Friends don’t let friends eat in the heat. Since temperatures in Raleigh likely won’t reach a comfortable level for a while, we asked our Instagram followers where their favorite cool outdoor spots are to grab a bite — without breaking a sweat.
Here’s a list of 5 places that fit the bill:
🌱 Taverna Agora — 326 Hillsborough St. | Sunday-Thursday 11 a.m.-10 p.m. + Friday-Saturday 11 a.m.-11:00 p.m. | This Greek restaurant is known for its rooftop seating — the deck features a plethora of trailing plants to fulfill your Mediterranean dreams. There’s even fans overhead to keep the cool air flowing.
🦪 STIR Raleigh — 4242 Six Forks Rd. | Monday-Thursday 11-12 a.m., Friday 11-1 a.m., Saturday 10-1 a.m. +Sunday 10-12 a.m. | STIR offers cocktails with artisanal ice, oysters + American dishes. Covered outdoor seating with fans is available for the perfect backdrop for your Instagram pictures.
🍣 Sushi Nine — 3812 Western Blvd. | Sunday-Wednesday 11 a.m.–10 p.m. + Thursday-Saturday 11 a.m.–10:30 p.m. | The only thing better than Sushi Nine’s BOGO sushi rolls (offered daily) is eating it in their covered outdoor seating area — fans included.
🥧 Humble Pie — 317 S. Harrington St. | Wednesday-Saturday 5-10 p.m. + Sunday 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | Humble Pie’s small but mighty menu featuring local ingredients can be enjoyed on the covered patio — and yes, there’s fans to keep you cool.
🌮 Gonza Tacos Y Tequila — 7713 Lead Mine Rd. | Tuesday-Friday 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. + 5-8:30 p.m., Saturday-Sunday 5-8:30 p.m. | The North Raleigh location of Gonza Tacos offers outdoor seating options with fans, umbrellas — and more importantly, colorful decor.