You have to twist your neck to read Billy G’s cockeyed signage. Ahaaa, but once you’re seated . . . .

Today restaurants are judged less by their food, service, parking, and ambiance, than by the size of their patio. 

In the Big Patio sweepstakes, Billy G’s in Kirkwood is a winner. The expansive seating area with an outside entrance comes with well-spaced tables and seriously-masked servers. (That means no “under nose wearers.)

Cyndy places her order after scanning the menu into her phone from the red circular card shown on the table.

I was first amused, and then intrigued, by the electronic menu, that replaces the hard copy. Each table has a card with a red, circular bar code imprinted. (See photo above.) Using the photo screen of your phone, you can download what’s being served. No bulky, small print, or dog-eared menus.

I think this feature should be a keeper, even after the virus fizzles out. It makes the menu easy for the kitchen to update and saves servers from having to rattle off a long list of specials. What’s more, it gives customers something to do with their phones besides check emails. 

Beautiful Setting, Bountiful Servings

Things were a-popping on the warm, sunny day when Cyndy and I had lunch at Billy G’s. It felt so good to be eating among people even distantly. Diners were carefree, yet cautious. People were playing by the rules. 

Salmon BLT with Sweet Potato Fries. I was grateful Cyndy was willing to share her fries. 🙂

Cod Fish Po’ Boy 

Knowing we’d likely be taking some part of our lunch with us, I ordered the Cod Po’ Boy with a squash side dish. And Cyndy went for the Salmon BLT with Sweet Potato Fries. Just eating with an old friend and being outdoors made the lunch all the more enjoyable.

Pizzas Get Rave Reviews

I’ve since been told that Billy G serves a great white pizza, the Farmhouse, that comes with mozzarella, prosciutto, wild mushrooms, arugula, and Parmesan. I definitely intend to explore this on my next outdoor dining experience.

Social distancing bar side.