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a table and benches on Verde Garden’s outdoor patio.
Verde Garden’s spacious patio is a perfect hangout spot.
Cathy Rizer

Houston Patios Perfect for Dining and Drinking Alfresco

Soak in the sun and cooler temps at these outdoor dining destinations

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Verde Garden’s spacious patio is a perfect hangout spot.
| Cathy Rizer

Houston’s weather may be unpredictable, but there is no denying that the city boasts a pretty solid patio season when the climate is pleasantly cool and less humid. Though the weather will only cooperate for so long (hint: the time is now!), sitting outside with snacks and a cocktail can still be enjoyable.

Luckily, Houston’s patios in different pockets of the city offer a vibe for everyone, and Eater Houston is doing its best to keep track of the best.

So, whether in search of skyline views or a no-frills hideaway to drink beer and eat barbecue at a picnic table, here are 21 options for perfect Houston patios to dine or drink alfresco.

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Postino Woodlands

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The newest addition to Hughes Landing offers a quaint outdoor hangout spot with an indoor-outdoor bar area, string lighting, patio tables with umbrellas, and a fireplace for when things get cool. Go with a group to split its popular bruschetta and charcuterie boards, and take advantage of its daily happy hour, when glasses of wine and beer by the pitcher are $6 until 5 p.m.

bruschetta and red wine from Postino Wine Cafe. Postino

A beloved neighborhood restaurant with locations in Garden Oaks and Midtown, d’Alba boasts a charming backyard-style patio, complete with flat-screen TVs, picnic tables and Adirondack chairs, and a children’s play area. In addition to craft cocktails, wine, and beer, the menu features provisions like Gulf oysters, seafood campechana, and 12-inch wood-fired pies. 

Rainbow Lodge

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Rainbow Lodge has been the site of countless special events and celebrations, and for good reason. The stunning property, situated on the banks of White Oak Bayou, boasts breathtaking views from both inside the restaurant, which is housed in a more than 100-year-old cabin, and from its sprawling outdoor oasis. Explore its menu of wild game and seafood, and then explore the grounds.

The exterior of Rainbow Lodge with a sprawling outdoor terrace.
Rainbow Lodge is a restaurant housed in a more than 100-year-old cabin.
Jerry Smith

La Lucha

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Ford Fry’s Gulf seafood and fried chicken destination boasts a large enclosed patio peppered with casual seating and picnic tables meant for lingering around for a long while. With its hanging lanterns, the large oak tree, makes for a charming backdrop as you enjoy dishes like raw or wood-roasted Gulf oysters, a fried chicken dinner, or crispy shrimp tacos.

Coltivare

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When it comes to dining outdoors, Coltivare’s quaint backyard garden is a classic option with a true neighborhood feel. Down its iconic version of black pepper spaghetti, meatballs, and a wood-fired pizza on the gravel patio, and take in the scents of the plots of herbs while downing a glass of wine.

Daily Gather

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Quality people-watching, cocktails, and heartwarming dishes abound at this CITYCENTRE restaurant. Daily Gather’s patio, which is equipped with heaters in the cooler months, overlooks the development’s courtyard and green space, which means diners get a front-row seat to its calendar of outdoor festivities, including live music in the plaza.

Daily Gather’s patio, which is outfitted with a variety of seating and tables.
Daily Gather.
Claudia Casbarian

Nestled up high along Buffalo Bayou, Flora feels like an urban treehouse where guests can bask in the views of their natural surroundings. The large covered patio is bedecked with string lights, and is a comfortable place to feast on sopecitos, guacamole, cricket salt-rimmed margaritas, and more, with friends.

Brenner's on the Bayou

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There are no shortage of steakhouses in the city, but few offer views like Brenner’s on the Bayou. Quietly situated among the natural landscape of Buffalo Bayou, the restaurant’s large outdoor terrace serves as a serene backdrop in which to dine on steakhouse classics. For a more relaxed dining experience, visit the outdoor Blue Bar for happy hour on weekdays from 4 to 7 p.m.

Verde Garden

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Adhering to its name, Verde Garden offers a lush green patio with garden vibes and trickles of sunlight — a prime space for enjoying a cocktail or one of its many margaritas — all made on the spot. The beer garden, which features more than 40 beers on tap, also boasts Tex-Mex classics with a Seafood Acapulco ceviche made with scallops, shrimp, tomato, cilantro, onion, and serrano, and enchiladas suizas, made with creamy green salsa, tomatillo, jalapeno, and your choice of protein.

Backstreet Cafe

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A Houston institution both for its diverse menu by chef Hugo Ortega and its unique dining space inside a 1930s-era home, Backstreet Café offers the quintessential outdoor patio. A sunken courtyard boasts picturesque views at every turn with tables peppered across two levels. On excellent weather days, a table in the courtyard is highly sought after — luckily, the restaurant offers a number of tables on the front patio, too.

Brasserie 19

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Seats on the front patio at Brasserie 19 are some of the most coveted patio seats in town. The trendy French restaurant is consistently a reliable go-to for locals looking to kick back and nosh on snacks like caviar and chips, burgundy escargot, and well-built charcuterie boards. The people (and dog) watching is good, so spring for a bottle of Bordeaux and stay awhile.

Eight Row Flint East

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Though construction is heavy in the area, Eight Row Flint’s East location has a rooftop that can make a group outing feel like a private party. Enjoy its tapas-style dishes like its elote ribs and pork belly and octopus tacos — inspired by the chef’s visit to Oaxaca, and choose from its various frozens or its signature Ranch Waters, which helped build its reputation as a city drinking destination.

The Annie Cafe & Bar

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The Annie’s dual-level patio perched high above Post Oak Boulevard is a welcoming extension of the swanky restaurant. Oversized green umbrellas offer solace from the sun, and walls of ivy surround the large space, creating a cozy atmosphere.

The covered patio with white tablecloth tables and trees.
The Annie’s boxwood lined patio is a favorite for weekend brunch.
Jenn Duncan

J-Bar-M Barbecue

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At this EaDo joint, barbecue and brews can be enjoyed with sweeping views of the Downtown skyline, which is especially beautiful after sunset. Tuesday through Friday, catch their smokehouse reverse happy hour, hosted from 9 to 11 p.m. with specials on beer, cocktails, and wines by the glass.

This Italian chophouse is a newbie at the Montrose Collective. Opt for a seat on the large, shaded patio, lined with planters, and take in views of the retail development’s buzzy surroundings. Visit during happy hour, which is available Sunday through Friday from 3 to 6 p.m., and take advantage of food and drink specials like $2 East Coast oysters and $7 veal bolognese.

Two rows of table on the covered patio at Marmo.
Marmo’s large covered patio at the Montrose Collective.
Alex Montoya

Toulouse Cafe and Bar River Oaks

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With prime real estate at the center of River Oaks District, Toulouse’s patio is reminiscent of the alfresco dining and drinking options you’ll find in Europe. Seating spills into the main courtyard, where diners can take in all of the ritzy retail center action from their table, while sipping wine and snacking on butter-drenched escargot. Live music on weekends is the icing on the cake.

Musaafer

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Like its various themed dining rooms, Musaafer’s large covered patio offers a unique space in which to eat, drink, and hang. Bar seats and high top tables are situated around a large outdoor bar, plus there are a few coveted tables enclosed by white linen drapes. Pair one of the famed G&Ts with tuna chaat, and allow yourself to mentally escape to the majestic palaces of India.

Covered outdoor terrace with yellow barstools and hightop tables.
Musaafer’s palatial terrace sits high above Westheimer.
Julie Soefer

Tiny Boxwoods

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With its lush grounds filled with flowers and rustic décor, this West U standout is home to one of the best outdoor dining spaces in the city. People-watch from a table or comfy couch lounger on the patio while dining on salads, sandwiches, and Tiny’s famed chocolate chip cookies. 

Bistro Menil

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Steps from the famed Menil Collection, the minimalistic patio at Bistro Menil allows the sweeping views of the surrounding Menil Park to take center stage. Walk the grounds before settling in on the patio with a bottle of vino and a charcuterie board. 

Gratify

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Rice Village is home to patio restaurants galore, and Gratify is a standout among them. This trendy eating and drinking place from restaurateur Grant Cooper boasts a covered wraparound patio with dining tables and comfortable lounge seating overlooking a community green space.

Hungry's

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This decades-old restaurant is a popular stop among Rice Village visitors, namely for its enormous, family-friendly patio that’s equipped with heaters, fans, and large tables so to enjoy the views of the shopping district. Weekend brunch finds pops of color at various tables with mimosa flights featuring fresh OJ, raspberry, strawberry, or grapefruit juices, while evenings reel in the crowds for long, wine-fueled dinners.

The exterior of Hungry’s restaurant at dusk.
Hungry’s patio has long been a favorite in Rice Village.
Julie Soefer

Betsy's at Evelyn's Park

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This Bellaire restaurant is situated on the grounds of the Evelyn’s Park Conservancy, making it a great place to stop for sustenance before or after a walk or bike ride. The family-friendly restaurant has an approachable menu of pizzas, sandwiches, burgers, and tacos, plus sweet treats like soft-serve and popsicles.

Mandito's Tex-Mex

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When that summer heat hits, Mandito’s in Bellaire offers the perfect reprieve. The patio comes equipped with greenery and a misting system that keeps you cool but not wet, plus there’s plenty of sustenance. Find Tex-Mex classics like enchiladas and its “world famous” nachos made with homemade tortilla chips topped with twice-refried beans, mozzarella and cheddar cheeses, and sides of pickled jalapenos, guac, and sour cream. Spice it up with the chile queen margarita made with Don Fulano Fuerte Tequila Blanco, a combination of orange liqueurs, fresh lime juice, agave syrup, and salted chile oil drops.

Postino Woodlands

The newest addition to Hughes Landing offers a quaint outdoor hangout spot with an indoor-outdoor bar area, string lighting, patio tables with umbrellas, and a fireplace for when things get cool. Go with a group to split its popular bruschetta and charcuterie boards, and take advantage of its daily happy hour, when glasses of wine and beer by the pitcher are $6 until 5 p.m.

bruschetta and red wine from Postino Wine Cafe. Postino

d'Alba

A beloved neighborhood restaurant with locations in Garden Oaks and Midtown, d’Alba boasts a charming backyard-style patio, complete with flat-screen TVs, picnic tables and Adirondack chairs, and a children’s play area. In addition to craft cocktails, wine, and beer, the menu features provisions like Gulf oysters, seafood campechana, and 12-inch wood-fired pies. 

Rainbow Lodge

Rainbow Lodge has been the site of countless special events and celebrations, and for good reason. The stunning property, situated on the banks of White Oak Bayou, boasts breathtaking views from both inside the restaurant, which is housed in a more than 100-year-old cabin, and from its sprawling outdoor oasis. Explore its menu of wild game and seafood, and then explore the grounds.

The exterior of Rainbow Lodge with a sprawling outdoor terrace.
Rainbow Lodge is a restaurant housed in a more than 100-year-old cabin.
Jerry Smith

La Lucha

Ford Fry’s Gulf seafood and fried chicken destination boasts a large enclosed patio peppered with casual seating and picnic tables meant for lingering around for a long while. With its hanging lanterns, the large oak tree, makes for a charming backdrop as you enjoy dishes like raw or wood-roasted Gulf oysters, a fried chicken dinner, or crispy shrimp tacos.

Coltivare

When it comes to dining outdoors, Coltivare’s quaint backyard garden is a classic option with a true neighborhood feel. Down its iconic version of black pepper spaghetti, meatballs, and a wood-fired pizza on the gravel patio, and take in the scents of the plots of herbs while downing a glass of wine.

Daily Gather

Quality people-watching, cocktails, and heartwarming dishes abound at this CITYCENTRE restaurant. Daily Gather’s patio, which is equipped with heaters in the cooler months, overlooks the development’s courtyard and green space, which means diners get a front-row seat to its calendar of outdoor festivities, including live music in the plaza.

Daily Gather’s patio, which is outfitted with a variety of seating and tables.
Daily Gather.
Claudia Casbarian

Flora

Nestled up high along Buffalo Bayou, Flora feels like an urban treehouse where guests can bask in the views of their natural surroundings. The large covered patio is bedecked with string lights, and is a comfortable place to feast on sopecitos, guacamole, cricket salt-rimmed margaritas, and more, with friends.

Brenner's on the Bayou

There are no shortage of steakhouses in the city, but few offer views like Brenner’s on the Bayou. Quietly situated among the natural landscape of Buffalo Bayou, the restaurant’s large outdoor terrace serves as a serene backdrop in which to dine on steakhouse classics. For a more relaxed dining experience, visit the outdoor Blue Bar for happy hour on weekdays from 4 to 7 p.m.

Verde Garden

Adhering to its name, Verde Garden offers a lush green patio with garden vibes and trickles of sunlight — a prime space for enjoying a cocktail or one of its many margaritas — all made on the spot. The beer garden, which features more than 40 beers on tap, also boasts Tex-Mex classics with a Seafood Acapulco ceviche made with scallops, shrimp, tomato, cilantro, onion, and serrano, and enchiladas suizas, made with creamy green salsa, tomatillo, jalapeno, and your choice of protein.

Backstreet Cafe

A Houston institution both for its diverse menu by chef Hugo Ortega and its unique dining space inside a 1930s-era home, Backstreet Café offers the quintessential outdoor patio. A sunken courtyard boasts picturesque views at every turn with tables peppered across two levels. On excellent weather days, a table in the courtyard is highly sought after — luckily, the restaurant offers a number of tables on the front patio, too.

Brasserie 19

Seats on the front patio at Brasserie 19 are some of the most coveted patio seats in town. The trendy French restaurant is consistently a reliable go-to for locals looking to kick back and nosh on snacks like caviar and chips, burgundy escargot, and well-built charcuterie boards. The people (and dog) watching is good, so spring for a bottle of Bordeaux and stay awhile.

Eight Row Flint East

Though construction is heavy in the area, Eight Row Flint’s East location has a rooftop that can make a group outing feel like a private party. Enjoy its tapas-style dishes like its elote ribs and pork belly and octopus tacos — inspired by the chef’s visit to Oaxaca, and choose from its various frozens or its signature Ranch Waters, which helped build its reputation as a city drinking destination.

The Annie Cafe & Bar

The Annie’s dual-level patio perched high above Post Oak Boulevard is a welcoming extension of the swanky restaurant. Oversized green umbrellas offer solace from the sun, and walls of ivy surround the large space, creating a cozy atmosphere.

The covered patio with white tablecloth tables and trees.
The Annie’s boxwood lined patio is a favorite for weekend brunch.
Jenn Duncan

J-Bar-M Barbecue

At this EaDo joint, barbecue and brews can be enjoyed with sweeping views of the Downtown skyline, which is especially beautiful after sunset. Tuesday through Friday, catch their smokehouse reverse happy hour, hosted from 9 to 11 p.m. with specials on beer, cocktails, and wines by the glass.

Marmo

This Italian chophouse is a newbie at the Montrose Collective. Opt for a seat on the large, shaded patio, lined with planters, and take in views of the retail development’s buzzy surroundings. Visit during happy hour, which is available Sunday through Friday from 3 to 6 p.m., and take advantage of food and drink specials like $2 East Coast oysters and $7 veal bolognese.

Two rows of table on the covered patio at Marmo.
Marmo’s large covered patio at the Montrose Collective.
Alex Montoya

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Toulouse Cafe and Bar River Oaks

With prime real estate at the center of River Oaks District, Toulouse’s patio is reminiscent of the alfresco dining and drinking options you’ll find in Europe. Seating spills into the main courtyard, where diners can take in all of the ritzy retail center action from their table, while sipping wine and snacking on butter-drenched escargot. Live music on weekends is the icing on the cake.

Musaafer

Like its various themed dining rooms, Musaafer’s large covered patio offers a unique space in which to eat, drink, and hang. Bar seats and high top tables are situated around a large outdoor bar, plus there are a few coveted tables enclosed by white linen drapes. Pair one of the famed G&Ts with tuna chaat, and allow yourself to mentally escape to the majestic palaces of India.

Covered outdoor terrace with yellow barstools and hightop tables.
Musaafer’s palatial terrace sits high above Westheimer.
Julie Soefer

Tiny Boxwoods

With its lush grounds filled with flowers and rustic décor, this West U standout is home to one of the best outdoor dining spaces in the city. People-watch from a table or comfy couch lounger on the patio while dining on salads, sandwiches, and Tiny’s famed chocolate chip cookies. 

Bistro Menil

Steps from the famed Menil Collection, the minimalistic patio at Bistro Menil allows the sweeping views of the surrounding Menil Park to take center stage. Walk the grounds before settling in on the patio with a bottle of vino and a charcuterie board. 

Gratify

Rice Village is home to patio restaurants galore, and Gratify is a standout among them. This trendy eating and drinking place from restaurateur Grant Cooper boasts a covered wraparound patio with dining tables and comfortable lounge seating overlooking a community green space.

Hungry's

This decades-old restaurant is a popular stop among Rice Village visitors, namely for its enormous, family-friendly patio that’s equipped with heaters, fans, and large tables so to enjoy the views of the shopping district. Weekend brunch finds pops of color at various tables with mimosa flights featuring fresh OJ, raspberry, strawberry, or grapefruit juices, while evenings reel in the crowds for long, wine-fueled dinners.

The exterior of Hungry’s restaurant at dusk.
Hungry’s patio has long been a favorite in Rice Village.
Julie Soefer

Betsy's at Evelyn's Park

This Bellaire restaurant is situated on the grounds of the Evelyn’s Park Conservancy, making it a great place to stop for sustenance before or after a walk or bike ride. The family-friendly restaurant has an approachable menu of pizzas, sandwiches, burgers, and tacos, plus sweet treats like soft-serve and popsicles.

Mandito's Tex-Mex

When that summer heat hits, Mandito’s in Bellaire offers the perfect reprieve. The patio comes equipped with greenery and a misting system that keeps you cool but not wet, plus there’s plenty of sustenance. Find Tex-Mex classics like enchiladas and its “world famous” nachos made with homemade tortilla chips topped with twice-refried beans, mozzarella and cheddar cheeses, and sides of pickled jalapenos, guac, and sour cream. Spice it up with the chile queen margarita made with Don Fulano Fuerte Tequila Blanco, a combination of orange liqueurs, fresh lime juice, agave syrup, and salted chile oil drops.

Related Maps