With summer around the corner, many look forward to long, sunny days and warm, relaxing nights. One of the best places to enjoy the hottest months of the year is at a restaurant that offers incredible food and drinks and beautiful views of the surrounding scenery.
Whether you prefer lounging on a rooftop over a sprawling city or seeing elk grazing by a river, these U.S. restaurants are undoubtedly worth a spot on your foodie bucket list.
1. Beatnik on the River – Chicago, Illinois
If you find yourself in the Windy City, treat yourself to a meal on a gorgeous riverside patio filled with plants. Gaze out over iconic Chicago architecture and watch the world go by on the river while enjoying comfortable seating and a cozy atmosphere.
2. Peak – New York, New York
Peak has been reopened and is already securing its place in the upscale Hudson Yards. Located on the 101st floor of the 30 Hudson Yards commercial building, you can’t ask for better views of the surrounding New York City skyline. Even better, the restaurant works closely with local fishermen and farmers to secure only the best and most sustainable dishes.
3. Marination Ma Kai – Seattle, Washington
This deliciously affordable Hawaiian spot in West Seattle doesn’t just offer fresh seafood tacos and refreshing margaritas. The views of the downtown Seattle skyline from the outdoor seating area will have you coming back for seconds all summer long.
4. Merois – Los Angeles, California
This Art Deco-inspired rooftop lounge with stunning views of LA is a must-visit. Wolfgang Puck’s menu offers only the finest Asian fusion and French cuisine. Sit back, relax, and enjoy golden hour over the Sunset Strip in this unique and beautiful location.
5. LAGO – Las Vegas, Nevada
Filled with the glitzy decor you’d expect to find in a Vegas hotel restaurant, LAGO also offers views of the Fountains of Bellagio. Go after dark for indoor or outdoor views of the water show while enjoying a sophisticated Italian menu.
6. Red’s Java House – San Francisco, California
When you think of the foodie haven of San Francisco, you might think of swanky restaurants and bustling piers. Red’s is a little more unassuming, tucked away on the Embarcadero. You’ll feel like a local when you head there for a hot dog and enjoy outdoor seating, complete with grand views of the Bay Bridge.
7. The Beacon – Boston, Massachusetts
Recently opened at the tippy top of the Prudential Center, The Beacon boasts views of Boston you can’t get anywhere else. Enjoy a lobster roll or head to the 22-seat bar for a delicious cocktail. The menu is simple and quintessentially New England, but the views alone are worth it.
8. Cindy’s – Chicago, Illinois
Cindy’s offers a rooftop terrace overlooking Millennium Park, home of the famous Bean. You might find this spot more crowded than you’d like, but it’s popular for a reason. A must-see for locals and tourists, the bar and restaurant serve a wide selection of delicious drinks and food while you gaze down at the city below.
9. The River Café – New York, New York
Trading rooftops for riverbanks, this cozy spot has unmatched views of the Brooklyn Bridge. Drink it in while you savor the Michelin-starred menu and wine selection. Take the opportunity to dress up and listen to a live piano while you watch boats float down the river.
10. California Grill Lounge – Disney Contemporary Resort
For a magical meal you won’t soon forget, you can’t go wrong at the Happiest Place on Earth. The California Grill Lounge overlooks Magic Kingdom Park and offers some of the best views the Disney parks have to offer. Best of all, you don’t have to be a Disney fanatic to enjoy their sophisticated take on California cuisine.
11. Robert – New York, New York
If Manhattan skyline views don’t cut it, try Robert, located on the top floor of the Museum of Arts and Design in Manhattan. After a long day at the museum, you can look out over Central Park and Columbus Circle while you enjoy bold seafood and pasta flavors.
12. The Barking Crab – Boston, Massachusetts
For traditional Boston summer vibes, you can’t beat the Barking Crab. The “last vestige of the old Seaport” has stayed humble while the city grows around it, proving some places are staples for a reason. The Barking Crab’s simple yet festive decor, waterfront views, and open-air seating make it a perennial Beantown favorite.
13. Mersea Restaurant – Treasure Island, California
A ten-minute ferry ride from San Francisco’s bustling Embarcadero, Mersea feels like another world. Enjoy this converted shipping container’s views of the San Francisco skyline over classic comfort food like burgers and pizza, or go after dark for cocktails at the Golden Hour Bar.
14. Mishawaka Ampitheater – Bellevue, Colorado
You might not expect a 100-year-old music venue 23 miles outside Fort Collins to offer some of the best views, but Mishawaka will prove you wrong. See a show, then head to the outdoor patio for a burger with mountain and river vistas. You might even see wildlife across the way at this unique, unforgettable Rocky Mountain dining experience.
15. Jacky’s Waterplace & Sushi Bar – Providence, Rhode Island
One of Providence’s best and quirkiest sushi restaurants offers quintessential city views directly above the Woonasquatucket River. On certain summer nights, it’s a great place to watch Waterfire, Providence’s tradition that sees torch-bearers in gondolas light the river up with flames.