While most people enjoy the great outdoors all summer, we Dallasites bask indoors by the AC trying to avoid West Nile.

Fall is our time to party in the open air, and the new Patio Grill is the perfect place to do so.

The laid-back Uptown bar has a 1,200-square-foot piazza with ringside views of bustling McKinney Avenue. ’Twas owners Eric Roberts and Tharen Hathaway who hoisted the cedar beams, erected the black iron fence, and poured the stamped concrete floor to create the alfresco haven.

Inside is plain and simple (and, dare we say, slightly Irish pub-ish?) with a travertine bar, Internet jukebox, flat-screens, and ten beers on tap. For grub, its all about the wings, stuffed burgers (with yumminess like mushrooms and peppers), and mean cracker-crust pizzas.

Sounds like a breath of fresh air.

The Patio Grill, 3403 McKinney Avenue (214-720-3838 or thepatiogrilldallas.com).

Photo: Getty Images