The Chamber of Commerce likes to talk a lot about the “Carolina Blue Sky Days” that are abundant in Charlotte this time of year – and so do we. The warming temps are the perfect reason to take advantage of all the seriously great patios in town. Here, we rundown a mix of old and new can’t-miss patios to make sure you soak up the sun while enjoying some great food (and drinks!) in the process.
Dilworth
1235 E. Blvd., Ste. I, Charlotte, NC 28203 • (704) 601-2123
Hours: Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Sunday, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Foxcroft Wine Company may be one of the best places in town to grab your girlfriends and meet for a glass of wine. The East Boulevard location has a great patio with plenty of seating and charming lights for those after-work dates with the girls.
SB TIP: The truffle fries and Brussels sprouts are menu stand-outs!
300 E. Tremont Ave., Charlotte, NC 28203 • (704) 595-3337
Hours: Monday through Thursday, 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday, 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.; Saturday, 1 p.m. to 11 p.m.; Sunday, 1 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Dilworth Tasting Room has one of the most unique patios in Charlotte. This hidden oasis in the heart of the bustling Dilworth neighborhood is private and literally feels like you’re somewhere in Europe. The koi pond at the center and the copper bar add to the allure, and the cheese platters seal the deal.
We love the lively green vibes of Dilworth Tasting Room!
2410 Park Road, Charlotte, NC 28203 • (704) 372-2009
Hours: Monday through Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 5:30 to 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 5:30 to 11 p.m.
This Charlotte staple is known for some of the best comfort food around. The small patio in front of the restaurant has grown over the years to seat 32 people. The cozy setting is perfect for catching up with friends over half-priced bottles of wine on Mondays and Tuesdays or the date night special – an appetizer, two entrees and a bottle of wine – available for dinner Monday through Thursday.
SB TIP: Forget about your diet and order the fried chicken and the bacon-wrapped tater tots at Fran’s!
300 East Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28203 • (704) 332-6507
Hours: Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Though the area is tiny, it’s always a treat to sit outside on 300 East’s charming patio. It’s the perfect size to enjoy a delicious meal and an intimate conversation with a couple of friends or romantic date night with your sweetheart. But there are literally only a few tables, so it’s a gamble that you’ll get to sit outside.
2801 Selwyn Ave., Charlotte, NC 28209 • (704) 333-3443
Hours: Monday through Friday, 4 p.m. to 2 a.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 11:30 a.m. to 2 a.m.
Selwyn Pub is the go-to for sports fans, and ever since they removed the big tree in the middle of the patio, there is ample outdoor space. You can always expect a lively atmosphere at Selwyn Pub on a nice day.
1531 East Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28203 • (980) 237-2227
Hours: Monday through Saturday, 5 p.m. to midnight
Summit Room not only has some of the best craft cocktails in town, but we’re also partial to rocking the day away on their front porch in one of their comfy wooden rocking chairs. If you’re in the mood for a bite to eat, you’ve got two outdoor seating options to choose from — the front patio with wrought iron tables and chairs or the side patio’s picnic tables.
Uptown
303 S. Church St., Charlotte, NC 28202 • (704) 445-2550
Hours: Monday through Sunday, 4:30 p.m. to 2 a.m.
The new place to see and be seen, this sexy rooftop bar is a happening spot in Uptown. Nineteen stories up, the 4,500-square-foot bar has stunning views of the city, great small bites and handcrafted cocktails. There’s also a private VIP terrace and a lawn for semi-private events.
SB TIP: There’s usually a DJ on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, and there can be a wait to get upstairs.
201 E. Trade St., Charlotte, NC 28202 • (704) 547-2244
Hours: Breakfast, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 10:30 a.m; Saturday, 7 a.m. to noon; Sunday, 7 a.m. to 11 a.m.; Sunday brunch, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Lunch, Monday through Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; Dinner, Monday through Thursday, 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 5:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.; Sunday, 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
If you’re looking for something a little more upscale, BLT Steak offers an intimate patio (that seats only 20) where you can enjoy a craft cocktail, charcuterie board or anything else on the BLT Steak menu. This is the perfect place to grab dinner before a show at the Blumenthal or just a fun night out in Uptown.
222 S. Caldwell St., Charlotte, NC 28202 • (980) 237-6718
Hours: Monday through Thursday, 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 4 p.m. to 2 a.m.; Sunday brunch, 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; Sunday dinner, 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Fahrenheit’s rooftop terrace gives you a panoramic view of the city’s skyline that’s spectacular day or night. Guests can enjoy a meal or cocktail while overlooking the bustling streets below or while getting cozy by the linear fire pits.
222 S. Church St., Charlotte, NC 28202 • (704) 332-5424
Hours: Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Located in the heart of Uptown, Ink n Ivy offers an expansive patio that faces both Bank of America Stadium and BB&T Ball Park. It’s a great place to grab a drink before or after a Knights game. There’s plenty of space to move around, seats to perch on and several bars to order from.
South End
The Courtyard between Mac’s (2511 S. Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28203) and SouthBound (2433 S. Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28203)
Hours: Saturdays in April and May from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Charlotte’s newest live music venue is the concrete lot in between Mac’s and SouthBound where you can eat and drink – and catch concerts all spring long, for FREE! Each show offers a fun extra like a pop-up shop or mixology lesson. SouthBound’s Taco Stand and full bar will be open.
SB TIP: You can find a full listing of shows and free tickets here: musicyardclt.com
2433 S. Blvd. Charlotte, NC 28203 • (704) 912-1889
Hours: Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to midnight
One of the few open air restaurants in town, SouthBound has quickly become a favorite, especially when the weather is right. The patio seats 100 people and is dog friendly. The vibe is relaxed, and the menu is simple featuring authentic, made-from-scratch Mexican street food with a Southern California twist.
2511 S. Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28203 • (704) 522-6227
Hours: Monday through Thursday and Sunday, 11 a.m. to midnight; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.
Mac’s is well-known for its delicious BBQ and brisket, and you can’t drive down South Boulevard without noticing their impressive patio space. Last year they transformed what was once a small seating area into the ultimate outdoor dining experience!
2161 Hawkins St., Charlotte, NC 28203 • (704) 910-3821
Hours: Monday through Thursday, 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, noon to 11 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 10 p.m.
Sycamore has been popular since they opened, and since they’ve added food trucks and expanded their outdoor space almost to the Rail Trail, it’s always a packed house. We enjoy going with friends and ordering a pitcher of Southern Girl Blonde to share.
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4150 Yancey Road, Charlotte, NC 28217 • (704) 525-5644
Hours: Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
We can’t say enough good things about the amazing outdoor space Olde Mecklenburg Brewery has created. The OMB Biergarten is by far one of the largest outdoor venues in the city — it’s spacious and open with plenty of hickory, pecan and oak trees to cast comfortable shade on really warm days. Consider it next time you have a large group of friends or family that want to get together.
SB TIP: Order a soft pretzel with their Copper beer cheese.
235 W. Tremont Ave., Charlotte, NC 28203 • (980) 209-0008
Hours: Tuesday through Thursday, 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 5 p.m. to 2 a.m.; Sunday, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Slow things down at Zeppelin, one of South End’s newest and most popular restaurants. Zeppelin’s patio seats 30 people, and they’re known for their cocktail options. It’s the perfect mix of laid-back sophistication.
1400 S. Church St., Charlotte, NC 28203 • (980) 299-5143
Hours: Monday through Wednesday, 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. to midnight; Thursday and Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 4:30 to 2 a.m.; Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to 2 a.m.; Sunday, 11:30 a.m. to midnight
If you’re looking for a patio with more than just tables and chairs (or you’re just really competitive), Seoul Food and Meat Company is the place to go. The back patio offers its own bar, beer pong table, life-sized Jenga game, corn hole and soccer pool. Yep, you read that correctly. It’s a game of pool, but with soccer balls. We’ve spent hours soaking up the sun and taking part in a little friendly competition.
Montford
1518 Montford Drive, Charlotte, NC 28209 • (704) 525-3633
Hours: Monday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.
This laid back (and huge!) patio is the OG patio in town. Angry Ale’s is perfect for watching your favorite team, listening to live music, trivia night and catching up with Montford Park locals over craft beer and tasty eats.
There’s no better place when it’s nice out than a patio with your friends. | Pictured: Angry Ale’s
1700 Montford Drive, Charlotte, NC 28209 • (704) 523-7633
Hours: Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to midnight; Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 2 a.m.; Sunday, noon to midnight
Bowling isn’t the only reason to visit 10 Park Lanes … the food is phenomenal (get one of their stacked mason jars), and their patio is a great place to socialize. Plus it’s partially covered so you can still enjoy getting some fresh air even when the weather isn’t ideal.
SB TIP: They have an extensive moonshine selection — the blueberry is our favorite!
4271 Park Road, Charlotte, NC 28209 • (704) 331-9222
Hours: Monday through Thursday and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
We’re big fans of Cantina’s relocation from East Boulevard to Park Road Shopping Center, mainly because the move has given the beloved Mexican restaurant more than enough room to have an extra-large patio, which was lacking at the old location. Give us a strawberry margarita and an order of table-side guac, and we’ll sit there all day — or until they kick us out.
512 Brandywine Road, Charlotte, NC 28209 • (704) 503-9945
Hours: Monday through Thursday, 3 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Sunday, 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Rock Salt serves up some of the best oysters in town, and their covered patio is a great option when you want to be outside but not directly in the hot sun. Celebrate happy hour on the patio with $1 oysters Monday through Friday from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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SouthPark
721 Governor Morrison St., Unit F-150, Charlotte, NC 28211 • (704) 366-7669
Hours: Sunday to Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
This chef-inspired, fast-casual restaurant with authentic Indian flavors just opened next to Earth Fare in SouthPark and features a small patio overlooking the sidewalk in the busy Morrison Park Shopping Center.
SB TIP: try one of the bottled Indian beers they serve (don’t worry, they still have a handful of Charlotte breweries on tap if you’re not feeling adventurous.)
6706-C Philips Place Court, Charlotte, NC 28210 • (704) 295-0101
Hours: Monday through Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.; Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 9 p.m.
Located at Phillips Place in SouthPark, WP Kitchen + Bar CLT’s patio is the ideal neighborhood spot with a cover to block out the sun and open sides to allow the spring breeze to blow through. The patio seats 32 people, and they offer different drink specials Monday through Thursday.
4331 Barclay Downs Drive, Charlotte, NC 28209 • (704) 377-7686
Hours: Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Reid’s patio is always a good bet, and since adding their Saturday night concert series last year, there’s even one more reason to enjoy this patio. It’s also ideal for Sunday brunch or afternoon cocktails (aka multiple mimosas) on the weekend. We like to pick out a few meats and cheeses to build a tasty charcuterie board to nibble on outside.
West End
528 S. Turner Ave., Charlotte, NC 28208 • (980) 859-2586
Hours: Monday through Wednesday, 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Thursday 3 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday, 2 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday, noon to 10 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 7 p.m.
Blue Blaze Brewing definitely knew what they were doing when they designed their outdoor space. They’ve got rocking chairs overlooking fire pits and everything you need to make s’mores! And beer. Plenty of beer.
NoDa
3221 Yadkin Ave., Charlotte, NC 28205 • (980) 859-0441
Hours: Tuesday through Thursday, noon to 10 p.m.; Friday, noon to 11 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 8 p.m.
Tucked away from the main streets of NoDa, The Company Store offers guests a laid-back atmosphere with a cool, artsy vibe and ample seating in its lovely yard. Guests can grab a seat at one of the front yard’s picnic tables, snag a wooden swing in the side yard or pull up a chair at one of the back deck’s high-top tables — there’s no shortage of options.
MIDTOWN
1100 Metropolitan Ave., Bldg. E, Ste. 100, Charlotte, NC 28204 • (704) 370-7755
Hours: Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Vivace’s location in Metropolitan offers a fantastic view of the Little Sugar Creek Greenway and the city skyline. Along with the picture-perfect views and photo opportunities, guests can get comfortable on the swanky patio furniture. And thanks to their mimosa and Bloody Mary bar, this has become the go to patio for Sunday brunch.
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