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Archive for the 'Patios We Love' Category

PATIOS WE LOVE: The Patio on Guerra

May 13th, 2011, 11:51 am by

The night gets later, the music gets livelier and every set of thighs and shoulders in the place shimmies to the funky Caribbean Latin grooves served up by the live band.

People continue to sway to the music as they order drinks at the bar against the back wall. Outside the front door, a stream of nightclubbing 17th Street partiers flows past. Inside, dinner music plays for couples and families enjoying the fine dining late into the night.

Stop and look up, though. You can see stars from this bricked-in patio, through a sparse layer of palm trees. It’s almost magic.

In the coming months, The Patio on Guerra, one of the McAllen Entertainment District’s oldest establishments, will double the size of its outdoor area.

That means twice as much space for dancing, dining and downing drinks.

>>The Patio on Guerra

116 S. 17th St., McAllen

(956) 661-9100

http://www.patioonguerra.com/

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PATIOS WE LOVE: Republic of Rio Grande

May 12th, 2011, 12:35 pm by

Gourmet dishes and colorful cocktails sit atop the cream-colored tablecloths, which cover the tables on the Republic of Rio Grande’s patio. Couples smile and bob their heads to salsa beats as small lanterns, Christmas lights and a flame-lit fountain illuminate the restaurant’s outdoor area.

Lush vines cover the brick walls of the mission-like building, bringing an almost jungle-like atmosphere to the patio. The hotspot is the perfect romantic destination for lovers and friends seeking an intimate setting for dinner, wine and music. However, seating is limited, so you and your date may want to get there early before all the tables are taken.

The Republic of Rio Grande
1411 S. 10th Street, McAllen
(956) 994-8385

http://www.republicgrill.com

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PATIOS WE LOVE: Vintage Room

May 12th, 2011, 12:29 pm by

An orange and blue glow shines through the large window overlooking the Vintage Room’s patio as gaggles of friends laugh over the pulsating beats of a house band.

With wooden floors and cushioned leather chairs, the outdoor/indoor area doesn’t feel like your average patio. The upscale furniture and tiled ceiling make the patio seem more indoors than outdoors. But the steel fence enclosing the outer-wall gives party-goers front row seats to the bustling 17th Street crowd outside.

The area is an escape from the large crowd gyrating inside to Top 40 hits. Complete with a small bar of its own, the patio makes for the perfect spot to chill and watch the bevy of stiletto heels and giant belt buckles that walk by.

Vintage Room
301 South 17th Street, McAllen
(956) 664-2400

http://www.facebook.com/vintageroom

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PATIOS WE LOVE: The Riverside Club

May 12th, 2011, 12:25 pm by

The Rio Grande’s warm breezes sweep through The Riverside Club’s wooden patio as its serene waters sparkle in the afternoon sunlight. A pair of Winter Texans who have extended their Valley stay take in the riverside view on this recent Thursday. They enjoy a lunch of nachos and margaritas on the patio’s wooden benches.

The Mexican shore is just across the river, but the conflict and danger are nowhere to be seen. Instead, jet skies and boats float by the border oasis.

To the left of the patio is a sprawling green meadow area dotted with palm trees and hibiscus. Birders and nature lovers will enjoy the sights and sounds of various South Texas species.

Hurricane Alex left the Riverside Club flooded last year after the storm’s rains caused the river to overflow, but after a series of renovations, the border hangout looks as good as new. Sundays, country fans can dance the night away on the outdoor dance floor overlooking the river.

The Riverside Club
214 E. Chimney Rd., Mission
(956) 581-1033

http://www.ontheriver.net/

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PATIOS WE LOVE: Alhambra

May 12th, 2011, 10:58 am by

Before walking through the oversized wooden double doors of Alhambra, close your eyes. Listen to the wind rustle the leaves of the palms and ferns and take a deep breath. Have someone guide you a few feet into the semi-enclosed patio and then open your eyes.

You see, Alhambra is a magical oasis in downtown McAllen, which has the power to transport you to hidden retreat on a Mediterranean shore — minus the blue waters of the sea, but you won’t miss it.

Each of the few slightly raised alcoves which encompass the patio at Alhambra is fashioned with cushioned benches and strips of ivory canvas above, which shade inhabitants from the sun.

Foliage separates the private tables on the outskirts of the patio, providing privacy from the tables nearby.

The layout of the rest of the spacious patio encourages social interaction, with tables, chairs and outdoor couches scattered across the concrete floor in shades of orange, yellow and cream.

Weeknights at Alhambra are perfect for the laid back folk who want to relax, sip sangria and nosh on small plates of garlicky shrimp, tabbouleh made with quinoa and chocolate pâté.

Top off your luxurious evening by enjoying a hookah (Alhambra features several flavors, including some non-tobacco).

Those who want to break in new dance shoes should head out to Alhambra on a Thursday night when it gets jam-packed for Aché de Barrio, a live salsa band, and watch the beautiful people.

>>Alhambra

519 S. 17th St., McAllen

(956) 994-9754

www.alhambraon17th.com

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PATIOS WE LOVE: Mama’s Pizzeria

May 12th, 2011, 10:47 am by

An endless stream of cars on 10th Street may seem maddening when you’re trying to get out of traffic and to a sanctuary, which serves ice cold beer in frosted mugs and piping hot Italian beef sandwiches.

That same road of flowing traffic creates a soothing white noise effect, like an urban ocean of waves, when you’re on the patio at Mama’s Pizzeria, enjoying a drink and dinner.

Choose a quaint wooden picnic table covered in blue and white checked tablecloths, or opt for a black iron round table and enjoy the breeze blowing through the lattice from the west side of the patio.

If the breeze isn’t enough to keep you cool on hot summer days and evenings, no worries, there are a few fans on the rafters of the vaulted ceiling.

 Don’t be surprised if someone scoots a chair over to your table to strike up a conversation — Mama’s patio is so casual it feels like you’re at a friend’s house for a barbecue. Except the food is better at Mama’s.

The Valley summers may be hot, but nothing beats a frosted mug of beer and the satisfying pull of mozzarella cheese on a fresh-out-of-the-oven pizza pie — even in the sweltering heat of summer.

>>Mama’s Pizzeria

401 N. 10th St., McAllen

(956) 687-7492

https://www.facebook.com/alhambra.mcallen?ref=ts#!/pages/Mamas-Pizzeria/115910298438687

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PATIOS WE LOVE: Roosevelt’s at 7

May 12th, 2011, 10:34 am by

If you’re a regular at Roosevelt’s at 7, you may have noticed a key element of their patio has gone missing.

The canopy over Roosevelt’s customers was torn away by high winds last month. It should be replaced soon.

Until then though, you’ll have a great view of our big Texas sky and palms swaying in the breeze.

Hexagonal wooden tables with backless wooden stools fill the patio, and leaf-embossed ceramic planters serve as centerpieces and ashtrays on a select few.

The lunch and early evening (Happy Hour) crowds are as varied as Roosevelt’s selection of beer. From young business professionals to soccer moms to college students, everyone seems to feel welcome at the restaurant and bar.

Music is kept low, so conversation over an appetizer and beer flows easily. The sun can be a bit harsh out on Roosevelt’s patio, but there is a fan in each corner to keep the air moving.

It’s a comfortable place to dine al fresco, and the place is casual enough that you can nosh on prosciutto-wrapped asparagus with goat cheese with your elbows firmly planted on the table.

When the sun sets though, you’ll be lucky to find a place to sit.

Nights on Roosevelt’s patio are louder, packed and fun. And if you get tired of standing around drinking, challenge someone to a dart game.

>>Roosevelt’s at 7

821 N. Main St., McAllen

(956) 928-1994

www.facebook.com/Rooseveltsat7

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PATIOS WE LOVE: Schneider’s German Gasthaus and Beergarden

May 12th, 2011, 10:30 am by

The guy with rose-red cheeks and a tall Franziskaner Hefe Weizen draft beer has agreed to the unthinkable: He’s going to put on lederhosen.

He dons the goofy German shorts and suspenders combo, and his wife starts snapping pictures as the rest of the bar shouts encouragement. This is what makes the outdoor patio area at Schneider’s German Gasthaus and Beergarden awesome.

There’s no other place in town you can get drunk and someone will be like, “you should put on lederhosen,” and then you can.

Also, this place comes fully equipped with a menu of authentic German food, which I can pretty confidently say makes it unique by South Texas standards.

Schneider’s is a bit out of the way, off of Ware Road just north of Dove, and unless you know it’s there, it’s kind of easy to miss. They could almost change the name to Schneider’s German Gasthaus and “Secret” Beergarden.

But all this adds to the cozy ambience. You feel like part of an exclusive club at this outdoor haven for eating and drinking.

Schneider’s has German music, a table built on top of a tree stump and one size for their draft beers –  super tall.

I don’t know how to say anything superlative in German, but it would be totally appropriate to describe this patio.

Schneider’s German Gasthaus and Beergarden

5507 N. Ware Road, McAllen

(956) 451-7195

http://germandiner.food.officelive.com/default.aspx

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PATIOS WE LOVE: Capellini Ristorante

May 11th, 2011, 5:04 pm by

España closed a while ago, but Capellini Ristorante rose in its place, keeping intact the restaurant’s longtime tradition of excellent outdoor dining and drinking.

Capellini’s patio is an awesome, cozy date spot. It’s the type of place you might actually buy a rose from one of those ever-present rose-selling dudes.

Paper Chinese lanterns cut a swath of decorative light across the night sky. A live band plays Spanish and retro pop on a decent-sized stage. You need both of these things for a truly phenomenal dinner patio, it turns out.

Capellini has also assembled an incredible army of servers. Clad in all black, they stand around the fringes of the party, arms crossed and ready to serve you at a moment’s notice.

I don’t want to tell you how to run your love lives…but I’m going to. If you have a special date, arrive early for Italian dining, which most everyone loves. And stay until the patio music stops at midnight.

Also, order a martini, because you are that smooth.

>>Capellini Ristorante

701 N. Main St., McAllen

(956) 683-7999

http://capelliniristorante.com/

Posted in: Patios We Love • Special Editions • • • • | 1 Comment »

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