Taking it to the streets: dining al fresco

With fall upon us, we have to take advantage of the final weeks of warm weather. Though we… With fall upon us, we have to take advantage of the final weeks of warm weather. Though we just returned to campus, sometimes we need a break from Eddie’s and Chick-Fil-A. Problem solved: There are plenty of places to dine outdoors in and around Oakland, and a car isn’t even necessary.

Our journey begins on South Craig Street at Lucca Ristorante. Sandwiched between the Craig Street shops, this is the perfect place to take a date. It has an elegant atmosphere, even out on the patio, which is completely covered with an awning. When the weather turns colder, heaters provide warmth.

My “date” for the evening was my roommate, Rachel. We each had only water and an entree. Even without salads, appetizers or desserts, the bill was $43.87. We found it odd that our pastas didn’t come with salads, but when we saw a waitress serve two giant mounds of lettuce to two gentlemen, we realized we wouldn’t have finished them anyway.

While we waited for our dinners, we snacked on the bread that came with what our waitress described as “three-bean garlic dip.” The bread was so delicious that we were unable to hold back and finished the whole basket just in time for the waitress to sit two huge plates of pasta in front of us. Of course, we ended up taking half of it home. Bottom line: It’s a great place to wine and dine even if you aren’t wild about Italian food. Go just to taste that three-bean garlic dip.

If you aren’t that hungry, or are just in the mood for a cup of coffee or some dessert, The Dancing Goats Coffee Co. on Ellsworth Avenue in Shadyside is the place to go. With its oversized mugs and cozy atmosphere, you will feel like the gang from “Friends” at Central Perk. The coffee is strong and the biscotti is just as crunchy as it should be. You can get there by hopping on the 71C. Be careful, though: It’s in an office building and you might pass it by if you don’t spot the tables and chairs set up near the sidewalk.

This coffee place is also the perfect place to study; wireless Internet access is available to those patrons with the proper hardware.

The Harris Grille, also on Ellsworth Avenue, is the perfect place for an outdoor lunch. The menu consists of salads, sandwiches and burgers and the portions are absolutely gigantic, but you won’t break your wallet. Almost everything is less than $10, and the service is friendly and quick. Save dining al fresco for the nice days though, because the only shelter for the aluminum tables and chairs are blue umbrellas.

Back in South Oakland on Meyran Avenue sits the Pittsburgh Cafe. With a menu that covers everything from salads and sandwiches to pizza, it is sure to please everyone. If you are frugal, you will be happy to know that the most expensive item on the menu is the $7.95 pizza, which you can split with others. Pittsburgh Cafe also just received its liquor license and boasts 65 bottled beers, eight on tap and six-packs to go. Stop by for nightly specials.

Other good outdoor eats in Oakland are Il Valetto Cafe and Restaurant on Forbes Avenue, and the Union Grille on South Craig Street. Of course, you can always get something with your dining dollars and eat on the Cathedral Lawn or on the patio of the William Pitt Union.

If you are brave enough to venture outside of Oakland, there is a plethora of restaurants at the Waterfront, and most of them have outdoor dining areas. From the new Bar Louie with its predominantly Mexican menu, to old favorites like T.G.I. Friday’s, you will feel like you are in another world while you sit outside and people-watch at the Waterfront.

Wherever your outdoor tastes take you, you are sure to have an experience filled with conversation, new sights, and for you freshmen, it’s a good way to learn. Lucca Ristorante

317 S. Craig St.

(412) 682-3310

Harris Grill

5747 Ellsworth Ave.

Shadyside

(412) 363-0833

Crazy Mocha Coffee Company

5830 Ellsworth Ave.

Shadyside

(412) 441-9344

Try a few other al fresco dining experiences in Pittsburgh at these restaurants:

Union Grille

413 S. Craig St.

(412) 681-8620

Craig St. Coffee

301 S. Craig St.

Craig Center

(412) 683-9993

Cafe Du Jour

1107 E. Carson St.

South Side

(412) 488-9695

Bruschetta’s

1831 E. Carson St.

South Side

(412) 431-3535

Alexander’s

5104 Liberty Ave.

Bloomfield

(412) 682-9824