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Get cozy on Lower Greenville at Wayward Sons
Get cozy on Lower Greenville at Wayward Sons
Lori Bandi [EDFW]

The Hottest Patios In Dallas, Spring 2016

Where to drink & dine al fresco

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Get cozy on Lower Greenville at Wayward Sons
| Lori Bandi [EDFW]

It’s officially patio season, Dallas. Which, of course, means that it’s time to put on those floppy hats and sunglasses and head out to the city’s best spots to dine (and drink!) in this fabulous spring weather.

But where are the Dallas' hottest patios? You already know about the old standbys and your neighborhood faves, but Spring is the perfect time to branch out and discover more of Dallas' buzziest spots for alfresco dining. Whether you’re searching for a brand new brunch spot or somewhere to enjoy dinner with a breeze, this list of the hottest patios in Dallas is the perfect place to start.

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18th & Vine Barbeque

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Bring a date to this classy Maple Ave patio and maybe they’ll forget that you had sauce all over your face after digging into that giant pulled pork sandwich. The constant loop of good jazz tunes only adds to the ambiance.
Kyla Davidson

Americano

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Dallas doesn’t feel much like Italy, but the closest you’ll get is on Americano’s patio in the middle of Downtown. Sip Campari cocktails and dine on freshly-made pasta while large windows give you the feel of knowing what’s going on inside the restaurant while you’re enjoying the gorgeous Texas spring outdoors.
Lori Bandi/EDFW

Braindead Brewing

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To fully experience the energy of bustling Deep Ellum, park on the patio at Braindead Brewing on a Saturday. In addition to the excellent suds and even better snacks, you’ll have a front row seat to the neighborhood’s unique (and rapidly-changing) feel.

Cibo Divino

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Inspired by Dean & DeLuca in New York City, this Italian-inspired eatery offers a breezy open-air wine bar with plenty of adjacent seating. Whether you’re coming for a quick pre-dinner glass of wine or a full feast, Cibo Divino fits the bill either way.

Hash House A Go Go

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Should you find yourself in the suburbs with a craving for dining alfresco, get thee to Hash House A Go Go in Plano. Outside of the fact that you can order burgers the size of your head and bloody marys served with slabs of bacon as a stirrer, the patio here is large and cozy.
Katy Norris/EDFW

HG Sply Co

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[Photo: HG Sply Co./Facebook]

Ida Claire

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In a land of mediocre patios like Addison, Ida Claire’s southern charm sticks out. If you’re planning a special dinner, rent out the Airstream trailer that’s been converted into a charming, shabby-chic dining room. Otherwise, just snag a table on the spacious patio and Instagram that it (while drinking mint juleps) for free. In a land of mediocre patios like Addison, Ida Claire’s southern charm sticks out. If you’re planning a special dinner, rent out the Airstream trailer that’s been converted into a charming, shabby-chic dining room. Otherwise, just snag a table on the spacious patio and Instagram it for free while drinking mint juleps.
Ida Claire/Facebook

Mudhen Meat and Greens

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After traipsing around the Dallas Farmers Market, plant yourself on one of two gigantic patios at Mudhen for fresh fare and plenty of people-watching. Choose the right seat and you can get a killer view of Chef Suki Otsuki and her team throwing down with fresh veg and pastured meats in the kitchen.
Kathy Tran/EDFW

Rapscallion

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Sitting on this patio in the middle of Greenville Ave feels almost electric, as if the energy of the city is all fixated on this one place. The patio here offers an open-air respite from Rapscallion’s frequently-packed dining room along with some of the best people-watching in town. Order a few dozen oysters from the raw bar, and gawk on.
Lori Bandi/EDFW

Smoke Restaurant Plano

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This patio inspired by the wide open spaces of West Texas, with its strategically placed cactus and xeriscaping, is the perfect setting for digging into Chef Tim Byres’ sophisticated take on smoked meats. It’s cozy (but plenty spacious) and feels like the backyard you wish you could afford to own.
Smoke Plano/Facebook

The Rustic

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The Rustic is more patio than restaurant, which makes it so perfect for Dallas. Stake out your claim on a picnic table and bring a crowd, because there’s plenty of room for you to hang out with just about everyone you know. There's also a brand new menu, meaning that there are plenty of delectable new dishes (like a fried chicken thigh sandwich) to try.

Top Knot

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Sitting inside at Top Knot is fine, but being outside is better. Happy hour is the best time to enjoy the patio here – you can take in a killer sunset and the small plates and cocktails are significantly cheaper.
Kathy Tran/EDFW

Wayward Sons

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This cozy Greenville Ave patio is surrounded by a garden of vegetables and herbs of all kinds, some of which will likely end up in your dinner. Take in this specially-created green space while sipping the restaurant’s equally verdant namesake cocktail. On Sundays, make this patio your brunch stop for seasonally-appropriate dishes and surroundings.
Lori Bandi/EDFW

18th & Vine Barbeque

Bring a date to this classy Maple Ave patio and maybe they’ll forget that you had sauce all over your face after digging into that giant pulled pork sandwich. The constant loop of good jazz tunes only adds to the ambiance.
Kyla Davidson

Americano

Dallas doesn’t feel much like Italy, but the closest you’ll get is on Americano’s patio in the middle of Downtown. Sip Campari cocktails and dine on freshly-made pasta while large windows give you the feel of knowing what’s going on inside the restaurant while you’re enjoying the gorgeous Texas spring outdoors.
Lori Bandi/EDFW

Braindead Brewing

To fully experience the energy of bustling Deep Ellum, park on the patio at Braindead Brewing on a Saturday. In addition to the excellent suds and even better snacks, you’ll have a front row seat to the neighborhood’s unique (and rapidly-changing) feel.

Cibo Divino

Inspired by Dean & DeLuca in New York City, this Italian-inspired eatery offers a breezy open-air wine bar with plenty of adjacent seating. Whether you’re coming for a quick pre-dinner glass of wine or a full feast, Cibo Divino fits the bill either way.

Hash House A Go Go

Should you find yourself in the suburbs with a craving for dining alfresco, get thee to Hash House A Go Go in Plano. Outside of the fact that you can order burgers the size of your head and bloody marys served with slabs of bacon as a stirrer, the patio here is large and cozy.
Katy Norris/EDFW

HG Sply Co

[Photo: HG Sply Co./Facebook]

Ida Claire

In a land of mediocre patios like Addison, Ida Claire’s southern charm sticks out. If you’re planning a special dinner, rent out the Airstream trailer that’s been converted into a charming, shabby-chic dining room. Otherwise, just snag a table on the spacious patio and Instagram that it (while drinking mint juleps) for free. In a land of mediocre patios like Addison, Ida Claire’s southern charm sticks out. If you’re planning a special dinner, rent out the Airstream trailer that’s been converted into a charming, shabby-chic dining room. Otherwise, just snag a table on the spacious patio and Instagram it for free while drinking mint juleps.
Ida Claire/Facebook

Mudhen Meat and Greens

After traipsing around the Dallas Farmers Market, plant yourself on one of two gigantic patios at Mudhen for fresh fare and plenty of people-watching. Choose the right seat and you can get a killer view of Chef Suki Otsuki and her team throwing down with fresh veg and pastured meats in the kitchen.
Kathy Tran/EDFW

Rapscallion

Sitting on this patio in the middle of Greenville Ave feels almost electric, as if the energy of the city is all fixated on this one place. The patio here offers an open-air respite from Rapscallion’s frequently-packed dining room along with some of the best people-watching in town. Order a few dozen oysters from the raw bar, and gawk on.
Lori Bandi/EDFW

Smoke Restaurant Plano

This patio inspired by the wide open spaces of West Texas, with its strategically placed cactus and xeriscaping, is the perfect setting for digging into Chef Tim Byres’ sophisticated take on smoked meats. It’s cozy (but plenty spacious) and feels like the backyard you wish you could afford to own.
Smoke Plano/Facebook

The Rustic

The Rustic is more patio than restaurant, which makes it so perfect for Dallas. Stake out your claim on a picnic table and bring a crowd, because there’s plenty of room for you to hang out with just about everyone you know. There's also a brand new menu, meaning that there are plenty of delectable new dishes (like a fried chicken thigh sandwich) to try.

Top Knot

Sitting inside at Top Knot is fine, but being outside is better. Happy hour is the best time to enjoy the patio here – you can take in a killer sunset and the small plates and cocktails are significantly cheaper.
Kathy Tran/EDFW

Wayward Sons

This cozy Greenville Ave patio is surrounded by a garden of vegetables and herbs of all kinds, some of which will likely end up in your dinner. Take in this specially-created green space while sipping the restaurant’s equally verdant namesake cocktail. On Sundays, make this patio your brunch stop for seasonally-appropriate dishes and surroundings.
Lori Bandi/EDFW

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