In need of some fresh air? So are we. With things heating up fast here in the Queen City, we found it suiting to line up our best patios in Charlotte (and a few beyond!) for summer 2021. Here’s where you should be sipping and dining al fresco all summer long, organized by neighborhood to make planning easy.
Uptown
Whether you’re looking for somewhere to grab happy hour drinks after the clock strikes five or you’re exploring the city with some friends, Uptown has plenty of spacious patios.
Snap an Insta-worthy skyline pic from the patio of Fahrenheit. 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.
Enjoy Angeline’s modern American, Italian-influenced fare on the stunning patio that invites you to escape and relax.
Enjoy a delicious cocktail from Fin & Fino and sip on their small patio on the Levine Avenue for the Arts.
Enjoy this rooftop patio that overlooks the city at Lincoln Street Kitchen & Cocktails. View their daily specials by visiting here and be sure to check out their brunch menu that’s available every Saturday and Sunday.
Take in stunning city views at Merchant and Trade, on the 19th floor of the Kimpton Tryon Park Hotel. Grab a craft cocktail at the bar and wander from the terrace to the lawn to snag the best views of CLT.
Enjoy locally sourced cuisine at one of Uptown’s most desirable locations while dining under the city lights on the JP Charlotte Terrace.
Looking for a year-round retreat? Look no further than Stoke Charlotte. Stoke debuted its all-weather patio in Fall 2019, located just off of the Stoke bar in the atrium between the Charlotte Marriott City Center and 101 N. Tryon.
Uptown’s newly re-opened La Belle Helene is just as stunning outside as it is inside. Dine on French bistro fare from the patio to enjoy the early spring weather.
Appropriately situated on the corner of Trade and Tryon, Essex Bar & Bistro brings a fusion of handcrafted food and drink to Uptown. The first thing you’ll notice is the beautiful patio overlooking our city’s busiest hub, but you won’t be disappointed with their menu blending international cuisines.
Sea Level, a farm-to-fork concept focused on local NC seafood, has an urban oasis patio that opens up to 5th Street. Also, check out their Oyster Happy Hour which runs Tues thru Fri from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. and features $1 Sea Level Salts.
Enjoy New American food and delicious cocktails at Nuvole 22 while cozying up on this rooftop patio with sweeping city views.
Try the best Charlotte brews and better than your average bar food eats at VBGB Beer Hall & Garden. Take a step out to the family-friendly patio where you can find fun bar games like oversized Jenga, Connect Four, and cornhole.
On the cusp of Uptown is your ultimate outdoor dining destination. Dressler’s at Metropolitan offers one of the best skyline views in Charlotte. The patio, which also overlooks the Little Sugar Creek greenway, is open year-round, weather permitting.
North of Uptown, head to Noble Smoke for some of the best barbecue in the city. Sit outside to enjoy drinks from partner Suffolk Punch in the beer garden inspired outdoor space.
South End
Grab a craft cocktail, some fresh oysters, and relax outside on Stir’s spacious patio located in the heart of South End.
Right next door is Hot Taco, Slate Billiards and All-American Pub – all offer a fun patio atmosphere along the light rail.
Charlotte Beer Garden’s multiple outdoor spaces certainly live up to the hype. Find a spot on the dog-friendly first floor patio, covered balcony on the second floor or covered patio on the rooftop.
Quench your thirst for local brews at Sycamore Brewing. Their expanded patio sets the stage for the ever-popular Food Truck Friday rallies and is sure to be packed all weekend long.
Hawkers Asian Street Fare boasts a colorful patio that opens up to the dining area and overlooks Jeni’s Ice Cream.
Pour your own beer and wine at Hoppin‘, where lawn games await on the patio.
Check out Common Market South End for a roomy, dog friendly patio. Enjoy good eats from the deli (8 a.m. – 5 p.m.) or the restaurant (5 p.m. – 9 p.m.) beer and wine, and other snacks from the convenient store, bar, and restaurant – all in one.
Any time of day or night, you can be sure there will be a lively crowd at Lost & Found. The cocktail bar regularly hosts weekend bashes during the day and boasts multiple tables with fire pits at night.
Enjoy the patio or rooftop bar at The Waterman, where fresh seafood options abound.
Feed your competitive side and enjoy the spring weather at Pins Mechanical Co. The patio offers fire pits, plenty of spots to sit and larger-than-life games.
Another spot for feel-good fare with a patio view is Flower Child, located right on Camden Road.
Care for some slurp with your city view? Futo Buta serves up high-end ramen bowls on their patio that overlooks the South End Rail Trail and the Uptown skyline.
Mac’s Speed Shop’s patio accommodates guests at long picnic tables and live bands.
Take in the fresh air while enjoying tapas and refreshing cocktails from Barcelona Wine Bar. Next door is Superica’s courtyard-style patio
Enjoy the best of BBQ/Korean fusion, family-style, at Seoul Food. Venture outback to explore their massive patio space, fully equipped with games and activities.
Indaco, a restaurant that was born in Charleston, is now serving up Italian staples in Atherton Mill. Head out to their patio which is only yards away from the light rail, but hurry, seats are first-come, first-serve.
In the mood for some craft beer and pizza? Then Protagonist is your place. Not into beer or pizza? They still have your back (but they may think you’re crazy). They also offer an extensive cocktail list, a full bar, and plenty of choices for wine drinkers. Grab a slice and a craft brew and hang out on their open patio. Also, for mimosa lovers, head out on Sunday when they offer $4 mimosas all day.
LoSo
Eat, drink, and be social at Queen Park Social! This popular social house has everything you need for fun and games. The best part? Competitors can take a break from skeeball and bowling to enjoy a delicious cocktail on the lively patio.
Brewers at 4001 Yancey has both covered and uncovered seating, with views of the big games from every angle.
Olde Mecklenburg Brewery is another go-to for sunny spring days. Grab a beer and snag a spot in the beer garden.
Even more patio options abound at Sugar Creek Brewing and GoodRoad CiderWorks.
Plaza Midwood
To grab a brew outdoors, head down Central to Resident Culture Brewing for their spacious patio.
At Bistro La Bon, enjoy international flavors as the cozy patio welcomes guests for their popular weekend brunch.
At Yafo Kitchen, you can expect a fast, casual, Middle East street food concept with high standards. The best pair to that? Patio seating.
Sink your teeth into mouthwatering barbecue at Midwood Smokehouse while enjoying the sunshine. P.S. it’s barbecue month, so take advantage!
When the beer and burger craving hits, head to Moo & Brew. Sink your teeth into one of their tried and true masterpieces, like the “way out west bison burger” or “the backyard classic” as you dine on their patio.
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.
Head over to Catawaba Brewing Co. for a lively patio where you can enjoy good beer (there are tons of options with new specials every day), watch the game on their many TVs, listen to live music with friends, and grub (BYOF is welcome!).
Adding a much-anticipated brewery scene to Plaza Midwood, Legion Brewing has an expanded outdoor space perfect for craft beer sipping. Another neighborhood spot is The Workman’s Friend, a casual spot serving craft cocktails and Irish classics in a warm and comfortable atmosphere. Their friendly backyard style patio has plenty of tables and their own built-in bar. Another neighborhood favorite is the lively Pizza Peel, where you’ll find families chowing down on unique pizza creations and playing games
Spend the evening on Pinhouse’s huge patio where they offer 72 self serve taps with beer, cider, seltzer and wine, duckpin bowling, and live music. Check out their Instagram for daily specials, including free bowling every Thursday.
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 it’s small plates and handcrafted cocktails, Soul created an intimate patio setting that overlooks the Uptown skyline and has quite the loyal following.
NoDa
Grab food at any of of Optimist Hall’s food stalls and then grab a spot to sit on the bright sunny patio with a view of the Charlotte skyline.
Around the corners, swing on floating chairs and sip a margarita at El Thrifty.
The Goodyear House is a patio lover’s dream. Perfect for spring nights, the courtyard patio has its own bar and seating centered around a stunning holly tree.
Built in an old home, enjoying a drink or live music the patio at NoDa Company Store quite literally feels like relaxing in your own backyard. This fusion concept that is part gallery, part bar and part music venue attracts neighbors from near and far.
Grab a glass (or bottle) of vino and some delicious pastries as you stroll the beautiful grounds at Rosie’s Wine Garden.
The patio at Haberdish is a don’t-miss along North Davidson Street, while neighbor Cabo Fish Taco always packs in a healthy patio crowd. Cheers all around.
Dilworth
Enjoy fresh Mediterranean fare while overlooking lively East Boulevard on Kid Cashew’s roomy patio.
Bonterra boasts a sunny and bright outdoor oasis lined with trees where you can sip your wine in comfortable patio furniture alongside this church-turned restaurant. Call for reservations- 704-333-9463.
Roots Cafe boasts another al fresco option – boasting a patio that doubles as a kind of outdoor oasis.
Head to Dilworth Tasting Room , a wine bar with sharable plates and an outdoor oasis in a category of its own. Glass of vino in hand, venture past the koi pond and grab a quiet table tucked under trees and market lights.
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.
At Fern, Flavors of the Garden, the large patio wraps around stately trees, making your vegetarian meal even more enjoyable
Ed’s Tavern has an indoor/outdoor space that extends into a massive back patio. Perfect for catching the game and their daily drink specials.
Stop by Dilworth Neighborhood Grille’s patio to grab a bite and brew with your neighbors.
Foxcroft Wine Company’s Dilworth location features a huge patio under market lights suit for a romantic spring evening.
JJ Red Hot’s is 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.
South Park
The patio at Reid’s Fine Foods SouthPark is the place to be on weekends and for after-work dinner and drinks. Or take a look at their new breakfast and espresso bar menu while enjoying a spring morning on the patio.
Located in the Specialty Shops is Toscana, where diners enjoy peaceful courtyard seating in the beautiful Spring weather. Toscana is known for its authentic Tuscan cuisine and house-made pasta.
Dogwood Southern Table’s patio offers a quiet corner in SouthPark’s Ashley Square retail center to enjoy delicious cocktails, or a a glass of wine and dinner.
Cowfish, located at The Village at SouthPark, always has 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 SouthPark shoppers. Get there early to grab a seat.
The patio at Bulla Gastrobar is spacious and open year-round for you to enjoy tapas style plates and drinks inspired from Spain. They’ve just installed new umbrellas to provide many more shady seats!
At Rusty Bucket, you can enjoy patio dining year round.
Leroy Fox on Sharon Amity is a great pick for a family lunch 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, taking up a full page of their menu.
And the Village Tavern patio on Barclay Downs is a long time favorite of Charlotteans. The restaurant interior is clubby and tavern-like, but the expansive patio offers dozens of tables to enjoy our sunny southern days.
Enjoy cocktails, tapas, and sunset views from the 8th floor of the new-sh AC Hotel in Southpark at Cordial. Now Open Wednesday-Saturday, 3-11pmwww.cordialclt.com
Myer’s Park
This Napa Valley inspired eatery lives and breathes everything vino-from their interior design to the airy feel of their patio. Call them at 704-900-8535 to make a reservation.
Neighborhood favorite Selwyn Pub takes advantage of their outdoor patio with a healthy happy hour following and is a fan favorite for game day watchers
Ru Ru’s Tacos + Tequila lives up to its name with a huge menu of tacos and margaritas to choose from. Enjoy both on the festive patio complete with its own outdoor bar.
If you’re on the hunt for a lively year-round patio with TV’s and plenty of space, look no further than Angry Ale’s. Grab some wings and beers and you’re set for Saturday.
In Park Road Shopping Center you can find Burtons Grill & Bar, where the sleek modern feel extends to the patio, perfect for feasting on classic steakhouse favorites. Also in Park Road Shopping Center, Sir Edmund Halley’s serves up tasty pub fare with a casual garden patio to match.
Craving seafood? Rocksalt lets you enjoy a craft beer or glass of wine with your oysters on their patio overlooking the greenway in Park Road Shopping Center.
And if Tex-Mex is your craving, Cantina 1511’s patio is easy & convenient in PRSC. Authentic, chef inspired Mexican cuisine with locations in Toringdon Circle, Park Road Shopping Center and now open in Mooresville.
Across Park Road, Pasta and Provisions provides creates the perfect setting to enjoy your caprese pizza with outdoor furniture and a funky mural.
To round out our Myers Park picks, we have 10 Park Lanes with an unexpectedly large wraparound patio (complete with games) and Brawley’s Beverage that packs quite the happy hour crowd.
Elizabeth
The Stanley, owned and operated by James Beard Nominated Chef Paul Verica, has delicious cuisine and a menu that changes regularly based on seasonal influences. Enjoy your dinner (or brunch on Sunday from 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.) on their roomy patio that has a large bar and private dining room in the back.
The patio at Viva Chicken brings their relaxed vibe outside and is perfect for enjoying plenty of their homemade peruvian sauces.
On 7th Street, dine on the second-floor patio at Cajun Queen while enjoying a sunny Sunday Brunch or a delicious Cajun dinner.
The patio at Fig Tree contributes to the restaurant’s romantic atmosphere with tables and lights lining the front of the house-style restaurant.
Just in time for summer, The Crunkleton’s new renovated patio is open. With a spacious layout, the new patio allows for comfortable outside dining. Expect to see a new sign, lighting, and fans added in the future.
South Charlotte/Ballantyne
Rea Farms boasts a traditional Italian al fresco dining experience at Ilios Noche. Trio Restaurant offers a natural oasis, often complete with live music.
In Stonecrest Shopping Center, grab a table at Firebirds on their garden-style covered patio. Also in Stonecrest, Basil Thai offers a sprawling patio with a primetime view of the fountains.
Stop by The Lodge Sportsmans Grill in the Colony Place shopping center for a patio that is filled with lively game watchers and is well-equipped for kiddos.
The Ballantyne location of Charlotte favorite Hickory Tavern brings the indoors outside on their covered patio (don’t worry, you can still see the game!)
In Waverly, enjoy refined Italian fare al fresco at Via Roma.
Also in Waverly, you can enjoy wine and small plates at Foxcroft Wine Co. on their beautiful patio.
In Rock Hill, grab a seat overlooking the Catawba River at The Pump House. Both patio spaces have air conditioning, and one offers a fireplace.
The indoor/outdoor space at Napa on Kingsley is worth a drive to Fort Mill. Enjoy Napa-inspired dishes and decor with a front row seat to the bustle of the town center.
And Beyond…
In Concord lies Cabarrus Brewing Co. with a lively outdoor beer garden. Expect great brews, live music, food trucks, and events throughout the month for you to attend!
Just outside of Ballantyne in in Indian Land, Farm Haus Butcher & Beer Garden has a patio that is rarely empty, and we can see why. Take advantage of the spring temps while sitting on their long wooden tables as you jam out to live music with a beer in one hand and a Haus made sausage in the other.
Over in Belmont, Nellie’s Southern Kitchen boasts a rooftop patio and bar overlooking downtown.
Sip a cocktail or nibble on small plates at Hello, Sailor along the beautiful shores of Lake Norman in Cornelius.
Kindred Restaurant in Davidson is no stranger to accolades. But we’ll add one more just for good measure. Their enchanting patio is the icing on the cake to a handcrafted meal.
If you’re into fun and games, plan a happy hour with a competitive spirit at Piedmont Social House in Steele Creek. Eat, drink and play all on one great patio.
