Top 16 Patio Dining in (and around) Downtown Raleigh

Another patio season is here and there some shining stars on the Raleigh scene, adding to some already cool spots perfect for lots of rosé. Check out these 16 spots for the best patio dining in and around downtown Raleigh to spend some time this spring and summer.

Top 16 Patio Dining in (and around) Downtown Raleigh

Barcelona Wine Bar is the newest addition to the Dillon, a gorgeous building that has been renovated in Raleigh’s warehouse District. This is hands down one of the prettiest patios, plus the food and beverages are outstanding! Make a reservation and plan on staying a while!

bartaco, located in North Hills, has the perfect patio oasis right in the middle of the shopping plaza. When the weather is warmer, be sure to order the watermelon margarita. P.S., the secret taco right is a seared scallop taco and it’s delicious!

Boylan Bridge BrewPub is one of the original best patios in Raleigh, made famous for its perfect view of the Raleigh skyline.

Located in Glenwood South, Dogwood Bar & Eatery is a nice place to spend an afternoon. I love the boxwood wall, they have rosé on draft, and it’s dog-friendly!

Junction West is located right across the street from Barcelona and is one of my favorite spaces in Raleigh. This patio is friendly for your pups, and is such a great hangout for weekends or a happy hour.

Lilly’s Pizza opened in Raleigh in 1993 as a delivery/carry-out pizza place, but people began bringing lawn chairs at eating their pizza outside the restaurant. Now, the patio is a happening spot in the 5 points neighborhood and the pizza is some of the best around!

Morgan St. Food Hall has an amazing patio to enjoy your progressive dining or an afternoon ice cream roll or cocktail.

Mulino Italian Kitchen boasts one of the prettiest patios in Raleigh. It feels like you’ve stepped into a European compound and that patio vibes make it a must-stop spot in downtown Raleigh. Check out the spring menu and cocktail list here.

Plates Neighborhood Kitchen has one of the nicest patios with lots of shade and a delicious menu. Glory and I stopped by for brunch (more to come on Monday) and their menu is fresh, tasty, and they feature lots of things local. Stay tuned for Monday’s feature of this Raleigh gem.

Located in Glenwood South, Raleigh Beer Garden is one of the more diverse places in Raleigh. The seating options are seemingly endless, and it has multiple patios to enjoy. There are also tons of options for beverages at each level and there are great food options as well for whether you want a snack or a full blown meal.

so•ca, in Cameron Village, has a beautiful Cabana style patio, an amazing brunch and dinner menu, and fresh cocktails. It is one of my favorite spots for dining with friends, and always outdoors because the patio is stunning.

Transfer Co. Food Hall is slowly but surely making progress on being fully open, with more consistent hours open and includes a BBQ spot on weekends now. Their patio has a beautiful view of downtown Raleigh and is great to unwind with ice cream to chase away the Sunday scaries or to meet up with friends.

Trophy on Morgan is one of my original favorite patios in Raleigh. This location is the one with the brewery+pizza, and it is usually a spot I like to take people on their first trip to the city. My favorite pie is the Most Loyal paired with a Trophy Wife.

Vivace, in North Hills, has one of the best patios before patio dining seemed to be a trend. This is my restaurant pick if I can’t make up my mind, because I’ll always go with the four cheese pizza, but the fig and prosciutto comes in a close second.

There is something for everyone at the Vita Vite Downtown. The patio has a porch swing and a variety of seating options for whatever your mood is that day. The interior is also worth a look because of the amazing art gallery and plush couches to curl up on. Be sure to get the pimento cheese (it’s from Winston-Salem!) or the burrata.

Whiskey Kitchen is one of my favorite spots to meet up with friends or for a date night with David. Their oysters are some of the best in Raleigh and I love sitting outside with the market lights and the fresh roses all around.

Where are your favorite patios in Raleigh?

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