A restaurant with outdoor seating is typically referred to as having a patio, terrace, courtyard, or garden. The specific terminology can vary based on the design and layout of the outdoor space. Understanding the different terms used to describe outdoor restaurant seating can help customers better visualize what to expect.
Patio
A patio is generally an outdoor space that is connected or adjacent to the main restaurant building. Patios are usually ground-level concrete slabs or paved areas with tables and chairs for diners. The key distinguishing feature of a patio is that it shares a common floor plane with the indoor space and is typically located just outside one of the main entrances. Patios are sometimes partially enclosed on one or more sides by low walls or railings. This provides a little more separation from the rest of the surroundings compared to tables set out freely in a yard or garden. Patios are a very common outdoor seating option for casual and family restaurants that want to increase their capacity. The shared floor plane makes it easy for servers to move between the indoor tables and the patio tables.
Examples of Restaurant Patios
- A brick paved area lined with wrought iron fences located just outside the front door of a pizza parlor.
- A concrete slab extending from the side of a cafeteria building covered by an overhang roof.
- An outdoor space next to a brewpub outfitted with bar height tables and stools plus a few trees in large planters.
Terrace
A terrace refers to an outdoor dining space that is located on a raised platform or deck above the ground level. Terraces are typically connected to a restaurant’s upper floors rather than the ground level. Access is usually via a staircase or ramp leading up from the street. Terraces give the feeling of dining in an elevated garden due to the use of planters, trellises, and decorative railings. They allow restaurants to take advantage of views of the surrounding landscape from higher vantage points. Terraces also provide a layer of separation from foot traffic compared to an on-grade patio. The multi-level design of terraces requires servers to go up and down stairs to move between the indoor and outdoor tables.
Examples of Restaurant Terraces
- A third floor dining deck perched on top of a city restaurant accessible via a spiral staircase.
- An outdoor area in front of a rooftop bar featuring wooden plank floors and metal railings overlooking city skyscrapers.
- A covered terrace decorated with potted trees and vines on trellises connected to a mezzanine dining room.
Courtyard
A courtyard refers to an outdoor dining space that is completely or partially enclosed on all sides by walls or buildings. Courtyards are typically paved areas inset into the middle of a restaurant or between two wings of a larger building. The enclosing walls provide substantial screening from the hustle and bustle of the streets, creating a quieter, more secluded outdoor dining experience. Courtyards often incorporate decorative elements like gardens, fountains, tile work, and murals on the surrounding walls. Skylights or retractable roofs are sometimes used to allow natural light into covered courtyards. Servers access the courtyard by walking through the restaurant interior or using dedicated service hallways and doors.
Examples of Restaurant Courtyards
- An open-air courtyard filled with trees and fountains in the center of a hotel, surrounded on all sides by the interior hallways.
- A covered courtyard enclosed by glass walls between two wings of an upscale restaurant, decorated with hanging flowers and trellises.
- A small paved courtyard in the back of a caf??, partially enclosed by ivy-covered brick walls and accessed through the kitchen.
Garden
A garden dining area refers to outdoor restaurant seating situated in actual garden landscapes. This creates an immersive, open-air dining experience surrounded by living greenery and natural elements. Gardens include features like flower beds, hedges, trees, stone paths, arbors, and water features. Restaurants with large amounts of open land will take advantage of the space to create sprawling garden dining areas. The ambience is less formal than a patio, terrace, or courtyard. Placing tables freely throughout the garden allows maximizing seating capacity. Servers need to navigate across the garden between the indoor tables and outdoor tables, which typically works better in fair weather. Gardens can provide scenic backdrops for daytime brunch and lunch dining.
Examples of Restaurant Gardens
- A fine dining restaurant with tables scattered throughout meticulously landscaped gardens, surrounded by trees and flower beds.
- An English pub with a beer garden in the backyard filled with picnic tables and pebbled pathways bordered by hedges.
- A country inn with a dedicated dining garden featuring herb beds, arbors, and vine-covered walls for an al fresco breakfast.
Outdoor Seating Terminology for Different Restaurant Types
The names used to describe outdoor dining areas may also relate to the style and type of restaurant. Here are some typical terms used:
| Restaurant Type | Outdoor Seating Terminology |
|---|---|
| Pizza, Burgers, Sandwiches, Cafes | Patio, Outdoor Seating |
| Upscale Seafood, Steakhouse, Hotel | Terrace, Veranda, Lawn |
| Mexican, Spanish Tapas, Mediterranean | Courtyard, Veranda, Patio |
| Brewpub, Sports Bar, Wings | Deck, Balcony, Rooftop |
| Brunch, Lunch, Cafe | Garden, Yard, Pergola |
As shown, casual mainstream restaurants like pizza places and cafes typically use simple terms like patio and outdoor seating area. Upscale venues like hotels and steakhouses use fancier names like terrace and veranda. Spanish, Mexican, and Mediterranean places evoke the architecture and ambience of their cultures with words like courtyard and veranda. Fun hangout spots like brewpubs describe their outdoor spaces as decks or balconies. And daytime spots like brunch cafes use garden-inspired names like yard and pergola.
Legal and Building Code Factors
When designing and constructing outdoor dining areas, restaurants must conform with local zoning, building codes, accessibility standards, and safety regulations. Some key factors include:
- Means of Egress – Outdoor seating must not obstruct fire exits or paths of emergency egress from the building.
- Accessibility – Federal laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act require accessible design features like ramps for wheelchair access.
- Enclosure – Building codes limit the extent to which courtyards and other outdoor areas can be enclosed by walls or barriers.
- Temporary Structures – Seasonal use of tents, platforms, and covers may require permits and inspections.
- Outdoor Cooking – Using grills and cooking appliances outdoors is restricted depending on proximity to buildings.
Restaurants must prove their outdoor dining spaces meet the necessary requirements by filing drawings, plans, and documentation with their local licensing and inspection agencies. This is required before construction can begin.
Weather Considerations for Outdoor Dining
Restaurants with outdoor seating must contend with a variety of weather conditions throughout the year. Here are some strategies used to maximize usability:
- Partial Enclosures – Surrounding outdoor areas with railings, trellises, and removable plastic panels helps block wind and rain.
- Heaters – Propane and electric heaters allow outdoor operation in cooler months.
- Misting Systems – Misting sprayers help keep patrons cooler in hot, dry climates.
- Retractable Awnings – Roll down canvas shades can be deployed to provide shelter as needed.
- Umbrellas – Tables incorporate holes for removable umbrella canopies when necessary.
Outdoor spaces are generally open to the elements by default for mild weather days. Restaurants customize and adapt them as needed based on daily conditions.
Typical Features of Outdoor Dining Areas
While specific designs vary, most outdoor dining spaces incorporate similar components:
- Tables & Chairs – Durable metal or wooden furniture able to withstand weathering.
- Planters – For flowers, vines, shrubs to enhance ambiance.
- Barriers – Fences, railings, bollards, ropes to delineate boundaries.
- Lighting – Strings lights, lanterns, and table candles to allow evening use.
- Flooring – Concrete, stone, brick, or wood decking provide durable surfaces.
- Shelters – Overhangs, awnings, umbrellas, or canopies for shade and rain protection.
Careful planning is required to incorporate all the necessary amenities while working within the available outdoor footprint.
Conclusion
The variety of terminology used to describe outdoor restaurant seating areas – patios, terraces, courtyards, gardens, and more – helps communicate the unique designs, settings, and dining experiences offered. While specific regulations must be followed, outdoor spaces provide desirable fresh air surroundings that enhance restaurants. Understanding the language and implications of different outdoor dining configurations enables restaurant owners, staff, and customers to better align their expectations and preferences.
