One of our favorite things about Dallas: the patios! Great weather and ample space means that we have a never-ending list of choices for patios. We have rounded up our favorites all over DFW. Whether it be for live music, plenty of space, views, aesthetics and decor, craft cocktails, or for enjoying the nice weather while sipping a refreshing cocktail, there's a patio for every occasion. Explore below!
Updated May 2023
This Knox institution of a bar, beloved by the neighborhood, has a newly-redesigned dog-friendly patio. They seriously did an amazing job making the patio feel like a garden oasis with brick pathways, lush greenery, white table accents, and picnic tables. It's super Instagrammable and also has a fabulous menu to go along with it. Take in the garden vibes with a Pear Goddess martini, Blood Orange Jalapeño Margarita, or Smores Espresso Martini.
Knox | Directions
Dahlia on Ross is an Instagrammable and beautiful Mediterranean restaurant with 3,800 square feet of space. The patio takes up half of that and is definitely the centerpiece of the space. Grab a glass of wine out on the centrally located patio that is filled with hanging lights, plants, and adorable patio furniture to make you feel like you're worlds away!
East Dallas | Directions
And most Instagrammable patio goes to….Desert Racer! This concept by Nick Badovinus was long anticipated and once open, blew everyone away with its Santa Fe meets Baja California oasis of a patio. It is truly stunning with cacti, white chairs, blue fountains, and wood/tiki decor. Additionally, the retro camper outside at the bar is super cool, and you’ll find plenty more old cars scattered throughout.
Come here for the atmosphere, stay for the burgers and ranch waters!
Lower Greenville | Directions
DOLCE
Grab an Aperol Spritz and head to the garden while you wait for your table. The inside bar has a darker, more intimate feel, while the inside dining room, has a more traditional Italian dining experience, like you’re in someone’s home. Our favorite place to eat is the covered (and air-conditioned) patio though, with a looming loom tree that now extends out to decorate the entire space.
Harwood District | Directions
One of our favorite spots to day drink year round with its heated patio: Dot's Hop House in Deep Ellum! Although the space is casual with picnic tables and a sand ground, there’s a giant sparkly chandelier hanging in the middle of it, giving it that “Dallas Extra element…and we love it They have over 100 beers, ciders, cocktails, and wines on tap, plus there are several TVs perfect for game day.
The patio’s string lights also change colors depending on what big game is on (for example blue for the Cowboys)!
Deep Ellum | Directions
Located in the new AT&T District in the heart of downtown, Jaxon Beer Garden is definitely one to experience! It’s the largest patio on our list, coming in at 10,000 square feet, and is the perfect spot for a large group of friends (especially out of-town guests) to enjoy yummy food, including barbecue, delicious cocktails, over 40 tap beers, and tons of unique seltzer's, including the newest flavors of Truly's and teas! They also have several TV’s and a covered area so you can stay all day until the evening watching sports.
Downtown | Directions
When we first moved to Dallas, this was the place recommended to us. If you've taken a stroll on the Katy Trail, you’ve probably noticed the massive patio that is the Katy Trail Ice House! Whether Ice House is your destination or you just need a break from your jog, this is a great Dallas institution to grab a summer beer and cheese fries, while you soak up the sun. Pets are welcome, too, and even in the winter, it’s heated with bonfires fires, and blankets at your disposal!
Uptown | Directions
A dive bar that has instilled charm for over 50 years, Lee Harvey has a patio that is a go-to for folks of different crowds to unite and enjoy each others' company. There are plenty of umbrellas to keep you cool during the toasty summer months, and the fire pits are always on deck to keep you warm during the chilly months!
Cedars | Directions
photo courtesy of Lee Harvey's
MEXICAN SUGAR
Mexican Sugar is a vibrant pan-Latin restaurant with a two-story, 12,000-square-foot space that can seat 400 guests who can enjoy stunning views from the upstairs patio of the American Airlines Center and the Hotel Crescent Court! Tequila enthusiasts will love the Agave Library, featuring over 150 tequilas and mezcals, along with handcrafted margaritas and wine selections. Experience the flavors, hospitality, and culinary excellence at Mexican Sugar!
Multiple Locations | See Locations
Lovers of furry friends, this one's for you! Let your dogs run out their energy and make friends while you enjoy a drink and some grub at one of their picnic benches. This dog park + bar and restaurant combo is the perfect neighborhood hang for sunny days, and they even have "pupsicles "and "doggie dogs" for the pups!
Uptown | Directions
While Oak Cliff Brewing has been around for several years now, they graced us with a stunning backyard beer garden patio for the summer of 2020! It features wood chips (a really nice color we might add) sitting below a dozen or so picnic tables, underneath string lights that hang from the trees. On one side of the patio, you’ll find a stream making for peaceful and beautiful scenery.
Just head inside the brewery to grab your brew and then walk back out to the parking lot to find the beer garden!
Oak Cliff | Directions
One photo doesn’t do this patio enough justice…in fact, no photo does because of how many adorable patio spots there are, and how you truly have to see it in person to take it all in! Paradiso is without a doubt one of the most stunning patios, with a European garden atmosphere. Sit on the brick facing the front of the restaurant, in the middle of the garden, by the shed on high tops, in lounge chairs under the pergola, or next to their cocktail spots, The Botanist or Mermaid Bar.
Bishop Arts | Directions
Sandbar Cantina is more than just a patio; it’s also home to nine sand volleyball courts and one of the best views of the skyline! Nicknamed “Beach Ellum,” Sandbar Cantina provides an escape from city life where you’ll feel like you’re right on the beach in San Diego or another coastal town with surfer and volleyball-vibes. Sit back, watch some volleyball, enjoy a beer, or even go join a game yourself!
Deep Ellum | Directions
Nestled in the Harwood District, Saint Ann is the largest garden patio in Dallas. The historic building was a school back in the day and has since been transformed into a modern environment with a peaceful European atmosphere. We love it for a girls’ night while sipping some rosé. You will feel as if you were transported to a park in Paris, especially as the twinkling lights come on, and if you want to feel like you’re even more in Paris, head across the grass to Mercat Bistro for dinner after your glass of wine and charcuterie board!
Harwood | Directions
Smoky Rose is a Lakewood/White Rock Lake classic! Not only is it a super good barbecue place but it’s actually so cute and chic! They recently renovated their patio and it’s seriously stunning with green grass and dark wood picnic tables. It’s also a great place for groups because of how spacious it is. If you visit, snag a seat on the patio and order the famous Smoky Savage Hibiscus Margarita or Truly Seltzer!
White Rock Lake | Directions
Texas Tapyard has ice-cold drinks and a huge patio! Grab a drink and a bite anywhere on the patio and catch a game from one of their 18 big-screen TVs! Whether you’re looking for something light, a big juicy burger, or some great wings, their menu fits the bill. Perfect for casual get-togethers, events, or a night out, this is East Dallas' best outdoor patio to soak up that Texas sunshine!
East Dallas | Directions
Photo courtesy of Texas Tapyard
We couldn’t not put the patio bars of patio bars on this list: The Rustic. With live music every day of the week, it’s hard to say “no” to The Rustic, especially when you have friends and family visiting! You can’t get more Texas in the center of Dallas than the Rustic. Their food is locally-sourced and they have plenty of drinks to choose from. Catch their Jam and Toast Brunch on Saturdays and Sundays - you’ll sit on the expansive patio while all sharing a family-style meal!
West Village | Directions
The newest but oldest bar in Dallas has opened in Deep Ellum! Thunderbird Station was once a gas station and now it’s a retro restaurant and bar with another massive patio - coming in at 5,400 square feet! It’s an awesome place to enjoy one of their unique cocktails like the Fuzzy Dice with lavender and crush grape soda or the Keep on Truckin with cold brew and a classic bite like the Sloppy Joe or Frito Pie!
Deep Ellum | Directions
Tucked off of Greenville Ave. by Trader Joe’s, Truck Yard Dallas is one of the most unique patios in town with its junkyard-look of recycled cars made into seats and funky metal decor all around. They have a stage for live music, fans and decor galore, food trucks, and it’s dog-friendly.
Greenville | Directions