Wasn't it just last week that we were all huddled around our fireplaces cursing Old Man Winter? The current 70 and sunny conditions make that whole polar vortex thing seem like a distant memory, and it's obviously the perfect time for a little al fresco drinking and dining. Everyone knows patio stalwarts like Ozona, Capitol Pub and Goodfriend, but here are 13 newer patio options perfect for right this second.
Cane Rosso White Rock's patio is pretty epic -- so long as you can tolerate the presence of children, of which there will most likely be many. With that in mind, a Delia pie and a pitcher of sangria make this a great spot to hunker down for a family-friendly Sunday Funday.
The Trinity Groves patio scene is definitely the place to be this spring. Perfectly shareable cheese and charcuterie plates paired with one of the many sherry options and views of the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge? Perfection.
This fast-casual Thai spot is breathing new life into the Quadrangle's patio scene. Fresh, flavorful dishes like papaya salad or laap isaan lettuce cups pair perfectly with a Thai (or local) beer. Hit up the chili station to bring your dish up to the perfect level of mouth-searing spice.
Henderson Avenue is always a great choice for people-watching. Grab a cozy patio table at this new hot spot and order up some snacks like fried olives or beef tartare, perfect with a glass of rosé or one of the several wines on tap.
If local craft beer is your tipple of choice, a picnic table outside at this laid-back Trinity Groves spot is right where you want to be. Meat and cabbage-stuffed pastries called bierocks make for a great snack paired with your suds of choice, and yes, you can even bring your dog.
When the weather is nice -- you know, like right now? -- Mico Rodriguez's latest venture swings the doors wide open to blur the line between the dining room and the beautiful patio that's sheltered from the Henderson traffic. A frozen Micorita and some chips and guac or spinach and hearts of palm queso make the perfect snack to linger over.
What Deep Ellum's favorite noodle shop lacks in service (it's just a walk-up window), it more than makes up for with killer soup dumplings and spicy beef noodle soup. Grab your order and head up to the rooftop patio; the BYOB policy makes it an extra-affordable lunch or dinner option (Spirits liquor store on Canton Street has plenty of local craft beers to choose from).
The intimate patio (which is now covered) at Lakewood's Vietnamese jewel is perfect for a laid-back pho lunch or a light dinner of frog's legs and banana flower salad. Cool breezes make lingering over freshly fried donut holes and another beer oh-so-appealing.
The rooftop patio addition at this exotic Lower Greenville destination is gorgeous, even if the night is tending toward a bit chilly (just sit closer to the fire pit). Cushy chairs and its own full bar make it a great place to take in the view of the buzzing Avenue while noshing on meaty mandoo dumplings and a rose-cardamom martini or two.
Grab one of the aqua benches outside at this new seafood-centric spot in the Cliff from Bar 303 owner Cecilia Lopez and order up a round of drinks (frozen Hurricanes, anyone?). It's hard to go wrong with fried seafood baskets, but there's also breezier fare like seared cod with lemon butter or shareable shrimp salad with crostini.
For a chill evening with friends, it's hard to argue with the expansive patio at this vibrant Lebanese spot: Cushy chairs, hummus served with warm puffy pita bread that's perfect for sharing, hookahs to puff away on and a very welcome BYOB policy.
Take in the urban oasis that is Klyde Warren Park while cozying up on one of the sleek-yet-cushy patio booths. Pair the excellent cocktails like the Rosemary Mule or one of many wines from the keg wall with light bites like cheesy lobster puffs and perfectly miniaturized desserts.
The outdoor seating at either Village Kitchen (downstairs) or Toko V (upstairs) makes a perfect perch from which to watch all the Lambos that roll through the valet line at ritzy Highland Park Village. Keep it light with sushi and sashimi, or indulge with Pecan Lodge brisket flatbread and a Fruity Pebbles milkshake.
Cane Rosso White Rock's patio is pretty epic -- so long as you can tolerate the presence of children, of which there will most likely be many. With that in mind, a Delia pie and a pitcher of sangria make this a great spot to hunker down for a family-friendly Sunday Funday.
The Trinity Groves patio scene is definitely the place to be this spring. Perfectly shareable cheese and charcuterie plates paired with one of the many sherry options and views of the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge? Perfection.
This fast-casual Thai spot is breathing new life into the Quadrangle's patio scene. Fresh, flavorful dishes like papaya salad or laap isaan lettuce cups pair perfectly with a Thai (or local) beer. Hit up the chili station to bring your dish up to the perfect level of mouth-searing spice.
Henderson Avenue is always a great choice for people-watching. Grab a cozy patio table at this new hot spot and order up some snacks like fried olives or beef tartare, perfect with a glass of rosé or one of the several wines on tap.
If local craft beer is your tipple of choice, a picnic table outside at this laid-back Trinity Groves spot is right where you want to be. Meat and cabbage-stuffed pastries called bierocks make for a great snack paired with your suds of choice, and yes, you can even bring your dog.
When the weather is nice -- you know, like right now? -- Mico Rodriguez's latest venture swings the doors wide open to blur the line between the dining room and the beautiful patio that's sheltered from the Henderson traffic. A frozen Micorita and some chips and guac or spinach and hearts of palm queso make the perfect snack to linger over.
What Deep Ellum's favorite noodle shop lacks in service (it's just a walk-up window), it more than makes up for with killer soup dumplings and spicy beef noodle soup. Grab your order and head up to the rooftop patio; the BYOB policy makes it an extra-affordable lunch or dinner option (Spirits liquor store on Canton Street has plenty of local craft beers to choose from).
The intimate patio (which is now covered) at Lakewood's Vietnamese jewel is perfect for a laid-back pho lunch or a light dinner of frog's legs and banana flower salad. Cool breezes make lingering over freshly fried donut holes and another beer oh-so-appealing.
The rooftop patio addition at this exotic Lower Greenville destination is gorgeous, even if the night is tending toward a bit chilly (just sit closer to the fire pit). Cushy chairs and its own full bar make it a great place to take in the view of the buzzing Avenue while noshing on meaty mandoo dumplings and a rose-cardamom martini or two.
Grab one of the aqua benches outside at this new seafood-centric spot in the Cliff from Bar 303 owner Cecilia Lopez and order up a round of drinks (frozen Hurricanes, anyone?). It's hard to go wrong with fried seafood baskets, but there's also breezier fare like seared cod with lemon butter or shareable shrimp salad with crostini.
For a chill evening with friends, it's hard to argue with the expansive patio at this vibrant Lebanese spot: Cushy chairs, hummus served with warm puffy pita bread that's perfect for sharing, hookahs to puff away on and a very welcome BYOB policy.
Take in the urban oasis that is Klyde Warren Park while cozying up on one of the sleek-yet-cushy patio booths. Pair the excellent cocktails like the Rosemary Mule or one of many wines from the keg wall with light bites like cheesy lobster puffs and perfectly miniaturized desserts.
The outdoor seating at either Village Kitchen (downstairs) or Toko V (upstairs) makes a perfect perch from which to watch all the Lambos that roll through the valet line at ritzy Highland Park Village. Keep it light with sushi and sashimi, or indulge with Pecan Lodge brisket flatbread and a Fruity Pebbles milkshake.
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