Let's Take This Outside

Finally, spring is here! (Never mind the rain.)

With the temperatures rising and blossoming flowers everywhere you turn, it seems a shame to ever be indoors. Luckily, restaurants, cafes and bars all over the neighborhood have opened their gardens for customers.

Here are a few choice places with gardens. Take it outside!

 - 272 Court St.

In the mood for Japanese? This restaurant offers sushi, terriyaki, noodle soups, sake and more, and boasts a beautiful, simply decorated outdoor garden to relax in, with water fountains and plants surrounded by artsy warped steel walls. The atmosphere is elegant and pristine, a perfect place to enjoy a rainbow roll ($10) or tempura ice cream ($4).

- 533 Atlantic Ave.

The name of this cafe and lounge is merely a suggestion to the customers, but you may find yourself doing exactly that once you settle into the outdoor pebble garden; a huge, open space with some planted flowers and large, overhanging trees. The light spills in throughout the afternoon and early evening, where you can sit and eat a shaved beet and fennel salad ($8.50) or enjoy a coffee ($2.75) or glass of sangria ($7).

Fast and Fresh Burrito Deli - 84 Hoyt St.

On the cheaper end (but still delicious) is a small deli that offers tortas, tacos, burritos, quesadillas and more, along with a fridge full of juices, sodas and beers by the bottle or can. There are several picnic tables out back, where you can take a can of Budweiser and a delicious, huge torta packed with meat, veggies, beans and cheese. The total cost will shock you, a torta and a beer comes out to only $7.50!

Brooklyn Tavern - 31 3rd Ave.

This pub-style bar has a large outdoor patio with a few towering trees that offer shade when it starts to get hot. But if you really need to cool down, buy a Long Island Iced Tea or Margherita, only $5 during happy hour (3 p.m. - 7 p.m. on weekdays). The drafts here go as low as $3 a pop, so bring friends and spend the evening outside with your drinks. The only reason to go inside - a game of foosball. 

Robin des Bois - 195 Smith St.

Also known as Sherwood Cafe, this French restaurant gets the prize for the most well-decorated outdoor garden. Complete with Shell signs, ornate metal benches, potted plants and a hodge-podge of other decorations, eating here is a stimulating treat. And the food ain't bad either. A roasted chicken for two, with mashed potatos and string beans is $26 and couscous with Merquez sausages is $13.50.