Patio dining in the foothills

With our pleasant weather and surroundings, we’re an ideal region to eat outdoors most of the year, including during our Indian Summer.

Here are ten of our favorite outdoor dining spots in the foothills and Sierra.

Diegos, Grass Valley
Diegos Chilean restaurant has a charming outdoor patio, featuring original tile work, an overhead trellis and colorful plantings. The eclectic surroundings remind you of a neighborhood Latin America cafe, where you can enjoy food ranging from lomito sandwiches (roast, shredded
pork) to fish tacos. Diegos’ pasture-raised beef comes from Nevada County Free Range Beef.
217 Colfax Ave., Grass Valley
530-477-1460 DiegosRestaurant.com

Ike’s Quarter Cafe, Nevada City
Ike’s tree-covered patio with brightly colored flowers is one of the finest outdoor dining spots in the foothills. The handsome deck is built of recycled wood, from a coastal forest planted
by conservationist John Muir. The tablecloths are colorful and cajun. Ike’s specializes in Creole food, using fresh, organic ingredients.
401 Commercial St., Nevada City
530-265-6138 IkesQuarterCafe.com

Kane’s Fine Foods, Grass Valley
The attractive outdoor patio at Kane’s is a big lure when you drive by, and now is the time to enjoy it. There are market umbrellas, and the elegant surroundings include brick, wrought iron
and palm plantings. Kane’s serves everything from pasta to pizza and from steaks to seafood.
120 E. Main St., Grass Valley
530-273-8111 KanesRestaurant.net

Maria’s Mexican Restaurant, Grass Valley
A new outdoor patio includes cowhide chairs, a fountain and pink flowering plants including Crape Myrtles. It seats 60 diners, who also can enjoy an outdoor bar. The surroundings let you escape South of the Border, where you can eat Maria’s authentic, homemade Mexican food and sip a Margarita.
226 East Main St., Grass Valley
530-274-2040 MariasGrassValley.com

Matteo’s Public, Nevada City
Matteo’s Public has a large brick patio that is handsomely decorated, in heart of the historic district. There’s live music, ranging from Bluegrass to Brazilian jazz, on Thursday through
Sunday. The beer and wine pub, featuring upscale comfort food, is family friendly and a favorite spot for dining alfresco.
300 Commercial St., Nevada City
530-265-0782 MatteosPublic.com

Monkey Cat, Auburn
The Palapa bar at Monkey Cat is one of the foothills’ best outdoor patios for dining and cocktails, with a South Seas decor. The cocktail menu includes classic Martinis, Rum Runners and fresh-fruit Margaritas. The menu in- cludes fish, meat, poultry and pasta. Monkey Cat’s patio is Wi-Fi accessible and dog friendly.
805 Lincoln Way, Auburn
530-888-8492 MonkeyCat.com

Old 5 Mile House, Nevada City
A 5-minute getaway from Nevada City, the Old 5 Mile House features a beautiful garden patio amid the pine trees. You sit beneath big red umbrellas and look across a lush, green lawn into the forest—an idyllic alpine setting. The restaurant features “roadhouse food from around the world” with a fun and affordable menu.
18851 Hwy. 20 5 min. east of Nevada
City on Hwy. 20 530-265-5155
TheOld5MileHouse.com

River Ranch Lodge, Tahoe City
The River Ranch’s spacious outdoor patio sits on the banks of the scenic Truckee River. It is a lively hub of summer activity including a daily barbeque lunch. Visitors arrive by river raft, car
or from the bicycle and walking path adjacent to the historic lodge.
Hwy. 89 and Alpine Meadows Rd.
Tahoe City 530-583-4264
RiverRanchLodge.com

Sopa Thai, Nevada City
The restaurant’s enchanting, Asian-inspired garden is among the most tranquil in the foothills. It features a pond with running water, granite boulders and brightly colored flowers. The restaurant’s patio is magical at nighttime.
312-316 Commercial St., Nevada City
530-470-0101 SopaThai.net

Tofanelli’s Gold Country Bistro, Grass Valley
Tofanelli’s handsome outdoor patio is a popular spot in the historic downtown. The tree-covered patio, featuring brick, stone and a gurgling fountain, is beautifully landscaped. A
stainless steel, slow-cook smoker called “The Legend” is cranked up to offer barbeque ribs, chicken, tri-tip steak or pulled pork. You can also order from the regular menu.
302 West Main St., Grass Valley
530-272-1468 Tofanellis.com