Just minutes from the peninsula, Woodford has always had one of the best patios in the city, and it’s only gotten better in the past year. Woodford’s patio is covered and heated, and offers a menu that includes a number of its greatest hits, like the downright dreamy burger. Also not to be overlooked: Parisian gnocchi, and Maine crab cakes. Woodford Food & Beverage quickly established itself as an instant classic when it opened five years ago, and it certainly hasn’t lost its touch since converting to outdoor only.

Woodford Food & Beverage is open for patio dining (reserve here), takeout, and limited delivery.

One of the city’s most beloved breweries, Rising Tide has taken year-round outdoor dining to the next level. Eaters can sit around one of the brewery’s many fireplaces, or nestle underneath its big tent, which is fully heated. Rising Tide has also recently partnered with Fire & Co., a food truck that specializes in wood-fired comfort food. Expect sandwiches, oysters, and pizzas that go great with every sip of MITA.

Rising Tide is open for outdoor dining and takeout.

Sit along Washington Avenue and watch the bustling crowds wander along one of Portland’s busiest streets. The whole menu at Minato is exciting, and no one would blame you if you just ordered one of everything. The Japanese fried chicken (which locals refer to as “JFC”) is one of its most popular dishes, but don’t sleep on the sashimi, which is always rotating, and never fails to satisfy. Minato stocks Dear Dairy Ice Cream for dessert. It’s made locally, and boasts an array of interesting flavors, such as pandan yuzu.

Izakaya Minato is open for outrdoor dining, weather permitting.

This sweet little cocktail bar sits on the lower half of Munjoy Hill. Cocktail Mary is currently offering takeout one day a week, but plans to reopen its outdoor space in May. Check its Instagram for updates.

Set inside a tiny white building with pink trim, Little Woodfords is where one stops to grab a cup of excellent coffee and a pastry before wandering around the East End. It has a small patio just off to the side if one wishes to hang around for a bit and watch others come and go. Make sure to check out its featured drinks, which are based on the current astrological star sign. The pastries come from a rotating list of superstar local bakers, like Chaval’s Ilma Lopez (see below).

Little Woodfords is open for outdoor dining and takeout.

Diners have several outdoor options to choose from at Chaval. Eat on its heated patio — which is adorned with a mural from local painter Tessa G. O’Brien — or relax in one of its private ‘greenhouses,’ where you don’t have to worry about the elements while enjoying your meal. This neighborhood brasserie serves French and Spanish cuisine, and attracts locals and tourists alike, making it one of the West End’s most popular destinations. And whatever you do, make sure you save room for co-owner Ilma Lopez’s desserts.

Chaval is on spring break until April 19. When it resumes, it will be open for outdoor dining (reserve here) and takeout.

Venture over the bridge and into South Portland, where the dining scene has been growing. At Foulmouthed Brewing you’ll find a variety of excellent beers and tasty pub food that holds its own against anything Portland has to offer. Get it to-go, and take it down to one of the neighborhood’s many great beaches or waterfront parks for a view of the ferries and sailboats that glide into the city from Casco Bay.

Foulmouthed is open for takeout and delivery.