Here’s a garden patio for lunch or dinner people-watching along West Magnolia Avenue
Lili’s Bistro now has a handsome patio, and just in time.
The evolution of a West Magnolia Avenue side alley into a patio came just in time for Lili’s to offer open-air dining to hospital district workers and families concerned about the indoor spread of COVID-19.
Patios are safer than indoor dining rooms. Lili’s started converting the alley three years ago, but owner Vance Martin has been adding improvements.
“Originally it was due to simply wanting more seating,” said Martin, owner of the 13-year south side mainstay known for its piano bar, dinners and specialties such as Gorgonzola waffle fries.
It’s a slightly raised all-weather deck covered with artificial turf, so it at least looks like a garden patio.
“It’s a really nice setting especially when we can open the gates on each end and have the outside air blow through,” he said.
The tables closest Magnolia are some of the best on the street for people-watching.
Lili’s Bistro has resumed full service and added partitions between tables indoors for safety.
It’s open for lunch weekdays and Saturdays, and dinner Wednesdays through Saturdays.
A monthly Sunday brunch will start soon; 1310 W. Magnolia Ave., 817-877-0700, https://lilisbistro.com/
