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 April 2022
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.
Also, Truck Yard’s spot in the Colony is one of the coolest places too! Think Truckyard in Dallas, but 10 times bigger. It's an adult playground with ample space to relax, play games, watch sports, grab a Philly cheesesteak and more.
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, 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.
At the end of the trail by the American Airlines Center, Local Tap + Table is the perfect spot to grab a burger and beer on their incredible tree-lined patio post-walk, run or even concert visit! Walk up the stairs from the Katy Trail or drive up the parking lot at the Alexan off Harry Hines and walk around a path that overlooks 35 and the skyline. You’ll find a surprisingly expansive 2-level space but the patio is by far the star of the show. The patio faces the skyline, and then around the corner, overlooking the trail with the treetops looming over, is a slender space of wood tables. A total treehouse vibe!
And more 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 true stunning with cactus, while 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!
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!
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 center piece 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!
Tiny but mighty, this Italian riviera style patio on the left side of Beverley’s is absolutely precious! It’s lined in ivy and the green and white striped booth that wraps the patio is the perfect touch for that Euro resort vibe. Add in planets and bistro chairs and you’ll feel worlds away! Just order an Aperol Spritz to complete the patio experience!
KATY TRAIL ICE HOUSE & THE OUTPOST
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!
If you live up North, you’re in luck because their Outpost is a great patio too!
Toller opened in the summer of 2019 in a massive space on Ross Avenue. It’s 100% patio and you can pick your vibe - covered, in the sun, shaded...or choose a table based on your favorite color! Every table is a mixture of bright colors: pink, turquoise, yellow, orange, and blue to name a few. It's a cheerful and colorful spot for a fun drink in a festive cup or a Truly seltzer. Plus they also have a great food menu, backyard games, and it's dog friendly!
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!
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, or in the middle of the garden, or by the shed on high tops or in lounge chairs under the pergola or next to their cocktail spots, The Botanist or Mermaid Bar.
Another patio in Bishop Arts, Ten Bells Tavern is much more casual and off-the-beaten path. Head here if you like a hidden gem, delicious bar food or want to escape the hustle and bustle of Bishop Arts during the weekend! This bar set the parking lot from Oddfellows, features several high top tables in the covered patio section and even more big picnic tables in the lower patio section. The food is delicious and modeled after a traditional English pub, and don’t worry if you see stray cats - the bar has adopted many feline friends!
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.
One of our favorite spots to day drink year round with its heated patio: Dots 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 (example blue for the Cowboys)!
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 of 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!
Located off Ross Ave, add Sloane's to your must go-to spots for a great happy hour, afternoon activity, or date night dinner. The patio is available to rent out for your event, or even have them cater to your home or office. Don't forget to try one of their famous Espresso martini's and Hot Fried Chicken Sandwich- Yum!
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 lavendar and crush grape soda or the Keep on Truckin with cold brew and a classic bite like the Sloppy Joe or Frito Pie!
Who doesn’t love a SECRET patio?! Revelers Hall is a popular spot in the Bishop Arts District because of their live music and generous happy hour every week day, but most don’t know about the NEW patio that sits behind the jazz bar. It’s cute and quaint, filled with a row of orange and turquoise seating, under the string lights and lined with greenery! It’s the perfect hidden escape.
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!
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!
Visit downtown staple Dakota's Steakhouse for your next night out! Having been around for the last 37 years downtown, Dakota's Steakhouse has a beautiful dining room and 1,800 square foot courtyard- perfect for a sunny night out. When visiting for dinner, be sure to share some of their beloved sides and steak options. Finish the night with a dessert cocktail such as their Bananas Foster! Dakota's also has a spectacular happy hour deal which includes a beer and wine discount on weekdays.
