Restaurants / Lists

Dallas’ Best Restaurant and Bar Patios — A Running List of Top Spots for Outdoor Dining

19 Local Restaurants That Are Doing Al Fresco Service Right

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This article was updated on February 2, 2024 

When the pandemic began in 2020, we started a list of restaurants where Dallasites could dine al fresco with ample space to social distance. Almost four years later, we’ve kept our list running and are continually adding to our round-up of incredible new spots that have entered the outdoor dining game. These are some of the best outdoor bars and patios our editors have visited.

 

Paradiso

Bishop Arts

308 N. Bishop Avenue
Dallas, TX 75208  |  Map

Paradiso Dallas

In Bishop Arts, Paradiso has a charming European-style courtyard. (Courtesy of Paradiso)

Paradiso’s charming courtyard patio transports you to a lush garden in Europe — one that just happens to be next to Bishop Arts favorites like Emporium Pies and Revelers Hall. The Mediterranean restaurant is known for its wood-fired pizzas, hand-made pastas, salads, and signature cocktails.

Desert Racer

Lower Greenville

1520 Greenville Avenue
Dallas, TX 75206  |  Map

Vantina Desert Racer

Desert Racer has an expansive and fun outdoor patio. (Courtesy)

This Lower Greenville spot from chef Nick Badovinus has an expansive, turf-covered, brightly-decorated outdoor patio. It serves Baja Cali-inspired bites like tacos, burgers, and poke bowls, as well as margaritas and ranch water hi-balls. A great spot for groups, there is tons of space to hang out and dine al fresco.

The Rustic

Uptown

656 Howell Street
Dallas, TX 75204  |  Map

The Rustic Dallas

Brunch and live music are back on the patio at The Rustic. (Courtesy)

Uptown’s The Rustic is one of the best bar and restaurants for al fresco dining, drinking, and live music. With one of the largest outdoor spaces in Dallas, the restaurant is a great spot to gather with a group. There’s brunch on weekends and free live music (Thursday through Sunday) as well.

HG Sply Co.

Lower Greenville

2008 Greenville Avenue
Dallas, TX 75206  |  Map

HG Sply Co.

HG Sply Co. is the most popular rooftop bar in Lower Greenville.

This classic Lower Greenville spot has been a go-to rooftop patio spot for awhile now. And for good reason. HG Sply Co. has one of the best rooftop bars out there. The bar has lots of colorful tables with strings of lights hanging above. It also has a covered, shady area if the sun becomes a bit much in the summer.

Chelsea Corner

Knox-Henderson

4830 McKinney Avenue
Dallas, TX 75205  |  Map

Chelsea Corner

Knox's Chelsea Corner has an outdoor patio oasis. (Courtesy of Chelsea Corner)

A 2016 restoration brought the storied building (originally opened in 1974) that houses Chelsea Corner back to life, and included the addition of a charming backyard patio. The restaurant has 2,500 square feet of dog-friendly space and serves wine, beer, and craft cocktails. Dishes include new Lavarock Fajitas, Firecracker Shrimp, and BBQ Pork Chimichanga.

Ferris Wheelers Backyard and BBQ

Design District

1950 Market Center Boulevard
Dallas, TX 75207  |  Map

Ferris Wheelers

Ferris Wheelers is a backyard filled with BBQ, games and a 50-foot-tall ferris wheel.

Located on a sprawling lot in the Design District, Ferris Wheelers Backyard and BBQ is known for their backyard party atmosphere with ample patio seating and a big ferris wheel. The barbecue spot has opened back up for beers, bites and live music.

Dot’s Hop House & Cocktail Courtyard

Deep Ellum

2645 Commerce Street
Dallas, TX  |  Map

Dot’s Hop House

Dot's is open until 2 am on weekends. (Courtesy)

Deep Ellum favorite, Dot’s Hop House & Cocktail Courtyard offers ample outdoor patio space underneath a show-stopping chandelier. A spacious beer garden and industrial-style bar, the favorite spot is open for lunch and dinner. The restaurant serves soups, salads, burgers, sandwiches, and more, along with their massive beer menu and hand-crafted cocktails.

Truck Yard

Lower Greenville

5624 Sears Street
Dallas, TX 75206  |  Map

Truck Yard Dallas

Truck Yard is a playground for adults with treehouse and picnic table seating. (Courtesy of Truck Yard)

Known for its spacious beer garden, adult playground, and quirky signage, Truck Yard is a popular spot in Lower Greenville for outdoor drinking. Besides draft beer, the restaurant offers craft draft cocktails like the Mother Trucker (Long Island spin) and Twisted Mule. The food menu includes a Philly cheesesteak, ribeye nachos, and a Chicago beef sandwich.

Barcelona Wine Bar

Knox-Henderson

5016 Miller Avenue
Dallas, TX 75206  |  Map

283 4×6 Exterior

The first Texas location of Barcelona Wine Bar is located just off Henderson Avenue.

Newer to Dallas, this Spanish wine bar offers a nice little patio for sipping wine and tapas. Housed in a former tin factory, the space has a stylish and lively vibe to enjoy charcuterie, cheese, patatas bravas, and more. A favorite cocktail is the Guns & Rosés sangria, and the wine list is extensive. Don’t miss the Jamón Serrano, manchego, and drunken goat cheeses, as well as the grilled hanger steak. The restaurant also has chairs set out nearby in the parking lot for those who just want to enjoy a glass or two of wine.

Le Bilboquet

Knox-Henderson

4514 Travis Street, Suite 124
Dallas, TX 75205  |  Map

Le Bilboquet gives you a taste of Europe in Dallas.

This Knox-Henderson gem has the most charming outdoor patio for lunch, dinner, or brunch. One of Dallas restauranteur Stephan Courseau’s three Knox district spots (Up on Knox and Georgie are the other two), Le Bilboquet is known for its French wine, crab and avocado salad, and Cajun chicken. It’s easy to sit down at one of the bistro tables with a glass of champagne and pretend you’re in Europe for an afternoon.

Sixty Vines

Uptown

500 Crescent Court, Suite 160
Dallas, TX 75201  |  Map

Sixty Vines Dallas

American kitchen and wine bar Sixty Vines in Uptown also has a great outdoor, covered patio (The Greenhouse) for enjoying pastas, pizzas, and Californian and European wines. It’s perfect for an afternoon wine and cheese pairing, shared plates like bacon-wrapped dates and burrata, or sit-down dinner. And also provides ample shade on sunny days.

Fearing’s Restaurant

Uptown

2121 McKinney Avenue
Dallas, TX 75201  |  Map

Fearing’s Patio Dallas

Fearing's has a lovely outdoor patio to enjoy a meal or drinks on.

Located at The Ritz-Carlton, Dallas, Fearing’s offers an incredible outdoor patio tucked underneath large oak trees for al fresco dining. Outside, there is a full-service bar and brick fireplace for when it’s chilly out. The patio has also been updated to include a stage for live music every Friday and Saturday.

Catbird

Downtown

205 N. Akard Street
Dallas, TX  |  Map

Catbird Dallas Outdoor Patios Dallas

The 9th floor rooftop terrace at Catbird offers plenty of room to social distance. (Photo by Gustav Schmiege)

At the brand new Thompson Hotel, Catbird is the newest hotspot for outdoor dining. Located on the 9th floor, the snazzy cocktail lounge offers plenty of space on their outdoor terrace and killer views of downtown Dallas. When it’s chillier out, they also have a massive fireplace for heat things up.

Casablanca

Bishop Arts

200 North Bishop Avenue, Suite 113
Dallas, TX 75208  |  Map

Casablanca

Casablanca is a new, Moroccan-themed bar and lounge in Bishop Arts.

Recently opened in Bishop Arts, this Moroccan-themed lounge offers a lovely outdoor patio — inspired by Tulum’s beachfront eateries — to sip cocktails on. The newest bar concept from Exxir Hospitality (Tejas, Paradiso) features drinks like frozen piña coladas and a food menu crafted by chef Nick Hurry.

Birdie’s Eastside

East Dallas

6221 E. Mockingbird Lane
Dallas, TX 75214  |  Map

Birdie’s Eastside Dallas

The outdoor patio at Birdie's Eastside is massive. (Photo by Kathy Tran)

This new neighborhood restaurant from Jon Alexis (TJ’s Seafood, Ramble Room) has a massive outdoor patio for al fresco dining. Make sure to try the birria sliders and spicy tuna wonton tacos.

The Henry

The Union

2301 N. Akard Street, Suite 250
Dallas, TX 75201  |  Map

The Henry

The Henry has ground-level and rooftop outdoor patios. (Photo by Kathy Tran)

Located at The Union, this American restaurant has an outdoor patio with city views. It’s open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Favorites at the spot include the short rib potstickers, Harvest Bowl, and hot honey crispy chicken sandwich. There’s also a rooftop patio with fireplaces for the cooler season.

Smoky Rose

East Dallas

8602 Garland Road
Dallas, TX 75218  |  Map

Smoky Rose Dallas Patios

White Rock Lake's Smoky Rose has an expansive outdoor patio for group gatherings. (Courtesy)

A favorite spot near White Rock Lake, this Texas barbecue restaurant has a killer outdoor patio for group gatherings and dates. Opened in 2016 by David Cash, the spot (right across from the Dallas Arboretum) has become a family-friendly favorite in Dallas.

Katy Trail Ice House

Uptown

4700 W Park Blvd
Plano, TX 75093  |  Map

Katy Trail Ice House

Katy Trail Ice House is one of the most popular outdoor patios in Dallas. (Courtesy of Katy Trail Ice House)

An iconic beer garden and patio right off the Katy Trail in Uptown, the Ice House has been serving Dallasites since 2011. The outdoor patio is huge, but there’s also indoor space to cool off. Pups are often present outside, along with their owners and lots of Summer Beers.

Wriggly Tin

Fair Park

1906 S. Haskell Avenue
Dallas, TX 75223  |  Map

Wriggly Tin Dallas

Wriggly Tin is now serving pizza, beer, and cocktails near Fair Park. (Courtesy)

Now open near Fair Park, this new beer, cocktail, and pizza joint is the only place to buy brews from Small Beer Works — a brewery that closed in Oak Cliff in 2019. And it has a great outdoor patio. Don’t miss the sourdough pizza like the Benny Blanco or Meatball.

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