Now that spring has officially arrived and the weather is perfect for al fresco dining or drinking. It’s time to dine outdoors in some of Austin’s finest patios while we enjoy some of the best weather of the entire year. Here’s 18 of our favorite spots in the city!
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Located on the fourth floor of the Hotel Van Zandt, Geraldine’s pool deck is unlike any other. Shaded cabanas make for a serene retreat, while indoor and outdoor spaces blend seamlessly, allowing hotel guests the chance to experience the nightly music scene happening on stage inside Geraldine’s. Ample greenery is scattered throughout the space, while a polished glass border separates the poolside lounge area from the dining section where chic, comfy chairs and accompanying tables await guests. The outdoor space offers unbeatable views of Lady Bird Lake and downtown Austin, as well as breathtaking snaps of the nightly sunset. Additionally, the outside fire pit illuminates the night and creates a cozy setting for guests to unwind and relax. *Photo credit John Kim
The breezy open-air patio offers a one-of-kind panorama of downtown Austin and Lady Bird Lake. Guests can take in the stunning views while enjoying delicious bites and drinks from the new Deck Nine menu. Executive Chef Jason Stude brings a refreshing coastal take on Texas summertime fare. Bar snacks include Yellowtail Crudo, Chilled Green Curry Shrimp Skewers, Cumin Tostadas and more. The Deck Nine drink menu, expertly curated by Director of Bars and Beverage at La Corsha Hospitality Group Jason Stevens, carries on the light and breezy vibe. Imbibers can expect rotating frozen tequila and rum drinks made with fresh vibrant ingredients, porch cocktails, beachy highballs and more.
The recently renovated, charming property boasts a stunning outside patio area located near the entrance of the house. Perfectly placed underneath ample greenery and delicate, twinkling lights, Mattie’s has decorated the outdoor space with gorgeous light pink picnic-inspired chairs and tables – creating a lovely ambiance as guests dine amongst the friendly neighborhood peacocks that roam the property. The owners and development team have been careful to preserve the original heritage of the property and its grounds while gracefully restoring it with modern amenities. Photo by Hayden Walker
Located in the Steiner Ranch district in Northwest Austin, Oasthouse houses two separate patio areas that are perfect for enjoying a lunch, dinner, weekend brunch or happy hour. Kick off a weekend in the sun with the Carnitas Poutine + Eggs made with house carnitas, house cut fries, smoked pork belly gravy, goat cheese, cilantro micro greens and 2 sunny farm eggs. Sip on their Frozen Irish Coffee or a spicy beverage from the Bloody Mary Bar before heading out to Lake Travis for the afternoon.
Newly reopened, Second Bar + Kitchen Domain NORTHSIDE’s outdoor terrace space offers guests a unique escape from the averagepatio setting. Equipped with an intimate fire pit, ample greenery and fantastic views of the upbeat Domain area, SBK has created the ideal atmosphere for a tranquil experience Curated by world-renowned Executive Chef David Bull, the terrace will feature its own menu of small and large bites including black truffle pommes frites, veal meatballs Arrabbita, grilled flank satay and avocado fundido.The terrace will be open to the public from 4 – 10 p.m., with a happy hour from 4 – 7 p.m., featuring discounts on all small bites and select wines, beers and cocktails.
Located in Austin’s West Sixth Street entertainment district, Sophia’s is a modern take on a classic Italian-American supper club. The restaurant marries family recipes with modern techniques to serve up familiar Italian dishes and libations in a stylish, sophisticated space. In addition to the restaurant’s subterranean dining and bar + lounge areas, Sophia’s boasts a beautiful rooftop terrace overlooking west Austin. The terrace is the perfect place to grab drinks and bites during happy hour or split a bottle of bubbly during Sophia’s late night weekend supper “club” hours.
Modeled after the quant patio cafés found along the cobble stone streets of Italy, Taverna offers a relaxing outdoor area to sit and enjoy a quiet afternoon meal, or lively weekend brunch under the orange and yellow striped awnings at the Second Street District location downtown, or overlooking the main lawn at Domain NORTHSIDE. Enjoy $2 Mimosas and Bellini’s for brunch at both locations with their many inviting dishes including the Taverna Hash made with brisket, peppers, onions, roasted potatoes, poached eggs and hollandaise sauce, or the Vanilla French Toast served with mascarpone and fresh fruit. Photo credit: Courtney Pierce
Waller Creek Pub House, known for its everchanging selection of craft draft beer, elevated pub fare and friendly neighborhood vibe, offers ample outdoor seating on the restaurant’s large wraparound patio. Nestled on Sabine between Sixth and Seventh Streets, Waller Creek Pub House also has quick access to the Waller Creek boardwalk that runs through the heart of Austin.
Kuneho features an open patio where guests may sip craft cocktails, grab a snack and mingle. Kuneho is also home to The Borough, an intimate craft cocktail bar that serves inventive libations with unexpected ingredients, which extends to the outdoor patio. Guests may enjoy the happiest of hours through food and beverage specials from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. every Monday through Friday. (photo credit: Mark Weatherford)
Featuring the largest selection of 100% blue agave tequila and mezcal in Austin and a craft bar program overseen by Cocktail World Cup champion Nate Wales, guests are sure to find a drink that will quench their thirst as the warmer weather rolls in. Guests may enjoy happy hour from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. every Monday through Friday when ordering at La Condesa’s bar. Photo credit: Jody Horton
Considered one of the south’s prettiest porches, Hotel Ella’s spacious front porch is the ideal spot to sip on expertly crafted cocktails from the parlor bar or savor any of the delicious brunch menu items available at Goodall’s Kitchen, the hotel’s American bistro. Guests may enjoy half-off cocktails, beers and wine by the glass from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. every Monday through Friday in the hotel’s parlor bar. Photo credit: Jake Holt
Located in the South Congress Hotel, this classic American bar and grill features a wrap-around patio that is great for people watching on South Congress Avenue. Guests may enjoy specials on drinks and snacks, such as Central Standard’s smoked salmon Deviled Eggs and Wagyu Steak Tartare, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. every Monday through Friday.
NO VA Kitchen + Bar on Rainey Street is an culinary oasis that serves fresh twists on comfort food. The stunning copper bar, two fireplaces, and multiple patios make NO VA the perfect place to kick back and relax with a craft cocktail in hand while enjoying a good meal. The two-story house gets its name from the Spanish phrase meaning “it doesn’t go” because the building is a contrast to the historic buildings on Rainey Street.
Backbeat found success with their two-story bar that features a cocktail lounge and rooftop patio with stunning views. Backbeat is opened Sunday 2-10 p.m., Monday-Thursday 4 p.m.-12 a.m. and Friday-Saturday 4 p.m.-2 a.m. For more information, visit www.backbeat-atx.com.
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New Orleans, LA - On October 22, 2024, I recently had an opportunity to attend the grand opening of Caesars New Orleans, marking the completion of a stunning $435 million transformation of the former Harrah’s New Orleans. It was an evening to remember, filled with excitement, luxury, and the vibrant spirit of New Orleans. The festivities began on Canal Street with an exhilarating ceremony led by Caesars Entertainment CEO Tom Reeg, President & COO Anthony Carano, and Caesars New Orleans General Manager Samir Mowad. The atmosphere was electric as they joined Caesar himself and an iconic New Orleans second-line band in a lively procession into the casino. It felt like the entire city had come out to celebrate, with Caesars New Orleans team members and Mayor LaToya Cantrell also joining the event to commemorate this historic occasion. Anthony Carano’s pride in introducing Caesars to New Orleans was palpable. “From local favorite Emeril Lagasse to our long-time partner, Chef Nobu, to the beautiful state-of-the-art Caesars Sportsbook, all-new rooms and gaming floor, and of course, our gorgeous new center bar, Octavia, Caesars New Orleans offers something for everyone. It’s a world-class resort in the heart of the Big Easy, and we can’t wait for our guests to experience it,” he said. The ceremony was a spectacle, kicking off with an iconic Mardi Gras float featuring Caesar and his court, and a dazzling firework show that lit up the New Orleans sky. The second-line band then led us revelers into the resort’s elegant center bar, Octavia, where we indulged in a “Taste of Caesars New Orleans.” Each bite from the six on-property restaurants was a delightful journey, capturing the essence of New Orleans’ rich culinary scene. Throughout the night, elemental entertainers, including the Saints Cheer Krewe, Mardi Gras Indians, Zulu Tramps, and showgirls, created an authentic and unforgettable Big Easy experience. Everywhere I turned, there was something new to marvel at, each performance more mesmerizing than the last. Samir Mowad, SVP and GM of Caesars New Orleans, highlighted the significance of the transformation, stating, “This year marks 25 years since we opened in New Orleans, and the completion of this project is the perfect way to usher in a new era with Caesars. Synonymous with the Caesars name, our new resort is pure elegance, and we’re excited to introduce a luxury brand like this to New Orleans. We are extremely grateful for the support of the community, our team members, and our guests as we come to the finish line of this tremendous transformation.” The hotel itself is impressive,…