"If you haven’t seen your childhood friend since middle school, chances are you’ll be doing a lot of listening at dinner. This requires a not-too-loud, laid back patio with minimal distractions, like the one at Salazar in Frogtown. This Mexican restaurant’s outdoor space feels like a desert retreat with cacti and candlelit tables after sunset. Both the margaritas and chips and salsa here are great if you’re stopping by for drinks, or you can order a few tacos al pastor for an impromptu casual meal with your long-winded friend. " - sylvio martins, garrett snyder, nikko duren