Perennial hot dog shacks and ice cream stands are sprouting like dandelions. Most people have the path to their nearest and dearest supplier of summer treats carved out in their hearts.

This guide is for beyond the everyday, to the scenes worth driving through — or further afield — to discover. Some benefit greatly from proximity to waterways and natural glory, while others have managed to create their own believable oases.

Here are some of my favorite places to eat with the sun on my face.

Bandana Bar and Grill

930 Lake Road, Youngstown

What looks like an ordinary truck stop is a destination restaurant for large swaths of Niagara County and beyond, as evidenced by the frequent battalions of bikers parked out front. Rob and Melissa Kudel have invested in a covered back patio where travelers can find themselves blessed to peruse daily specials or simply tuck into Buffalo Fried Cauliflower and three kinds of potato skins.

15 Cedar Street, Akron (716-442-5363, bistro93akronny.wixsite.com/bistro93)

Nestled next to this former tavern is a surprisingly elegant patio, where people can enjoy the tropical seafood styles of William Smith, who runs the kitchen while Jennifer Carlsen takes care of the dining room. Consider specialties like seared red snapper with Newburg lobster sauce and scampi-style snails.

5611 Main Street, Williamsville (650-4080, britesmithbrewing.com)

The renovation of the historic buildings included the installation of enough glass to provide a clear appreciation of Ellicott Creek meandering through Williamsville. The view outside is even more expansive, suitable for lingering over a freshly brewed pint of Briter Daze American Imperial Ale or a freshly cooked Korean cheesesteak.

block of butter, 426 Rhode Island St. (716-424-0027, butterblockshop.com); Five Points Bakery, 44 Brayton Street (716-884-8888, fivepointsbakery.com); Remedy House, 429 Rhode Island St. (716-250-7724, remedyhouse.co)

The intersection of West Utica and Rhode Island streets exerts a gravitational pull on hungry people with its concentration of high-quality food and drink. Five Points Bakery’s whole-grain goodness, expressed in earthy cinnamon buns, deliciously adorable toast plates, and more, was there first. Remedy House has added carefully brewed full-spectrum coffee and notorious breakfast sandwiches, which people can enjoy on patio tables in nice weather. Then Butter Block, Buffalo’s best supplier of croissants and other baked goods, opened its doors. You can’t eat inside, but across the street there are places to hang out. Five Points Bakery built a stage and put on a free jazz program on summer weekends. Choose something magnificent to eat while the musicians play and settle in to enjoy the society of the cafés, à la West Side.

888 Main Street, (885-1885, cocobuffalo.com)

Here, the clever French-inspired menu goes well for lunch on the shaded back patio, with umbrella-adorned tables away from the buzz of Main Street. Consider the French salad with lentils, carrots, beets and goat cheese, the croque madame enriched with Gruyere cheese and bechamel or a lamb burger infused with smoked paprika, cilantro and fennel.

537 Main Street (716-370-0029, graylynnginbar.com)

He may be the country boy in me, but when I sip a gin fizz on the Graylynn Terrace as the streetcar rumbles and I look up to catch the reflection of the Goldome building, I feel downright cosmopolitan. Add the European-leaning menu, with Scotch eggs, snails, bacon butties and full English breakfast to weekend brunch, and it’s an urban urban meal.

4038 Hoover Road, Hamburg (716-246-3022, lago210.com)

Alex Diaczenko, the chef behind Lucia’s on the Lake, offers exuberant dishes using local produce and producers. There are 150 seats indoors and outdoors for sunset. Try fried Brussels sprouts with maple miso and vegan kimchi or chicken za’atar with charred jalapeno tzatziki.

40 E. Niagara St., Tonawanda (716-525-1260, prescottsprovisions.com)

The Town of Tonawanda Food Center has significantly expanded its outdoor seating, offering seating just steps from the Erie Canal. Now even more people can experience the work of Vincent Thompson and his dedicated kitchen team, especially the white cheddar popovers, grilled tuna with caponata and homemade ravioli filled with nettle and ricotta.

3 O’Connell Island, Wilson (751-6868, sunsetgrillwilson.com)

Located on a creek just east of Wilson Tuscarora State Park, a variety of outdoor dining spots draw crowds day and night for dinner next to a sailboat. Hearty dishes like a pot roast sandwich and seafood options like Javanese salmon with mango salsa and build-your-own steamers.

64 W. Chippewa St. (856-7646, sohobuffalony.com)

Dining on a rooftop terrace overlooking one of the busiest corners of the city has recently become even more interesting with JJ Richert, of Torches and Smoke on the Water, influencing the menu. Puerto Rican skirt steak with black bean and chimichurri pico de gallo and pastrami-style pork tenderloin, served with a marbled rye bread and Swiss cheese pudding, are among the reasons to rediscover yourself.

Honorable Mention: The vast Clarence al fresco seats of this Little Pig; Hydraulic Hearth’s expansive outdoor gaming and drinking area in Larkin Square; tacos, quesadillas and tortas at the Monte Alban trailer in Medina; bespoke sandwiches and cocktails at the Waxlight Bar a Vin.