Is it just us, or does eating outdoors make food taste better?
Catch some rays or laze in the shade while you eat outdoors at one of these 64 Raleigh patios. Pro tip: Don’t miss the shade level we’ve included for each of these locations.
Bars and breweries
Barcelona Wine Bar | 430 W. Martin St. | Partially shaded
Visit this bar with plenty of wine, cocktails, beer, tapas + more. Try this: Wagyu carpaccio
Bittersweet Raleigh | 16 E. Martin St. | Mostly sunny
Enjoy drinks + dessert all wrapped into one. Try this: Spicy Summer Fling
Bowstring Pizza and Brewyard | 1930 Wake Forest Rd. | Mostly sunny
Brewyard with a fire pit, a garden patio + live music. Try this: Frozen watermelon icy
Clouds Brewing | 1233 Front St. | Mostly covered
Grab a German-inspired beer + enjoy a fun ambiance. Try this: Blood Orange IPA
Level7 | 101 Park at North Hills St., inside the AC Hotel | Mostly shaded
A rooftop bar with beautiful views + signature cocktails. Try this: The Smoked Manhattan.
Lynnwood Grill & Brewing Concern | 1053 E. Whitaker Mill Rd. | Partially shaded
This neighborhood spot offers year-round + seasonal brews. Try this: Blonde Moment Belgian Blonde
Mordecai Beverage Company | 2425 Crabtree Blvd.| Mostly sunny
Rotating schedule of food trucks. Try this: Check website for an up-to-date tap selection
Neuse River Brewing | 518 Pershing Rd., Ste. 100 | Mostly sunny
A craft brewery with a menu reminiscent of a European bistro. Try this: Purple People Eater
Raleigh Beer Garden | 614 Glenwood Ave. | Mostly sunny
Outside tables with fire pits + world’s largest selection of draft beers. Try this: Catch & Release IPA
The Longleaf Lounge | 300 N. Dawson St. | Partially shaded
This spacious patio is the perfect spot for a date night. Try this: Ranched goat cheese ball
Casual eateries
Bartaco | 4121 Main at North Hills St. | Mostly sunny
Features a sprawling patio with an expansive view.
Carolina Ale House | 500 Glenwood Ave. | Mostly shaded
Grab a bite + bev while watching the Canes with a large sports community. Try this: Carolina Spiced Bloody Mary
Cortez Seafood and Cocktail | 413 Glenwood Ave. | Partially shaded
Enjoy an array of small plates with an emphasis on seafood. Try this: Seared scallops and NC corn
Cowfish Sushi + Burgers | 4208 Six Forks Rd. | Mostly sunny
An exceptional selection of unique food and drinks. Try this: No Sleep Till Brooklyn spiked shake
Deja Brew Coffee House | 5001 Falls of Neuse Rd., Raleigh | Partially shaded
Enjoy delicious coffee paired with fresh, local pastries. Try this: Banana pudding blended drink (zero proof)
Di Fara Pizza Tavern | 111 E. Chatham St., Cary | Mostly sunny
Delight in pizza served by the slice. Pro tip: Always check the website for the latest selections.
Driftwood Cantina | 8460 Honeycutt Rd. Ste. 112, Raleigh | Mostly sunny
Spread out on the large patio and enjoy tropical-themed drinks. Try this: Grilled Adobo Marinated Shrimp
Gonza Tacos y Tequila | Multiple locations | Partially shaded
Experience modern Mexican cuisine with a vibrant selection of tacos and tequila. Try this: Rosemary paloma
Gravy | 135 S. Wilmington St. | Mostly sunny
Savor delicious Italian-American cuisine on a charming patio that’s perfect for dining al fresco. Try this: Tagliatelle Bolognese
Gringo A Go Go | 100 N. Person St. | Partially shaded
Indulge in modern Mexican cuisine with flavorful tacos and tequila, complemented by creatively crafted, artsy cocktails.
Hibernian Restaurant & Pub | 311 Glenwood Ave. | Mostly shaded
Relax in a casual setting with a great patio and an expansive menu that offers something for everyone.
Hummingbird Raleigh | 1053 E. Whitaker Mill Rd. | Mostly shaded
Enjoy New Orleans-inspired cuisine in a relaxed, casual setting.
Irregardless Cafe | 901 W. Morgan St. | Partially shaded
This place has an award-winning menu + service. Try this: All Tea, No Shade (zero proof)
La Santa Modern Mexican Food | 222 Glenwood Ave. | Partially shaded
This modern eatery puts an emphasis on cocktails made with tequila + mezcal with locations in Raleigh and Durham. Try this: Passion fruit margarita
MacGregor Draft House | 107 Edinburgh S. Dr., Cary | Partially shaded
A neighborhood eatery where you can enjoy plenty of sports, great brews, and a strong sense of community. Pro tip: Check website for an up-to-date tap selection.
Morgan Street Food Hall | 411 W. Morgan St. | Mostly shaded
A vibrant food hall offering a variety of culinary options and a spacious, dog-friendly patio.
Prime Barbecue | 403 Knightdale Station Run, Knightdale | Mostly shaded
A cozy place to score barbecue and a casually comfortable ambiance.
Saints & Scholars Pub | 909 Spring Forest Rd. | Partially covered
Enjoy the pub atmosphere under the stars.
Stanbury | 938 N. Blount St. | Partially shaded
The patio has been extended into the parking lot for increased seating options. Try this: Old fashioned
STIR | 4242 Six Forks Rd. | Mostly shaded
Enjoy a diverse selection of cocktails, oysters, and brunch options. This place offers a range of choices and ample indoor and outdoor seating.
Sushi Blues Cafe | 301 Glenwood Ave. | Mostly sunny
Try sushi with a view, plus vegetarian options are plentiful.
Taverna Agora | 326 Hillsborough St. | Partially shaded
A lush Mediterranean rooftop patio with unique Greek bites.
Tazza Kitchen | 432 Woodburn Rd. | Partially shaded
Experience a touch of pizzazz with seasonal, artful cocktails, delicious tacos, and pizza.
The Station at Person Street | 701 N. Person St. | Partially shaded
This neighborhood bar is in Raleigh’s historic Oakwood neighborhood. Try this: 7 Moons Red Blend
Trophy Brewing & Pizza | 827 W. Morgan St. | Mostly sunny
Grab a slice of pizza + enjoy the heaters + open air on their outdoor patio. Try this: The Trophy Wife session IPA
Whiskey Kitchen | 201 W. Martin St. | Partially shaded
Immerse yourself in a chic ambiance while enjoying a range of small and large plates.
Wye Hill Brewing | 201 S. Boylan Ave. | Mostly shaded
Enjoy a rooftop patio that overlooks downtown. Try this: Sacred Grounds
Kid-friendly
Bahama Breeze | 3309 Wake Forest Dr. | Partially shaded
Island grill offering vibrant Caribbean-inspired cuisine, complemented by a tropical-like patio for a truly immersive dining experience.
Chow | 8311 Creedmoor Rd. | Mostly shaded
A local hotspot for casual dining, where laid-back vibes meet a touch of razzle-dazzle.
Craft Public House | 1040 Tryon Village Dr. Ste. 601, Cary | Partially shaded
Enjoy live music under the sun throughout the summer.
Crosstown Pub & Grill | 154 E. Chatham St., Cary | Partially shaded
Have a combination of fun and views with a sidewalk patio + indoor dart boards.
Doherty’s Irish Pub & Restaurant | Multiple locations | Partially shaded
Enjoy the space of a classic Irish pub with an expansive menu. Try this: Writers’ Tears Irish Whiskey
Dos Taquitos | 6101 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh | Partially shaded
This place shows a passion for Mexican cuisine + culture through its menu and decor.
Flying Biscuit Cafe | Multiple locations | Partially shaded
Indulge in all day breakfast + some of the best grits around. Try this: Super Bacon Mary
The Raleigh Times | 14 E. Hargett St. | Mostly sunny
Visit this timeless watering hole in the heart of downtown. Try this: Citrus Punch
Upscale dining
Angus Barn | 9401 Glenwood Ave. | Mostly shaded
A large upscale steakhouse that offers outdoor seating. Try this: A glass of Jolo Vineyards red blend
Glenwood Grill | 2603 Glenwood Ave., Ste. 151 | Partially shaded
Taste cuisine inspired by coastal Carolinas and the American south.
Jolie | 620 N. Person St. | Partially shaded
Have a romantic rooftop meal with a French inspired ambiance.
Lucky 32 Southern Kitchen | 7307 Tryon Rd., Cary | Mostly sunny
Bask in southern fare crafted with local ingredients.
Mandolin | 2519 Fairview Rd. | Mostly sunny
Visit this Oak City spot that was named one of the best 50 Southern restaurants in America by OpenTable.
Margaux’s Restaurant | 8111 Creedmoor Rd., Ste. 111, Raleigh | Partially shaded
Taste cuisine that’s locally sourced + award-winning with a cozy outdoor area.
Mulino | 309 N. Dawson St. | Mostly sunny
Enjoy beautiful courtyard dining with upscale service and cuisine.
Relish | 5625 Creedmoor Rd. Raleigh | Mostly sunny
Stop by this Raleigh staple with a bangin’ bourbon bar. Try this: Pancake mimosa
Rosewater | 110 Park at North Hills St. | Partially shaded
Bask in an expansive covered patio with beautiful greenery. Try this: Barrel Oak Aged Vesper Martini
Scratch | Multiple locations | Mostly sunny
Eat southern classics with a modern twist.
Sitti | 137 S. Wilmington St. | Mostly sunny
Gravy + Sitti share an expansive patio behind the restaurants. Try this: Italian Mojito
St. Roch Fine Oysters + Bar | 223 S. Wilmington St. | Fully covered
Indulge in fresh oysters + seafood with a variety of cocktails. Try this: Faux Tai (zero proof)
The Capital Grille | 4242 Six Forks Rd. | Partially shaded
Dine in an upscale setting with a Gatsby-like feel. Try this: A glass of sauvignon blanc
The Willard Rooftop Lounge | 9 Glenwood Ave. | Fully covered
Visit this elegant space with views of downtown. Try this: Tale of Two Cities
Vivace | 4209 Lassiter Mill Rd. | Mostly shaded
Savor a variety of delectable Italian fare with fellow foodies.
Winston’s Grille | 6401 Falls of Neuse Rd. | Mostly shaded
Experience upscale dining in a sophisticated setting with the added charm of a covered patio.
Zest Cafe & Home Art | 8831 Six Forks Rd. | Mostly shaded
This spot is family-owned and operated, complete with a cute gift shop. Try this: Café au Lait (zero proof)
Did we miss any of your favorites? Let us know.
