Updated April 2021
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 Truly Hard Seltzer, there's a patio for every occasion. Explore below!
TRUCK YARD
TRUCK YARD DALLAS & THE COLONY
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! Stop in for a fun cocktail or truly, a bite from one of their rotating food trucks, or head inside for one of the best Philly cheesesteaks in town!
Truck Yard’s spot in the Colony is one of the COOLEST PLACES EVER too! Think Truckyard in Dallas, but 10 times bigger. You’re welcomed in with a row of beat up cars dug face down in the ground - a super cool spot for photos. Once you’re inside the adult playground, you’ll find ample space to relax, play games, watch sports, grab a Philly cheesesteak and more. It’s Truckyard on steroids and we love it!
GREENVILLE | THE COLONY
CHELSEA CORNER
CHELSEA CORNER
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.
KNOX | DIRECTIONS
DOLCE RIVIERA
DOLCE RIVIERA
Also located in the Harwood District, Dolce Riviera is an Italian Restaurant known for their Aperitivo (happy hour) and their stunning and well-decorated patio. Come in on Thursdays from 4 until 7 pm for happy hour drink specials and complimentary bites. This special is available in the bar, lounge, or in the gardens. Dolce is to Italy as Saint Ann is to France. You will feel as if you were whisked away to the Amalfi Coast (sans ocean.)
HARWOOD | DIRECTIONS
currently closed
DESERT RACER
DESERT RACER
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!
LOWER GREENVILLE | DIRECTIONS
THE RUSTIC
THE RUSTIC
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!
CITYPLACE | DIRECTIONS
DAHLIA ON ROSS
DAHLIA ON ROSS
Dahlia on Ross is a newer restaurant on Ross Avenue in East Dallas with an Instagrammable and beautiful Mediterranean atmosphere! It's truly stunning and never ending! The entire space is 3,800 square feet but the patio takes up half of that and is definitely the center piece of the restaurant. The doors open to create a flow onto the patio for a beautiful garden atmosphere. In fact, you’ll feel like you’re in London or somewhere else in Europe, which is exactly what they were going for. Order a colorful drink and bask in the photo opp!
EAST DALLAS | DIRECTIONS
BEVERLEY’S
BEVERLEY’S
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!
FITZHUGH | DIRECTIONS
KATY TRAIL ICE HOUSE & THE OUTPOST
KATY TRAIL ICE HOUSE
The other “patio bar of all patio bars,” when we first moved to Dallas, this was the place recommended to us. Ever taken a stroll or a jog along the Katy Trail? If so, 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 drink, a bite, and soak up some sun. Pets are welcome, too, and even in the winter, it’s great because of the patio fires and blankets at your disposal! Just make sure to get there right when it opens, because on a perfect day, you can expect a line to get in!
If you live up North, you’re in luck too because their Outpost is a great patio too. While not as big, you’ll find the same cheese fries, summer beers and vibes!
UPTOWN | PLANO
Toller Patio
Toller Patio
Toller opened in the summer of 2019 in a massive space on Ross Avenue. It’s 100% patio and you can pick your poison - covered, in the sun, shaded...or you can pick your 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 colorful wonderland and makes the space super cheerful and fun! They also have super fun drinks, a great food menu, backyard games, and of course it'd dog friendly!
EAST DALLAS | DIRECTIONS
SANDBAR CANTINA
SANDBAR CANTINA
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! It’s one of our favorite places to go, and offers an amazing community of dedicated volleyball players if you are too! Sit back, watch some volleyball, and sip on a truly!
DEEP ELLUM | DIRECTIONS
PARADISO
PARADISO
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 bar The Botanist. The options are endless!
BISHOP ARTS | DIRECTIONS
TEN BELLS TAVERN
TEN BELLS TAVERN
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. It’s quiet with locals who love the spot filing the seats. 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!
BISHOP ARTS | DIRECTIONS
JAXON BEER GARDEN
JAXON BEER GARDEN
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 even an assortment of Trulys! They also have several TV’s and a covered area so you can stay all day until the evening watching sports.
DOWNTOWN | DIRECTIONS
FLATBREAD CO
FLATBREAD CO
Another great patio has opened on Lower Greenville and this one serves all kinds of pizzas! This popular pizza place has locations all over the country and has now made it’s way to Texas. Their lovely patio has a rustic feel with string lights over the sand ground, wooden tables, and colorful metal chairs. This is another great option for group dining because they have large tables and over 10 flatbreads to choose from (with gluten free and vegan options!)
LOWER GREENVILLE | DIRECTIONS
DOT’S HOP HOUSE
DOT’S HOP HOUSE
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 draft so the options for drinking are endless, 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)!
DEEP ELLUM | DIRECTIONS
SMOKY ROSE
SMOKY ROSE
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!
WHITE ROCK LAKE | DIRECTIONS
THUNDERBIRD STATION
THUNDERBIRD STATION
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!
DEEP ELLUM | DIRECTIONS
REVELERS HALL
REVELERS HALL
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.
BISHOP ARTS | DIRECTIONS
LAS ALMAS ROTAS
LAS ALMAS ROTAS
The most colorful patio on our list! Las Almas Rotas sits right on Fair Park and when you see the bright colored chairs, yellow umbrellas, and floral tables you’ll want to join the party! Order one of their speciality cocktails like a mezcal, aperol, and fig margarita or a serano infused margarita with prickly pear juice! Their patio also has a tv if you want to enjoy a game and margs!
FAIR PARK | DIRECTIONS
OAK CLIFF BREWING BEER GARDEN
OAK CLIFF BREWING CO
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
THE GROVE
THE GROVE
And now for our third Harwood highlight! (Seriously, this District knows how to do their patio bars, which comes at no surprise given the European background of the family who built the neighborhood.) The Grove though doesn’t have the upscale vibe as its sister spots, but instead a more fun, let-loose feel with its hammocks, volleyball courts and pétanque courts. It’s a 100%-outdoor destination with games, snow cones, and bites. Your four-legged friends are welcome as well!
HARWOOD | DIRECTIONS
currently closed
SAINT ANN RESTAURANT AND BAR
SAINT ANN RESTAURANT AND BAR
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, and if we’re lucky, some live music too! You will seriously 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
