Looking for safer outdoor spaces the whole family can enjoy? Enjoy the summer weather with your little ones and pup in tow with these kid and dog-friendly patios from Mooresville to Fort Mill.
NOTE: It is our understanding that these restaurants have set up according to the safety protocols required for social distancing. We have not personally visited the places listed to confirm and photos may not reflect most recent set up. Please feel free to comment below on your experience so all can stay informed on the + / — of execution.
ADDITIONAL NOTE: Face masks are required at all North Carolina restaurants, including on patios, but may be removed upon sitting down at your table. Don’t forget yours!
FOR THE LITTLE ONES
Fran’s Filling Station
2410 Park Road
What to expect: Fran’s has something for everyone: the patio is great for kids and dogs, and is now open for al fresco dining.
Piedmont Social House
2135 Ayrsley Town Blvd.
With kid’s menu options like mini corn dog bites and an ice cream wafflewich for dessert, Piedmont Social House is a great outdoor spot for kids and adults alike. They’ve also recently extended their outdoor seating to include the Ayrsley Event Lawn to accommodate for social distancing.
Optimist Hall
1115 N. Brevard St.
Order at your favorite food stall or online, then grab a table outside on the bright and sunny patio. Kids options include gourmet grilled cheese from Papi Queso, sweet and savory empanadas, wood-fired pizza, gelato and more.
The Cowfish
4310 Sharon Rd.
What to expect: A kids menu that serves double-duty as a coloring sheet with games. Kids bento boxes and mini-burgers, served with two sides (carrots, apples, oranges, edamame or house fries). Plus, a fun mascot and photo opp. The patio at Cowfish is also dog-friendly.
Harpers SouthPark
6518 Fairview Rd.
via Facebook
What to expect: At Harper’s, don’t expect your everyday kids menu. Diners 12 and under can enjoy healthy options like veggies or grilled salmon, plus creative takes like PB & J sushi.
JJ’s Red Hots ( Dilworth and Ballantyne locations)
What to expect: Plenty of hot dog choices, picnic tables and a rooftop patio at their Dilworth location and a covered patio in Ballantyne. If your little one hasn’t ventured out into JJ’s full menu of delicious and unique toppings, pick from the kid’s menu.
Bad Daddy’s (Multiple locations)
What to expect: Endless options for burger and fry combinations, topped off with hands-on milkshakes. Build-your-own options make this area favorite popular for adults and kids alike.
Big View Diner
16637 Lancaster Hwy.
What to expect: A menu with something for everyone, including even the pickiest eaters. The experience isn’t complete without homemade ice cream, sundaes and milk shakes.
Midwood Smokehouse (Multiple locations)
What to expect: All four Charlotte-area locations offer kid-friendly fare in a relaxed atmosphere. Kids menu options include chicken tenders, grilled cheese or a BBQ chopped pork sandwich, served with a side and a kids drink.
Rooster’s Kitchen (SouthPark)
What to expect: A more refined option for families celebrating a special night out. While mom and dad enjoy the family-style chef’s offerings, kids can enjoy a special menu just for them.
Ninety’s Ice Cream & Sandwiches
9009 J M Keynes Dr.
What to expect: A full menu of cold cut and hot pressed sandwiches and salads are available at the deli, but what kids (and adults) will really love are the inventive, colorful and unique frozen treats. Try milkshakes, ice cream sandwiches or classic scoops with a twist on the patio.
Duckworth’s Grill & Taphouse (Multiple locations)
What to expect: This tried and true Charlotte favorite offers covered and uncovered patio offerings at their locations, along with kids eat free options on various nights.
The Flying Biscuit (multiple locations)
What to expect: The Flying Biscuit is a kid’s paradise! Little flyers can order from a special kids menu that doubles as a coloring sheet and word-finder game while dining on patios at both Charlotte locations. On Wednesdays, kids ages 12 and under eat for $1.99.
Verde Mexican Nuevo Latin Fusion
9818 Gilead Road, Huntersville
What to expect: Enjoy the sunny patio while little ones munch on kid-friendly fare, from quesadillas to mac-and-cheese.
FOR YOUR PUP
Charlotte Beer Garden
1300 S Tryon St.
Not only is Charlotte Beer Garden a perfect spot to discover a new beer favorite (they have more than 400 brews on tap), but it’s also great for pups. Their first floor patio is dog-friendly.
Shake Shack
1605 E Woodlawn Rd., 9824 Rea Rd., 1930 Camden Rd.
What to expect: Dive into one of Charlotte’s most coveted burgers on the patio, where Shake Shack offers water bowls and even ice cream for the pups.
Camp North End
1824 Statesville Ave.
With its new food stalls open and plenty of room for social distancing, Camp North End is a perfect spot to head on the weekends with the pup in tow.
Seoul Food Meat Company
1400 S Church St.
What to expect: The patio at Seoul Food isn’t just an adult playground, it’s a doggie one too! Your pup can run around in the gated dog park and play area while you grab a frozen cocktail.
JackBeagle’s
3213 N Davidson St.
What to expect: Head to the back patio to mingle with new friend (dog and human alike) while enjoying beer and pub fare, like their almost-famous Mac-and-cheese.
Moo & Brew
1300 Central Ave.
What to expect: Mouth-watering burgers and beer (as the name suggests) are the perfect complements to a laid-back atmosphere and popular dog-friendly patio.
Common Market South End
235 W. Tremont Street Suite 103
via Facebook
What to expect: A popular hangout spot for people and pets alike, Common Market’s huge patio is the perfect place to gather for beer or your favorite deli creation.
Brewers at 4001 Yancey
4001-A Yancey Rd.
What to expect: This LoSo brewery offers multiple dog-friendly spaces where you can enjoy beer and a full food menu.
Kid Cashew
1608 East Blvd.
What to expect: Dogs are welcome on the beautiful patio at Kid Cashew. Bring them to people watch along East Boulevard or enjoy live music on select nights.
Inizio Pizza Napoletana
2230 Park Rd.
What to expect: Inizio has a soft spot for man’s best friend. Bring them to your next family or date night dinner on the patio.
The Suffolk Punch
2911 Griffith St.
What to expect: Take a break along your rail trail walk at The Suffolk Punch, where a sprawling patio is frequently visited by pups and humans alike.
VBGB Beer Hall & Garden
920 Hamilton St.
via Facebook
What to expect: A patio round-up isn’t complete without mention of VBGB’s expansive space. There’s games for humans and plenty of space for pups.
Legal Remedy Brewing
129 Oakland Ave., Rock Hill
What to expect: Leashed dogs are more than welcome on the huge patio at Legal Remedy Brewing, previously a vacant auto dealership. Grab a flight and food from their impressively large menu to enjoy the summer sun.
Divine Barrel Brewing – Taproom currently closed
3701 N Davidson St.
What to expect: When they re-open, purchase dog treats inside at the bar, then head to the outside patio to enjoy this growing and bustling area of NoDa.
Hattie’s Tap & Tavern – Currently closed
2918 The Plaza
What to expect: A very dog-friendly dive with a plethora of rotating beer options, games like cornhole and giant Jenga. Stay tuned to Facebook for phase 3 re-opening plans.
The Dog Bar – Currently closed
3307 N Davidson St.
Dog Bar is currently closed due to the ongoing pandemic. You can help them out by donating to their GoFundMe campaign.
Lucky Dog Bark & Brew
Multiple area locations
What to expect: The name says it all. Lucky Dog’s 25,000-square-foot indoor/outdoor playground for pets pairs perfectly with a bar area for humans. They also offer doggie day care, boarding and baths.
Sycamore Brewing
2161 Hawkins St.
What to expect: Pups abound at Sycamore Brewing, where their grassy and paved patio welcomes both two and four-legged friends.
The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery
4150 Yancey Rd.
What to expect: Dog-lovers flock to OMB to enjoy their sprawling outdoor Biergarten.
NoDa Brewing Company
2921 N Tryon St.
via Facebook
What to expect: NoDa is a great, dog-friendly place to grab a brew.
