest — and best — patios in the city. Right in the middle of the hustle and bustle of the Elmwood Village, it’s one of the best places for people watching, meeting up with a group and drinking at the outdoor bar. Stop in for brunch or one of their happy hour specials and soak up the sun on the patio.

Coles – One of Elmwood’s most iconic restaurants, Coles is a terrific option for eating and drinking outdoors in the Elmwood Village. It’s located north on Elmwood Ave. in another killer spot for taking in the local action while feasting on a delicious burger and cold beer. An added bonus? The patio is dog-friendly, so your pooch can savor the warm weather with you.

Thin Man Brewery – A relatively recent addition to the Elmwood Village, Thin Man features an impressive rooftop patio with its own bar overlooking a busy section of Elmwood Ave. in addition to its street-level open patio. Elmwood’s first brewery is open late every day and features live music and yummy food and drink specials, so it’s definitely worth stopping in this summer.

Liberty Hound – For waterfront dining, you can’t beat Liberty Hound, located right on Lake Erie in Downtown Buffalo. Featuring an extensive menu of seafood, small plates, craft cocktails and more, the restaurant is suitable for date night or a fun night out with friends. While there’s nothing like eating outside on a sunny day next to the large historic Naval ships, the patio is equally enjoyable at night when the harbor is illuminated over the water.

North Buffalo / Kenmore

Deep South Taco – A couple of years after its first location opened on Ellicott Street downtown, Deep South Taco recently unveiled its second location on Hertel Ave and the patio has already become one of the top outdoor spots in North Buffalo. Featuring a 55-foot projection TV screen for entertainment, the large open air patio is an ideal spot to bring a group for tacos and margaritas outside. And for those chillier nights, Deep South has outdoor heaters to keep you warm no matter what the season.

The Sterling – Located in the heart of Hertel Ave., The Sterling is a popular neighborhood pub with a large menu featuring gourmet burgers, craft beer and happy hour specials. Its open air patio is a popular option for dining and drinking outdoors during the hot summer months and a great place for people-watching on the Hertel strip. Don’t want to leave your pup at home? The side patio is dog-friendly.

The Delaware – You don’t have to venture all the way into the city for a fantastic patio experience — look no further than The Delaware in Kenmore. The restaurant has a beautiful patio that’s perfect for lounging while dining off its extensive menu of elevated American food and listening to one of the many live music events the pub hosts every month. For cooler nights, the patio features several gas fire pits to keep you warm when the temperature drops.

North Tonawanda / Lewiston

Remington Tavern and Seafood Exchange – Located on Sweeney Street in North Tonawanda., the Remington Tavern is known for its delicious seafood and spacious patio overlooking the Tonawanda Canal. Take advantage of the amazing weather and fresh seafood out on the patio with fabulous views of the Niagara River, and be sure to check out their live music performances every week.

Smoke On The Water – Another restaurant along the Niagara River, Smoke On The Water is a terrific place to devour some of the best barbecue in the area while taking in the gorgeous views of the Tonawanda Canal. Save the time and trouble of hosting your own cookout and indulge in a cold beer and delightfully messy pulled pork sandwich on their waterside patio, located on Young Street in North Tonawanda.

Water Street Landing – Set directly on the Niagara River in Lewiston. the patio of Water Street Landing offers waterfront dining with some of the most beautiful views in the region. The patio offers both covered and open air seating as well as a live music stage and outdoor bar, making it an ideal spot to take in the beauty of a Buffalo summer.

What’s your favorite patio around the Buffalo area? Let us know in the comments below or on our Facebook page.