Best spots for outdoor dining in Southern California

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When it's 75 degrees out and the sun is shining or setting, who can help but gravitate towards outdoor patios for that Sunday brunch, afternoon Panini or early evening cocktail. Given our famously good weather, youd think there would be sidewalk cafes everywhere in Southern California. In fact, we are a bit behind most of the rest of the world in that regard. But Katie Burbank, Senior Community Manager at L.A. East, says there are plenty of gorgeous restaurant patios for dining, drinking and people watching.

"I just went to Austin a couple of months ago, and I realized how rich Austin is with the patio culture, and got very envious, and then realized, 'Wait a second. I live in L.A., there are so many places to go, all over for patios,'" she said.

Some are well known, like The Alcove Caf & Bakery in Los Feliz. Others are more tucked away, like the secluded patio at the Cliffs Edge in Silverlake with that giant coral tree in the middle. If you fancy a hike after your bite, theres always the adorable little Trails Caf right in the heart of Griffith Park. And if youre looking to get high literally head to Perch in downtown Los Angeles for cozy, outdoor fireplaces and dramatic rooftop views. If youre looking for soaring ocean views, The Resort at Pelican Hill offers Italian cuisine and a striking seaside setting.

For you desert rats, theres no shortage of hot patios, many with cooling misters, such as La Brasserie Bistro and Bar in Palm Springs, which might make you say Oui! to more outdoor dining. But where are those hidden gems? Well get expert Katie Burbank's low down and take calls from listeners to get their hottest tips on the coolest places for patio dining this summer in Los Angeles and beyond.

Eveleigh Location: 8752 W. Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA Notes: "It is breathtaking at right about sunset. They have this beautiful little atrium in the back, and you can eat, and they have a great mixology program as well. Monday night they have great bartending specials." Website

Habana Location: 2930 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, CA Notes: "[It's] absolutely gorgeous at night time. It's very Havana, Cuban, and they have tons of lights that just light up the patio area. It's at this place called The Lab, an open air market." Website

The Churchill Location: 8384 W. 3rd St. (at S Orlando Ave.), Los Angeles, CA Notes: "It's attached to the Orlando hotel. They have a fireplace outside so you can do day to night day drinking if you're a day drinker, or you can enjoy a nice meal in the evening." Website

In Los Angeles and Los Angeles County: Abricott in Pasadena Blue Dog Beer Tavern in Sherman Oaks Cafe Laurent in Culver City Cafe Stella in Silver Lake Cowboys and Turbans in Silver Lake Eclectic Wine Bar & Grille in North Hollywood El Gallo Grill in Los Angeles Figtree's Cafe and Grille in Venice Fiori Market in Pasadena Greystone Manor Supper Club in Los Angeles Heirloom Bakery in Pasadena L.A. Buns in Downey La Playita in Hermosa Beach Mike & Annes in Pasadena Nelson's in Rancho Palo Verdes Ray's Restaurant at LACMA Rive Gauche Cafe in Sherman Oaks The Cat and Fiddle in Los Angeles The Raymond Restaurant in Pasadena Vinoteque in Los Angeles Zip Fusion Sushi in Los Angeles

Elsewhere: 29 Palms Inn in San Bernadino County Boccali's Pizza and Pasta in Ventura County Dutch Garden Restaurant in Santa Barbara Fisherman's Seafood Restaurant in San Clemente Las Casuelas Nuevas in Rancho Mirage Madison Square & Garden Cafe in Laguna Beach Molly's Souper in San Bernadino County River's End Cafe in Seal Beach Schooner or Later Restaurant in Long Beach Summerland Beach Cafe in Summerland Zin American Bistro in Palm Springs

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Best spots for outdoor dining in Southern California