Raspberries or blueberries, depending on the soil and your preferences. Either can be mulched for low maintenance. I have trouble with critters, but perhaps you have less wildlife than I.
My first thought was butterfly garden. Pretty to look at, easy to maintain, and you’d be doing something good for the environment. 
Since you gave up on the garden, I’d suggest putting an old couch out there just to lounge on during the pleasant months. If that doesn’t suit you, then use it as a parking space.
I’d go with a wildflower garden, especially if the area is already somewhat weeded and is relatively sunny and well-watered. Buy the seeds on line from some place that sells bags of seeds suited to your area. If it works, great. Otherwise, you could go with grapes or blueberries or just plain grass.