The reopening of many restaurants’ patios is the first sure sign of spring

Spring is making its presence known with temperatures poking up into the 60s on the thermometer. With this welcome break from the icy grip of winter, some have turned their thoughts to opportunities for outdoor dining. While many locations offer outdoor seating options, the pandemic still has some staffing schedules in disarray, so wherever you decide to dine al fresco, be sure to call ahead to confirm the patio is open. Here are a few suggestions to get you started:

The Caroline
5 S. Market St., Troy
This bistro serves up classic American fare situated in the center of Troy’s historic town square. If you’re hitting the patio Tuesday through Saturday, take advantage of happy hour specials, including $4 off appetizers, $3 craft pints, and $4 house wines.

TJ Chumps
1100 E. Dayton-Yellow Springs Road, Fairborn
Don your thinking cap and hit the patio for live trivia on Tuesdays at this local chain’s Fairborn location. Sip on $2.99 margaritas or long island iced tea cocktails, which is the Tuesday drink special. TJ Chumps is well-known for its outdoor dining, and it’s looking to beef up staff at all four locations, with plans to hire about 100 new staff to support outdoor dining.

Table 33
130 W. Second St., Dayton
This restaurant features a farm-to-table menu with weekly specials, including Taco Tuesdays. Enjoy weekly taco specials and $0.33 margaritas—you read that right—with your taco purchase. P.S.: Kids eat free with purchase of an entree so the whole family can enjoy a night on the patio in downtown Dayton.

Bennett’s Publical Family Sports Grill
67 S. Main St., Miamisburg
This eatery’s patio is just steps from the bike path, making it an ideal pit stop for a day of outdoor spring fun. Hit the restaurant between 3-6 p.m. Monday through Friday for happy hour specials, such as $5 appetizers, $2.50 domestic bottles and $3.50 well cocktails.