Whether you have the kids or dog in tow, Austin has some of the best patios so you can dine al fresco. From restaurants to bars to breweries, our list of spacious patios will have you wanting to enjoy Austin’s beautiful weather all year long.
On the Water:
Oasis Texas Brewing Company
This brewery sits high up in the Hill Country of Austin and offers some of the best views of Lake Travis. Visit their taproom or barrel room for craft beer, wine, and cocktails, or order any of their award-winning food while watching the sunset. Check out their calendar to see when live music is playing for the best Saturday afternoon.
Hula Hut
This little slice of paradise sitting directly on Lake Austin has been serving Austin since 1993. With island-like feels, you can enjoy views of the lake while sipping on a fishbowl cocktail or snacking on their many appetizers.
Tillery Kitchen and Bar
Sitting on the Colorado River at Longhorn Dam is this Mediterranean-style restaurant and bar. Their spacious patio is surrounded by the chic, modern architecture of the restaurant, with views of the river and foliage. With comfortable seating and quaint lighting, you’ll want to sit back, relax, and enjoy your dinner.
For Dates
Sway
One of Austin’s best Thai restaurants is located on West Lake Hills and features an upstairs, covered patio with stunning views of downtown Austin. Their modern spin on traditional Thai cuisine showcases some of the most flavorful and spiciest dishes in town.
Jacoby’s Restaurant & Mercantile
Located right off East Cesar Chavez, Jacoby’s backyard patio is a rustic garden Pinterest page come to life. There are strung lights, curtains, and comfy furniture for the ultimate romantic vibes. The patio is surrounded by giant trees and coverage, so you’d never feel like you’re in the middle of the city.
Brunch
Mattie’s Austin
With incredible oak trees and serene peacocks roaming around the property, you will not feel like you’re in the middle of a South Austin neighborhood. Sitting on 23 acres, Mattie’s is an old farmhouse converted into a gorgeous southern style restaurant. The wrap around porch and stone covered patio offer the perfect brunch setting to sip on a mimosa or Bloody Mary.
Bar Peached
If breakfast is the most important meal of the day, we want to eat it on Bar Peached’s patio. Their large, covered patio features a giant tree to sit under while enjoying one of their Asian-fusion brunch dishes. The restaurant also has a smaller, covered eating area on their upstairs porch.
Perla’s
One of the most serene patios in Austin is located right off South Congress at Perla’s. You’ll feel like you’re seaside with the airy atmosphere and blue and white striped umbrellas. This seafood restaurant flies their fish in daily so you can ensure you’re getting the freshest oysters in Austin.
Afternoon Snack and Drink
Alta’s Cafe
Named for Lady Bird Johnson, Alta’s Cafe sits directly next to the Waller Creek Boathouse on Lady Bird Lake. After a walk or bike ride on the trail, pop into the cafe for a coffee, cheese board, or glass of wine. Their patio is the perfect place to enjoy their happy hour or catch up on some reading.
Lou’s Austin
With plenty of picnic tables and seating in their back patio, Lou’s offers an Astroturf-style green space and counter service. All of their seating is outside with window service for eats and drinks. The patio also features ping pong, fans, and the occasional live music. We recommend going on a Tuesday so you can enjoy a half-priced bottle of wine with your taco or snack.
El Alma
Looking for a spicy margarita and queso with stunning views? Head to El Alma! Their curvy staircase leads to the rooftop patio, giving you the most tropical paradise feels. Once there, take in the downtown Austin skyline as you sip your margarita.
Family-Friendly
Mozart’s Coffee Roasters
Tucked back into the neighborhood of Lake Austin, Mozart’s offers a spacious patio with plenty of picnic tables and great views of the lake. The coffee shop is within walking distance of a few public docks on the lake, so the kiddos can watch the ducks and fish swim.
Fareground
Located in the heart of downtown, Fareground offers a giant patio with Astroturf green space so the kids can run around while you enjoy a beer or draft cocktail. The restaurants and patio are down a few sets of stairs in an amphitheater style so you don’t have to worry about traffic. Have picky eaters with you? Fareground features six different counter service style restaurants so everyone in the family can get what they want.
Fresa’s South First
With delicious wood-fired Mexican dishes, Fresa’s offers a large patio covered by the native Live Oak trees. There’s an area of the patio that is perfect for children to run around, plus a chalkboard wall to color on. Fresa’s patio is great for anytime of day with fans and lighting throughout.
Fur Baby-Friendly
Yard Bar
Designed specifically for drinkers with their dogs, Yard Bar is an outdoor, off-leash dog park with a bar and restaurant. There’s plenty of shade and seating in their 20,000 square feet yard, as well as Bark Rangers to monitor all the pups.
The Austin Beer Garden Brewing Co.
With a large, outdoor beer garden, ABGB lets you bring your dog while you can enjoy award-winning beer and pizza. ABGB also hosts events centered around your pup, like a Mardi Gras Parade where owners can parade around the beer garden with their dogs in costume!
Cosmic Coffee + Beer Garden
This coffee shop and bar is basically a huge dog park, with seating scattered about. Most of their seating is outdoor, with picnic tables, fire pits, and food trucks.
Featured photo by Daria Shevtsova from Pexels.
