Although it can often be cloudy in San Francisco, when it’s sunny, everyone is out and about. If you want to take advantage of the warm weather, try out these places for some outdoor dining.
1. Golden Gate Park
Photo courtesy of @tarilindal on Instagram
Pack a picnic lunch and eat near Stow Lake followed by a paddle-boat ride, or stop by the Japanese Tea Garden for a snack. Golden Gate Park has many things to do including visiting the de Young Museum, the California Academy of Sciences, and the Conservatory of Flowers.
2. Dolores Park
Photo courtesy of @localwanderer on Instagram
Dolores Park is a great place to have a small barbecue with friends, or to get food to-go from the local Tartine Bakery and enjoy the sunshine and great views.
3. The Magic Flute
Photo courtesy of @angiekao on Instagram
With the most quaint outdoor patio, The Magic Flute is the perfect place for a girls lunch or a first date. The burger and the pasta are to die for, and they taste even better outside on the patio.
4. Baker Beach
Photo courtesy of @kalaroses on Instagram
Baker Beach is another great picnic spot. Bring a towel, some friends, great food, and you will be set for the day.
5. Plow
Photo courtesy of @jskawang on Instagram
Enjoy the famous lemon ricotta pancakes or my personal favorite, “The Plow” (eggs, homemade sausage patties, two lemon ricotta pancakes, Plow potatoes) and a cup of coffee on the outdoor street seating. You won’t regret it.
6. Butler and the Chef
Photo courtesy of @hannahpilkes on Instagram
If you want to pretend that you aren’t in the United States, give Butler and the Chef a try. You’ll feel like you’re in a small Paris neighborhood with some french toast and a latté by your side.
7. Off the Grid
Photo courtesy of @offthegridsf on Instagram
For those of you who don’t know, Off the Grid is a food truck series all around the Bay Area, but the one in the city offers the best outdoor seating options. The trucks change every week, ranging from “Bacon Mania,” “Brother Baby’s BBQ,” and “Cheese Gone Wild,” to name a few. There’s something for everyone at the trucks, and you can get drinks, main entrees, and desserts.
8. Waterbar
Photo courtesy of @instabeckwith on Instagram
Located along the Embarcadero, Waterbar provides one of the best views in the city. Be sure to book early so you can ensure outdoor seating so you can get a look at the bridge while enjoying your seafood.
9. Coqueta
Photo courtesy of @thankyousunshine on Instagram
Also located along the Embarcadero, Coqueta provides excellent food with an even better view.
10. Foreign Cinema
Photo courtesy of @foreigncinemasf on Instagram
Foreign Cinema is truly one-of-a-kind. The outdoor patio has old movies being projected onto the screen so you can watch while enjoying the famous fried chicken or Moroccan duck.
11. Rose’s Cafe
Photo courtesy of @lolodavis on Instagram
Rose’s Cafe is ideal for brunch on a warm San Francisco afternoon. It’s great for people watching while enjoying the breakfast pizza.
12. Blackwood
Photo courtesy of @blackwoodsf on Instagram
Want some great Thai food? Look no further than Blackwood. In the Marina district of the city, the restaurant is on Chestnut Street, one of my favorite streets in the city. After lunch outside, definitely walk around to explore the other cute shops Chestnut Street has to offer.
13. Zazie
Photo courtesy of @anniebanhie on Instagram
This French bistro has an adorable backyard patio that provides the perfect place for a great Instagram pic. Zazie is famous for the French Toast Tahiti (stuffed with caramelized bananas and walnuts as seen above), which is perfect to enjoy on a Sunday afternoon.
14. Crissy Field
Photo courtesy of @ematthewbyrne on Instagram
Crissy Field is another great place to picnic due to its ideal view of the Golden Gate. Since it’s in the Presidio area, be sure to take a stroll or hike after lunch for some great sights of the city.
15. Outerlands
Photo courtesy of @outerlands on Instagram
Although the wait can be long, Outerlands is a must-try. On the weekends, Outerlands offers their dutch pancakes, which can be savory (without fruit) or sweet (with fruit). To avoid the lines and to ensure outdoor seating, be sure to arrive as early as possible.