The White House Restaurant on Crystal Spring offers outside dining. Photo by Stephanie Klein-Davis, The Roanoke Times

There's no better way to welcome warm weather than by eating outside. Somehow the sunshine just makes lunch, dinner or happy hour seem better. Maybe it's the thought of catching some lunchtime rays before returning to work or drinking a beer under an umbrella.

Whatever the case, Roanoke has lots of places to eat outdoors, some you may not even know about.

I checked out as many as I could find and broke it down for you based on what you might be looking for.

WHERE TO CHECK OUT THE DOWNTOWN SCENE

(AKA where to see who's coming and going to the bars.)

• Awful Arthur's, a bar itself on Campbell Avenue, is just the place to enjoy a PBR (that's Pabst Blue Ribbon beer) for $1.25 and a dozen oysters under the sun. Add your review to our dining guide.

• Corned Beef & Co.'s patio on the roof is great for people-watching. The view over Jefferson Street is something to brag about, but the tables and chairs aren't. Go on Friday when they serve free appetizers during happy hour. Add your review.

• Tavern on the Market (in the market building) gets you close to Cornerstone before making your grand entrance later that night. They have beer deals almost every night of the week, but make time for a Saturday happy hour — $2.50 Bloody Marys. Add your review.

• Wertz's on Market Street deserves a nod for best patio furniture - wicker chairs and tablecloths. Unfortunately, they have only a few tables outside, so you may want to call ahead. This quiet little patio and an incredible wine selection make for a relaxing dinner for two. Add your review.

WHERE TO BE SEEN IN DESIGNER SUNGLASSES

These places are hot - especially when the afternoon sun hits them — so sunglasses are a must.

• Metro on Campbell Avenue has a few umbrellas and tables outside where you can sip on something fruity. The sun isn't unbearable, but you'll look cooler in shades. Add your review.

• Along Electric Road in Roanoke County is 419 West, offering lots of tables on their brick-bordered patio. There's an awning, but you'll need sunglasses if you plan on looking into the 419 sunset. Thursday is the day to go — from 4 to 7 p.m., all drinks are half off.

• Next door to 419 West is Ragazzi's, where you may want to bring sunglasses, a hat and even sunscreen (you'll thank me later). This wooden deck gets direct sun, and with spaghetti, it may get a little steamy. Try going for a later evening meal.

WHERE NOT TO BE SEEN IN AVIATORS

Macado's patio on Electric Road is so hidden you can barely see through all the trees around you. Talk about shady! Spend some time in this private, lush environment and you may forget you're near a busy road.

WHERE TO WEAR FLIP-FLOPS

• South Roanoke's Fork in the Alley on Crystal Spring Avenue is new but already popular. The atmosphere is so laid-back that you'll never want to leave. The food at this brick oven pub will add a little spice to your night, so go from 4 to 7 p.m. when drinks are $1 off.

• Village Grill in the Grandin Road area is a neighborhood favorite. Who doesn't wear flip-flops there? It has a big deck with lots of tables and a few umbrellas. Discount drafts are available for happy hour - and don't forget to order the buffalo chips or cheesy fries.

WHERE TO PICK HAPPY-HOUR SPECIALS OVER A VIEW

Happy hour at Montano's International Gourmet on Franklin Road may mean having to stare at a parking lot, but I think it's worth it. Montano's offers can't-beat-'em happy-hour specials almost every day. Thursdays they feature half-priced martinis for ladies all night. Fridays it's $2.75 cosmopolitans, and Saturdays they offer $2.75 classic martinis.

WHERE TO FIND MARGARITAVILLE

El Toreo and Rancho Viejo are two of the many Mexican spots that serve margaritas, on the rocks or frozen. El Toreo, off Peters Creek Road, offers a shaded, private patio — although it overlooks Interstate 581. The umbrellas at Rancho Viejo in Roanoke County don't hide the view of Electric Road, KFC and the Holiday Inn, but they will help hide the sun.

WHERE IT'S WORTH A TRY

• You can't miss Jimmy V's huge blue umbrellas on this tiny patio on Brandon Avenue. Their specialty is pizza and it's $3 off on Mondays and Tuesdays. They also serve all-you-can-eat spaghetti on Wednesdays for $5.35, and Thursdays are rib nights.

• Over in Northwest on Williamson Road is a little place called Lews. They have a back deck with tables and chairs that's even enclosed by a wooden fence. The all-American food is simple — burgers, sandwiches, fries. To top it off, they offer $4.50 and $5 pitchers for happy hour.

WHERE TO BRUNCH

The word is that the White House on Crystal Spring Avenue in South Roanoke serves a fantastic Sunday brunch. The setting is quite picturesque, with trees surrounding the tables.

WHERE IT'S CHEAP

Sonic is all over the place around here. Not only can you eat outside, but it will cost you less than $5. The only way you can go wrong here is if you don't order an Orange Creamslush or cherry limeade. Plus, they have their own version of happy hour: From 3 to 5 p.m., drinks are half off.