After a long winter and a cool spring, we are finally starting to see temperatures rise! Summers in Connecticut are so special. They are the prize we all graciously receive for ending the cold, miserable winter months!
My family loves eating our meals outdoors. On most warm days, you can find us enjoying outdoor dining at Sasco Beach, enjoying Shake Shack for lunch, or Proof Pizza for dinner.
Many kid-friendly restaurants have outdoor seating as well. Below are some of our family’s favorite spots for dinner out on a warm summer night. Bonus – many of these places have space for the kids to run around without disturbing other diners. That means more time for you to finish that glass of wine while the kids have fun!
Picnic at The Beach {Multiple Fairfield County Towns}
Ok, it’s not technically a restaurant, but the beach is one of our favorite go-to spots to meet friends in the summer. You can bring a picnic or order delivery to the beach! Some beaches have food trucks parked, like the Proof Pizza Truck at Sasco Beach! Enjoy your meal while the kids play or go for a swim. It’s summer living at its best!
Cisco Brewery at The Village {Stamford}
If you haven’t checked out The Village yet, you are missing out. This combined office space, art gallery, and culinary destination are not to be missed. It includes their signature restaurant, The Wheel, and Cisco Brewery’s first location outside of Nantucket. The location is right on the water, often has live music, and ample space for kids to play and explore. The brewery is only open on Memorial Day through Fall, so don’t miss out!
Mexicue at Harbor Point {Stamford}
The food at Mexicu is quite good, but the location is everything! Right on the water, in the heart of Harbor Point, Mexicu offers lots to entertain the little ones. After your meal, you can stroll on the boardwalk, swing on the deck swings, or even take out a kayak. The water taxi can take you over to neighboring restaurants such as Crab Shell or Prime.
Rowayton Pizza {Norwalk}
The outdoor eating area is small (and pretty much an extension of the parking lot), but the pizza is good, and many nights there is live music. Location is everything here. Enjoy an after-dinner stroll in beautiful Rowayton and stop for ice cream down the street if you have room.
Valencia Luncheria {Norwalk}
A bit off the beaten path, this restaurant has amazing food and a fun outdoor area (seats are in the sand!). My husband is Hispanic, and Valencia is hands down his favorite spot around for authentic Spanish cuisine.
Viva Zapata {Westport}
Viva’s has a sizable patio and an extensive menu of Tex-Mex favorites. The best part? Kids under six get a free taco or enchilada with every adult entrée order. You can enjoy a pretty walk along the riverwalk and shop after dinner. Word of caution – the margaritas here are delicious but dangerous!
Bar Taco {Westport}
Bar Taco’s huge patio overlooking the Saugatuck River makes this location a must-visit…not to mention their delicious tacos and knock your socks off margaritas! They do not take reservations, so arrive early to get your name on the list.
Centro {Fairfield}
Centro has a great patio with beautiful string lighting and heaters for chilly nights. The food is excellent, and the location is right on Sherman Green. Kids can venture out and listen to the outdoor concerts at the Gazebo. Arrive early, since this spot is very popular in summer!
Flipside {Fairfield}
This place has a pretty good-sized patio open in the summer. The burgers here can’t be beat, and there are plenty of kid-friendly options, including fun milkshakes. There is a good selection of beers on tap with different drink specials every night of the week. If you have time to spare, you can walk across the parking lot to MilkCraft for dessert.
Captain’s Cove {Bridgeport}
So many families love Captain’s Cove! Order at the walk-up counter while the kids grab a seat at one of the picnic tables right by the toy cars and boats. Kids’ meals come in a fun box with a drink, cookie, and treasure map! Visit the cute shops along the dock where kids can get free trinkets and candy. The menu is pretty basic, but the atmosphere more than makes up for it. Captain’s Cove is a good time for everyone, with a full bar upstairs and live bands playing weekend nights!
Harborview Market {Bridgeport}
Open mainly for breakfast and lunch, this kid-friendly spot has welcoming staff and quaint seating outside in a residential setting. Walk to St. Anne’s on Saturday mornings for the Black Rock Farmer’s Market.
Looking for some more options? Below is a list of favorite outdoor dining spots from other Fairfield County Mom contributors:
• Apple Cart Food Company {Mead Park, New Cannaan}
• Bambou {Greenwich}
• Capriccio {Stamford}
• Crabshell {Stamford}
• Heibeck’s {Wilton}
• Lucky’s {Stamford}
• Little Pub {Fairfield, Wilton & Stratford}
• Mex on Main {Trumbull}
• Trumbull Pizza Company {Trumbull}
• Uberti’s Fish Market {Stratford}
