It’s that time of year to start dining outside. Here’s 5 great patios in CT to eat at

As summer inches closer and weather begins to improve, it’s time for Connecticut diners to start thinking about taking their evening meal outside. All over the state, patios have popped up at restaurants, with umbrellas, chairs and rooftops ready to be enjoyed.

Get together a group of friends to enjoy an afternoon lunch or a nighttime under the stars with drinks. Connecticut restaurants have really stepped it up with their patios since the pandemic, offering diners plenty of options whether to sit outside, hang out at the bar or in a traditional booth or table.

We have compiled a list of five restaurants in Hartford County where diners can enjoy comfortable outside eating.

The Elbow Room

986 Farmington Ave., West Hartford

The Elbow Room boasts one of the best rooftop views of West Hartford Center and Blue Back Square. Their menu includes a variety of specialty burgers including Benny’s Bar Burger, The Shroom’, Dirty Burger and Big Mac Burger Panini. The restaurant, known for its classic American fare, is a popular daytime and nighttime spot in the center.

The Mill on the River

989 Ellington Road, South Windsor, CT

The Mill on the River is “the perfect blend of traditional New England comfort and upscale dining elegance,” according to its site. The ex-mill is now one of the “most picturesque restaurants in Connecticut.” Start your meal with Blackened Jumbo Day Boat Sea Scallops or Ravioli du Jour and move on to the Signature Fra Diavolo, Pan-Seared Chilean Sea Bass or a Grilled Rack of Australian Lamb.

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Bartaco

971 Farmington Ave., West Hartford

Bartaco sits in the heart of West Hartford Center and hosts an expansive patio with plenty of seating and sun. Order one of their varieties of tacos including baja fish, spiced chicken verde, tuna tatako and glazed pork belly. Bartaco also has other locations in Connecticut and beyond.

Sorella

901 Main St., Hartford

Sorella is in the heart of downtown Hartford within walking distance of the Xl Center, Hartford Stage and Dunkin’ Park. Its menu is full of Italian classics with wood-fired pizza and house made pasta. Enjoy a pizza or an assortment of entrees including The WiseGuy pizza, Johnny Rose pizza or Sorella’s Lasagna.

J Restaurant | Bar

297 Washington St., Hartford

J Restaurant | Bar is in midtown Hartford and is perfect for a night on the town. Enjoy a plethora of Italian classics such as Veal Milanese, Chicken Francais, Penne ala Vodka or a sampling of artisan pizzas. Pizzas include Shrimp Tuscan, White Broccoli and Napolitana. According to its website, J has the city’s largest outdoor patio.