Pam McCallister | The Roanoke Times

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A couple of weeks ago, a group of diners huddled in their winter coats at a table outside one downtown restaurant.

It was 45 degrees in April, but by God, they were going to take advantage of some outdoor dining.

Now that summer is finally edging closer, maybe we can all shed a couple of layers and enjoy the Roanoke Valley's best spots for sipping in the sunshine -- or the shade.

1. Mac and Bob's

316 E. Main St., Salem

With a newly constructed patio that seats 100 and offers shade on hot days and heat on cool days, who wouldn't want to pull up a chair for a Katie Salad or a calzone? They even built a huge outdoor bar for that "Cocktail" feel.

2. Brambleton Deli

3655 Brambleton Ave., Roanoke County

I'll take a B.D. Special, a cold beer and a seat on the deck within earshot of the band, please.

3. Village Grill

1802 Memorial Ave. S.W., Roanoke

Other restaurants in Grandin Village have outdoor dining, too, but who else can boast a clear view of the firefighters -- er, fire department -- across the street?

4. Corned Beef & Co.

107 Jefferson St. S.W., Roanoke

What do you do when this popular downtown bar and dance spot gets too loud or smoky? Escape to the rooftop deck for some fresh air and a one-of-a-kind outdoor dining atmosphere.

5. El Rodeo

3280 Electric Road, Roanoke County

Many Mexican restaurants in Roanoke have nice patios, including Rancho Viejo on Electric Road and El Toreo on Thirlane Road. But the new El Rodeo at Cave Spring Corners seats 50 to 60 outside diners and boasts brightly colored patio furniture and a top-of-the-world view.

6. Tony Pope Bistro & Wine Bar

2123 Crystal Spring Ave. S.W., Roanoke

Although Pope's place is new, past experience has proved that the paver and grass checkerboard front lawn is a lovely setting for any meal. Added bonus: Diners get a view of all the South Roanoke happenings.

7. Fork in the Alley

2123B Crystal Spring Ave. S.W., Roanoke

Few restaurants in Roanoke offer diners the option of eating outdoors almost all year round. With its cozy, between-buildings feel and heaters to keep customers warm, Fork is a real gem.

8. Macado's Salem

211 E. Main St., Salem

Roanoke College students aren't the only ones who love to camp out around the wrought-iron tables under the creeping vines in downtown Salem. The green curtain provides a natural privacy screen that is both functional and pretty.

9. Pizza Pasta Pit

1713 Riverview Drive, Salem

Perhaps you've never considered this casual Italian restaurant a prime outdoor dining location, but its covered deck and friendly outdoor bar almost create a beachy feeling. That is, if you can ignore the cars whizzing by on Electric Road.

10. Awful Arthur's Seafood Company

108 Campbell Ave. S.E., Roanoke

It was difficult to single out one downtown restaurant because just about all of their outdoor accommodations are the same: chairs set up on the sidewalk in a roped-off location.

But Awful Arthur's has one of the larger spaces, complete with custom-made patio furniture, a large, round table that can accommodate about six and a view of the market. While the crowding and close proximity to traffic can negatively affect the ambience at any outdoor spot downtown, there's really no better place to people-watch on a Friday night -- especially if it's a First Fridays night.

YOUR TURN

Did we miss one of your favorite outdoor dining spots? We'd especially like to hear about restaurants near Smith Mountain Lake or in the New River Valley.

Share your list with us before 9 a.m. Monday, so we can get your picks in next week's issue. Don't forget your name, address and daytime telephone number.

E-MAIL: io@roanoke.com

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