While it may not be patio season temperatures for the average Texan, we still need safer ways to get out of the house. Dining outdoors is much more pleasant on a heated patio! So without further ado, here is where you should go when you need a change of scenery.
Cedar Door
Cedar Door is a good place for a casual date, to watch the game, or gather a group with their large patio. The lighting and friendly staff set a cheerful mood to enjoy appetizers and specialty cocktails. Cozy up under a heater and the string lights.
Cheer Up Charlies
Cheer Ups is a Red River Classic. Enjoy live performances in front of the neon tarot card at this outdoor venue along with creative cocktails at colorful tables. They bring out the heaters when it starts to get chilly out, and on really cold nights, they even bring out a tent.
Corner Restaurant & Bar
This modern restaurant and bar is the hot place to people watch at the corner of 2nd and Congress. Enjoy a Texan menu with a Hot Toddy on the chilly days and a cool drink on the warmer ones. This place is equipped with fans and heaters to keep you at the most comfortable temperature on the patio regardless of the weather.
Irene’s
Take a picture under the iconic Irene’s neon sign with a green backdrop and gather the friends and family for a delicious meal on Irene’s patio. Check their calendar before you go because Irene’s is notorious for entertaining you with dinner and a show, including their well-known Drag Brunch.
Moonshine Grill
Moonshine Grill has not only one great patio but two. These both have heaters and fans so that you can enjoy them year-round. This restaurant begins every delicious meal with popcorn (yes, even brunch) with a menu so great that choosing your dish will be difficult.
TRACE
The beautiful patio is a botanist’s dream. Gaze up at dazzling lanterns or down at a wonderful variety of plants while surrounded by heaters to keep you and the plants warm in the winter. Their food is locally-sourced and drinks are refreshing at TRACE.
Upstairs at Caroline
Enjoy bright colors and picnic tables? Try Upstairs at Caroline. Enjoy tacos, a seasonal cocktail menu, giant Jenga, and sometimes even a live DJ with your friends. This patio is partly covered with heaters and fans to make it more comfortable at any time of the year.
Verbena
Listen to a small waterfall trickle out of a tall coy pond while sipping down a cool drink or enjoying the beautiful outdoor fireplace at Verbena. The food is amazing and the patio ambiance is ready to impress.
Zanzibar
Indulge in some rooftop sips on the Zanzibar Terrace, seven stories above Austin. They have a menu of small plates to nibble on while drinking tiki-themed cocktails in the tropical lounge. When the weather isn’t so tropical out, they make sure to bring the heat so you stay warm in the jungle vibe.
You don’t have to be out in the cold just to go out in the winter. Treat yourself to a nice cocktail or meal on a warm patio during the cooler season and enjoy Austin while it’s not too hot out.
We will continually update this list, so stay tuned!