‘Tis the season for outdoor dining

There’s nothing like fine summer weather to get food and beverage business booming at local drinking and dining establishments that have outdoor space for customers. After last summer’s mostly inconsistent weather put a damper on outdoor dining, this season’s run of warm, sunny days has decks and patios around the Valley bustling with activity.

Everett’s restaurant at the Mat-Su Resort has a prime lakefront location on Wasilla Lake. Its deck, with easy access to boaters and paddlers, has long been a magnet for summer business. But that is always weather-dependent.

Aidan Malone, Everett’s assistant manager, said this summer’s exceptional start has been a great driver for deck business.

“Compared to last summer, it’s much better,” he said. “There’s a lot more deck business this summer.”

Everett’s patrons can enjoy lunch, dinner, and happy hour on the deck, Tuesdays through Sundays. Sunday brunch, in particular, has been a hot time on the deck.

But really, anytime the sun is shining, that is the place to be.

“The deck is in very high demand,” Malone said. “Pretty much everyone wants to be out there.”

Waterfront dining can also be enjoyed on Lake Lucille, at the Chop House, which has an expansive deck off its dining room. Those choosing to sit inside can still enjoy lake views through the large windows that look out from the dining room.

The Chop House is open for lunch and dinner seven days a week, with a lighter “bar bites” menu available between lunch and dinner service. Reservations are recommended for inside tables. Deck seating is first-come, first-served.

If big, bold views are more your thing, it doesn’t get any better than the Raven’s Perch Bar and Grill at the Alaska Glacier Lodge. Located at the end of Knik River Road outside of Palmer, the Raven’s Perch has a large deck overlooking the Chugach Mountains and Knik River Valley.

Open seven days a week through September 15, the Raven’s Perch offers a menu with locally sourced ingredients and an assortment of wines and locally crafted micro-brews.

Closer to central Mat-Su, Chepo’s patio in Wasilla has been rocking this summer, according to manager Jose “Chepito” Nanez Jr.

“Compared to last year, yes, definitely,” he said about the high demand for outdoor seating. “Last year it was on and off. This summer it feels like a constant requirement. If it’s a sunny day, we’re just doing the bar and the patio.”

Tuesday nights have been especially busy, Nanez said, because of the live entertainment on the patio, which can seat around 200 people.

“Every Tuesday, we sell out,” he said.

For a quieter outdoor dining experience, The Grape Tap offers its backyard garden seating. The fenced-in area behind the popular downtown Wasilla eatery has also been in high demand during the long run of beautiful days that kicked off the season. “We hit the ground running this summer,” said Gretchen Hopping, The Grape Tap’s executive chef. “It’s been a great summer for outdoor dining.”

Owner Kristin Cook echoed that sentiment, but noted that the restaurant’s backyard dining area, with its “great ambience and gorgeous garden,” is different from typical deck dining.

“I love to serve in the backyard. People are more relaxed,” she said. “It’s beautiful, and it doesn’t feel as chaotic. You can even take your shoes off.” Friday nights bring live entertainment to the backyard. Hostess Malia Hoagland sings and accompanies herself on keyboard. The Grape Tap’s full menu is available outside, including summer specials that will highlight local ingredients. The restaurant is open for dinner every night but Monday. Reservations are recommended, but not required.