Outdoor Dining: Enjoy Summer Before It Ends

VININGS.   Located on the Chattahoochee River where Buckhead meets the historic Vinings area, this romantic restaurant is a wonderful choice for special dinners and celebrations. The lush gardens outside, along with the vaulted ceilings and intricate decor inside, set the scene for a fabulous meal. Award-winning seasonal American cuisine is creatively prepared and artistically presented. Try the Georgia mountain trout with Anson Mills' grits, or for brunch, pheasant ragout with two sunnyside eggs.   (© 10Best)

One of the most romantic restaurants in town, this award-winner glows with old brick walls, an airy ceiling, and a prime location on the edge of the shimmering Chattahoochee River. When the weather accommodates, request a cozy patio table, or at least an inside window seat, to watch the stars reflect on the water. The roasted Carolina rabbit entree is a delicious perennial indulgence. (from Southern Living)

To grill at home: Coffee and Molasses-Brined Pork Chops

DOWNTOWN.   This downtown Miami eatery is a local favorite, serving up the city's freshest seafood at amazing prices. Garcia's Seafood Grille is situated right on the river, affording remarkable views and a great outdoor patio for enjoying pleasant weather. This inexpensive Miami restaurant has an extensive menu that includes favorites like crab cakes, hushpuppies, seafood dip and an unbeatable dolphin sandwich. Be sure to check out their daily specials before you order, as they can feature some great meal deals.   (© 10Best)

To grill at home: Shrimp Kebabs with Jalapeño-Lime Marinade

FINANCIAL DISTRICT.   This South Street Seaport restaurant sees a fair share of tourists each day. Nevertheless, it has managed to maintain a certain air of mystique, due in part to its unparalleled view of New York Harbor. The fashionable restaurant offers guests the chance to dine on New American cuisine in a fairly elegant environment. During warmer months, you can take weekend brunch on the deck and enjoy watching the action on the harbor and nearby Brooklyn Bridge. TRAIN: J, M, Z to Canal St   (© 10Best)

To grill at home: Grilled Rib-eye Steaks with Miso Butter

MOUNT PLEASANT.   Don't be put off by the rustic exterior of this former icehouse. The Wreck is THE place to go for fresh seafood in Charleston. It's a no-frills existence here. Grab a beer from ice buckets in the middle of the floor or out on the back patio, and pick up a paper plate loaded with the best Southern-fried seafood you'll ever eat! Fantastic harbor views, to boot!   (© 10Best)

To grill at home: Beer-Can Chicken with Cola Barbecue Sauce

SEAPORT DISTRICT.   Barking Crab doesn't do fancy presentation – meals are served on paper plates and eaten with plastic utensils – but great food needs no fancy trappings anyway. The place has a way with seafood, evidenced in the Barking Crab Cakes, famous fish and chips, herb-marinated swordfish, and seafood scampi over fettuccini. Outdoor dining and great views of the city skyline make the restaurant a fun spot for casual, relaxed meals.   (© 10Best)

To grill at home: Grilled Tuna with Basil Butter and Fresh Tomato Sauce

LINCOLN PARK.   Set in the middle of an idyllic park, this cozy cabin, rife with Arts & Crafts style, is known for its great brunch. The warm, simple structure keeps a focus on the views – tree-lined ponds, bursts of flowers, and the city skyline – not to mention the food. Brunch is a prix fixe three-course extravaganza that features citrus brioche French toast and spinach-cheese-egg strata. Dinner includes dishes like Alaskan halibut with fava beans, sage-roasted breast of guinea hen, and a grilled New York strip.   (© 10Best)

To grill at home: Hoisin and Bourbon-Glazed Pork Tenderloin

EMBARCADERO.   Sometimes, the simplest things in life are best, a premise wholeheartedly embraced by the people who run this fantastic oyster bar. In fact, they raise the oysters about an hour north of the city, and their sweet, succulent mollusks are some of the area's best. Indulge in a selection at an outdoor table, and couple awesome Bay views with a dozen Hog Island Sweetwaters or Kumamotos. Add in a glass of wine, some sake or a cold beer, and there's nothing better! Clams, clam chowder, oyster stew and salads can be had as well.   (© 10Best)

To grill at home: Grilled Summer Stone Fruit with Cherry-Port Syrup

BAINBRIDGE ISLAND.   Emphasizing Pacific Northwest meats, seafood, and produce, this charming restaurant boasts innovative global fare and friendly, small-town service. Featured dishes include seared scallops, steaks, and pork roast with garlic mashed potatoes. Regional wines and micro-brewed beers add dimension to the food. Since the Winslow ferry stop is just a short walk away, the restaurant is an exceptionally convenient place to refuel before heading back to the city.   (© 10Best)

To grill at home: Tuna "London Broil" with Wasabi Cream

THE STRIP.   Olives is your best bet if you are looking for great Mediterranean food in Las Vegas. Lunch restaurants on the Strip just can't beat Olive’s range of green salads topped with fresh dressings and main dishes like roasted portobello panini, butternut squash tortelli or crispy flatbreads. Other top entrees include Olive’s sensational burger, char-grilled NY strip steak and roasted organic chicken.   (© 10Best)

To grill at home: Lemon-Garlic Shrimp Skewers

DOCTOR PHILLIPS.   At this innovative eatery and wine bar, the kitchen focuses on healthy cooking and fresh, seasonal ingredients. Take pleasure in choosing your vintage (over 70 varieties available by the glass), and savor caramelized sea scallops with roasted asparagus or grilled rack of New Zealand lamb. The menu changes weekly to implement fresh produce, and each dish contains under 475 calories. Sweets, from strawberry mango cheesecake to pecan pie, are served in delicate mini portions. Situated by the lake, the patio offers an exquisite view.   (© 10Best)

To grill at home: French West Indian Grilled Snapper with Caper Sauce