This FAMILY TO DO in CHARLOTTE series is sponsored by CEENTA.
Patio season in Charlotte is in full swing. Whether you’re looking for a new spot to try with the kids and dog in tow, or you just want some puppy play time during happy hour, there are plenty of local spots to enjoy the summer sunshine outdoors. Here’s our 2023 list of the best kid and dog friendly patios around Charlotte so you can dine al fresco with the entire family. Organized by neighborhood for your convenience (note, most dog friendly patios are also kid friendly, so you’ll find those when you scroll down to that section).
FOR THE KID’S but not the dogs 🙂
South End
The Waterman Fish Bar
2729 South Blvd suite d (South End)
9615 Bailey Rd (Cornelius)
What to expect: Oysters, delicious drinks, and a kid-friendly atmosphere. The Lake Norman location has corn hole and a large space for kids to play on the patio.
Condado Tacos
1536 Camden Rd #107
What to expect: A build-your-own taco menu, perfect for the little ones.
Summerbird
1422 S Tryon St.
What to expect: A sunny patio with a summertime feel, all year long. Take the littles for their crispy chicken tenders or mac & cheese, they’re sure to love it.
Leroy Fox
1616 Camden Rd Suite 150, 705 S Sharon Amity Road
What to expect: Take the whole family to Leroy Fox in South End or Cotswold, where southern dishes are all the rave. Kids will love the mac & cheese, fried chicken, and grilled cheese.
Mac’s Speedshop
2511 South Blvd.
What to expect: The patio at Mac’s is large and friendly, perfect for the whole family.
Uptown
Sea Level NC
129 E 5th St.
What to expect: Top-tier seafood and an oyster happy hour that will have you coming back for more. Ask to sit on their spacious, covered patio next time you visit. Oh, and bring the whole family — even the little ones.
Community Matters Cafe
821 W 1st S
What to expect: This is not your ordinary place to dine. Community Matters Cafe helps Charlotte Rescue Mission recovery program graduates build life skills that enable them to thrive in the future. Bring the whole family to enjoy their delicious meals on the patio, all while helping a great cause.
Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen & Bar
101 S Tryon St #130
What to expect: Tupelo Honey not only provides Southern comfort food, but also a large patio in the heart of the city for the whole family to dine on.
Dilworth
JJ’s Red Hots
1514 East Blvd.
What to expect: Plenty of hot dog choices, picnic tables and a rooftop patio. If your little one hasn’t ventured out into JJ’s full menu of delicious and unique toppings, pick from the kid’s menu.
Dilworth Neighborhood Grille
911 E Morehead St.
What to expect: Stop by Dilworth Neighborhood Grille’s patio to grab a bite with the kids. Be sure to take advantage of their kids eat free deal ~ happening Monday through Thursday, one per adult.
Plaza Midwood
milkbread
1431 Central Ave (Plaza Midwood)
624 Jetton St #110 (Davidson)
What to expect: You can’t go wrong with the patios at both milkbread locations. Head over with the littles for a milkbread donut, complete with kid-friendly dishes such as crispy chicken bites and chicken tenders.
Yafo Kitchen
1331 Central Ave #101
What to expect: A fast, casual, Middle East street food concept with high standards. The best pair to that? Patio seating.
Myers Park & Eastover
Ace No. 3
829 Providence Rd
1001 Belmont Ave (Belmont Village)
8520 Pit Stop Ct NW #10 (Concord)
What to expect: Juicy burgers, yummy milkshakes, apple juice, crayons, and a sunny patio can all be found at Ace No. 3.
Napa on Providence & Napa at Kingsley
110 Perrin Pl; 1310 Broadcloth St., Fort Mill
What to expect: Both locations of this Napa Valley-inspired eatery have kid-friendly patios that are nice and roomy. On the menu is a variety of small plates, entrees, and shareable sides — great for sharing with the whole table (even the little ones!).
SouthPark
800° Carolinas
6815 Phillips Pl Ct.
What to expect: Have a pizza lover at home? Then this is the place to be. Grab a spot on their patio in Phillips Place and watch the kids devour woodfired pizza as you sip on cocktails from Bar One Lounge.
Village Tavern
Corner of Barclay Downs and Morrison Blvd. 4201 Congress St.
What to expect: A restaurant interior that is clubby and tavern-like, with an expansive patio that offers dozens of tables to enjoy our sunny southern days.
Harpers SouthPark
6518 Fairview Road
What to expect: At Harper’s, expect items from the menu that the whole family will enjoy. Soak in the sunlight with the kids for lunch or dinner on their refreshed patio.
Rooster’s Kitchen
6601 Carnegie Blvd.
What to expect: A great 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. Sit on the back terrace for this view.
Rusty Bucket
4810 Ashley Park Ln.
What to expect: A kid-friendly patio open year-round.
Park Road
Midwood Smokehouse
Multiple locations in Charlotte & Lake Norman
What to expect: All four locations offer kid-friendly fare in a relaxed atmosphere for the whole family to enjoy. Kid’s menu options include chicken tenders, cheeseburger slider or a BBQ pulled pork sandwich, served with a side and kid’s drink. Don’t forget about dessert, like the Campfire Blondie, or Nutty Pecan Cobbler.
Cantina 1511
4271 Park Road
What to expect: 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 Mooresville.
Fat Cat Burgers + Bakeshop
2410 Park Road
What to expect: Grab the kids and head to Fat Cat Burgers + Bakeshop for fresh, handcrafted donuts, burgers, fried chicken, salads and more.
The Flying Biscuit
4241 Park Road, 7930 Rea Road
What to expect: A kid’s paradise! Kids can order from a special kids menu that double as a coloring sheet and word-finder game while dining on patios at both Charlotte locations.
South Charlotte & Ballantyne
OpenTap
5010 Carmel Ctr Dr
What to expect: Recently opened in South Charlotte, OpenTap has an unique indoor/outdoor space that includes a shade garden, front yard, tree house mezzanine and perch, a food truck port, patio, and tap room. Don’t forget the board games to keep the little ones entertained!
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 hanging out on the patio with your favorite dish and dessert in hand.
University City
Ninety’s Ice Cream & Sandwiches
9009 J M Keynes Dr.
What to expect: Expect the kids to ask for dessert! Ninety’s has a full menu of hot and cold sandwiches and salads available at their deli. After lunch, grab a colorful and unique sweet treat – we’re talking milkshakes, ice cream sandwiches, or classic scoops with a twist – to enjoy on the patio.
Lake Norman
Port City Club By David Burke
18665 Harborside Dr, Cornelius
What to expect: Take the whole family to dinner with a view, thanks to this waterfront patio.
Verde Mexican Nuevo Latin Fusion
9818 Gilead Road, Huntersville
What to expect: Enjoy the sunny patio while the little ones munch on kid-friendly fare, from quesadillas to mac-and-cheese.
FOR THE PUPS
South End
HopFly Brewing Company
1327 S Mint St.
What to expect: Great beer with an even greater patio that welcomes all, even your four-legged friends!
Hi-Wire Brewing
340 W Tremont Ave Suite 140
What to expect: This newer South End brewery allows pups on the patio all year long. Stay tuned to their Instagram page for dog-friendly events in the taphouse.
The Suffolk Punch
2911 Griffith St. (South End)
4400 Sharon Rd Space G23D (SouthPark)
What to expect: The patio is where to be at this Charlotte favorite. Bring along your furry friend for a relaxed summer evening filled with brews and eats from their scratch kitchen.
Charlotte Beer Garden
1300 S Tryon St.
What to expect: A spacious patio that the pups are sure to love. 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
1930 Camden Road, 1605 E Woodlawn Road, 9824 Rea Road
What to expect: Expect to share some fries with your furry friend on Shake Shack’s patio, where there are water bowls and even ice cream for the pups.
Brewers at 4001 Yancey
4001-A Yancey Road
What to expect: This LoSo brewery offers multiple dog-friendly spaces where you can enjoy beer and a full food menu.
Common Market South End
235 W. Tremont Street Suite 103
What to expect: A popular hangout spot for people and furry friends, Common Market’s huge patio is the perfect place to gather for beer or your favorite deli creation. Check their page for updates on live music nights.
Gilde Brewery
3530 Dewitt Ln.
What to expect: A one-of-a-kind German taproom and biergarten. Plan on having traditional German lagers, Kolschs, and more along with authentic German cuisines such as pretzels and schnitzels. Also, their patio is dog-friendly, so the whole group can join in on the fun.
Uptown
VBGB Beer Hall & Garden
920 Hamilton St.
What to expect: A spacious patio for you and your pup to hang out year-round and watch the game. There are plenty of drinks for humans and space for pups to relax and mingle.
Legion Brewing
Locations in West Morehead, Plaza Midwood, & SouthPark
What to expect: Visit Legion Brewing’s newest location in West Morehead where you’ll find a courtyard beer garden, International street food, and Legion’s full beer lineup. Oh, and dogs are welcome on the patio to make your visit even better.
NoDa
NoDa Brewing Company
2921 N Tryon St.
What to expect: NoDa is a great, dog-friendly place to grab a brew. Grab the pups and head down for a pint and live music.
JackBeagle’s
3213 N Davidson St.
What to expect: Grab a beer and head to the back patio with your pup to mingle. Don’t forget to order some pub fare, like their almost-famous Mac-and-cheese.
Optimist Hall
1115 N. Brevard St.
What to expect: Order from your favorite food stall (there’s a lot to choose from!) then grab a table outside on the bright and sunny patio with the whole family, even the furry one’s. Kids options include sweet and savory empanadas, wood-fired pizza, gelato and more.
el Thrifty
1115 N Brevard St. Suite #100
What to expect: Mexican-inspired cantina, fun games, and trendy craft cocktails make this spot a go-to this summer. Let the dogs tag along to mingle on this cozy patio.
Billy Sunday
1115 N Brevard Street UNIT 1 (Optimist Hall)
What to expect: Downstairs from Optimist Hall is Billy Sunday, where you can find curated cocktails and vintage spirits along with a spacious covered patio, perfect for the pups.
The Goodyear House
3032 N Davidson St.
What to expect: A patio lover’s dream. Perfect for spring nights with the furry family members, the courtyard patio has its own bar and seating centered around a stunning holly tree.
Rosie’s Wine Garden
940 N Davidson St.
What to expect: Strolling the garden with a glass of vino in hand, leash in the other. Relax and enjoy the garden with your dog.
Camp North End
1824 Statesville Ave.
What to expect: Plenty of food stalls and shopping, making Camp North End is a perfect spot to head on the weekends with the pup in tow.
Dilworth
The Penguin
1531 East Blvd
What to expect: Decadent burgers, slurp-worthy ramen, famous fried pickles, and a dog friendly patio are all at this new Dilworth eatery.
Kid Cashew
1608 East Blvd.
What to expect: Dogs are welcome on the lively patio at Kid Cashew. Bring them to people-watch along East Boulevard while you enjoy delicious Mediterranean food and daily specials.
Inizio Pizza Napoletana
Multiple locations in Charlotte
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.
Wesley Heights
Lucky Dog Bark & Brew
Locations in Charlotte, Steele Creek, & Lake Norman
What to expect: The name says it all. Lucky Dog’s indoor/outdoor offleash playground for pets pairs perfectly with a bar area for humans. They also offer doggie day care, boarding and baths for your furry friend. Don’t forget to check out their daily drink specials while you’re there.
Plaza Midwood
Resident Culture Brewing
2101 Central Ave
What to expect: To grab a brew outdoors with your dog, head down Central to Resident Culture Brewing for their spacious patio.
Southern Strain Brewing
1800 Central Ave A1
What to expect: This Concord-based brewery opened its second location in Plaza Midwood earlier this year. Bring the pups to their spacious, open patio where they can enjoy the sunshine as you sip on some local brews. Join Southern Strain every Thursday for Yappy Hour, where 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. is dedicated to our four-legged friends. Expect tasty dog treats and accessories made by local vendors.
Pinhouse
2306 Central Ave
What to expect: There’s no need to leave your pup at home when heading out for an evening of fun. With 72 self-serve taps of wine, beer, and cider along with duckpin bowling and a spacious outdoor patio with games, you and your furry friend are sure to have a blast.
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 and dog-friendly patio.
Montford
Angry Ale’s
1518 Montford Dr.
What to expect: A Charlotte favorite that you and your pup are sure to love. Watch the game, grab a drink, and devour a bucket of wings as your dog mingles on their pup-friendly patio.
Bowlero 10 Park
1700 Montford Dr.
What to expect: An unexpectedly large wraparound patio complete with games, perfect for humans and dogs alike.
SouthPark
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 Cowfish
4310 Sharon Road
What to expect: Sushi and a burger bar all in one. Take the kids and the pup outside on the patio and enjoy a kids menu that serves double-duty as a coloring sheet with games. What’s on the menu? Kids bento boxes and mini-burgers, served with two sides.
Bulla Gastrobar
4310 Sharon Road
What to expect: Spacious, open year-round, and dog-friendly. Enjoy tapas-style plates and drinks inspired from Spain.
West Charlotte
Piedmont Social House
2135 Ayrsley Town Blvd STE C
What to expect: 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, adults, and even your furry friends. Grab a bite to eat on their lively patio then head inside with the kiddos for bowling and games.
The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery
4150 Yancey Rd.
What to expect: Humans and dogs love visiting OMB to enjoy their sprawling outdoor beer garden.
And Beyond
Hello, Sailor
20210 Henderson Road, Cornelius
What to expect: Handcrafted cocktails and the sunny waterfront location make this spot a favorite for humans and pups alike. Relax at the lake without leaving your dog behind as their lower patio is 100% pup-friendly.
Cabarrus Brewing Company
329 McGill Ave NW, Concord
What to expect: The perfect spot to sit outside and enjoy a fresh local craft brew. Cabarrus has an ever-changing assortment of brews and small-batch beer coming from their 48 taps, along with wine. Grab a pint and head to the patio for food trucks and live music on select nights.
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. Grab a flight and food from their impressively large menu and enjoy the summer sun.
Farm Haus
9762 Charlotte Hwy, Indian Land, SC
What to expect: Just slightly over the border, this butcher and beer garden sits at the edge of Indian Land, SC. Grab one of their handcrafted sausages and a refreshing cocktail and head to the patio with your pup. Be sure to check out their daily specials and events, like live music on Thursdays and Trivia Tuesdays.
Charlotte Eye Ear Nose & Throat Associates, P.A. (CEENTA) has nearly 140 providers in almost 20 locations bringing specialty care to the community. CEENTA provides comprehensive pediatric and adult eye, ear, nose and throat care, and highly specialized care, too.
These services include but are not limited to: audiology, allergy treatment, cataract surgery, cochlear implants, cornea diseases, diabetic eye care, glaucoma treatment, head and neck cancer, neuro-ophthalmology, oculoplastics, optical and contact lenses, pediatric airway care, sleep medicine, thyroid treatment, and voice and swallowing care.
To schedule an appointment with any of CEENTA’s board-certified physicians, please call 704-295-3000.
