UPDATED – April 2022

As the Spring weather becomes even more beautiful and the springtime vibes are flowing, locals and visitors are looking for the best place to relax outside, while enjoying a meal or sipping on a few luscious libations on those warm spring nights.

Austin is home to some of the finest patios made perfect for al fresco drinking and dining and nearly everyone wants to take advantage of the excellent weather before the infamous Texas heatwave hits the region.

Here’s our guide to some of Austin’s best patios and outdoor dining spots all over the city.

Central Austin

Honey Moon Spirit Lounge

624 W. 34th Street | Honey Moon Spirit Lounge evokes an ethereal, dreamy atmosphere; the French antique-inspired design to invoke a feeling of whimsical escapism through jewel tones. The space also features a spacious front and back, dog-friendly patio with antique chandeliers throughout the patio with the goal of inviting guests to stay, imbibe, and grab dinner and cocktails.

Hank’s

5811 Berkman Drive | The space, at Hank’s features an open and welcoming atmosphere and bench seating throughout, that’s inviting while maintaining an organic sophistication. Warm woods, light colors, tons of plant life, and natural, textured materials for lighting were used to create a fluid connection between indoor and outdoor. With a spacious dog-friendly patio, private dining rooms intended for meetings and special occasions, and plentiful car and bike parking, Hank’s is designed for all.  Photo credit – Wynn Myers

Salty Sow 

1917 Manor Rd. | Salty Sow, located on Manor Rd. in Austin, has three outdoor / patio areas for guests to choose from, some of which are covered. The Austin staple offers happy hour from 4-6 p.m. daily which features some of their favorites dishes, all for under &7 and $2 off beer and cocktails. Enjoy a spring breeze and some sunshine with a craft cocktail and a truffled deviled egg in hand.

L’Oca d’Oro

1900 Simond Ave Ste 100 | A new deck at the front of the restaurant will be decorated with plants and colorful umbrellas. Seating will also be available along Aldrich Alley on the restaurant’s former patio space, as well as tucked under the awning along Simond Ave.  The new setup will evoke summertime on Lake Garda, with intimate sidewalk lighting and an abundance of greenery. With tables spaced six feet apart, the restaurant is now at an intimate 50 seats. As such, reservations are recommended, although walk-ins are welcome on a limited basis. L’Oca d’Oro will be open Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 5:30 pm-10 pm and Sunday 5:30 pm-9 pm.

Ken Fulk

Lutie’s Garden Restaurant

With rich emerald hues and lush foliage overhead, Lutie’s has always been the picture of spring all year round. The restaurant’s country club-inspired patio offers an ideal spot to enjoy Executive Chef Bradley Nicholson and Pastry Chef Susana Querejazu’s highly seasonal offerings. Guests can take in the ambiance of the covered terrace overlooking Commodore Perry Estate’s sunken gardens. Just celebrating its first anniversary on April 14, Lutie’s is now accepting limited walk-ins for dinner in the dining room and patio or for the new bar menu at the grand oak bar. (Photo by Doug Freidman)

Tumble 22 Lake Austin 

2304 Lake Austin Blvd. | Tumble 22’s newest location on Lake Austin  Blvd has an expansive outdoor area to enjoy that is covered, with heaters. In fact, if an acorn lands on you while you’re on the patio under the giant shade trees, you get a free margarita as a prize!  They’ve also got a $5 daily happy hour from 4-6 p.m. with select menu items available for $5 for both dine-in and online orders. There are also daily $5 drink specials for guests to take advantage of.

Hula Hut

3825 Lake Austin Boulevard | You’ll notice the address is the same as Mozart’s because the two restaurants are right next to each other. While they share the same spectacular view, these are two different patios with two very different vibes. Things get a little rowdier at Hula Hut. The food, described as Tex-Mex with a Polynesian twist, will stick to your ribs. And nothing beats sitting on the gorgeous patio along the water, drinking one of their strong cocktails.

Ski Shores Cafe

Since 1954 Ski Shores Café has been all about escaping you daily stress for a mini-vacation any day of the week.  Chill on their spacious, open-air lake side deck with a few snacks from their updated menu, while overlooking Lake Austin.

Downtown

P6

111 E Cesar Chavez St | P6 recently debuted their brand new rooftop space at The LINE Austin downtown. The rooftop bar offers panoramic views of Lady Bird Lake and serves as one of the best new hangouts for dining, drinks, and games. The menu features Mediterranean shared plates by Executive Chef Justin Ermini and cocktails shaken (or stirred) by Beverage Director Brian Floyd.

Stephen F’s Bar

701 Congress Ave | Located in the heart of Downtown, the Intercontinental Stephen F. Austin Hotel has one of the best patios in town, complete with refreshing cocktails and the most incredible view of Congress Avenue, the State Capitol, and the historic Paramount Theatre.  In addition to the wonderful view, you can enjoy Stephen F. Austin’s great happy hour deals from the terrace every Sun – Thurs from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. The menu features a 5-6-7 special that includes $5 local Texas drafts, $6 wines by the glass, and $7 specialty cocktails including mojitos, Palomas, whiskey sours, and more.

Ciclo

98 San Jacinto Blvd | They also have a seriously dreamy patio.  The Happy Hour at the Latin-infused Texas kitchen is available seven days a week from 5-7 p.m. at the bar, on the outdoor covered terrace, and on the back lawn. Guests visiting during happy hour can utilize the hotel’s valet parking for FREE from 5-8 p.m.  The menu includes rotating wine selection available for $5 a glass and $20 a bottle, draft beer for $5 a glass, rotating house cocktail for $5 each; as well as Boquitas tacos for $4 and Postres (dessert) for $3.

Zanzibar

304 E. Ceasar Chavez | Seven stories up at Austin Marriott Hotel Downtown, Zanzibar offers a lush tropical rooftop terrace and pool oasis with stunning views of downtown where guests can escape the every day with modern tiki cocktails. It features its own street-level elevator access on San Jacinto Boulevard to transport you seven stories up and a world away. For those looking for a weekday spot, Zanzibar now offers a weekly “Tiki & Chill” happy hour which takes place Monday-Wednesday from 4-6 pm. In addition, their weekly sensational “Sunday Staycation” featuring tropical mimosas and $7 small bites are the perfect reason to head up to the alfresco rooftop terrace.

Eat Drink Anthem

TRACE

200 Lavaca St. | Brunching on TRACE’s patio is a must here in Austin. While one should partake in their infamous themed brunches along with specialty menu items and cocktails year-round, they’re even more enjoyable now that patio weather is among us.

ATX Cocina

110 San Antonio St #170 | ATX Cocina has one of the largest patios in downtown Austin. It’s the perfect place to enjoy shareable modern Mexican dishes and margaritas under the shade of large oak trees.

Bar Peached

1315 W 6th St. |  Bar Peached offers delightful patio dining in a welcoming atmosphere, perfect for those looking to enjoy the warm weather.  Paired with their delicious menu of small bites, entrees, and unique craft cocktails, it’s become an easy favorite for Austinites and visitors alike.

East Austin

Il Brutto

1601 E 6th St | Il Brutto is the perfect spot to break bread (literally) with friends & family, offering multiple options for small and large parties – including the beautiful oak-shaded patio. Groups can choose from a variety of family-style chef’s menus featuring Italian faves such as lasagna alla bolognese, margherita pizza & tiramisù.

Kemuri Tatsu-Ya

2713 E 2nd St | Guests may enjoy an outdoor experience on Kemuri’s decorative covered patio for the ultimate al fresco experience. Guests will be able to enjoy Omakase Club, offering three different chef-curated tasting menus with options for vegetarians and pescatarians.

Lou’s Bodega

East Austin Hotel

Bento Picnic

2600 E Cesar Chavez St. |  Fresh, flavor-packed and unique-to-Texas, Bento Picnic’s menu has expanded. The popular eatery now offers guests additional protein options, inspired by the grilling traditions of Texas and Japan — and the option to customize their own bento box. Just in time for Spring gatherings, the restaurant has added a Picnic by the Pound option to its menu — and made all options available all day, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

Easy Tiger

4 Locations in Austin | East features 15,000 square feet of outdoor space with their award-winning dining experience with artisan bread and pastries, pretzels, signature sandwiches plus craft beer and cocktails.  All tables are spread out, masks are required as part of an abundant sanitation process.

Sawyer & Co.

4827 East Cesar Chavez St. | Sawyer’s expansive patio in a classic diner atmosphere, which has been a hit with Austinites since opening in 2014.  They offer traditional Southern dining with a full bar, and New Orleans-inspired breakfast, lunch & dinner menu choices.  Photo by: @tokkicreates.

North Austin

Second Bar + Kitchen

3121 Palm Way #101 | Guests can enjoy Reverse Happy Hour every Friday & Saturday from 11 p.m. – 2 a.m. The happy hour menu will feature select wines, beers and craft cocktails at $5; half off select bottles of wine; and unbeatable $5-$10 specials on snacks, starters, small plates, large plates and pizzas. See Second Bar + Kitchen Domain NORTHSIDE’s new Happy Hour menu HERE.

The Water Trough

10901 Domain Dr. | The Water Trough at Lone Star Court is a go-to watering hole where guests can enjoy bites and sips, only just a few steps away from the hustle and bustle of The Domain.  The Water Trough overlooks Lone Star Court’s courtyard, pool and outdoor fire pits. Signature cocktails include The Chill Cowboy and the new refreshing spring sip, the Wimberley made with Dripping Springs Gin, elderflower and grapefruit liqueurs, lemon, and topped with Richard’s Rainwater.

Bakery Lorraine

1600 Rock Rose Ave #100 | Enjoy a delicious lunch, dinner, or sweet treat on the picturesque patio at Bakery Lorraine. Soak in the sun and admire the gorgeous scenery whilst enjoying fresh Parisian macarons or tasting one of their savory lunch offerings. Bakery Lorraine now offers a variety of wine options wine that were hand-picked to complement the newly launched dinner service (perfect for those sunset dinners).  For more information, visit bakerylorraine.com.

Yard Bar

6700 Burnet Road | Here’s another dog-friendly establishment. Bring your pup because not only is the patio actually a dog park at the Yard Bar, there are also menu items for four-legged friends too. While you enjoy a drink and the Texas outdoors, your dog can eat some house-made dog treats and enjoy a Bone Star Dog Beer, made of beef and veggie stock. And oh yeah, humans can order off a menu offering shared snacks and sandwiches, along with alcoholic beverages.

South Austin

Aba

1011 S. Congress Ave.  | Mediterranean restaurant Aba at Music Lane on South Congress Avenue boasts a gorgeous multi-level outdoor patio and terrace that accommodates up to 130 guests and lives under the canopy of a 100+-year-old native Heritage Oak tree, studded with glass and metal lanterns from Morocco and the Middle East. The patio features a semi-private raised deck, with a vibrant living plant wall and a 10-seat outdoor bar with a white plaster finish to evoke a Mediterranean look and feel.

Photo Credit: Giant Noise

Corinne

304 E. Ceasar Chavez St. 100 | Honest food + drink. Featuring one of the largest outdoor patios on West Cesar Chavez Street, Corinne is an honest and fresh neighborhood dining and cocktail spot serving classic, authentic regional classics and American comfort food with an emphasis on signature rotisserie dishes.

Guero’s

1412 S. Congress St. | A staple in Austin, Guero’s Taco Bar’s Oak Garden is an expansive dog-friendly patio perfect for social distancing, with a covered patio located in the front of the restaurant. The patio and Oak Garden are open seven days a week with live music Wednesday through Sunday.

Vinaigrette

2201 College Ave. | Enjoy farm-fresh salads, healthy tonics, cocktails, and more on Vinaigrette’s spacious patio. Shaded by a 100-year-old oak tree, Vinaigrette’s patio is perfect for an alfresco dinner, lunch, or Sunday Brunch.

Mattie’s

811 W. Live Oak | With a cocktail happy hour offered daily from 4:30-7 p.m., Mattie’s lawn is an ideal spot to relax in the sunshine with an ice-cold drink. Imbibers can enjoy $2 off signature house cocktails like the Bacchus Cup crafted with ginger lime cordial, scarlet hibiscus, gruner veltliner, cucumber and herbs. Stay a while under the misters and seersucker umbrellas and indulge in a delicious dinner by new Executive Chef Ethan Holmes starting at 5 p.m.

Loro

2115 S. Lamar Blvd. |  Loro has your back with their gigantic covered and IG-worthy patio. Their happy hour is from 2-5 PM, just in time before it starts to get dark outside. Enjoy Boozy slushies for $4, Loro’s Cheeseburger for $8, and Chicken Kaarage for $6 on Loro’s patio in Austin’s beautiful weather.

District Kitchen + Cocktails

5900 W Slaughter Ln D | District is one of the city’s top neighborhood gems located in Southwest Austin just off of Loop 1. A New American-style concept by Amir and Ali Hajimaleki, the restaurant promises fresh, chef-inspired dishes, creative cocktails and a relaxing indoor space with a massive patio. The happy hour is unbeatable with $5-6 craft cocktails and appetizers, along with $3 domestic beers (included Austin Beerworks Pearl Snap) and $5 glasses of wine with a daily featured half-priced bottle.

Fierce Whiskers Distillery

Located in southeast Austin, just a short drive from downtown, Fierce Whiskers is a craft whiskey distillery and modern tasting room that offers tours, a craft cocktail program, and has ample outdoor space for events and gatherings. Guests who visit the distillery will get the wide, open Hill Country feel while still being in close proximity to Austin’s city center, perfect for a weekend outing, and can also enjoy the Char ATX food truck located on premise, which offers chargrilled Texas yakitori by Chef Chris Burnett.