Support Us Button Widget

5 outdoor dining spots to beat the heat

Webp.net-compress-image (96)

Humble Pie’s covered patio | Photo via Instagram

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.

More from RALtoday
We’re blowing out the candles to celebrate six years of RALtoday — here are some of our favorite articles from over the years.
As the weather gets colder, soup is there to keep you warm. Get cozy with a cup or bowl at some of our favorite spots for soup in Raleigh, from pozole to pho and ramen.
This quiche from Durham’s Lutra will warm up your kitchen to welcome fall.
Directly north, east, south, and west of RAL, cities across the world await.
Skip the pumpkin patch and hire these local businesses to come and spruce up your landscaping with a seasonal touch.
The bread type is reaching new heights in popularity, and we’re here to help you find the best loaves in RAL, or start making your own.
Bookmark this guide for a curated list of events taking place each month that we’re most looking forward to.
It’s time to party. With over a quarter million pounds of trash collected, thousands of volunteers, and five years of community and impact, The Great Raleigh Cleanup is hosting a birthday bash.
Managing Editor Cat and Newsletter Editor Allie completed the Spring 2025 Raleigh Neighborhood College cohort — bookmark this to sign up for the next one, running March through May.
The City of Raleigh is gearing up for the holiday season, and tickets will go on sale soon for Holiday Express, one of the most in-demand events of the year. Here’s how to get yours.