The Best Patios in Austin: Where To Eat Outside

In the city famous for creative food and live music, there’s no shortage of incredible places to eat outdoors. From food trucks to beer gardens and upscale outdoor eateries, Austin, Texas has some of the most incredible patio dining in the country. Here are some of the best patios in Austin where you can snag tasty treats and sip refreshing beverages all year long.

The Best Patios in Austin: Restaurants With the Best Outdoor Space

When it comes to patio dining, the options in Austin are extensive. On this list of the best patios in Austin, you’ll find everything from fine dining experiences to laid-back beer gardens and Mexican taquerias.

Justine’s

One of the best Austin restaurants, Justine’s motto is “if you think you’ve gone too far, keep going”. On E 5th St, this brasserie is set in a cottage built in 1937 and features Depression-era decor. Outside, the patio is illuminated by string lights, disco balls, and a certain joie de vivre. The vibe here is very much rebellious, sensual, risque, and reverential. There’s no judgment here and everyone isn’t just welcome, they’re celebrated — regardless of race, age, gender, creed, etc. Enjoy French bistro fare and a fun night of spoken word or chatting with friends over drinks.

Mozart’s Coffee

What’s better than dining on a patio and soaking in lake views? Located on the shores of Lake Austin, Mozart’s Coffee is the place to be. Besides the stunning scenery, you can indulge in fresh baked goods and a variety of roasted coffees. They even have free wifi so you can settle in and get some work done while enjoying some of the prettiest views in Austin.

Loro

The food doesn’t get much better than at the Asian smokehouse, Loro. Run by award-winning chef Tyson Cole (known for his work at Uchi) and Aaron Franklin — the owner of one of the best BBQ spots in Austin — the flavors here are truly to die for. Try their meaty treats like smoked beef brisket or the oak smoked salmon and wash it down with batch cocktails or boozy slushies. The patio is the perfect spot to enjoy Austin’s sunny weather.

Radio Coffee and Beer

Located on South Lamar, Radio Coffee and Beer offers patio dining from morning to night. They host three food trucks including Veracruz Tacos — known for their Austin-famous tacos – as well as Dee Dee and Da Poot Po’Boys. Sit outside on the patio or settle into a cozy spot on the grassy lawn for fun evenings like trivia night and comedy night.

Perla’s Seafood and Oyster Bar

Perla’s on South Congress Ave is the go-to for high-end, sophisticated patio dining. Fresh fish and oysters harvested in the Gulf of Mexico are flown in daily and pair perfectly with crisp wines and their craft cocktails. The outdoor dining space is airy and shaded by live oak trees. The decor is coastal with nautical vibes and the ambiance is all about comfort and class. If you want indoor dining with an outdoor feel, head to the inside dining area which features a huge aquarium with freshwater fish. Like all good things, wait times can be long so pack your patience — trust us it’s worth the wait!

Kalimotxo

If you’re looking for a chic patio dining experience, look no further than Kalimotxo. The patio dining area features expansive views over the river and Butterfly Bridge. The menu focuses on Basque specialties including delicious Spanish Pork Ribs and Black Bass Crudo. Don’t miss the Burnt Basque Cheesecake and spring for fun appetizers like the Build-Your-Own Pintxo Board

Olive & June

The peaceful patio at Olive & June is shaded by a giant live oak tree. Beneath the swaying branches, you can enjoy Italian specialties like bruschetta, pasta, and polenta. They also offer an array of wines and craft cocktails. The back patio features heaters and soft string lighting so you can enjoy the magic of this outdoor dining experience all year long.

Contigo

Modeled after a Texas Ranch, Contigo offers up some of the best outdoor dining vibes. Its laid-back, friendly, and relaxed atmosphere is the perfect place to grab lunch with friends or have a casual dinner with a client. There are two locations, one on 2027 Anchor Lane and one inside Fareground at 111 Congress Ave.

Cosmic Coffee and Beer Garden

Over in South Austin, you’ll find beautifully manicured patio dining at Cosmic Coffee and Beer Garden. This place isn’t just a few chairs under a live oak tree. It offers water features like its biological pond and sustainably landscaped gardens for a truly magical dining experience. They even have compost, recycling, and water management features, raised garden beds, and a rainwater catchment system. Outdoor dining here isn’t just tasty, it’s also good for the environment and you’ll love enjoying the fresh ingredients.

Nixta Taqueria

No Austin food list is complete without a few Mexican eateries. Nixta Taqueria is located in trendy East Austin. The outdoor patio features large picnic tables and colorful murals that will have you feeling like you’re eating at a traditional Taqueria in Mexico City. Best of all, you can join their Xolovino wine club to try a huge selection of natural wines.

Kitty Cohen’s

Kitty Cohen’s Patio Bar is one of the sexiest bars in town. Inspired by rebel women, you’ll find craft cocktails by the names of Sex Panther and Lola La Grande. It’s edgy and laid-back and when the temperatures soar, you can take a dip in the wading pool to cool off. 

Kemuri Tatsu-ya

Kemuri Tatsu-ya is an Izakaya — an informal Japanese bar. Here, you’ll find both covered and open-air tables so you can enjoy the sunshine on a cool day or savor the outdoor vibes while hiding in the shade. Their menu features snacks and drinks including Austin favorites like brisket and fun spins on traditional tastes including the Watermelon Tostada and a Green BLT.

Arbor Food Park

Over on the east side of Austin, you’ll find Austinites indulging in treats at one of the best food truck parks in the city. At Arbor Food Park, you’ll find several food trucks including Cuantos Tacos, Rosarita Cevicheria, and Dough Boys. From melty queso to tangy seafood ceviche, you won’t go hungry with a visit to this patio dining spot.

Tamale House East 

Located on E 6th St, Tamale House East has not one, but three different patio seating areas. There’s the beautiful courtyard shaded by leafy trees that inspires visions of secret gardens. Then there are the spacious front and back patios, offering endless outdoor dining options. 

Best of all, the food here is out of this world. The menu includes 8 staple items served by the owner’s mother and grandmother who opened restaurants in Austin dating back to 1958. Try the queso or veggies compuesto to start and the Texa-sized tamales and chalupas. For the best brunch in town, try Mom’s Migas and Queso, the chilaquiles, or their breakfast tacos.

Banger’s Sausage House and Beer Garden

Banger’s over on Rainey Street is the local hangout when you want to enjoy a sunny afternoon with friends. They serve up incredible meats — for homemade sausages to smokehouse favorites like tri-tip and whole hog — as well as a huge selection of craft beers and draft beers. It’s very dog-friendly — it has its own dog park and Wuffwurst so your dog can enjoy patio dining too!

Lou’s Bodega

At 1900 E Cesar Chavez St, Lou’s palatial patio offers endless opportunities to enjoy the Austin climate and tasty food and drinks. Here, you’ll find a ping pong table where you can engage in competitive matches with friends. On the menu, there’s everything from breakfast specials to rotisserie meats, wine, and cold cocktails.

Iron Cactus

The Iron Cactus takes patio dining to new heights. This rooftop Margarita and Tequila bar serves up Mexican food and craft cocktails in the heart of downtown Austin. You can sit out on the rooftop patio and take in the lively happenings on Sixth Street. It’s one of the best happy hour spots, offering specials on some of the best margaritas in Austin and chile con queso from 3-6 pm Monday through Friday.

Get Outside in Austin

Whether you’re looking for a late-night snack after SXSW or some outdoor seating where you can kick the day off with a hearty brunch, Austin has a patio for you. From craft cocktails and quaint coffee shops to alfresco Tex-Mex hangouts, there is no shortage of outdoor dining options in this lively city. 

Looking for more fun ways to enjoy Austin? ATX Guides has you covered. From Zilker and downtown Austin to Hill Country, there are thousands of things to do and see when visiting Austin. Browse our guides to our favorite city on the planet and find everything there is to love about Austin. Whether you want tips on where to chow down or are looking for outdoor activities for an adventurous vacation, you’ll find local insider tips on the best parts of this city.