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Capitalize on cool weather by visiting one of our favorite East Valley patios
By CRYSTAL PETROCELLI
Get Out
We coax ourselves through, oh, say, 10 months of uninhabitable weather to reach this point on the calendar. If you’re inside right now, you shouldn’t be. All this “it’s so nice out” will be gone before you know it.
We’d hate for you to waste these precious days and nights dining on a plain-Jane patio, so here are eight of our East Valley faves — from a dirt-floored cowboy grill to a $10 million European-inspired villa — all of which have great food and even better open air atmospheres ...
EUROPEAN DREAMING
Sassi in Scottsdale
Spread across some of the most prime real estate in the Valley, this Italian restaurant is a vast villa of rough red bricks, smooth golden stucco, dancing fountains, soothing fireplaces and elegant desert landscaping. Looking at the beautiful building is almost as enjoyable as gazing out at the expansive mountain views.
Details: 10455 E. Pinnacle Peak Parkway, or www.sassi.biz
ROMANTIC HIDE-OUT
Tree-hugged romance
Rancho de Tia Rosa in Mesa
Colorful tile tables, cantera stone fountains and an abundance of potted plants and flowers transport al fresco diners to the Mexican Riviera but the best seat in the house is a lone table for two hidden in the far southwest corner of the property looking out over a lush lawn. It’s so quiet, you’ll hear even the slightest breeze rustle the 40-plus-foot pine tree swaying above you.
Details: 3129 E. McKellips Road, or www.tiarosa.net
FAIRWAYS AND SAN TANS
Bolero’s at Seville in Gilbert
Bolero’s is a beautiful Mediterranean style restaurant with unobstructed views of the San Tan Mountains, impeccably landscaped surroundings, towers and soaring arches. Visitors will feel like royalty looking out over their distant “village” (re: subdivisions) from the sprawling, south-facing patio of the castle-like restaurant.
Details: 6683 S. Clubhouse Drive,
COTTAGE CHARM
Arcadia Farms in Scottsdale
A sprawling pine tree teams up with a canopy of forest green umbrellas to shade the inner courtyard of this popular “ladies lunch” hot spot. Bird baths, four-foot bright metal flowers, pink and white oleanders, vine painted walls and a plethora of plants are nestled between three white-washed cottages creating what’s arguably the most adorable cafe in the Valley.
Details: 7014 E. First Ave., or www.arcadiafarmscafe.com
MEXICAN JUNGLE
El Zócalo Mexican Grille in Chandler
The densest collection of foliage I’ve come across indoors or out, one could easily hide behind a wall of green on this Mexican grille’s well-worn, red brick back patio. With live music on the weekends and giant mist-throwing fans, this old town Chandler hideout is one of the coolest patios around.
Details: 28 S. San Marcos Place, or www.delacruzeateries.com
DOWN AND DIRTY
Greasewood Flat in Scottsdale
Bordered by one of the largest aspen groves in the Valley, this dusty outdoor bar and grill is a giant picnic filled with beer-swilling cowboys and bikers. City dwellers will love the dark skies, crisp air (it’s 1,000 feet above Phoenix) and Old West wackiness.
Details: 27500 N. Alma School Parkway,
PLAYER’S PARADISE
Monastery in Mesa
It’s a backyard barbecue — literally. But it’s at a sports-crazed uncle’s house and after you throw your burger on the grill (it’s do-it-yourself at this cook-less joint) someone grabs you for a game of volleyball, ping-pong, horseshoes, foosball or darts under the star-speckled skies of northeast Mesa.
Details: 4810 E. McKellips Road, or www.realfunbar.com
SUPER-STITION VIEWS
Super-stition views
Open Range Steakhouse in Gold Canyon
A twinkle-light-strewn Palo Verde tree greets customers from the center of this Old West eatery’s weathered front porch. Ask for table P-4, it boasts the best views of the East Valley’s storied Superstition Mountains which give this far East Valley steakhouse a movie-set worthy backdrop.
Details: 6030 S. Kingsman Ranch Road,
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