Top Outdoor Restaurant Patios in Austin

It’s prime patio season in Austin

It’s time to fully embrace outdoor eating and drinking, which our town does like no other. From tacos and tostadas on Comedor‘s secluded patio to the refreshing herbal cocktails at Carpenters Hall, there are plenty of ways to stay (relatively) cool without four walls and a blasting A/C. We’re here to help you find the best places to eat and drink outside right now.

Carpenters Hall

Carpenters Hall just might have one of the most picturesque patios in Austin. The outdoor area is fully covered, which means you can enjoy the all-day menu without stressing about sunburn. Make sure to try the crispy oyster mushrooms with mojo aioli, which are available at both lunch and dinner, and The Oregano Sin, a fragrant herbal cocktail. If you want to cool off after your meal, grab a pass for the hotel pool, located right next to the restaurant.

Comedor

This Interior Mexican spot especially benefits from its visually striking indoor-outdoor layout during the hottest months. The secluded-feeling patio is protected from the summer sun, and the outside tables get some solid airflow from the cooler inside. With excellent cocktails and shareable entrees, Comedor is a prime choice for a nice evening out.

Summer House on Music Lane

There’s something about being surrounded by greenery that makes everything better. That, plus the covered patio, makes outdoor dining at Hotel Magdalena’s Summer House a delight. Get started with a citrusy cocktail, then tuck into dishes like burrata with prosciutto, ricotta cavatelli with tomato pesto, and branzino with preserved lemon saffron sauce.

Two Hands Austin

If you’re going to brave parking on South Congress, make your trip worth it by booking a Resy at this tasty Australian café. The patio gets a good amount of shade, and you can cool off further with a refreshing smoothie or cocktail. The summer tomato toast would be a great order on a hot day, as would the frozen acai bowl, to which you can (and should) add peanut butter.

Fresa's – South First

Sitting under the live oaks and drinking prickly-pear margaritas is pretty much the ideal Austin happy hour, and Fresa’s has all that and queso. And make sure you save room for their fun ice cream flavors, like Rice Krispie treat and orange creamsicle.

Launderette

Speaking of porches, Launderette has a stunner out front, lined with some of the best brunch (and lunch, and dinner) seats in town. The same menu you know and love and haven’t seen in months is back — come get your plancha burger with a side of dessert.

Suerte

This revolutionary East Austin Mexican restaurant is better than ever. Whether you opt for the ceviches or tacos (or all of the options), don’t miss daily specials like cocteles, quesadillas, and a rainbow of salsas.

The County Line on the Hill

Of course County Line has a great patio; can you even eat barbecue indoors? Complete with live oaks and Hill Country views, this is about as classic Texas as it gets. Stay on theme by ordering Shiner and smoked meats.

Pelons Tex Mex

One last classic Austin patio for you, laced with twisty live oak branches. All your Tex-Mex favorites are on offer, but bonus points if you pair them with ice cold cocktails.

Bonus: La Holly