The mall at Fairfield Commons offers plenty of patio dining options

choi

2717 Fairfield Commons, Beavercreek

937-320-4419 or www.chuys.com/locations/ohio/chuys-beavercreek

This cool and bright restaurant was established in Austin, Texas in 1982 and made its way to Dayton in 2015. The company has 58 restaurants in 14 states.

If you’re yard hopping, start things off with guacamole ($8.09).

If you are there to stay, go straight to the main course. Maybe a “big as your face” burrito? Get a mix of chicken fajita and beef fajita ($12.79) if you want to live on the edge. The Elvis Presley Memorial Combo ($13.29) is for people who have skipped at least one, maybe two meals. It comes with marinated ground beef with Tex-Mex sauce, chicken enchilada with tomatillo sauce, cheese enchiladas with ranchero sauce, crunchy tacos and homemade tortilla chips dipped in queso. burp!

Get one of Chuy’s “Ritas” (starting at $8 for a regular) for a full wash. Happy Hour runs Monday through Friday 3pm-6pm with $2 house rita, $1 Texas Martinez, local beer and glasses of wine, $3 bottled wine and $5 queso.

All the better to enjoy on the patio when the weather works itself out. Fairfield Commons’ best patio definitely goes to Chuy with its lush plantations on the ocean and the most attractive dates. There’s no shortage of tables outside, and even on the hottest days you can pretend you’re at Chuy’s Original in Austin and cool off with a refreshing drink.

And please be aware, there is a more spacious patio available at Chuy’s in Austin Landing if you find yourself in the South.

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Basil in the market

2729 Fairfield Commons Blvd., Beavercreek

937-702-3160 or https://basilsonmarket.com

Basil’s patio is covered, which is a bonus depending on the weather. It’s also on the side of one of the entrances to the mall, so people-watching is guaranteed. The patio is very basic, but it serves its purpose.

If you’re hopping on the patio, go for the Barrel Tatter ($10.50)—large tots stuffed with cheese, bacon, and green onions with Calypso sauce. If you’re not yard cruising, go kegs. Pair it with a seasonal Blackberry Solstice Cocktail ($9) made with gin, blackberry, and a hint of mint and ginger and you’ll be in action no matter your next stop.

exploreThe restaurant, which serves Argentinean cuisine with an Italian and Spanish theme, is open on Saturdays

Flyby BBQ

2733 Fairfield Commons, Beavercreek

937-637-3001 or www.flybybbq.com

This is Chipotle BBQ. Build your own creativity with smoked proteins, fresh toppings and sauces. Start by choosing your style — sandwich, bowl, salad, pasta, or “solo” (where protein stands alone), then choose smoked protein. Choices are beef breast ($12), pulled pork ($9.50), pulled chicken ($9), jackfruit ($9), veggies ($8.25) or baby ribs (available only solo, $9 for third rack, $14 for a half shelf and $24 for a full shelf).

Pile on sauces and toppings and you’ve got a meal. There is a variety of beers and ciders for $3.50 each available for purchase. The patio is small with two wooden picnic tables with shaded awnings in a very small space. It may be small, but it serves its purpose while you get sweet and spicy in Kansas City.

Melt bar and grilled

2733 Fairfield Commons, Beavercreek

937-912-1880 or https://meltbarandgrilled.com/location/dayton

Most of the dozens of Melt tables and chairs on the patio are covered in shade and weather protection while you eat.

All the better to enjoy the restaurant’s seasonal specials starting with watermelon mojio.

There’s a fiery chicken sandwich ($18.50) topped with grilled pineapple, fresh avocado, and pepper cheese. Then there’s the BLT Fried Green Tomato ($17.50) smeared with house-made smoked Gouda pimento cheese. Sides include fried green tomatoes with fire-roasted corn sauce and remoulade, and watermelon salad with cucumber, cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, fresh mint, lemon, and poppy seeds. For dessert there’s strawberry cake bread pudding ($11.50).

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