The yard was a mess, definitely not a place where guests would want to enjoy made-from-scratch cupcakes and freshly brewed coffee.
But Gordon Wilkins saw the sycamore tree, rising majestically above the weed-filled property, and immediately envisioned a shady patio that could lure diners to his casual bakery and restaurant.
"I fell in love with the sycamore tree, even though it was surrounded by weeds," said Wilkins, who opened Diva's Cupcakes & Coffee last October. "It's why I picked the building."
Today, after hours of labor, the patio at Diva's, 1560 E. 3300 South, is an outdoor dining oasis, complete with a brick patio, multi-level deck, lush flower beds and, of course, plenty of shade from that huge tree. Nearby is the entrance to the unique green "dome," visible form the street. Actually the dome is an old greenhouse (the building was previously a garden store) that has been transformed into a third eating area, where lush ferns and a waterfall allow diners to enjoy an outdoor atmosphere in a covered atrium.
From mid-May through September -- after months of being indoors -- people seem to crave a meal on an outdoor patio or deck. Food just seems to taste better under a canopy or umbrella surrounded by flowers, a fountain and a breeze. Restaurants with especially nice patios find that the outdoor tables are the first ones to fill.
Wilkins said even though Diva's patio has been open for just a few weeks, it has become a preferred spot at its Sunday brunch and lunch. Besides baked goods, the restaurant also serves, soups, salads, sandwiches and quiche.)
Customers say the secluded patio sets Diva's apart from his coffeehouse competitors.
"There are a million coffee shops," said Jami Anderson, a Diva's regular. "But when it gets warm, you have to have someplace where you can sit outside."
Any restaurant can set up tables on the sidewalk and call it a "patio." But al fresco -- that's Italian for "fresh" -- dining is best when restaurant owners have put some thought into the space, offering either a nice view or a secluded area with shade and plants. And maybe even a fountain.
Here are 16 Utah restaurant patios we think make us want to spend time on their patios:
Alta Lodge » Alta Resort, Little Cottonwood Canyon, 801-322-4631. During the summer season, which starts June 7, the lodge serves Saturday lunch and Sunday brunch outside. The deck gives diners a view of the mountain resort
Blue Boar Inn & Restaurant » 1235 Warm Springs Road, Midway; 888-650-1400. When the weather gets warm -- which in this high-altitude location is usually around Memorial Day -- the restaurant opens The Hinterhof. This "patio behind" offers views of the Wasatch Back as well as the Inn's colorful gardens.
Caffe Molise » 55 W. 100 South, Salt Lake City ; 801-364-8833. Dinwoody Plaza, adjacent to this Italian restaurant, becomes a semi-secluded urban patio on warm days.
Cafe Trio Downtown » 680 S. 900 East, Salt Lake City; 801-533-8746. Raised flower beds encircling this patio make it a popular place for lunch and dinner.
The Dodo » 1355 E. 2100 South, Salt Lake City; 801-486-2473. Views of both Sugarhouse Park and the Wasatch Mountains, and a new awning, plants, music, lighting and overhead heating are in the works.
Easy Street Brasserie » at The Sky Lodge, 201 Heber Ave., Park City; 435-658-9425. A water fountain flows from the upper patio to the lower-level patio near the Easy Street General store; the Bar Boheme also has a large deck, where tables with umbrellas offer shade.
Diva's Cupcakes & Coffee » 1560 E. 3300 South, Salt Lake City; 801-485-0619. Secluded multi-level patio includes flower beds and plenty of shade from a huge sycamore tree. The green "dome" includes lush ferns and a waterfall.
Fresco Italian Cafe » 1513 S. 1500 East, Salt Lake City; 801-486-1300. Close to the city, but this trellis patio feels like a summer escape.
Market Street Grill Cottonwood » 2985 E. Cottonwood Pkwy., Cottonwood Heights ; 801-942-8860. Spacious patios and decks offer views of the Wasatch Mountains and Cottonwood Creek.
Oasis Cafe » 151 S. 500 East, Salt Lake City; 801-322-0404. Outdoor courtyard, situated between the restaurant and the adjacent bookstore, has the three "F's": a fountain, a fireplace and colorful flowers.
The Park Cafe » 604 E. 1300 South, Salt Lake City ; 801-487-1670. Covered patio has a nice view of the south entrance to Liberty Park. A fireplace takes the chill off on cool mornings; the restaurant only serves breakfast and lunch.
The Paris Bistro »1500 S. (Emerson) 1500 East, Salt Lake City ; 801-486-5585. Even though you're in the middle of a Salt Lake neighborhood, sitting on this cordoned-off patio makes you feels very French.
Stella Grill » 4291 S. 900 East, East Millcreek; 801-288-0051. Private patio gets shade from nearby trees; a new awning is planned soon.
The Sun & Moon Cafe » 5195 Emigration Canyon, Salt Lake City; 801-583-8331. The perfect trifecta -- casual dining, mountain view and live music.
Tiburon Fine Dining »8256 S. 700 East, Sandy; 801-255-1200. Spacious space offering shade from nearby trees and a view of the restaurant's organic "backyard" garden.
Tuscany » 2832 E. 6200 South, Holladay; 801-277-9919. Secluded, shady and romantic --possibly the best patio in the state.
Have you got a favorite restaurant patio not included in our top 16? Tell us where it is and why you like it in an e-mail to food@sltrib.com
