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It’s here, friends. Time to dust off those sunglasses, grab some girlfriends and head to one of Charlotte’s beloved outdoor dining spots. We’ve rounded up some oldies and some newcomers and sorted them by neighborhood, so you can discover your new favorite place to sip and dine al fresco.
Uptown and Southend
Don’t let the bustle of the city fool you. Whether you’re looking for somewhere to grab happy hour drinks after the clock strikes five or you’re coming into the city for a ball game, Uptown and South End have plenty of outdoor dining options. Check out Charlotte’s premier rooftop bar overlooking our skyline at Fahrenheit, where Chef Rocco Whalen is whipping up culinary favorites like slow braised kobe beef short ribs and the bar keeps the craft cocktails like the Spicy Charlotte flowing. Grab a front row seat to one of Charlotte’s picture perfect sunsets as you sip on your new favorite cocktail and order from their bar bites menu.
If you’re more of a sports girl (or you’re with sports fans), you can’t beat the vibe at BB&T Ballpark. Cheer on the Knights from the newly opened craft beer garden, Crafts of the Queen City and don’t miss Thirsty Thursdays where beers are on special.
Outside of Uptown in growing South End, Tupelo Honey is serving up a charming terrace atmosphere that’s almost as sweet as the jam they serve with their heavenly biscuits. Join them for brunch and enjoy their selection of handcrafted bloody marys, including award winning Queen Bloody and a Moonswine made with moonshine. Come for the food and drinks, stay for the patio.
Metropolitan
On the cusp of Uptown is your ultimate outdoor dining destination. The restaurants in the Metropolitan offer some of the best skyline views anytime of day. So whether you’re stopping by Vivace for brunch, Dressler’s for dinner, or La Paz for some much needed margaritas, you can’t go wrong. And what goes better with patio weather than live music? Take in the skyline view and jam along to music at the Sunset at the Met series, going on throughout the month of May. Consider happy hour planned.
Plaza Midwood
Another place to catch a sunset, a good drink and a bite. Make reservations at Peculiar Rabbit, known as much for its rooftop patio as its tasty burgers and entrees. We’ve also heard their brunch is a don’t miss, and we can imagine it’s a perfect way to soak up a sunny Sunday. They’re having a patio kickoff party to welcome back the warm weather. Join them on April 24.
Around the corner is Whiskey Warehouse, your go-to for a strong drink and a good view. This is a place where you’d be just as comfortable cheering on your favorite team on one of the big screens as you would swinging by for appetizers (they’re half off 4-6 PM M-F) and drinks during a girls happy hour. Make sure to pay attention to their daily specials by checking their Facebook page.
Last but not least for Plaza Midwood is Soul Gastrolounge, which when it comes to patios is proof that bigger doesn’t always mean better. Known for its small plates and handcrafted cocktails, Soul created an intimate patio setting that overlooks the Uptown skyline and has quite the loyal following. Everyone I know who has been to Soul raves about the food, the atmosphere, everything.
Dilworth
Right along East Boulevard there are some great places to grab a drink or meal outside. 300 East not only invites you into their ‘home’, but also right onto their front porch. Grab a seat, some brunch, a sweet tea and sit a while.
Newcomer The Summit Room is also welcoming their Dilworth neighbors with open arms. Their patio sits underneath a canopy of twinkling lights strung between old oak trees, and comes complete with rocking chairs. The Summit Room has a tempting menu of appetizers, full entrees and desserts. We can’t help but think that the Drunken Mussels appetizer would pair quite well with a glass of Chardonnay right about now…
Just across the street is JJ Red Hot’s, a fun place the kids and the whole family will love. Choose your favorite hot dog from their impressively large menu (who knew you could come up with that many kinds of hot dogs?), and head upstairs. You’ll walk out onto their rooftop dining area where you can watch over all of the happenings on East Boulevard. Now through May 31, check out their brew-inspired dogs created by local breweries released each week.
South Park
Another area that has no shortage of patio options is South Park. Check out the European feel of Brio’s outdoor patio, which is perfect for catching their Concert and Cocktails music series coming up in May. They have a menu of appetizers and drink specials that makes Brio a go to for Piedmont Town Center offices.
Just down the street is Cowfish, and they always have a strong patio bunch. And it’s easy to understand the crowds, imagine a perfectly paired lunch of an American burger and Japanese sushi together on a patio bursting with the energy of South Park shoppers. Get there early to grab a seat.
Right next door to Cowfish is Chuy’s, a tex-mex restaurant with a lively atmosphere. Their margaritas are best sipped on their patio that will make you feel like you’ve traveled to a real fiesta in Mexico.
Down the street is Toscana, where diners can enjoy peaceful courtyard seating in the beautiful Spring weather. Toscana is known for their authentic Tuscan cuisine and house made pasta.
Leroy Fox on Sharon Amity is a great pick for a fun lunch with the whole family or late night drinks with girlfriends. Their patio is like a restaurant of its own, with plenty of homey touches and big screens to keep everyone happy. Plus their drink menu is one of the best in town, and takes up a full page of their menu Keep up with their specials here.
Myers Park
Let’s start with Napa on Providence. This Napa Valley inspired eatery lives and breathes everything vino-from their interior design to the airy feel of their patio. Enjoy their 5-7 happy hour special, when appetizers are priced between $5-$7 from 5 PM- 7PM Sunday-Friday. Make it a destination on Wednesdays and Thursdays to add live music to the mix.
Neighbors Selwyn Pub and Nolen Kitchen both take advantage of their outdoor patios and have a healthy happy hour following. They’re both perfect for an after work happy hour and Selwyn Pub is a favorite for game day watchers.
Newcomers Rocksalt and Ru Ru’s are other Myers Park favorites. Rocksalt opened earlier this Spring to a warm reception and growing anticipation to enjoy a craft beer or glass of wine with your fresh oysters on their patio overlooking the greenway. We’re sure this is going to be a big hit.
Ru Ru’s Tacos + Tequila lives up to its name, and has a great patio to match. Grab some tacos and a margarita (their Margarita Monday special makes them only $5) and enjoy the Carolina weather.
