We finally got a break from the constantly 100-degree weather. It is finally starting to feel good enough outside to enjoy a drink on the patio without the ice melting in five minutes. It’s the ideal time to dine outside so here are some nice patios and rooftops to enjoy the weather, people-watch and have a delicious meal or refreshing beverage.
Alta’s
If you are looking for a view that’s a little less city and a little more lake, Alta’s is the perfect patio for you. They have a menu full of flavorful teas and coffees, kombucha on tap, wines and beers, excellent baked goods, bagels, sandwiches and more.
*Cedar Door and Foxy’s Proper
Cedar Door is a good place for a casual date, watching the game or gathering a group with their large patio. The string lighting and friendly staff set the perfect mood to enjoy tasty appetizers and specialty cocktails. Foxy’s Proper Pub is their sister spot next door and includes a lovely covered patio.
*Cheer Up Charlie’s
Cheer Ups is an LGBTQ+ and Red River classic. Enjoy live performances in front of the neon tarot card at this outdoor venue and creative cocktails at colorful tables at one of their three bars.
Coconut Club
If you wait late enough for the dance floor to open, you will have the time of your life at Coconut Club. If you are looking for an earlier scene, they open up at 3pm on weekends so you can enjoy some sunshine with your cocktails.
Corner
When looking for a more polished place to enjoy the nice weather, check out Corner under the Marriot on Congress. Their outdoor bar is beautiful and their menu won’t disappoint.
Devil May Care
Plants and swanky decor galore, enjoy the shaded outdoor area at Devil May Care with chic cocktails and a tray of oysters the way it was intended.
Fareground
Choose from several scrumptious vendors at Fareground and indulge in a beverage from Drink or Ellis at lunch or after work. They often have live music in their massive courtyard area on the weekends. (See cover image)
Group Therapy
Group Therapy is a great patio for a bird’s eye view of the city and people-watching at the pool with a frozen drink. Cheers!
Higher Ground
Looking to spice things up? Drink and dine in this church-themed bar. Sip on one of Higher Ground‘s seven deadly sins cocktails while enjoying a burger on their beautiful back patio.
*Irene’s
Take a picture under the iconic Irene’s neon sign with a green backdrop and gather 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.
Iron Cactus
Named one of the top ten tequila bars in the country, the patio at Iron Cactus Mexican Grill and Margarita Bar is always a good time. Dig into a colorful, savory dish while sipping a margarita under the strings lights for a great evening.
Le Cafe Crepe
Escape Austin for an hour and immerse yourself in the Parisian-style patio at Le Cafe Crepe while you dig into some delicious crepes and sip a glass of wine.
Little Woodrow’s
This watering hole is mostly made of a patio and is the perfect place to enjoy sports, beer, and spirits with your favorite people. Keep an eye out for Little Woodrow’s watch parties during your favorite seasons.
*Moonshine Grill
Moonshine Grill has not only one great patio but two. These 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.
North Italia
Red umbrellas mark the place to be if you’re looking for drinks, pasta or pizza. North Italia has a lush patio to dine in and watch people stroll by on 2nd Street.
P6
Look out over the lake while sipping a curated cocktail on the breezy patio at P6. When it’s too hot or cold, you can take refuge in the giant sunroom attached to their rooftop bar.
Pelons
Looking for a patio to sip margaritas and enjoy Tex-Mex surrounded by live music venues? Head to Pelons! Gather around a lit-up tree and enjoy the fact that it’s comfortable temperatures out.
Polvo’s
Head to Polvo’s in Seaholm for Mexican food and margaritas that always hits the spot. Their patio is well-shaded with plant cover and is known for being dog-friendly.
Rosen’s Bagels
Breakfast and brunch are covered at this uncovered patio on Republic Square. Enjoy mimosas and jewish-style bagels loaded with a range of cream cheese and take those taste buds on a wild ride at Rosen’s Bagels.
Scholz Garten
Biergarten time is all the time at Scholz Garten. Grab a stein and a bite from their German menu and enjoy the live music in a traditional Biergarten. Best part? You can go bowling after a couple of drinks!
Speakeasy
Head to the top of Speakeasy for a rooftop patio, frozen drinks, giant patio furniture and often a live DJ. Claim a couch for your crew and sip on seasonal frozen drinks.
Star Bar
Watch the game on the patio at Star Bar while enjoying pizza from the resident food truck, Via 313. The neon sign will beckon you from blocks away.
Taquero Mucho
Love pink? Ready for an extremely Instagramable experience? Taquero Mucho is the patio for you. Their patio is covered in mister fans and countless photo ops. Sip on a variety of pink drinks and stay cool.
Taverna
People watch on 2nd Street from the patio at Taverna. Surround yourself with flowers hanging from the top of the patio. This aesthetically pleasing patio has good grub to match its appearance. Give it a try.
TRACE
The beautiful patio is a botanist’s dream. Gaze up at dazzling lanterns or down at a wonderful variety of plants while enjoying a locally-sourced meal and cold drink 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.
Vaquero Taquero
Looking for a nice, quick lunch or a late-night bite? The Mexican street tacos at Vaquero Taquero are calling your name. Dig in on their patio looking over a creek and lined with gorgeous cacti.
*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.
Treat yourself to a nice cocktail or meal on a fun, relaxing patio during the cooler season and enjoy Austin while it’s not too hot out.
Patios marked with a * are known to have fire pits or heaters for cold days.
