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The glorious outdoor area at Chicken Scratch/The Foundry.
The glorious outdoor area at Chicken Scratch/The Foundry.
Photo: Sara Kerens/EDFW

13 Patios to Enjoy Before it Gets Hotter Than Hell

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The glorious outdoor area at Chicken Scratch/The Foundry.
| Photo: Sara Kerens/EDFW

The bizarre late cold spells are finally over, and gorgeous sunny weather is here — but this being Texas, it won't be long before it's unpleasantly sweltering. With that in mind, here's a map of 13 of the city's hottest patios where you should be drinking and dining right now, from trendy see-and-be-scenes to laid-back picnic tables.


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Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process.

Belly & Trumpet

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This patio (really more of a porch) overlooks always-buzzing McKinney Avenue and is a lovely little spot from which to sip wine and enjoy fancy small plates.

Cane Rosso White Rock

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The patio at this Neapolitan pizza sensation's new location is even bigger and better than the OG Deep Ellum spot. A pitcher of sangria is a must. [Photo: Cane Rosso/Facebook]

Chicken Scratch/The Foundry

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Arguably the finest contribution to the Dallas patio scene in the past couple years, the outdoor area shared by The Foundry and Chicken Scratch is really more of a compound, complete with a stage, hopscotch, and a mini garden.

Goodfriend Beer Garden and Burger House

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Clearly we can't have a list of hot patios without Goodfriend. This East Dallas burger and beer destination has been packing the house since it opened. It can be difficult to snag a patio table on the weekend, but your patience will be rewarded with a laid-back atmosphere (and a damn good burger).

Katy Trail Ice House

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If you're in search of a more, er, raucuous patio experience, look no further than Katy Trail Ice House, which at times can feel like a more mature frat party. Bonus: Given its location, no one will bat an eye at your yoga pants.

Meso Maya/La Ventana

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Meso Maya and its companion taco joint share a big, gorgeous courtyard that makes a fantastic setting for a quick, casual lunch or a date night.

Outpost American Tavern

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The patio at Outpost is big, rustic, and beautiful, with both picnic-style benches and umbrella-covered tables and a pleasantly peaceful O.C. atmosphere. Bonus: Dog-friendly

Saint Ann

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The patio at Saint Ann has a tendency to get packed with the city's beautiful people, at which point it feels like a ritzy garden party with plenty of booze. [Photo: Saint Ann/Facebook]

Stackhouse Burgers

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Fantastic skyline views (and towering, juicy burgers) await at this burger joint on the outskirts of Deep Ellum. Grab a bucket o' beers and enjoy an evening under the stars. [Photo: Stackhouse/Facebook]

Taco Diner

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The patio at Taco Diner is almost always packed -- a perfect locale from which to spy on all the beautiful people dropping cash in the West Village (and see who's driving all those stupid-expensive cars in the valet lot). [Photo: Taco Diner West Village/Facebook]

The Greek

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The restaurants in One Arts Plaza have seen their fare share of turnover, but it seems that the current tenants are here to stay. Soak up the Arts District culture before (or after) a show at one of The Greek's patio tables inside the plaza.

The Lot

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The Lot's patio is massive, with plenty of entertainment for adults (beer and cocktails!) and kids alike (a spacious play area).

Woodshed Smokehouse

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Tim Love's ode to smoked everything has amazing views of the Trinity and trails and plenty of picnic benches; best get out there and soak up some rays before the weather turns ungodly hot. [Photo: Woodshed Smokehouse]

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Belly & Trumpet

This patio (really more of a porch) overlooks always-buzzing McKinney Avenue and is a lovely little spot from which to sip wine and enjoy fancy small plates.

Cane Rosso White Rock

The patio at this Neapolitan pizza sensation's new location is even bigger and better than the OG Deep Ellum spot. A pitcher of sangria is a must. [Photo: Cane Rosso/Facebook]

Chicken Scratch/The Foundry

Arguably the finest contribution to the Dallas patio scene in the past couple years, the outdoor area shared by The Foundry and Chicken Scratch is really more of a compound, complete with a stage, hopscotch, and a mini garden.

Goodfriend Beer Garden and Burger House

Clearly we can't have a list of hot patios without Goodfriend. This East Dallas burger and beer destination has been packing the house since it opened. It can be difficult to snag a patio table on the weekend, but your patience will be rewarded with a laid-back atmosphere (and a damn good burger).

Katy Trail Ice House

If you're in search of a more, er, raucuous patio experience, look no further than Katy Trail Ice House, which at times can feel like a more mature frat party. Bonus: Given its location, no one will bat an eye at your yoga pants.

Meso Maya/La Ventana

Meso Maya and its companion taco joint share a big, gorgeous courtyard that makes a fantastic setting for a quick, casual lunch or a date night.

Outpost American Tavern

The patio at Outpost is big, rustic, and beautiful, with both picnic-style benches and umbrella-covered tables and a pleasantly peaceful O.C. atmosphere. Bonus: Dog-friendly

Saint Ann

The patio at Saint Ann has a tendency to get packed with the city's beautiful people, at which point it feels like a ritzy garden party with plenty of booze. [Photo: Saint Ann/Facebook]

Stackhouse Burgers

Fantastic skyline views (and towering, juicy burgers) await at this burger joint on the outskirts of Deep Ellum. Grab a bucket o' beers and enjoy an evening under the stars. [Photo: Stackhouse/Facebook]

Taco Diner

The patio at Taco Diner is almost always packed -- a perfect locale from which to spy on all the beautiful people dropping cash in the West Village (and see who's driving all those stupid-expensive cars in the valet lot). [Photo: Taco Diner West Village/Facebook]

The Greek

The restaurants in One Arts Plaza have seen their fare share of turnover, but it seems that the current tenants are here to stay. Soak up the Arts District culture before (or after) a show at one of The Greek's patio tables inside the plaza.

The Lot

The Lot's patio is massive, with plenty of entertainment for adults (beer and cocktails!) and kids alike (a spacious play area).

Woodshed Smokehouse

Tim Love's ode to smoked everything has amazing views of the Trinity and trails and plenty of picnic benches; best get out there and soak up some rays before the weather turns ungodly hot. [Photo: Woodshed Smokehouse]

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