The votes are in, and the winners have been selected for OnMilwaukee's Best Dining 2008. The results of this readers' poll, including an editors' pick, are available in this series of articles that run all October long during Dining Month on OnMilwaukee.com.

October is Dining Month on OnMilwaukee.com. All month, we're stuffed with restaurant reviews, special features, chef profiles and unique articles on everything food. Bon appetit!

Even people who love Milwaukee generally concede that the city has one major flaw:

Beautiful weather is far too scarce.

Summer here is as good as anywhere in the world. Fall is lovely. Even winter -- at least after a fresh snowfall -- has a certain charm. But, the truly "nice" days and evenings seem fleeting -- which is why we maximize them as much as possible.

The concept of outdoor dining and drinking has taken off in the past decade or so, with Milwaukeeans clamoring to savor warm afternoons and evenings at establishments with waterfront locations or carefully appointed patios.

The race for Best Patio, 2008, was close. But, the Milwaukee Ale House won out over 2007 winner Trocadero. The Ale House, with its picturesque location on the Milwaukee River, gives diners and drinkers a spectacular backdrop to conduct the pursuit of merriment. (The craft beer selection doesn't hurt, either).

When winter gives us the cold shoulder, warm yourself by thinking of sultry evenings at these spots.

OnMilwaukee.com editor's choice: Barnacle Bud's

Runners-up:
2. Trocadero
3. Barnacle Bud's
4. Roots
5. Water Buffalo
6. Rock Bottom Brewery
7. Riptide Seafood Bar and Grill
8. The Harp Irish Pub
9. La Perla
10. Tess
11. Bayou
12. Rustico
13. Wicked Hop
14. Palomino