Voice's Choices: Patios

Our favorite patios for a snack and a drink

The Rusty Crane // 109 N. Detroit Ave.

Some patios, there’s insecurity—weak slats, wobbly chairs, life is tenuous. Others, I am close enough to those next to me and their insipid conversations, I want to repeatedly pound a salt shaker into my right eye. The Rusty Crane, though: nice zone of privacy, sturdy wood, Diet Coke in Mason glasses, prompt, not obsequious attention. The ballpark’s nearby.

Mon – Thurs, 11 a.m. – 10 p.m., Fri – Sat, 11 a.m. – 2 a.m., Sun, 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Doc’s Wine & Food // 3509 S. Peoria Ave.

Conventional wisdom has it that oysters should only be eaten in months containing the letter R. If you’re counting at home, that means this month is your last chance to savor this classic delicacy while it’s in season. Hit the patio at Doc’s for a light afternoon breeze, a dozen Gulf oysters on the half shell, and a crisp Moscow Mule (vodka, lime juice, house-made ginger beer, and bitters).

Tues – Thurs, 11 a.m. – 10 p.m., Fri, 11 a.m. – 11 p.m., Sat, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. & 4 p.m. – 11 p.m., Sun, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. & 4 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Blue Moon Café // 3512 S. Peoria Ave.

The best place to be after 5 p.m. on a spring day in Tulsa is on a close and cozy patio, a sweating bottle of beer in hand. The best place to be all day, though, is lounged on a chilly breakfast patio that hugs a sleepy Brookside, warmed by a plate of Blue Moon Cafe’s steaming migas and too much coffee. Turns out, too, that those cinnamon rolls sing en plain air.

Mon, 7 a.m. – 2 p.m., Tues – Fri, 7 a.m. – 9 p.m., Sat, 8 a.m. – 9 p.m., Sun, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Dilly Deli // 402 E. 2nd St.

A great place for fair weather lunch or brunch, Dilly Deli’s patio offers plenty of shade and four playhouses for youngins. I like to order the Mondy, which is essentially a Pad-Thai sandwich. The Deli shares the patio with the Dust Bowl, so it’s also a great place to cool off after some intense bowling games. And now, it’s also a venue for the Blue Dome Music Series.

Mon – Thurs, 7 a.m. – 8 p.m., Fri – Sat, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m., Sun, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.