Summertime in Birmingham is undeniably hot and muggy, but we southerners have learned to embrace it. During this time of year, the last thing I want when I go eat dinner or have a drink after work with friends is sit inside. We’re inside all day working and all night sleeping, so when the summer breeze is blowing, at least we can relax outside.  With a cold Delirium beer in hand (Thanks, Free the Hops!) and some appetizers on the way, sitting outside at any local restaurant really is a summer treat.

        Anytime my friends or I have mentioned getting together at a restaurant after work or on weekends, our deciding factor is of course always, Where could we sit outside? After a summer of outdoor dining, I have definitely found my favorites. Taking into account ambiance, seating, quality of food, drink selections, and prices, I have come up with my personal list of Birmingham’s best sit-outside restaurants.

They are:

Rojo. Known for its pineapple salsa and eclectic crowd, Rojo is a very popular summer spot to stop by for a quick beer or sit outside and stay for hours.  Having been a few times in the past couple weeks, I can tell you that the food there is delicious, and its location on Highland Avenue makes for an excellent place to people watch and sip on some margaritas. Like a little kick to your food? Try the spicy habanero puree sauce. An avid lover of extra spicy foods, not even I can handle that heat. If you’re up for the challenge, give it a try! 

Jackson’s Bar & Bistro. Dining outside at Jackson’s in Homewood is always fun and easy going, and if you don’t run into at least one person you know there, you either a) don’t live in Birmingham, or b) just moved here. Be sure to go on Tuesday night for half-price beer, but be prepared to wait for a very worth-it outside table on Jackson’s enormous outdoor seating area in Soho Square.

Jinsei Sushi. It’s difficult to go to Jinsei and not want to order at least ¾ of the menu.  Since my eyes are always bigger than my stomach at the ultra-chic, ultra-delicious Jinsei, I’ve discovered that the secret is to keep going back to test different menu items each time. A good time to do this is on Sundays when all sushi rolls are eight dollars each. If I had it my way, I’d be sitting on Jinsei’s outdoor patio with an order of Kadoma Tuna every Sunday night. 

Dram Whiskey Bar. Evoking the feeling of being in a ski lodge inside and at a beachy California lounge outside, Dram does not disappoint. This new, trendy hot spot offers some pretty stout drinks and a menu full of burgers and other American grub. Outside, comfy couches and strings of white lights really take you somewhere else. The word “lounge” takes on a literal meaning on the multi-level patio at Dram. If you’re up for a more upscale fine dining experience, venture right upstairs to avo, Dram’s sister restaurant that has amazing service and a large, but cozy outdoor terrace overlooking the smack-dab center of Mountain Brook Village. 

Mafiaoza’s Pizzeria & Neighborhood Pub. This Italian restaurant in Crestline is a great place to meet up with friends and sit at a table outside or inside. Listen to a little live Jazz on Tuesday nights when Mafiaoza’s offers its Two for One Tuesday pizza special. Not up for pizza? Try the Pucetti salad! I can honestly say it’s my favorite salad I’ve ever had in Birmingham. If chicken salad, fried balls of goat cheese, dried cranberries, and lemon poppy seed dressing sounds appealing to you, order it. If not, order it anyway; you won’t be disappointed. 

Planning your Cinco de Mayo Party

After recuperating after French and Irish celebrations for the Mardi Gras and St. Patrick’s Day holidays, it’s now time to start thinking ahead for the annual holiday that gives anyone reason to throw back the tequila and eat a little too much queso. For anyone ever up for a good time, missing out on a Cinco de Mayo fiesta is an obvious no-no. Virtually every Mexican restaurant in town will be passing out the margaritas and whipping up chimichangas all day long. If you’re strapped for cash or aren’t up for the Cinco de Mayo crowds, it’s always possible to throw your own “Fiesta! Fiesta!” with a few festive decorations, take-out queso, and of course, enough Margaritas to keep your guests having fun.

For any festive Cinco de Mayo party, it wouldn’t be complete without the right décor. Some crucial decorative items are available online, such as:

• The Inflatable Fiesta Cooler
• The Donkey Jumbo Pinata
• The Fiesta Lantern Garland

My personal favorite queso is from La Paz in Crestline Village. For one quart, it costs $25.08. For a small bowl size, it costs $7.97. Call (205) 879-2225 for take-out orders. Each order comes with a complimentary batch of fresh tortilla chips.

A few fun margaritas can always liven up a Cinco de Mayo Party. Simple and easy to make, these margaritas are worth trying.

• Pomegranate Margaritas
• Strawberry Margaritas
• Raspberry “Sangre” Margaritas
• Classic Margarita