As much as nobody wants to admit it, there is more of summer behind us than in front, and if time flies as quickly for you as it does for me, this means fall and even winter will be here in the blink of an eye. So take my advice and soak every last drop out of summer as your schedule will allow!

How so, you ask? Summertime in Omaha may at times be hot and sticky, but when conditions are right, it can coerce you into playing hookie just to spend the entire day outside. And what time is better spent outside than eating?! Thankfully, Omaha has a generous list of privately owned and chain restaurants with advanced culinary offerings, making eating outdoors feel like a vacation in and of itself and (in no particular order) here are 10 to get you started.

Enjoy the final days of good weather eating the best food - outside!

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill

Midtown Crossing

If you've ever been to Midtown Crossing, you'll understand why I couldn't choose just one restaurant in this complex of wonderful outdoor eating venues. From Cantina Laredo to Brix, Black Oak Grill and Saints Pub, the choices of patio dining is yours for the taking.

Pitch – West Omaha

Marks Food, Wine & Spirit in Dundee

Upstream in the Old Market

Charlies on the Lake

Louies Wine Dive

Benson Brewery

Spezia

Surfside

Zoom in on this map for each individual restaurant!

[mappress]