17 Charlotte restaurants with good patios
March 29, 2023
It’s patio time! From game day to girls’ night, here are 17 outdoor spots to enjoy a meal al fresco.
by Asha Ellison
The weather outside is delightful. In spring, we trade the cold for longer days, enjoy the melodies of birds singing in the trees, and savor the heavenly scent of our favorite flowers in bloom. It’s also the season we go chasing warmth. We desire to soak up the sun, get together with coworkers after a busy day in the office, dance the night away or just find a suitable place to dine with our dogs.
Making new memories and creating magical moments comes easy when the setting matches the vibe. And our Queen City home isn’t running low on good energy or beautiful spaces. Ready to choose the perfect patio? I’ve got you covered with a roundup of worry-free venues that pass the vibe check. From date night to graduation, game day to girls’ night out, here are 17 patios I recommend checking out this season.
For brunch
Bulla Gastrobar
4310 Sharon Rd., Ste. W01 | (704) 837-4422
Ready to add another stamp to your passport? The bright accent pillows, cabanas, umbrellas and string lights will transport you to Spain. The fountain view is worth the experience, too!
Easy Like Sunday
1600 East Woodlawn Rd., Ste. 100 | (980) 335-2428
Easy Like Sunday is a small eatery with lots of charm — and much more room to serve guests on the patio. Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Woodlawn Road, the patio is aways booming and is the ideal space to soak up spring vibes.
El Puro Cuban Restaurant
5033 South Blvd., Ste. H | (980) 219-8339
Enjoy the flavors and feel of old-world Cuba while dining near the red 1955 Ford Fairlane Crown Victoria at El Puro. The patio, decorated with lush tropical greenery, is sure to be a sweet escape.
To celebrate a birthday
Dilworth Tasting Room – SouthPark
4905 Ashley Park Ln., Ste. J | (980) 938-4959
Bright and airy, the patio at Dilworth Tasting Room in SouthPark is bite-sized perfection and an ideal place for a small group to welcome another revolution around the sun.
Link & Pin – Arboretum
8128 Providence Rd. | (980)-299-8006
This New American kitchen is a hidden gem, with gentle lighting and subtle waterfront views. If it’s a little too chilly, opt for a table inside where picture windows keep you close to the sunshine.
Date-night picks
Moon Thai & Japanese
4425 Sharon Rd. | (980) 224-8148
The concept that began in Coral Gables, Fla., has expanded to SouthPark. One of the newest restaurants to south Charlotte, Moon Thai & Japanese offers respective cultural specialties that you can enjoy on a cozy patio. Catch a spring breeze, take in the sunshine (with optional umbrella coverage), and enjoy a tabletop fire pit on lingering chilly nights.
Yunta
2201 South Blvd., Ste. 130 |
(980) 495-2253
Yunta, which combines Peruvian and Nikkei cuisines, is a great pick for date-night and meetups with friends alike. At Yunta, which translates to “friend,” the lush patio greenery will only amplify feelings of spring love.
For your anniversary
Peppervine
4620 Piedmont Row Dr., Ste. 170B | (980) 283-2333
This sleek and modern restaurant features a gallery of vibrant art. Outside, the glow of the fire pit and dazzling string lights nearby make dinner an ambient affair. The patio at Peppervine is the perfect place to people-watch and reminisce on years of love.
The Fig Tree Restaurant
1601 East 7th St. | (704) 332-3322
The Fig Tree offers two distinct outdoor spaces. Expect white-tablecloth dining, beautiful sunsets, romantic overhead string lighting and all the magic of the Elizabeth neighborhood.
Dog-friendly spaces
Suffolk Punch Brewing
2911 Griffith St. | (704) 319-8650
Suffolk Punch, which regularly hosts festivals and food trucks, is expansive. The cafe, coffee bar, taphouse and brewery is well-suited for fur babies and their humans. Guests are encouraged to respect each other’s space, which you’ll find plenty of on the patio.
The Lodge: A Sportman’s Grill
7725 Colony Rd., Ste. S4 | (704) 544-5226
With 19 local brews on tap, The Lodge is a homey American grill offering a diverse menu, from Ahi tuna to patty melts — with vegetarian and gluten-free options to boot. The Lodge is all about keeping things uncomplicated. The laid-back, no-frills patio fits the bill and is a place where friendly Fidos are welcome, too.
On game day
Charlotte Beer Garden
1300 South Tryon St. | (704) 375-1776
You’ll find game-day fun at every turn at Charlotte Beer Garden, which boasts TVs, food and community on every level. Make your way to the rooftop for South End views, sunshine, libations and lively energy.
Rusty Bucket Restaurant and Tavern
4810 Ashley Park Ln. | (704) 643-8535
Located across from Ashley Square at SouthPark, the Rusty Bucket is a neighborhood watering hole — the perfect place to enjoy the weather and catch your favorite spring sports teams on TV. While there aren’t any TVs on the patio, it’s a nice place to steal away for fresh air.
For girls’ night
The Waterman Fish Bar
2729 South Blvd., Ste. D | (704) 275-5558
You’re on a boat! Well, almost. Dining at The Waterman comes with the option of on- or below-deck patio seating. While this eatery is located on bustling South Boulevard, you could easily be sailing the sea of your dreams, with just a sprinkle of imagination.
Indaco
2046 South Blvd. | (704) 741-9004
Located at Atherton South End, Indaco is an Italian kitchen specializing in wood-fired pizzas, handcrafted pastas, fresh in-house sodas and more. Imagine toasting the good life under the stars with your best girlfriends on the 44-seat patio. Hey, it could happen.
For graduations and other celebrations
The Jimmy
2839 Selwyn Ave. | (704) 979-4242
A beautiful, vibrant and covered patio only adds to the charm of this “Italian-fare, French-flair” restaurant. Another thing to love? The semi-open kitchen, natural lighting and gorgeous bar.
Village Tavern
4201 Congress St. | (704) 552-9983
You know you’ve found Village Tavern once you spy the red awning at the entrance. With ample space and shimmering lights, the patio here is great for any spring celebration, from graduations to bridal showers. SP
Featured photograph courtesy Indaco
