by Mariah Ackary
There’s nothing like a cloudless, 70-degree day in April to make you intensely grateful to call Charlotte home. Moments of sensory bliss are everywhere as the Queen City shakes off winter’s frost: A trip to the mailbox might reveal flurries of dancing cherry blossom petals, the songs of several bird species, and the perfect equilibrium of warm sun and a light breeze.
At this point in the year, it feels almost like a crime to spend daylight hours indoors. This list is here to help you take your plans outdoors, whether you’re planning a casual Saturday or celebrating a special occasion.
Here are 20 SouthPark patios to keep in your rotation this patio season.
Breakfast
Renaissance Pâtisserie
6401 Carnegie Blvd. #4A
Dreaming of a Parisian vacation? Renaissance Pâtisserie gets you halfway there, with authentic French pastries and breads. You can’t go wrong with a breakfast dish like the Smoked Salmon Tartine, Croque Monsieur or Quiche Lorraine on the quaint, shady patio at Specialty Shops SouthPark.
Rhino Market SouthPark
4300 Congress St.
Rhino Market has everything you want for a casual morning: a spacious, covered patio, quick service and deli classics, including the locally famous Breakfast Burrito. Pro-tip: Pair it with some mimosas, which are $5 on Saturdays and Sundays.
Easy Like Sunday
1600 E Woodlawn Rd. #100
For a full spread of savory and sweet brunch classics (including the famous bright purple Ube Pancakes), head to Easy Like Sunday in ParkTowne Village. The patio offers an airy feel and plenty of people-watching opportunities.
Lunch
800 Degrees
6815 Phillips Place Ct.
Located in Phillips Place, 800 Degrees is the perfect bookend to an afternoon of shopping. And if you stop by on a weekday, you can enjoy 8-inch, wood-fired pies for just $12 from noon to 3 p.m.
Reid’s Fine Foods
4331 Barclay Downs Dr.
Another welcome stop on a day of shopping, Reid’s Fine Foods at SouthPark Mall has an excellent patio for enjoying a balmy afternoon. Don’t forget to spend a few minutes inside perusing the market, from the pastry case to the ready-made proteins and sides.
The Jimmy
2839 Selwyn Ave.
Nestled among the verdant streets of Myers Park, The Jimmy has that neighborhood-staple feel. On the vibrant, covered patio, enjoy a seasonally rotating menu of French-Italian dishes and curated cocktails.
Gourmand Market
4425 Sharon Rd., S120
This gourmet market and eatery tucked away in Apex SouthPark is a hidden gem. While the inside is spacious and deep-hued, the patio is bright and intimate, ideal for a lunch date or remote work.
Happy hour
Legion Brewing SouthPark
5610 Carnegie Blvd.
Eating inside this beer barrel-shaped brewery is a fabulous experience, but enjoying a Juicy Jay and warm weather on the patio can be just as enticing. Elevate your happy hour with an order of Blistered Shishito Peppers or Boo’s Duck Fat Chicken Wings — just a few options from a menu that’s a cut above your average brewery fare.
Suffolk Punch SouthPark
4400 Sharon Rd.
Even the warmest of summer days are comfortable on Suffolk Punch’s huge covered patio. Even better? It’s family-friendly, adjoining a turf playground area where little ones can run while mom and dad enjoy local brews.
Tommy Bahama Marlin Bar
4335 Barclay Downs Dr
Skip the cruise and take a bite of island life at Tommy Bahama Marlin Bar, located adjacent to the retail store at SouthPark Mall. The breezy patio is the perfect place to sip margaritas and savor tropical plates like coconut shrimp, blackened mahi tacos and key lime pie.
Date night
Dilworth Tasting Room
4905 Ashley Park Ln., Suite J
You’ll forget you aren’t vacationing in the Mediterranean as you enjoy elegant dishes and curated wines at Dilworth Tasting Room SouthPark. With an intimate front patio facing the Sharon Square corridor, it’s ideal for a romantic evening. Plus, if you go on a Tuesday, a wine flight and small charcuterie board combo is $20.
Foxcroft Wine Co. SouthPark
7824 Fairview Rd.
Refined but unpretentious, Foxcroft Wine Co. can make a weeknight feel special. Split a bottle and a charcuterie plate, or plan to attend a monthly wine dinner featuring six or more wine selections paired with four courses.
Rooftop
Mizu
3100 Apex Dr.
Catch the sunset over unbroken views of SouthPark on Mizu’s string-lit rooftop terrace. Go on a Tuesday or Thursday for half-price select sushi rolls and robata specials from 5-7 p.m.
Restoration Hardware Rooftop Restaurant
6903 Phillips Place Ct.
It’s hard to beat the glitz of the crystal chandeliers and grand fountain inside Restoration Hardware’s rooftop restaurant, but head outside and you’ll find that the open-air patio is just as lovely. Topiary bushes separate cushioned couches and low tables, giving the patio an outdoor living room feel.
Cordial
1824 Roxborough Rd.
Did you know you can enjoy an uptown skyline view without leaving SouthPark? Located on the eighth floor of the AC Hotel SouthPark, Cordial is a laid-back cocktail bar with stunning treetop views of Charlotte, Spanish-inspired small plates and a vibrant selection of cocktails named for local neighborhoods.
Special Occasion
Toscana Ristorante
6401 Carnegie Blvd. #6a
Reminiscent of an Italian cafe and complete with a bubbling fountain, the patio dining experience at Toscana is a must-do on a warm evening. You’ll find handmade pastas, fresh seafood and grilled specialty meats at this neighborhood favorite tucked away in the Specialty Shops at SouthPark.
Limani
6902 Phillips Pl. Ct.
Overlooking the shops of Phillips Place, the patio at Limani feels as light and fresh as the Greek specialties that fill the menu. The elegant, white-tablecloth vibe makes celebrations large and small feel extra special.
Peppervine
4620 Piedmont Row Dr. Suite 170B
Peppervine is locally owned, but its menu is also locally sourced, giving diners a truly one-of-a-kind experience. Share small plates like Yellowfin Tuna Tartare and Thai Pork Spare Ribs, or go big with your own Bison Bolognese or 24-Hour Short Rib.
Game Day
Brazwell’s Pub
1627 Montford Dr.
Head out back at Brazwell’s on a gameday, and you’re sure to find a packed yet laid-back patio lined with TVs playing the big games. Trees shade the entire area, making it easy to spend all afternoon at this local watering hole.
Rusty Bucket Restaurant & Tavern
4810 Ashley Park Ln.
This neighborhood gem is the perfect place to enjoy a game over casual American fare, like sliders, pepperoni pizza and double-stacked quesadillas. You’ll have to head inside for a view of the TVs, but the patio is just as nice for enjoying a meal al fresco.
Featured image of Rhino Market & Deli by Caroline Boulware
