Summer is right around the corner which means priorities become finding a good patio to sip a cold beer, margarita or cold glass of white wine. Everyone knows if they go somewhere to eat with me I’m going to ask to sit outside, maybe it’s because I sit in an office building all day long or maybe because we just live in an awesome city where the weather is too beautiful to not enjoy it. Charlotte has so many to choose from but here are some favorites that come to top of mind when the sun is out to play (leaving the brewery scene out of this) and it’s still tough to pick. (Written for Queen City Life)
Ruru’s Tacos + Tequila – A Myers Park’s neighborhood favorite that is always a good time when you’ve got “Friend Zone” margaritas, “Three Amigos” dip trio and killer tacos, “Stage Five Clinger”, “Fat Guy in a Little Coat” and “Lookin Good Louis” are my personal faves.
Ink N Ivy – Uptown’s newest hot spot overlooking Romare Bearden Park with eclectic furniture & décor on one of the largest patios in the city. Close to both Bank of America Stadium and BB&T Ballpark, it makes for a fun spot pre/post game and is packed on weekend nights all year round.
Kid Cashew – One of East Boulevard’s tapas and cocktail restaurants, with a drink called Goat’s Breast Milk on tap that tastes way better than it sounds!
Reids Southpark – Southpark’s newest warm weather gem with location with a full service a patio much larger than the Myers Park location and ½ priced glasses of wine every Wednesday & ½ priced cocktails on Thursdays. Both pair nicely with their infamous Steak Burger and Truffle Fries.
Foxcroft Wine Bar – Check out the newest location in Dilworth where you can pick out a bottle of your favorite wine and sit under the Christmas lights on a 1st date or girls’ night happy hour (truffle fries are a must).
Selwyn Avenue Pub – Many Charlotteans call this bar home (myself included) all year round day or night to drink Transfusions, order famous Selwyn pizza and sliders, watch Football or for a post-wedding bar scene.
Peculiar Rabbit – Full service restaurant in the heart of Plaza Midwood with rooftop seating city views as well as a 1st floor patio (I recommend brunch: chicken + waffles).
Workman’s Friend – Irish Pub that stays busy all week long with a large selection of Irish Whiskey, beer, wine, cocktails (The Workman’s Friend Cocktail is just too good) and a delicious food menu. No matter what night of the week you stop in, you will find a fun crowd on date night, or a group of friends catching up after work. With the same owner’s of Dandelion Market and Connolly’s, it’s no secret they know how to have a good time (open until 2am all week long).
Brawleys – An oldie but goodie across from Montford where you will always be surrounded by a fun crowd and the perfect way to spend a Sunday Funday and share in the day drinking scene with some locals.
Fahrenheit – The rooftop of all rooftops in the heart of the city with picturesque skyline views. Did you really even go to Fahrenheit if you didn’t take a picture with the skyline backdrop?
Angry Ales – A go-to spot for twenty-somethings who grew up in South Charlotte and moved back to the QC after college (or are still in college). With a large crowd for weekend day drinking, late nights on Montford and Wednesday Trivia, the patio is always busy with familiar faces and new friends.
VBGB – A beer garden in the Music Factory with games like corn hole, life-size chess sand volleyball.
Vivace – Top rated Italian restaurant in Midtown with one of the best brunches in town and a dinner menu that won’t disappoing. Take your pick from patio tables or (full service) couches overlooking the greenway with city views.
VIA QCYOGIFOODIE
