Summer is just about here and that means it’s time to dine out…outdoors that is.

Here’s a roundup of some of my favorite outdoor dining options in the area.

GRAN ELECTRONICA (5 Front Street) touts Regional Mexican fare plus mezcal & tequila cocktails in a rustic-chic space. While some of their dishes might be a bit spicy for some, you should be able to find something on the menu that won’t burn your taste buds. The main attraction here is one of the prettiest outdoor gardens you’ll find anywhere, with the Brooklyn Bridge tower looming above. If you’ve never seen this garden, it’s worth the short trip. http://granelectrica.com/menu

While I’m a big fan of their food, I’m not crazy about the cramped indoor seating at SOCIALE (72 Henry Street.) So when the warm weather hits, I go early in the evening to snag one of their popular outdoor tables and enjoy yummy Italian treats like flash fried calamari, shrimp, eggplant, red peppers in marinara sauce.   Another favorite appy is deep fried buffalo mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, anchovies and basil. And the best part is watching the people stroll up and down Henry Street. http://www.socialebk.com/

HEIGHTS CAFE (82 Montague Street) is a neighborhood staple but I particularly enjoy dining in their spacious outdoor seating area during warm weather months. To me, it’s the closet thing we have to a European grand cafe. I like to munch on a Maine lobster roll with a frosty mug of beer. You might also try one of their mussel pots such as the Thai pot with white wine, coconut milk, lemon grass, cilantro and mint. Soak it all up with some of the Cafe’s excellent fries that come with. http://www.heightscafeny.com/

For those of you who are up for a good walk and have not yet discovered Dumbo’s emerging neighbor, Vinegar Hill, you are missing out on one of the best restaurants in New York City, let alone our area. This is VINEGAR HILL HOUSE (72 Hudson Avenue) and while the inside space is cozy and chic, the outdoor space is one of the most unique outdoor dining options you’ll find anywhere. Picture grandma’s back yard with mismatched furniture but spruced up a bit with cool lighting and interesting touches. The Sunday brunch here is really, really good, but be warned, reservations are a must as this out of the way gem is packed at all times. Everything on the menu is excellent but their take on brisket is particularly outstanding. Their brisket is served with gem lettuce, pepper jam, garlic aioli and tarragon vinaigrette. Aunt Yetta would plotz! http://vinegarhillhouse.com/

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-Keith Klein