Corner Grille

If you really want to get a feel for the city, then spend some time at the Corner Grille.  You can take in the hustle and bustle of Pleasant Street while enjoying a meal that is "not your average pizza pie."  The Grille prides itself on thin-crust, specialty pies like the "Veggaholic" and "Mad Russian," and the atmosphere is both casual and comfortable.  So grab a slice, take a seat, and have yourself a quality people-watching experience.

Address: 806 Pleasant Street, Worcester

Menu: Corner Grille

Ceres Bistro

This hidden gem is tucked behind the Beechwood Hotel, and its outdoor area features manicured lawns, fancy water gardens, and live jazz music.  There are even larger tables available to accommodate parties and events.  This is the perfect location for a casual fine dining experience, and the menu features fresh, local ingredients.  If it's a nice day, make reservations ahead of time to ensure you get an outdoor spot!

Address: 363 Plantation Street, Worcester (inside Beechwood Hotel)

Menu: Ceres Bistro

Photo: Flickr-Quinn.Anya

Espress Yourself Coffee

Ditch the Starbucks "to-go" cup and treat yourself to a nice, sit-down espresso served out of an actual ceramic cup.  There is plenty of outdoor seating, and you're bound to run into a few "regulars" at this old-European-style coffee shop.  Late hours mean that you can spend your summer evenings flitting between the cafe's indoor live music and its al fresco seating area.

Address: 2 Richmond Ave, Worcester

Menu: Espress Yourself Coffee

VIA Italian Table

This, along with Ceres Bistro, once again makes the list because the outdoor patio is just that nice and - did we mention -open year round!  VIA is committed to creating an authentic and rustic Italian experience right here in Worcester.  With its crisp white furniture, sparkling wine glasses, and cozy lighting, the patio - and indeed the entire restaurant - is truly a "picture of contrasts...both urban and rural, sophisticated and casual, old world and remarkably new."

Address: 89 Shrewsbury Street, Worcester

Menu: VIA Italian Table

Photo: Flickr- The Culinary Geek

Michael's,The Citizen & Still and Stir

Three great restaurants, one great patio.  This outdoor seating area has a retractable awning, which means that - rain or shine - you have a guaranteed spot to sit down and watch the game on the courtyard's projection screen TV.  The couches lend the patio a sophisticated yet relaxed feel, and its calm daytime vibe quickly picks up during the evening hours.  Private parties are always welcome, as this is the perfect venue for golf events, bachelorette parties, and everything in-between!

Address: 1 Exchange Street, Worcester

Menus: Michael's Cigar Bar, The Citizen Wine Bar, Still and Stir

The Dive Bar

Boasting one of the largest patios in Worcester, the Dive Bar is renowned for its sprawling outdoor area.  You can get a drink at the bar and then venture out back to socialize, with a quaint wooden fence serving as a buffer from the outside world.  In the warmer months the patio is a venue for live music performances that remind you what summer really is about.

Address: 34 Green Street, Worcester

Menu: The Dive Bar

Worcester Art Museum Cafe

If you're trying to impress a business associate or just want to feel a little cultured, then grab a bite at the Worcester Art Museum!  It's cafe serves lunch Wednesday through Saturday, and the pear & mushroom soup is one of its most unusual and delightful dishes.  The outdoor patio is aesthetically pleasing and surrounded by beautiful mosaics.  And although you don't have to pay admission to eat - well, the museum is definitely worth your while! 

Address: 55 Salisbury Street, Worcester

Menu: Worcester Art Museum Cafe

Gibby's

Even a fire can't hold this place down. In May 2013, Gibby's was victim of a three-alarm fire. However, it reopened that summer and kept on selling its popular ice cream. Arguably the greatest ice cream in Worcester, Gibby's has several outdoor picnic tables to sit and enjoy your summer treat.

Address: 50 Sunderland Road, Worcester

Menu: Gibby's Famous Ice Cream

Flying Rhino

Some of have said that Flying Rhino has the best outdoor deck patio in the city. And it's hard to argue with them. 

Their summer parties are absolutely crazy fun and it's the go to spot on Shrewsbury Street for outdoor drinking.

Address: 278 Shrewsbury Street, Worcester

Menu: Flying Rhino Cafe

Vintage Grille

Vintage is another great outdoor patio and a close second to Flying Rhino's on Shrewsbury Street. 

Vintage plays up the Old Service Station look because...it was an old Service station. Roll up the garage doors and the indoor seating becomes outdoor as well.

Address: 346 Shrewsbury Street, Worcester

Menu: Vintage Grille

Padavano's Place

It's like drinking in your backyard. Padavano's has a full lawn area and patio to enjoy your summer cocktails. Catch some live music outside this summer and be sure to check out their music schedule to plan accordingly.

Address: 358 Shrewsbury Street, Worcester

Menu: Padavano's Place

Smokestack Urban BBQ

Their Sunday Beach Parties are the best party on Green Street every Summer. They spread beach sand on their patio and have live music. With a full outdoor bar, Smokestack is a great place to get your Sunday Funday on.

Address: 139 Green Street, Worcester

Menu: Smokestack Urban BBQ

Volturno

Looking for a great place to have lunch outside? Look no further than Volturno on Shrewsbury Street.

This authentic brick oven pizza place is a hot spot around noon on weekdays and professionals from all over bask in the sun and enjoy some fresh pie.

Address: 72 Shrewsbury Street, Worcester

Menu: Volturno Pizza

La Scala

The small Italian eatery on Shrewsbury Street expands a bit in the Summertime. Their outdoor patio is a great place to people watch and enjoy La Scala's incredible food.

Address: 183 Shrewsbury Street, Worcester

Menu: La Scala

Compass Tavern

This will be Compass Tavern's first summer on Harding Street and everyone is looking forward to what it might have in store for its outdoor patio. 

If we know Compass like we think we do, it's going to be something big to kick off the summer months and the place will sure be rockin'.

Address: 90 Harding Street, Worcester

Menu: Compass Tavern