Best Al Fresco dining in the Sierra Foothills and Truckee-Tahoe

HERE ARE SOME ENJOYABLE OUTDOOR DINING spots in our region:

DIEGOS
Diegos has a charming outdoor patio, featuring original tile work, a trellis and colorful plantings. The eclectic surroundings are redolent of a neighborhood Latin America café, with food ranging from lomito sandwiches (roast, shredded pork) to fish tacos. 217 Colfax Ave., GV. DiegosRestaurant.com

IKE’S QUARTER CAFE
Ike’s tree-covered patio is one of the finest outdoor dining spots in the foothills. Ike’s specializes in Creole food, using fresh, organic ingredients. 401 Commercial St., NC. IkesQuarterCafe.com

KANE’S FAMILY RESTAURANT
An expansion at Kane’s includes a partially covered patio. A stunning design increases the seating in the bar and creates a lounge area. Homestyle Italian-American cooking and fresh salads.
120 E. Main St., GV. KanesRestaurant.com

LEFTY’S GRILL
Sit outside and listen to Deer Creek gurgling below. Lefty’s prepares all dishes from scratch, with daily specials, award-winning pizzas, unique sandwiches and more. 101 Broad St., NC. LeftysGrill.com

MARIA’S MEXICAN RESTAURANT
An outdoor patio includes strung terrazo lights, pink flowering plants and a colorful awning. The surroundings let you escape South of the Border, where you can eat authentic Mexican food and sip a Margarita. 226 E. Main St., GV. MariasGrassValley.com

MATTEO’S PUBLIC
Matteo’s has a large brick patio in the heart of the historic district. Live music is performed on the patio. The beer and wine pub, featuring upscale comfort food, is family friendly. 300 Commercial St., NC. MatteosPublic.com

MONKEY CAT
The Palapa bar at Monkey Cat is one of the foothills’ best outdoor patios for dining and cocktails, with a South Seas decor. The patio is Wi-Fi accesible and dog friendly. 805 Lincoln Way, Auburn. MonkeyCat.com

MORGAN’S LOBSTER SHACK
Morgan’s, known for its “wicked fresh” fish, lobster rolls and salads, has picnic benches, and tables and chairs with Truckee River views. It also has a fish market. 10087 West River St., Truckee. MorgansLobsterShack.com

SUMMER THYME’S BAKERY & DELI
A new location includes an attractive outdoor dining space. Summer Thymes offers sandwiches, soups and salads with fresh, local ingredients from local farms. 231 Colfax Ave, GV. SummerThymes.com

TOFANELLI’S GOLD COUNTRY BISTRO
Tofanelli’s handsome outdoor patio is a popular spot in the historic downtown. A stainless steel, slow-cook smoker is cranked up to offer barbeque ribs, chicken, tri-tip steak or pulled pork.
302 W. Main St., GV. Tofanellis.com

(Photo: Rick Tracewell)