Is it just us, or does eating outside make food taste better?
Catch some rays or laze in the shade at one of these Austin patios. Pro tip: Don’t miss the shade level we’ve included for each of these locations.
Coffee shops
Mozart’s Coffee Roasters | 3825 Lake Austin Blvd. | Partially shaded
This expansive patio overlooking Lake Austin is one of the most popular outdoor coffee stops in Austin and frequently hosts live music.
Once Over Coffee Bar | 2009 S. 1st St. | Partially shaded
Step out back to sip your coffee on a secluded patio — which backs up to East Bouldin Creek — shaded by large live oaks.
Cosmic Coffee has a garden-like ecosystem for local critters and visitors to enjoy.
Photo by @chrismercaldo
Cosmic Coffee + Beer Garden | 121 Pickle Rd. | Mostly sunny
Try some delicious food — including LeRoy and Lewis Barbecue, Tommy Want Wingy, and Pueblo Viejo — at this environmentally friendly South Austin coffee shop.
Epoch Coffee | 221 W. N. Loop Blvd. | Fully covered
The North Loop location of this trendy local coffee chain shares a shopping center with Blue Velvet vintage clothing, Flourish Shop plant nursery, and Breakaway Records.
Dear Austin Coffee Bar | 2310 S. Lamar Blvd. | Partially shaded
The coffee shop may be small, but you can often find live music outside on the patio it shares with East Side King.
Radio Coffee is a hot spot for late-night hangouts and often hosts live music performances.
Photo by @vishwanand
Radio Coffee + Beer | 4204 Menchaca Rd. | Partially shaded
This location of the coffee shop and bar has ample outdoor space is often used for live music, hosting Dee Dee, Briscuits, Shortwave Diner, and Veracruz All Natural food trucks.
Cenote | 1010 E. Cesar Chavez St. | Partially shaded
Get yourself a coffee — and maybe a bite to eat — at this shop inside a historic, 1880s-era home.
The Meteor | 2110 S. Congress Ave. | Partially shaded
While the indoor section of this cafe has plenty of natural light, the patio in the back is a great place to work, sip, and relax.
Restaurants
Loro | 2115 S. Lamar Blvd. | Partially shaded
This Asian smokehouse comes from two members of Austin food royalty: Aaron Franklin of Franklin Barbecue and Tyson Cole of Uchi. In addition to a killer fusion menu, this space offers plenty of outdoor seating in a natural, laid-back setting.
Enjoy a cold one or a cocktail at Sour Duck Market, which also offers baked goods, salads, sandwiches, and a kid’s menu.
Photo by @brolfes.cooper
Sour Duck Market | 1814 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. | Partially shaded
This dog-friendly space known for its baked goods also serves up bites and sandwiches, coffee, and craft cocktails.
El Alma | 1025 Barton Springs Rd. | Mostly shaded
Take in the sun and some skyline views at this Austin favorite, which offers multiple levels of rooftop dining.
Bring your pup — Hold Out Brewing’s patio is dog-friendly.
Photo by @bandana_bandit_atx
Hold Out Brewing and Better Half Coffee and Cocktails | 406 Walsh St. | Partially shaded
It’s the best of both worlds at this outdoor patio, which is shared by both Hold Out and Better Half. Order a beer, cocktail, or coffee and take your pick from the two menus — you can’t go wrong with either.
At Nixta Taqueria, Chef Edgar Rico’s James Beard Award-winning food takes center stage.
Photo by @k.the.foodie
Nixta Taqueria | 2512 E. 12th St. | Fully covered
Be prepared to stand in line at this east Austin spot, as its lauded food — curated by James Beard Award-winning chef Edgar Rico — draws lines every day of the week. We promise it’s worth the wait.
Aba | 1011 S. Congress Ave. | Partially shaded
You may feel like you’re in a jungle dining on this lush, plant-laden patio at the popular Mediterranean food spot.
You just might catch some live music next time you visit Güero’s.
Photo by @sparkcraig
Güero’s Taco Bar | 1412 S. Congress Ave. | Mostly shaded
If you’re lucky, you just might catch some live music on the patio at this lively South Congress spot.
The VORTEX | 2307 Manor Rd. | Partially shaded
Whether you catch a live play, trivia night, or concert at this east Austin outdoor space, don’t miss out on a bite to eat from Patrizi’s or a beverage from the Butterfly Bar.
Vinaigrette’s patio is a peaceful, secluded place or a fresh meal.
Photo by @mdisc
Vinaigrette | 2201 College Ave. | Partially shaded
Munch on fresh food under a truly enormous live oak tree at this healthy salad spot, which also serves soups, sandwiches, and cocktails.
Fresa’s Chicken Al Carbon | 1703 S. 1st St. | Mostly sunny
Eating outdoors is the move at this local mini chain’s south Austin location, where you’ll be nestled among several live oak trees.
Food truck parks
The Buzz Mill | 1505 Town Creek Dr. | Partially shaded
Complement your coffee with a bite from Bully Bagel Co., Mr. Pimento, or Bat City Pies.
The Picnic | 1720 Barton Springs Rd. | Mostly shaded
This food truck park hosts Yapa, Cannone Gelato Italiano, and Habibi ATX, and is a go-to pit stop for people visiting Zilker Park and Barton Springs.
Thicket Food Park is rife with delicious food options, including these Tofu Chi bites from Song La.
Photo by Adam Diaz, @thicketaustin
Thicket Food Park | 7800 S. 1st St. | Mostly shaded
This circle of food trucks includes Artipasta, Revolution Vegan Kitchen, and Song La, and surrounds a live music stage and kids’ play area.
Arbor Food Park | 1108 E. 12th St. | Partially shaded
Some of Austin’s best food trucks — including Cuantos Tacos, Sammataro, and Cachitos 512 — can be found at this east Austin park.
Desnudo Coffee — which can be found at the food truck park at 2505 Webberville Rd. — has gained in popularity lately, thanks to its unique and delicious drink menu.
Photo by @desnudocoffee
The Doughminican | 2505 Webberville Rd. | Mostly sunny
Chow down on Veracruz All Natural, Amy’s Pretzels, Desnudo Coffee, and Kerlaches at this east Austin food truck park.
Bars and breweries
The Pitch | 13000 Harris Ridge Blvd. | Mostly sunny
Austin FC fans will feel right at home at this verde and black space built right next to the stadium’s training facility. Pro tip: this spot is a go-to for pre-games and watch parties.
Meanwhile Brewing | 3901 Promontory Point Dr. | Partially shaded
ATXtoday readers voted Meanwhile as their favorite brewery in Austin, and we can see why. This contains a massive outdoor space complete with a kids’ playground, stage for concerts, and food trucks including Distant Relatives, Side Eye Pie, and Bésame.
Whisler’s | 1816 E. 6th St. | Mostly sunny
Don’t miss the secret mezcal bar upstairs at this east Austin gem inside a historic building.
The Little Darlin’ | 6507 Circle S. Rd. | Partially shaded
Bring your pup to this casual south Austin watering hole.
Central Machine Works | 4824 E. Cesar Chavez St. | Mostly sunny
This local favorite is known for hosting unique events like movie screenings, markets, and the occasional wrestling match.
Domo Alley-Gato Tatsu-Ya | 1600 E. 6th St. | Partially shaded
This Japanese-inspired bar attached to Ramen Tatsu-Ya contains a small, secluded rooftop.
Opa | 2050 S. Lamar Blvd. | Partially shaded
Sample Greek favorites like spanakopita and dolmas in a quaint, tree-laden patio.
Patios with misting fans
Doc’s Backyard Grill | 5207 Brodie Lane, Ste. #100 | Partially shaded
Misting fans plus $2 margaritas on days above 100º makes this Sunset Valley watering hole the ideal summer spot.
The Long Goodbye | 2808 Manor Rd. | Mostly sunny
This trendy new spot has it all: two bars, a Fleet Coffee truck, tacos from La Santa Barbacha, and shopping at Howdy’s Vintage.
Moontower Saloon | 10212 Menchaca Rd. | Mostly shaded
There’s usually live music playing, a game of volleyball waiting, craft beers on tap, and ample space to sit and relax at this hangout in “way south awesome.”
Perla’s Seafood & Oyster Bar | 1400 S. Congress Ave. | Mostly shaded
Seafood lovers will want to spend their summer at this patio, where you can people watch all of South Congress.
Sway Thai | 3437 Bee Cave Rd. | Partially shaded
This tranquil west Austin restaurant will have you eating well (we recommend the tom kha gai and squid stir fry) while staying cool.
TLC Austin | 1100 S. Lamar Blvd., Ste. #1150 | Mostly sunny
Don’t miss this stellar happy hour — think $1 oysters and $4 draft beers — which is easy to enjoy from the patio while the misting fans blast.
