Portalli's to Add Large Patio with Views of Old Ellicott City

How about some fresh air to go with that wine and pasta?

Portalli's recently received approval for a patio project that will add 20 tables to the Main Street Italian restaurant and offer views of Ellicott City.

"You'll almost have a 360 degree view of the town," said Evan Brown, co-owner of Portalli's. "You can see a lot of the rooftops, it's a pretty amazing spot."

Brown said building a patio on the back of the building has been a dream of his and his partners since they opened Portalli's 4 years ago.

The patio itself will be two tiers. The first tier will be connected to the second floor of the building and will be accessed from the great room where the piano is. The second tier will be about five steps up from the first tier. Together, the two tiers will seat between 60 to 80 people, according to Brown, with a total of 20 tables.

The restaurant received approval for the patio this month. Brown said they plan to begin construction on it soon and that the builders, a team of 16 people, expect to finish it in less than 10 days.

"As long as everything is clearing the inspector properly, it should be [open] quick," said Brown.

Brown said after 3:30 p.m. the patio area should be shady, which will offer diners a reprieve from the scorching summer heat we've experienced so far this year.

Brown said the project wouldn't be possible without the support Portalli's receives from the people of Ellicott City and the surrounding area.

"I'm really happy we can be a part of the town," said Brown. "Hopefully this really cements us there for a good amount of time."

When completed, Portalli's will join Cacao Lane and Pure Wine Cafe as restaurants with patios on Main Street. Pure Wine's patio is built, but according to owner P.J. Strain, the restaurant still needs to obtain permits from the county before it can officially open.

News of Portalli's patio was first reported on local food blog HowChow. 

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