By George Mahe
Photograph by Katherine Bish
Ah, that first “patio” sighting—it always brings a smile. Some overzealous couple has just convinced a weary restaurant owner to wipe down a few chairs and prematurely open his patio. Be assured, the local dining lemmings are close behind, and like kids on a playground, they’ll stay outside until they’re forced indoors. Here’s good news for everyone: A handful of restaurant owners, realizing our weakness (and eager to cash in on that rent-free space), have converted idle patios into prime wintertime seating, adding roofs, clear wall drops, heaters, tunes—even plants. So go ahead and gloat that you dined “outside” last night. In St. Louis. In October.
Zinnia, 7491 Big Bend, 314-962-0572, zinnia-stl.com
Paradoxically, this 24-seat gem wins the award for the oldest yet least-known covered patio in town. Tucked in the rear with no street noise and no distractions, studded with heaters and a garden that terraces, it’s our hands-down favorite for romance. P.S. To the couple overheard calling Zinnia their own “private” garden—sorry, we’ll try to be quiet.
Annie Gunn’s, 16806 Chesterfield Airport Road, 636-532-7684, anniegunns.com
Best described with a backhanded compliment: often pricey, but always worth it. Alas, the days of the roaring wood fire on the open-air patio are gone—the gods of versatility prevailed—but a full cover and gas fireplace guarantee year-round indulgence. Best yet, only half of Annie’s seats are ever reserved, so for the spontaneous diner, snagging that primo patio table is always “a definite possibility.”
The Pitted Olive, 5815 Hampton, 314-832-6548, thepittedolivedeli.com
Attention, diners: The well-traveled Mike Holmes has now landed, bought a building, set up a take-home gourmet deli—and completely miscalculated his success. Born out of necessity, the PO’s seat-doubling patio/garden has grown a wintertime roof and walls, where it lives its second life, interspersed with grapevines, wild grasses, potted plants, dried herbs and flowers and a most welcome accoutrement: area rugs.
Copia Urban Winery, 1122 Washington, 314-621-7275, copiawine.com
Designed to impress, this 175-seat granddaddy sports a high ceiling, lavish hanging baskets, heaters and fans, mist coolers, sinfully large TVs and removable walls. A bona fide “10” on the “Wow” scale, it’s the Maybach of patios. Still unimpressed? Factor in the best gumbo in town and a knockout turn on calamari, and you may well reconsider your decision not to move to Washington Avenue.
McGurk’s, 1200 Russell, 314-776-8309, mcgurks.com
A pub-and-grill version of Copia—but even better in some ways. The sprawling garden is manicured like MoBot, but the highlight may be the waterfall (envision a mini-version of the Cascades in Forest Park), which, come winter, morphs into frozen sculpture, viewable through drop-down clear walls. Indulge in the Gaelic Steak, the best tenderloin deal in town, and then pause to scribble a “wish you were here” postcard to that braggart in Florida.
Baileys’ Chocolate Bar, 1915 Park, 314-241-8100, baileyschocolatebar.com
Sure, the front room has all the activity, but that’s precisely the point. All romantics to the rear, please. Unbeknownst to most, there’s a multilevel patio back there, long and narrow, full of whispers and strong drinks. Compare the Chocolate Inebriation cake to the White Chocolate Blondie. Or just order a few Hot Chocolate Martinis and scooch a little closer. Did you miss any action in the front room? Nah, the good action’s out back.
