Moncton's outdoor eating areas are popping up like flowers heralding the arrival of warmer weather

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One thing that brings Moncton alive in the summertime is the abundance of outdoor cafes and patios. Outdoor cafes offer up a unique dining experience, where you get to engage all of your senses under the company of the sun. With many of your favourite restaurants catering to the outdoor enthusiast, it's hard to choose just one place for lunch.

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The reappearance of sidewalk cafes and outdoor terraces is one of the many signs that summer is on its way.

"This year we will have over 25 patios operating," shares Executive Director of Downtown Moncton Centre-Ville Inc., Daniel Allain. With such a variety of places to choose from, you may find it difficult to select which meal to enjoy outdoors.

Breakfast or Sunday brunch may be had al fresco at Cora's or the Old Triangle. Lunch and supper are served at a number of places including Cinq Etoiles, Calactus, Mexicala Rosa's, St. James Gate and Rouge.

Morning coffee may be sipped outdoors at Café Cognito on Main Street and afternoon or evening beer drinkers have a number of places to rest their glass. Navigators is perhaps the best Moncton has to offer for outdoor drinking in the summertime.

Customers look forward to May, when their terrace opens up. In European fashion, the Pub has created a hideaway lit by tabletop candles, a flowing fountain, and an outdoor bar. Ivy crawling up the walls softens the brick building and creates a countryside feel without leaving the city.

Other options are St. James Gate, Doc Dylans, The Great Canadian Pub and of course The Pump House, for food and drink. If you don't have a backyard to set up a BBQ, going out for drinks or lunch may be the next best thing.

"We are outdoorsy people," says Daniel. "After the winter it's been tough and people want to be outside."

One of Moncton's successful outdoor patios is still a new pub on the block, but has already discovered the secret of satisfying their customers. Shonda Wilkins, Manager of the Old Triangle says that it's not just about the revenue the patio generates but also the atmosphere, the outdoor option provides.

"The outdoor patio when it's open and nice out is very uplifting," she says. "Everybody seems to be in a better mood and friendlier. It makes it a happier environment. You can notice a difference in peoples attitudes from dining inside or outside. It's quite a difference."

Shonda also says that it gives her staff a better serving experience, as customers who are enjoying the sun are more laid back. With an outdoor speaker playing their live music, five nights a week, it's also an opportunity for the passerby to enjoy the entertainment and bring in unexpected customers off the street.

The city's version of a countryside picnic plays an essential role in developing the downtown personality. It adds character and vibrancy to the centre of the city and while it's good for businesses, it's also great for customers who get to enjoy a lunch or drink away from the office.