Where to Enjoy an Outdoor Meal in the Sacramento Area This Fall

Just because the weather is cooling off a bit doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy dining al fresco. In fact, fall is one of the best times of year to enjoy outdoor dining in the Sacramento area. At restaurants throughout the region, patio misters and fans have made way for outdoor heaters and fire pits in preparation for the change of seasons. It’s hard to say goodbye to summer, but taking advantage of the Sacramento area’s mild climate on a cozy outdoor patio makes up for it. Following are our picks for some of the best spots for outdoor dining during fall and winter in Sacramento.

Paragary’s | East Sacramento

Photo Courtesy of Paragary’s Midtown | IG: @paragarysmidtown

If you’re looking for an upscale eatery with a well-designed outdoor dining area, look no further than Paragary’s. This long-standing East Sacramento restaurant is known for its lush back patio, complete with heaters to keep you warm on a chilly evening. The menu features refined dishes with an Italian influence, such as pork ragu rigatoni, salmon with tomato vinaigrette, and burrata pizza.

Hawk’s | Granite Bay

Hawk’s is a fine-dining restaurant in Granite Bay that showcases the best of local, seasonal meats and produce. They even offer a monthly chef’s tasting menu so you can experience everything the Sacramento region has to offer. Their interior dining room is refined and elegant, but if you prefer the outdoors, they have a lovely patio overlooking a pond, with heaters and a fire pit.

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The Independent | Placerville

The Independent in Placerville may be known for its seasonal, farm-to-table cuisine, but its lovely dining patio is also a draw. With a roaring fireplace and plenty of heaters, it’s a great option for dining when the temperatures drop. The menu focuses on American classics like steak, pork chops, seafood, and burgers.

Shangri-La | Fair Oaks

Photo Courtesy of Shangri-la Fair Oaks | IG: @shangrilafairoaks

Shangri-La is an all-seasons eatery in Fair Oaks with an expansive outdoor space. Come summer, misters keep diners cool, while in winter, you can curl up next to a fire pit. The food is a step up from what you’d expect to find at a Palm Springs-style restaurant-slash-bar, with dishes like salmon, fried chicken, and fish tacos. Plus, they have a killer cocktail menu.

Preserve | Winters

With its seasonal menu focusing on foods grown on surrounding farms, Preserve is a solid choice when looking for fine dining in Winters. But you don’t have to limit your visit to the warmer months. In fall and winter, they serve meals on their leafy streetside patio, with heaters to keep you cozy. Popular dishes include organic roasted chicken and halibut with lemon beurre blanc.

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Hook & Ladder | Midtown Sacramento

Hook & Ladder is a longstanding restaurant in Midtown Sacramento with several outdoor spaces to choose from. Their back patio is the coziest choice, with a rustic vibe and lush greenery. Twinkling lights and patio heaters add to the ambiance. The menu offers American-style small plates, pizzas, sandwiches, and entrees such as steak, seafood, and pasta.

South Fork Grille | El Dorado Hills

Photo Courtesy of South Fork Grill | IG: @southforkgrilleedh

Located in the El Dorado Hills Town Center, South Fork Grille features a robust menu of hearty American dishes, including steak, seafood, and pasta. They offer outdoor dining with views of the shopping center’s calming pond and fountain, complete with space heaters for chilly nights.

Sudwerk Brewing Company | Davis

In operation for more than 35 years, Sudwerk in Davis is perhaps best known for its German-style beers. But it also has a full dining menu, with German specialties like brats and pretzels alongside American favorites like burgers and pizza. They have an expansive, all-weather beer garden complete with fire pits and heaters.

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Mas Taco Bar | Sacramento & Folsom

With locations in the Arden Arcade area, Downtown Sacramento, and Folsom, Mas Taco Bar is a good bet for those looking for a cozy patio with a south-of-the-border vibe. Naturally, the focus is on tacos, which come in every variety, many with an international influence. Favorites include Indian butter chicken, Korean fried shrimp, and Thai beef, but there are classics like al pastor, carnitas, and barbacoa too.

Zocalo | Roseville, Folsom & Sacramento

Photo Courtesy of Zocalo Restaurant | IG: @zocalorestaurant

Upscale, regional Mexican cuisine is the hallmark of Zocalo, which has locations in Roseville, Folsom, and Sacramento. Their menu goes far beyond the typical combo plates. They offer dishes such as chile Colorado, carnitas, and mango salmon. Best of all, you can enjoy dining al fresco any time of year — their charming outdoor patio welcomes diners with twinkling string lights and cozy heaters.

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