Do you always opt for patio seating when eating out? Us too. So, in an effort to not let the colder weather hold you back from supporting local restaurants, we’ve rounded up a list of more than 50 outdoor spots that will keep you warm no matter the temperature.
Downtown Raleigh
Anise Pho, 222 Glenwood Ave., Ste. 113, Raleigh | If a hot bowl of Vietnamese noodle soup won’t keep you warm, the outdoor heating will.
Carolina Ale House, 500 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh | Peer down on Glenwood Avenue while watching a game on the third-story patio.
Cortez Seafood and Cocktail, 413 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh | Enjoy oysters and small plates accompanied by heaters on the patio.
Crank Arm Brewing Company, 319 W. Davie St., Raleigh | Sip on an in-house beer by this brewery’s massive fire pit.
Five Star, 301 N. West St., Raleigh | Munch on spicy Asian-inspired bites while warming up.
Flying Saucer, 328 W. Morgan St., Raleigh | Try this: Loaded rocket tots on the dog-friendly, heated patio.
Gravy, 135 S. Wilmington St., Raleigh | Gravy and Sitti share a heated patio behind the restaurants.
Gringo A Go Go, 100 N. Person St., Raleigh | Serving downtown since 2014, this spot offers a semi-enclosed heated outdoor patio.
Jolie, 620 N. Person St., Raleigh | Scott Crawford’s French bistro has a heated outdoor rooftop.
La Santa Modern Mexican Food, 222 Glenwood Ave., Ste. 107, Raleigh | This downtown spot has comfy, full booths on a covered patio.
MoJoe’s Burger Joint, 620 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh | This reigning RALtoday burger bracket winner also has a large covered patio with heaters.
Morgan Street Food Hall, 411 W. Morgan St., Raleigh | Take your pick of 19 food vendors and enjoy the spacious dog-friendly covered patio.
My Way Tavern, 522 St. Marys St., Raleigh | Catch a game under the covered heated patios at this neighborhood sports pub.
O-ku, 411 W Hargett St., Raleigh | In addition to serving delicious sushi specialties + small plates, this downtown hot spot features a cozy patio with string lights and heaters.
Plates Neighborhood Kitchen, 301 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh | There is plenty of space on the covered and heated patio to enjoy international dishes.
Raleigh Beer Garden, 614 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh | Snag a spot at an outside table beside a fire pit to cozy up by on cold nights.
Standard Beer + Food, 205 E. Franklin St., Raleigh | Enjoy plenty of different outdoor seating options accompanied by propane heaters, fire pits, and a fireplace in the back beer garden.
Taverna Agora, 326 Hillsborough St., Raleigh | In the winter months, this Greek kitchen and bar transforms its spacious rooftop patio to a warm enclosed spot for diners to enjoy.
Transfer Co. Food Hall, 500 E. Davie St., Raleigh | This food hub has 10 eateries to choose from and a large outdoor patio with commercial heaters.
Sitti, 137 S. Wilmington St., Raleigh | Sitti and Gravy share a heated patio behind the restaurants.
Stanbury, 938 N. Blount St., Raleigh | The patio has been extended into the parking lot for increased seating options.
State of Beer, 401 Hillsborough St., Raleigh | Purchase your favorite Trophy brew from this bottle shop and enjoy them on the heated patio.
Sushi Blues Cafe, 301 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh | Enjoy fresh sushi surrounded by heaters.
The London Bridge Pub, 110 E. Hargett St., Raleigh | Outdoor seating options are not in short supply here — warm up by the standing heaters.
The Longleaf Lounge, 300 N. Dawson St., Raleigh | Hang out on the private patio with plenty of heaters and blankets.
Longleaf Swine, 300 E. Edenton St., Raleigh | The barbecue isn’t the only thing warming you up at this spot.
The Station at Person Street, 701 N. Person St., Raleigh | This bar nestled in Historic Oakwood is equipped for the cold with fire pits, heat lamps, and heated umbrellas.
Trophy Brewing & Pizza, 827 W. Morgan St., Raleigh | Grab a pie and enjoy the heaters + fire pits on their patio.
Vault Craft Beer, 518 West S. St., Raleigh | Sip on craft brews outside of a restored 1950s drive-thru bank — each table has its own heater.
Vic’s Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria, 331 Blake St., Raleigh | Enjoy authentic Italian food on a warm, enclosed patio in City Market.
Whiskey Kitchen, 201 W. Martin St., Raleigh | If the patio heaters can’t keep you warm, the whiskey sure will.
The Willard, 9 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh | Take in gorgeous rooftop views of downtown while sipping on craft cocktails.
Wye Hill Kitchen & Brewing, 201 S. Boylan Ave., Raleigh | The fully heated rooftop patio overlooks downtown with delicious bites.
Young Hearts Distilling, 225 S. Wilmington St., Raleigh | Try a cocktail made with locally distilled liquor to heat you up.
North Hills
Chuy’s, 4020 Market at North Hills St., Raleigh | Tex-Mex surrounded by heaters? Count us in.
Rosewater Kitchen & Bar, 110 Park at N. Hills St., Raleigh | The expansive covered patio with heaters and greenery is sure to warm you right up.
STIR, 4242 Six Forks Rd., Raleigh | We love this outdoor space to enjoy oysters and more fresh seafood.
The Capital Grille, 4242 Six Forks Rd., Raleigh | Enjoy fine dining in a relaxed outdoor setting with couches and heaters.
The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar, 4208 Six Forks Rd., Ste. 100, Raleigh | Try Burgushi (burger-sushi) on the enclosed heated patio.
Surrounding areas
Angus Barn, 9401 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh | Make a reservation at this upscale steakhouse that offers heated outdoor seating.
Bowstring Pizza and Brewyard, 1930 Wake Forest Rd., Raleigh | Snag a spot by a heater and grab a beer and a wood-fired pizza.
Deja Brew Coffee House, 5001 Falls of Neuse Rd., Raleigh | Enjoy a fresh cup of Joe on the heated patio.
Dos Taquitos, 6101 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh | This family owned spot turns the heat up with its specialty cocktails and steak tacos.
East Bower Cider Company, 2020 Progress Ct., Ste. 160, Raleigh | Raleigh’s first cidery offers fire pits to cozy up around.
Flying Biscuit Cafe, 2016 Clark Ave., Raleigh | You can order breakfast all day on the sidewalk patio equipped with heaters to keep you warm.
Gonza Tacos + Tequila, 7713-39 Lead Mine Rd., Raleigh | Bring your pup and enjoy tacos on the covered heated patio.
Hummingbird, 1053 E. Whitaker Mill Rd., Raleigh | Get your brunch on in the festive patio tent outfitted with heaters.
Lynnwood Brewing Concern, 1053 E. Whitaker Mill Rd., Raleigh | This spot is perfect for large gatherings and has outdoor heaters for chilly days.
Neuse River Brewing, 518 Pershing Rd., Raleigh | Sip on craft beer by toasty heaters.
Peck and Plume, 301 S. Academy St., Cary | Enjoy this swanky restaurant every season with an elegant outdoor space overlooking Downtown Cary Park.
Relish Craft Kitchen & Bourbon Bar, 5625 Creedmoor Rd., Raleigh | We’re ordering the pimento cheese fritters to share on the covered patio.
Vinson’s Pub and Eatery, 800 E Main St., Ste. #2628, Clayton | Try this: The bourbon burger.
Winston’s Grille, 6401 Falls of Neuse Rd., Raleigh | There are plenty of cozy vibes to go around on the covered patio with both heat lamps and ceiling heaters.
Zest Cafe & Home Art, 8831 Six Forks Rd., Raleigh | Nosh on healthy eats on the covered patio of this family-owned cafe and boutique.
Did we miss your favorite winter patio? Let us know.