There’s nothing like enjoying a pleasant meal while simultaneously basking in the glow of sunlight and feeling the warm breeze. That’s what makes al fresco dining the perfect option for a Friday night dinner with friends or a romantic date. And now that the weather is warming up, outdoor meals are more of an option, especially in the great-weather-year-round Bay Area. It just so happens that Cupertino has plenty of outdoor dining options. We’ve rounded up some of the best. 

Lazy Dog

Photo courtesy of Lazy Dog

This chain restaurant has locations around the Bay Area, and the most notable feature of Lazy Dog is that it’s dog-friendly. Dogs are welcome in the outdoor patio area, so you won’t have to feel bad about leaving your furry friend at home when you head off to Sunday brunch with your human pals. Lazy Dog even offers a small dog menu, so your pup can get in on the brunch action too.

The restaurant also has a very extensive menu featuring all different kinds of cuisines and taste preferences. From classic burgers to stir-fry dishes to Mexican chilaquiles, the menu is so large you’ll have to devote a good chunk of time just deciding what you want to order. No worries, though, as you’ll probably want to keep coming back to try out more menu options — we bet your dog will want to.

Rootstock Wine Bar

Photo courtesy of Rootstock Wine Bar

Who doesn’t love enjoying a glass of wine while sitting outside in the warm sun? Rootstock offers comfortable tables outdoors, where guests can sip on wine while taking in the blue sky and sampling some appetizers. From bruschetta and sliders to pork belly and assorted cheeses, the appetizer menu is extensive, and portions are large enough for sharing.

Rootstock Wine Bar also holds happy hour Monday through Friday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., allowing patrons to sample glasses of wine and enjoy appetizer platters for a discounted price. A special happy hour oyster deal is also held on weekends from noon to 3 p.m. when oysters are just $1.

Coconut’s Fish Cafe

Photo courtesy of Coconut’s Fish Cafe

This restaurant is a popular choice for a lunch spot among those who work in Cupertino. At noon on weekdays, you’ll see plenty of techies lining up for coconut shrimp, ahi poke, grilled ono, and of course, Coconut Fish Cafe’s famous fish tacos. The place is decorated with an island vibe, making it the perfect Hawaii-esque escape from a hectic workday. You’ll eat your lunch off surfboard-shaped tables while listening to reggae tunes and watching televisions that are playing surfing videos. 

For an even more relaxing vibe, check out the outdoor patio. There are plenty of tables for those who want to do some quick sunbathing before heading back to the un-sunlit office. 

Steins Beer Garden

Photo courtesy of Steins Beer Garden

As the week starts winding down, you might be thinking about hitting up a bar with friends on Friday night. At Steins Beer Garden, you can enjoy a classy vibe while sampling different brews from their rotating tap. With more than two dozen different draft beers, Steins’ selection is so wide you’ll want to take a sip of your friends’ orders too.

But where Steins shines even brighter is in the food department. The menu doesn’t just offer typical pub food. Sure, you’ll find things like fried chicken sandwiches and truffle fries, but you can also sample the German-inspired menu options, such as warm pretzels and grilled sausage plates. It’s a beer garden, after all, and the food doesn’t disappoint. Best of all, the outdoor patio seating is perfect for warm summer nights or cool autumn evenings if you’ve got a jacket.