The Ultimate Guide to a Stellar Patio Season: 5 Strategies to Delight Your Customers

PBC Marketing | March 31, 2025

It’s patio season. The fresh-air-frenzy from April to September when patrons dine outdoors to enjoy the warmer weather. People often eat out more during these months overall, especially if they’re on vacation. Of course, the season may be longer or shorter depending on the climate. Either way, this means more revenue for hotels, restaurants and bars! 

Patio season is a chance to delight your guests in innovative ways. Here are our handpicked ideas for making the most of your outdoor dining season.

1. Create Summer Vibes 

In any season, the right ambiance makes all the difference. It invites customers in, entices them to stay, and creates photo opportunities for social media—whether you or your diners snap the pics. 

  • Heat Elements – Even in the summer, temperatures can drop significantly in the evenings. Patio heaters can provide the necessary warmth to make dining al fresco comfortable for guests. Beyond their practical utility, patio heaters can contribute to creating a cozy and inviting ambiance. The warmth and light they provide can enhance the overall dining experience in an outdoor space.
  • Mood Lighting – Mood lighting can transform an ordinary open-air space into an inviting and cozy environment. It helps in setting the right tone, whether the restaurant aims for a romantic, relaxed, or vibrant atmosphere. A comfortable and well-lit environment encourages customers to linger longer, possibly ordering more food or drinks. This can increase the average check size per table.
  • Tropical Plants – Transforming the patio into a stunning tropical oasis can give your restaurant one-of-a-kind summer charm. This not only draws attention but also makes the space more Instagram-worthy, prompting visitors to spread the word on social media platforms, generating free publicity. Plants also naturally filter the air and provide cleaner air for the diners. Plus, you can use tall ferns and other greenery as table dividers to create a cozy private environment. Weave vines or flowers into your pergola or wrap them around fence posts. This can make your patio environment more refreshing and enjoyable, particularly in urban settings.

Sunny San Diego may offer more patio season days than most U.S cities. Check out these chic outdoor San Diego dining spots for some ambiance inspiration.

2. Keep it Fresh

  • Craft a special menu for the season. Summer heat makes people crave fresh ingredients and lighter fare. According to HungryHouse, sweating “makes us crave foods that have a high percentage of water content to replenish our supply of fluids. This includes watermelon (94%), grapefruit (90%), peppers (92%), zucchini (95%), and strawberries (94%).” A craving for lighter meals also means diners may prefer smaller, shareable bites. So, serve salty, refreshing dishes like leafy green salads, zesty fruit sorbets and mini fish tacos. And don’t forget the patio-perfect cocktails! Infuse your summer drinks with fresh fruits and herbs.

3. Patio Flow

Designing the perfect patio is an art form. The heart of a well-designed patio layout is a seamless blend of form, function, and fun.

  • Accessible Seating – Create an inclusive space that’s accessible and comfortable for everyone. That means ramps for elevated areas plus railings, automatic doors, clear travel corridors, and Braille signage.
  • Dog-Friendly Details – Think water bowls (away from high-traffic areas), secure O-rings or metal fixtures for tying down leashes, and roomy corner tables for parties with large dogs or more than one pup. Dog owners will appreciate your thoughtfulness and add you to their outdoor dining favorites.
  • Keep Things Open – Don’t cram too many seats or tables in your outdoor dining area. Tables that are too close together can make diners uncomfortable or be difficult for staff to navigate. This is especially true if your patio is smaller than the inside of your restaurant. Aim to create an intimate yet spacious vibe.
  • Bring the Inside Outside – Want to liven up your patio atmosphere for patio season? Bring part of the kitchen outside. Tempt hungry diners with an outdoor pizza oven. Put your cocktail-shaking bartenders in the spotlight with an outdoor bar. A strategically placed satellite bar can also encourage impulse purchases. At the Portable Bar Company we offer a variety of versatile, portable options. 
  • Stylish Shades – Keep guests shaded from intense summer sun. Umbrellas do the job but require regular maintenance and cleaning. Plus, sometimes it’s hard to find the perfect umbrella angle to shade every diner. If available, use natural shade from trees or neighboring buildings. Really want to make your patio pop? Invest in a stylish pergola, canopy or branded awning. Shade coverings also help keep outdoor areas usable during summer rain. Just be sure to quickly wipe down exposed furniture so guests don’t sit on damp chairs.
  • Point the Way – Balancing indoor and outdoor restaurant operations can be tricky. Make it easier on your staff with clear signs directing customers to different areas. Also, position your hostess stand at the entrance to prevent diners from seating themselves at an outdoor table. It’s all part of your patio flow!

4. Take Advantage of Tech

Keep things seamless during busy times with tech tools. For example, Toast Payroll and Team Management can help onboard new staff and ensure employees are paid on time. You can also use systems like these to manage scheduling and takeout orders. Add touchless menus and payments to minimize cleanup and maximize efficiency. During peak months, a digital waitlist will help manage guests as they arrive and update them about their tables and wait times. It will also allow you to collect contact info so you can attract customers with seasonal specials and targeted marketing offers. Bonus—these tech tools will make your venue appear more modern and on trend.

5. Spread the Word

Once you’ve brought your patio paradise to life, how do you make it more appealing than all the others? Seasonal events and menus help, but you’ll need to spread the word. Try a mix of traditional and digital marketing. Email or hand out coupons and flyers for breezy happy hours and hotel day parties. Here’s an example of an eye-catching flyer from the Hard Rock Hotel’s Liquid Sunshine event. You can also promote events on storefront signs, sandwich boards or your hostess stand. Even better, meet the crowds where they are by renting a tent at local festivals. And don’t forget about in-the-moment marketing. Prompt impulse buys with a well-placed satellite bar featuring seasonal specials. Then, on the digital front, share social media updates and pitch events to social influencers.