There’s something about October in Arizona that feels like an invitation to head outside. After months of escaping the summer heat, the evenings begin to cool, the sunsets arrive a little earlier and patio season finally makes its much-anticipated return.
And in Surprise, there’s no shortage of places to pull up a chair.
Whether it’s sharing tapas as the sun goes down, lingering over a glass of wine beneath the stars, sipping a margarita surrounded by greenery or bringing your four-legged best friend along for the evening, dining outdoors turns an ordinary meal into an experience. It’s less about rushing through dinner and more about slowing down, ordering another round and enjoying the kind of weather we’ve been waiting all summer for.
This fall, we’re taking dinner and drinks outside at six Surprise destinations, each with its own take on patio season.
Quench Taps & Tapas
Tapas & Toasts at Sunset
14010 N. Litchfield Rd., Suite 212, Surprise, AZ 85379
Small plates were made for sharing, and Quench Taps & Tapas gives patio night a sophisticated twist. The chef-owned scratch kitchen pairs its rotating selection of shareable plates with craft cocktails and an extensive wine selection. Gather a few friends, order several dishes for the table and raise a glass as another Arizona sunset paints the sky.
The Toast Craft Kitchen & Cocktails
Sips & Bites Al Fresco
17058 W. Bell Rd., Suite 104, Surprise, AZ 85374
The Toast offers an easygoing neighborhood setting for turning lunch, dinner or cocktails into an outdoor affair. With contemporary cuisine, Mediterranean influences, shareable appetizers and handcrafted drinks, its patio is an inviting spot to settle in when cooler weather arrives. Order something for the table, find a favorite cocktail and enjoy the simple pleasure of dining outside.
Rio Mirage Café
Margaritas in the Garden
13863 W. Bell Rd., Surprise, AZ 85379
Few things pair with an Arizona evening quite like Mexican food and a margarita. Rio Mirage brings plenty of color and personality to patio season with a festive atmosphere, classic Mexican favorites and a full bar known for its margaritas. From fajitas and enchiladas to chips, salsa and something icy to sip, this is patio dining with a little fiesta built in.
Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant
Wine Under the Arizona Stars
16470 W. Alexandria Way, Surprise, AZ 85388
For an elevated evening outdoors, Cooper’s Hawk brings together wine and dining in one polished experience. Start with a tasting, choose a bottle to share and head to the patio for dinner beneath the evening sky. With an extensive wine program, shareable plates and contemporary American cuisine, it’s an easy choice for date night, celebrations or a leisurely evening with friends.
Osteria Mia
Pasta & Prosecco Al Fresco
16853 N. 145th Ave., Suite 155, Surprise, AZ 85374
There’s something inherently romantic about Italian food enjoyed outdoors. Osteria Mia sets the table with the flavors of an Italian neighborhood gathering place—from burrata and arancini to handmade-style pastas, pizza and Italian-inspired cocktails. Add a glass of wine or Prosecco, good conversation and an Arizona evening, and you have all the ingredients for a relaxed night spent lingering over the table.
O.H.S.O. Brewery
Pups Welcome on the Patio
13434 N. Prasada Pkwy., Surprise, AZ 85388
Patio season is even better when your best friend can come along. O.H.S.O. brings its famously social brewery atmosphere to Surprise with craft beer, casual bites and an outdoor experience that welcomes four-legged guests. Grab a pint, order something to share and settle in with your pup for a laid-back afternoon or evening outdoors.
Pull Up a Chair
Arizona patio season never seems to last quite long enough, which makes these cooler days and evenings worth savoring. Meet a friend for happy hour, turn dinner into date night, bring the whole crew or the dog, and stay awhile.
Because sometimes the best table in the restaurant isn’t inside at all.