Several restaurants in the St. Louis area boast inviting patios, but we narrowed our visits to four local spots that offer unique ideas for homeowners to adapt. The restaurateurs behind them stand out for transforming less-than-ideal real estate into outdoor oases.
Katie’s Pizza & Pasta Osteria, Rock Hill
At Katie’s, tall evergreens are grouped in large corrugated-metal tubs to shield patio diners from having to look out onto a nearby strip mall. Seating options include vintage dinette sets with mismatched chairs and long communal tables. Garden beds planted with produce, including edible flowers, are flanked by rustic wooden chairs, an overturned wheelbarrow, and large pieces of driftwood to further transport diners from their suburban surroundings.
This year, the patio will undergo a redesign that includes new tables. Manager Belinda Lee says the outdoor area will still host live music on Friday and Saturday nights, in addition to the Wednesday and Thursday events that were scheduled last spring and summer. “And, as always, we’ll have our organic garden,” she adds. katiespizzaandpasta.com
- Takeaway Tip: Use garden plants as an integral part of your patio décor.
Cardwell’s, Clayton
Strategically placed pots filled with evergreens and white lights wrapped around trees help separate this restaurant’s outdoor dining space from foot traffic on a busy Clayton corner. A fountain and silver sculpture titled FM6 Walking Jackman, by Ernest Trova, define the space. cardwellsinclayton.com
- Takeaway Tip: Think about adding a signature sculpture, outdoor artwork, or fire pit to create a focal point.
Brio Tuscan Grille, Frontenac
The outdoor dining area at Brio includes a mix of low- and high-topped tables, as well as separate seating areas that offer guests a variety of options and give depth and visual interest to the space. Strings of large outdoor globe lights cast a pretty glow. Dramatic draperies in a durable off-white fabric provide privacy and protection from the elements. They also block out the distractions of the parking lot, which is shared with Plaza Frontenac. brioitalian.com/plaza_frontenac
- Takeaway Tip: Consider using weather-resistant drapes in your outdoor space to create a Tuscan-vacation feel at home.
Billy G’s, Kirkwood
Billy G’s expansive outdoor dining area features a long fire pit table, distinctive ceiling fans, and rustic décor details, including antique wrought-iron screens and refurbished barn doors. General manager Greg Hand calls the patio’s design aesthetic “natural industrial.”
There are plans this year to revamp the back bar and replace some existing seating with handcrafted wooden tables. The staff adds 20 to 30 hanging plants in the spring and summer months to give the patio a garden feel. “It doesn’t feel like you are in St. Louis when it’s 74 degrees, the sun is setting, and the twinkling lights are on,” says Hand. “It feels like you’re at a resort.” billygskirkwood.com
- Takeaway Tip: Draw inspiration from favorite vacation spots to create your own backyard resort.
