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Whether you’re looking for a secluded area, away from traffic and the busyness of the city or a patio filled with sunlight, music and friends, the Fox Cities has plenty to offer in terms of outdoor dining. Here’s a roundup of some of the spaces in the area with great outdoor seating options.

Gather Americana Restaurant, Appleton

The newly opened patio area at Gather Americana Restaurant brings your favorite Gather foods and drinks outside in the sunlight. The long, shotgun patio features six tables with umbrellas, and is adjacent to the atrium area of the restaurant.

“Like every outdoor dining area, ours is dependent on the weather. But in the summer it fills up first before the indoor dining room,” says John Chastain, owner.

Gather also will be installing speakers outside so guests can enjoy jazz music beneath the crab apple trees, says Chastain. Nestled on the north side of the building, this space is quiet, peaceful and holds an ambiance all its own.

Solea Mexican Grill, Neenah

The wooden deck surrounding the big tree behind Solea Mexican Grill’s Neenah location makes for an authentic Mexican dining experience in the summer’s warmth. With Mexican music streaming through the speakers, flowers surrounding the area for aesthetic value and a margarita in your hand, this space is sure to win visitors over.

Coupled with the relaxing atmosphere of Solea’s outdoor area, the staff does their best to make each experience here a great one.

“We compete with (other restaurants) with a smile,” says Eduardo Sanchez, owner. “We want to go above and beyond good service.”

Wild Truffle, Appleton

Boasting an outdoor area that seats up to 60, this space is designed with comfort and style in mind. Featuring a covered patio area with upscale décor and furnishings for relaxation, Wild Truffle is perfect for a quiet meal out.

Next to the seating, a garden houses 15 varieties of heirloom tomatoes and herbs that are used in the cooking.

“The herb and vegetable garden exemplifies our farm-to-fork approach,” says Marc Waltzer, owner.

Dining outdoors is a summer luxury. Hurry in, because the weather won’t last long, and eating soup outside on a snow bank in December doesn’t seem as fun.

Look for a listing of more outdoor dining spaces in FOX CITIES Magazine’s Golden Fork Awards issue, out in October.

— By Mia Sato