(FORTUNE Magazine) – With the whole country taking to the sidewalks, the time has come for the perennial inventory of alfresco eats. For a front-row seat, try the spots below, all of which have tables outside facing the passing parade.

--Ronald B. Lieber

Food Decor Service Cost BOSTON 27 24 24 $44 Hamersley's Bistro 553 Tremont St. 617-423-2700

CHICAGO 21 22 21 $33 Avanzare 161 E. Huron St. 312-337-8056

LOS ANGELES 25 24 20 $44 The Ivy 113 N. Robertson Blvd. 310-274-8303

MIAMI BEACH 20 23 19 $17 Tap Tap 819 Fifth St. 305-672-2898

NEW YORK CITY 20 15 16 $27 Bar Pitti 268 Sixth Ave. 212-982-3300

SAN DIEGO 25 20 20 $23 Osteria Panevino 722 Fifth Ave. 619-595-7959

SAN FRANCISCO 24 20 20 $31 Pane e Vino 3011 Steiner St. 415-346-2111

0-9 poor to fair 10-19 good to very good 20-25 very good to excellent 26-30 extraordinary to perfection

Cost reflects the estimated price of a dinner with one drink and tip.