Seven Spots for Outdoor Lunches

The summer solstice and the end of the school year are still a couple weeks away, but as far as we're concerned, it's time to enjoy the outdoors. This township isn't blessed with a ton of outdoor dining options. Chances are, the most satisfying outdoor meal you will enjoy this summer will be in your own backyard or in a neighboring town. Still, if you're willing to inhale some Route 22 fumes or brown bag your lunch, we offer you six outdoor lunch options to enjoy while the weather is warm.

No.1. Meisel Field. When we ran this list last year, we suggested picking up a , a or a , and bring it to the benches here. Now, two of those three options are no longer. Evergreen is still an option as is your own lunch from home, but even more convenient, try the that's parked here most days of the week. Afterward, walk off your lunch with a lap around the park. You'll feel refreshed, ready to take on the afternoon workday.

No. 2. . Part fish market, part Italian deli,  this longtime Echo Plaza establishment has been a favorite in this area for generations—in Springfield for the last 16 years and in Hillside before that. We're fans of the fried haddock sandwich, as well as the Italian deli sandwiches, such as salami and mozzarella. The indoor dining area is pleasant and full of Italian Americana, but now that warm weather is here, several tables with umbrellas are set up just outside.

No. 3. . Family owned and operated for three generations, Cioffis serves salads, sandwiches, pizzas and a wide range of prepared entrees. The antipasto salad here is a winner. It starts with a bed of fresh romaine lettuce and is topped with sliced tomatoes and bell peppers, large black olives, pepperoncini, marinated cauliflower and carrots, roasted red peppers and six spirals of ham, cappicola, salami and cheese. We're also fans of their pizza and sandwiches.

No. 4. . We have yet to review this new establishment on Route 22 adjacent Hotel 304 West, but the menu is promising. With Italian and Irish fare ranging from a Dublin burger with Guinness barbecue sauce to veal meatballs with penne and fresh ricotta ($18), this looks like a good spot for lunch or happy hour. The interior has a comforting pub vibe, but the owners also built a brand new outdoor patio with several tables.

No. 5. . Serving some of the best bagels in the county since 1983, Bagels Supreme is not just a breakfast spot. The whitefish salad on a warm sesame bagel makes for a satifying lunch, and you can sit outside on tables facing Mountain Avenue. The veggie spread is also a favorite bagel filling. Along with Cioffi's, this is one of the few establishments with outdoor seating that is not on Route 22.

No. 6. . All dishes at Chipotle are made assembly-line-like fashion: You choose whether you want black or pinto beans, sour cream, cheese, lettuce, guacamole, etc. Try the carnitas burrito ($6.65) – naturally raised pork seasoned with thyme, bay leaves, juniper berries and freshly cracked black pepper, then seared, braised and shredded. Chipotle has a large outdoor seating area in the median of Route 22.

No. 7. . Some like the comfort of chain food. I'm not a fan. Many of the healthy options have that mass-produced cookie-cutter taste. But this is a convenient location, and people seem to love it. The dining room is usually busting at lunchtime, and now that thew weather is warm, you can take your food outside and enjoy on one of the few sidewalk tables.