One of the biggest perks of living in North Texas is the near year-round patio weather. Dallas-area restaurant patios provide an unbeatable combination of fresh air, fantastic food, and thirst-quenching beverages. As spring temperatures roll in, treat yourself to a mini vacation of sorts and head to one of these noteworthy patios across the Metroplex. From old-time favorites to buzzy new spots, you will surely find one that calls your name.
Saint Ann
Immerse yourself in the garden courtyard at Saint Ann, one of the Hardwood District’s beloved eateries located in a historic building that formerly housed St. Ann’s Parochial School. With covered and uncovered al fresco spaces, the large patio has the most coveted seats in the neighborhood. Start with charred corn queso ($15), before diving into another Texas classic, Ann’s Chicken Fried Steak ($29), smothered in bacon gravy. Sip on a School House Tea Party ($16), made with Pomp & Whimsy Gin and Earl Grey tea. Pro tip: Reserve a timed entry slot for the Samurai Collection located upstairs, a free museum dedicated to Samurai culture. 2501 N. Harwood St., Ste. 225, Dallas, saintanndallas.com
Birdie’s Eastside
The transformation of a former Luby’s Cafeteria into one of the liveliest (and largest) patio restaurants in town took a lot of hard work and imagination, and its pay off has been tremendous. The spacious 3,500-square-foot turfed patio, shaded by live oaks, has an indoor and outdoor bar, dining tables, and oversized furniture perfect for lounging around. Birdie’s comes from the team behind TJ’s Seafood Market, so don’t pass up food options that once had fins. Start with spicy tuna wonton tacos ($16), or a salmon and grains bowl ($21) bursting with fresh veggies, taro, and quinoa. Try a signature Sauvignon Blanc slushie ($11), which you can score for $7 during Birdie’s weekday happy hour. 6221 E. Mockingbird Ln., Dallas, birdieseastside.com
The Porch
This Henderson Avenue mainstay features an all-weather, climate-controlled patio with air conditioning and heating. The dog-friendly, beer garden-style setting features a pergola, porch swing, and greenery galore. Start with one of the restaurant’s Inflation-Free cocktails ($10), like the freezer martini and coconut mojito, and add an order of famous spinach parmesan dip ($15) and a Duroc pork chop ($32) with braised cabbage. 2912 N. Henderson Dallas, theporchrestaurant.com
Emilia’s at The Crescent Hotel Fort Worth
Located in the heart of Fort Worth’s dynamic Cultural District, Emilia’s boasts a beautiful courtyard patio setting, offering a blend of atmosphere, design, and hospitality. The patio allows guests the opportunity to dine under the stars, with the soft glow from a large fireplace and string lighting illuminating the area. Now also open for lunch service, the patio cures those mid-day blahs with dishes like Sicilian crudo ($34), black truffle cavatelli ($22), and a Just in Thyme ($16) alcohol-free cocktail, made with Ritual gin alternative, in case you’re headed back to the office. 3300 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, emiliasfortworth.com
Smoky Rose
Live music, fire pits, string lights, and the harmonious sounds of kids and dogs living their best lives are just a few of the things that draw guests to this East Dallas favorite, located across the street from the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. Home to “Tex-Que,” where meats are smoked in an offset smoker before being used in a variety of dishes, Smoky Rose presents a different take on traditional barbecue. Try the smoked jalapeño poppers ($13) stuffed with brisket, the Casa Linda Cuban ($15) with smoked ham and pulled pork, and the chicken fried Prime brisket ($24) to taste Tex-Que in all its glory. The frozen paloma ($11) combines tequila and mango rum with grapefruit for a nice sip-in-the-sunshine refresher. 8602 Garland Rd., Dallas, smokyrose.com
Al Biernat’s Oak Lawn
The bubbling fountain sets the scene, as you’re escorted to your seat on one of two patios at the original Oak Lawn location of the legendary steakhouse, Al Biernat’s. Find a shaded seat under a pergola, and take in a game on one of the patio TVs. Try a daily lunch special, like beef stroganoff ($20) offered on Monday, fish and chips ($24) on Thursday, or whatever the chef’s whims dictate for weekend brunch. Close that big deal or make any lunch a celebratory occasion with a bottle from the “Wine Director Business Lunch” list, which features Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label Brut Champagne ($95). 4217 Oak Lawn Ave., albiernats.com
Dolce Riviera
Mediterranean vibes define the gorgeous patio at Dolce Riviera, where twinkle lights, lush greenery, and bubbling fountains set the stage for a relaxing escape. Reserve an outdoor table for a lively brunch with friends or a romantic dinner under the stars. Sample housemade pastas like the cacio e pepe ($25) and spaghetti pomodoro ($19), or indulge in a taste of the ocean with the seabass Fiorentina ($48). Linger with an Aperol Spritz ($14) or a zero-proof mocktail, like the refreshing cucumber-lime Altezza Verde ($10). 2950 N. Harwood St. #115, Dallas, dolceriviera.com
José
This Lovers Lane regional Mexican restaurant features two distinct patio experiences. The main patio remains open despite any ups and downs with the weather, thanks to a retractable roof and climate control. The garden patio also features a retractable roof, and is fitted with misters, fans, and heaters to maximize the pleasure of dining outside when the weather is less cooperative. Either way, you’re in good hands at José. Settle in with coconut ceviche ($19), queso fundido with mixed mushrooms ($15), and buckle up for main courses like langostino enchiladas ($26) and a three-cheese chile relleno ($19). 4931 W. Lovers Ln., Dallas, jose.mx
CATCH Dallas
With its retractable roof to let in the sunshine or celestial show after dark, CATCH Dallas’s rooftop patio offers style and substance. Enjoy the sweeping skyline views while indulging in must-have seafood dishes like crispy shrimp ($29), truffle sashimi ($29), and the iconic CATCH Roll ($25) made with crab, salmon, and miso-honey. The Su Casa Punch ($25) from the reserve cocktail list takes Su Casa Mezcal to new heights of flavor. 3005 Maple Ave., Dallas, catchrestaurants.com
