Charlotte's Best Porches, Patios and Decks
Where to dine and drink al fresco in the Queen City.
by Leah Hughes Mar 04, 2024
Village Tavern
This blog is brought to you in partnership with Village Tavern.
Whether you’re looking for a romantic night under the stars, a lively place to sample a flight of craft beers or a table for two with some delectable dishes, there are a bevy of fabulous eateries in Charlotte with prime outdoor seating.
And, if you want to elevate your dining and drinking experience, check out Charlotte’s popular rooftop bars and restaurants.
Village Tavern
Neighborhood: SouthPark
Fall in love with dining outdoors at Village Tavern, overlooking Symphony Park. Voted Best Outdoor Dining by The Charlotte Observer, Village Tavern serves thoughtfully prepared dishes, craft cocktails, award-winning wines and local beers. Sip discounted beverages on the patio during one of the restaurant’s daily drink specials. It’s the perfect setting for warm-weather days and nights.
300 East
Neighborhood: Dilworth
When a large, stately house is remodeled into a restaurant, it’s easy to feel at home. 300 East has been serving upscale American fare for 30 years. Linger over dessert on the white-columned porch that wraps around the restaurant. Pastry chef Ashley Bivens Boyd is known for her confections that resemble works of art.
Cajun Queen
Neighborhood: Elizabeth
A 1918 brick structure, that was once a single-family home, became a Charlotte favorite for New Orleans-style fare. The Cajun Queen’s second-floor terrace beckons hungry passersby with whiffs of garlic and the sounds of smooth jazz. The restaurant has live music nightly with outdoor seating upstairs and downstairs.
Camp North End
Neighborhood: Camp North End
There’s no shortage of outdoor spaces at Camp North End. Grab a bite from one of the food stalls in the Keswick district to enjoy at a nearby picnic table. Or, head to the Boileryard for live music and a cold drink from NoDa Company Canteen or Black Moth Bars’ camper.
Canopy Cocktails & Garden
Neighborhood: South End
Situated along the Rail Trail, Canopy Cocktails & Garden features three bars, each with its own distinct vibe. Order from one of the inside bars or grab a drink from the fully stocked bar outside. Unwind with your craft cocktail on a chic, comfortable couch on Canopy’s massive patio.
Caswell Station
Neighborhood: Elizabeth
The sprawling deck and patio spaces at Caswell Station are perfect for watching the game, catching up with coworkers or enjoying a night out with friends. Shade sails over the deck, and a seasonal mule in your hand will offer some reprieve on those warm-weather days.
Dilworth Tasting Room
Neighborhood: Dilworth, SouthPark
The speakeasy-esque interior is stunning on its own, but there’s a reason Dilworth Tasting Room’s original location is frequently named one of the most charming garden patios in the city. Graze on a delectable cheese board as you savor a glass of chardonnay under twinkling lights at both locations.
The Fig Tree Restaurant
Neighborhood: Elizabeth
The Fig Tree is a fine-dining icon in the Elizabeth neighborhood. The restaurant is located in the Lucas House, a historic 1913 Craftsman-style bungalow. The signature elk chop is especially good when enjoyed on the veranda, overlooking the blooming fig trees, with a glass of perfectly paired wine.
Flower Child
Neighborhood: South End
For some healthier eats al fresco, head to Flower Child in South End. This fast-casual chain serves bowls, salads and wraps using fresh ingredients. Enjoy options like a spicy tofu wrap with Thai basil or the Mother Earth ancient grains bowl on the sunny patio, overlooking the light rail.
The Goodyear House
Neighborhood: NoDa
Perch up at The Goodyear House and indulge in chef Chris Coleman’s elevated comfort food. The 1900s mill home was transformed into a 5,000-square-foot restaurant with several different seating areas, including a gorgeous outdoor patio and bar space.
Hello, Sailor
Area: Cornelius
Just outside of Charlotte, Hello, Sailor, a Southern-seafood restaurant created by Joe and Katy Kindred, has an incredible view of Lake Norman on its outdoor deck. Enjoy everything from lobster rolls to tiki cocktails while hanging lakeside.
NoDa Company Store
Neighborhood: NoDa
NoDa Company Store has fast become a local gathering spot, featuring vibrant murals, live music, craft beer and signature house-made sangria. This casual spot has porch swings, oversized cabanas and a back patio with umbrella-covered picnic tables, perfect for grabbing a drink with friends.
The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery
Neighborhood: Lower South End
The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery, Charlotte’s first craft brewery, adheres to German standards in brewing beer. The brewery’s patio extends onto an expansive beer garden, one of the largest in the Southeast. The picnic tables are an ideal place to enjoy a flagship Copper amber ale and warm Bavarian-style pretzel.
Optimist Hall
Neighborhood: Optimist Park
Outdoor dining and Optimist Hall go hand in hand. Order from one of the food stalls inside then take a seat on the outdoor courtyard dotted with colorful yellow umbrellas. El Thrifty and Billy Sunday also boast outdoor seating options, or you can sip a brew on Fonta Flora Brewery’s grassy patio.
Pinhouse
Neighborhood: Plaza Midwood
When you aren’t throwing strikes during a game of duckpin bowling at Pinhouse, grab a cold drink from the 72-tap self-pour wall and hang out on the large grassy lawn or on the second-floor patio. You can also get a bite and sit outside at Club House Kitchen & Cocktails next door.
The Suffolk Punch
Neighborhood: South End, South Park
Suffolk Punch is part restaurant, brewery and coffee shop, complete with an expansive outdoor patio. Find a seat at one of the picnic tables at either location then soak up the sunshine while sipping a brewed beverage and indulging in seasonal fare for brunch, lunch or dinner.
Sycamore Brewing
Neighborhood: South End
Sycamore Brewing is the place to be when the weather is nice. With a spacious lower-level patio filled with picnic tables and an upper-level bar with cocktails and live music, it’s as hopping as the tap room. Bring your furry friend to lounge in the beer garden with you.
Thomas Street Tavern
Neighborhood: Plaza Midwood
Thomas Street Tavern in Plaza Midwood contains an adult’s playground out back. The large deck has built-in fire pits and a second outdoor bar. Cornhole and ping pong are popular diversions when you aren’t eating.
Trolley Barn Fermentory & Food Hall
Neighborhood: South End
Head to the second floor of Trolley Barn to get a seat on the brewery and food hall's balcony overlooking the Rail Trail. This concept, from the team behind Legion Brewing, serves unique beers, innovative cuisine and creative cocktails.
VBGB Beer Hall and Garden
Neighborhood: Uptown
One of Charlotte’s largest patios, filled with large games, cornhole and more, VBGB Beer Hall and Garden has more than 30 craft beers on tap. After relaxing on the patio, head over to The Sandbox and watch a sand volleyball game.
Zio Casual Italian
Neighborhood: Myers Park
Zio Casual Italian is the go-to spot for locals to enjoy authentic Italian fare. Perhaps its best-kept secret is the intimate patio and courtyard, decorated with flora and glittering lights. While Zio is a casual restaurant, the dreamy, al fresco setting is a great locale for date night.
Article originally written by Leah Hughes. Updates by Arielle Patterson in March 2024.
