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 + 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.
Irie Bean 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 + Beer | 4204 Menchaca Rd. | Partially shaded
The coffee shop and bar’s ample outdoor space is often used for live music, and hosts 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.
Ani’s Day & Night | 7107 E. Riverside Dr. | Full sun
Take it from day to night at this coffee + cocktails spot residing inside a renovated 1930s-era Victorian home.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 | 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.
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 | 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.
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.