Best Patio Dining in Raleigh NC (Updated for 2026)

There are few things I enjoy more than dining out, especially at a restaurant with a great patio. Raleigh has so many delicious places to eat, and today I am sharing the best patio dining in Raleigh NC. These places range in price and vibes, and there is something for everyone here!

This post was originally published in 2019, updated in 2024, and has been refreshed again for 2026.

Best Patio Dining in Raleigh, NC (Updated for 2026)

Ajisai Japanese Fusion

For a quick, casual sushi spot, the patio at Ajisai is my go-to pick. Tucked into Village District, this local gem never disappoints. Start with the edamame, then dive into the rolls — I always order the Pink Lady and the Ajisai roll. The fish is fresh, the portions are generous, and the prices are reasonable for the quality.

Ajisai Japanese Fusion is located at 427 Woodburn Rd, Raleigh, NC.

Ajja

Ajja is one of Raleigh’s most exciting restaurants, serving Eastern Mediterranean and Middle Eastern fare out of a charming Five Points spot. The spacious patio is the heart of the restaurant in warmer months, with a firepit and blankets available for cooler evenings. The menu is made for sharing — order the lamb, the shrimp, and whatever seasonal dip is on offer that night. And yes, get the frozen espresso martini. Make a reservation on Resy, though they always save room for walk-ins!

Ajja is located at 209 Bickett Blvd, Raleigh, NC.

Barcelona Wine Bar

Photo by GloryRoze Photography

Barcelona Wine Bar has one of my favorite patios in town! I love the greenery all around the patio on the first floor of the Dillon, a gorgeous renovated building in Raleigh’s Warehouse District. This is hands down one of the prettiest patios in Raleigh, plus the food and beverages are outstanding! Make a reservation and plan on staying for a while! P.S. Do not skip ordering the potatoes bravas.

Barcelona Wine Bar is located at 430 W Martin St, Raleigh, NC.

Big Cat

Big Cat is the newest addition to this list and one of the most exciting openings of 2026. The dream team behind Ajja, Mala Pata, and Locals Seafood came together to create this neighborhood tavern, sandwich counter, and market on Brookside Drive. The covered, heated patio with a curtained awning is a great spot no matter the season. The menu is globally inspired and comfort-forward — think roasted NC oysters, za’atar-dusted waffle fries, and big crunchy salads. The soft-serve ice cream is not to be missed for dessert. Dinner service Wednesday through Sunday evenings.

Big Cat is located at 1000 Brookside Dr, Suite 119, Raleigh, NC.

Figulina

Photo via Figulina Instagram

Figulina is one of Raleigh’s crown jewels right now, and for good reason — it earned a James Beard semifinalist nod for Best New Restaurant. Tucked into the Warehouse District, this Italian-ish restaurant is all about handmade pasta and seasonal ingredients from the Carolinas. The covered patio is airy and eclectic, with heaters for cooler nights. The menu changes constantly, so ask your server what is shining that night. Whatever pasta lands in front of you will be extraordinary.

Figulina is located at 317 S Harrington St, Raleigh, NC.

Gringo-a-Go-Go

For the best seasonal margaritas in the city, head to Gringo-a-Go-Go. Talk about delicious and refreshing! Their patio is covered and heated in the cooler months. Order the Gringo trio for your starter. I usually opt for the shrimp tacos or the quesadilla. See more of my favorite spots in Raleigh for margaritas and queso here.

Gringo-a-Go-Go is located at 100 N Person St, Raleigh, NC.

irregardless

irregardless is a Raleigh institution that has been serving the community since 1975 — and celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2025! It serves up a great weekend brunch, lunch, and dinner menu featuring vegetarian and vegan dishes alongside carnivore-friendly options. Their patio is such a lush spot, and it is quite lovely in the evenings with the market lights. During the daytime, beautiful umbrellas provide shade. Be sure to make a reservation!

irregardless is located at 901 W Morgan St, Raleigh.

Jolie

It is no secret that one of my favorite hidden gems in Raleigh is Jolie. They have a fun champagne & French fry walk-up window. If you are having dinner there, make a reservation for the patio — Jolie extended their sidewalk seating into a lovely outdoor space that is the perfect spot for dining al fresco. Order the steak tartare with sour cream chips, the escargot, and the tuna crudo.

Jolie is located at 620 N Person St, Raleigh.

La Santa

La Santa is serving up some of the most vibrant Mexican food in Raleigh on Glenwood South. Every dish is made fresh — no shortcuts — straight from the owner’s family recipes out of Guadalajara. Their margaritas are made with fresh-squeezed juices and quality tequilas, and the patio is comfortable in any season. I love their chicken quesadillas, the queso, and the shrimp tacos.

La Santa is located at 222 Glenwood Ave, Suite 107, Raleigh, NC.

The Longleaf Hotel Lounge

Longleaf Lounge is the bar in the uber-cool, retro Longleaf Hotel in downtown Raleigh. Their patio is a fun spot to hang out no matter the season, though I am especially partial in the cooler months when the fire pits are going. While Longleaf Lounge does not serve a full dinner menu, they are now serving small plates by Vivian Howard! I personally always order the deviled eggs, though their cheese ball and French onion dip are also excellent choices.

Longleaf Lounge is located at 300 N Dawson St, Raleigh.

Longleaf Swine

As a native eastern North Carolinian, I pride myself in my recommendations for BBQ, and Longleaf Swine consistently makes my list. They boast a delightful, dog-friendly patio that is heated during the cooler months. Order the Frito pie or the fried okra for a starter. I always get the same thing: a BBQ sammie and a side of pimento mac & cheese. They have a great drink list, too!

Longleaf Swine is located at 300 E Edenton St, Raleigh.

The Mecca

Photo via The Mecca Instagram

The Mecca is Raleigh’s oldest restaurant, open since 1930, and an absolute downtown institution. This classic Southern diner does breakfast and lunch right — we are talking proper biscuits, grits, pancakes, and daily specials that feel like home. They have added outdoor seating over the years, making it a lovely spot to linger over coffee and something warm. Open Thursday through Sunday.

The Mecca is located at 13 E Martin St, Raleigh, NC.

Mulino Italian Kitchen

Mulino Italian Kitchen has one of the prettiest patios in Raleigh. It feels like you have stepped into a European compound, and that patio vibe makes it a must-stop spot in downtown Raleigh. Start with the burrata. Their pizzas are great to share and I love their gnocchi for the black truffle.

Mulino Italian Kitchen is located at 309 N Dawson St, Raleigh.

My Way Tavern

Photo via My Way Tavern

My Way Tavern on St. Mary’s Street is the ultimate neighborhood bar done right. Two dog-friendly, heated patios make it a year-round destination, and they have won Raleigh Magazine’s Best Bar Food multiple years running. The wings are legendary — pick from a wide range of sauces, mild to face-meltingly hot. Their trivia nights and live music keep things lively, and the extensive selection of local craft beer on tap is always rotating.

My Way Tavern is located at 522 St Mary’s St, Raleigh, NC.

Players’ Retreat

Players’ Retreat is an unassuming spot for a great cocktail and an impressive wine list. I love sitting on their patio to catch games while enjoying bacon cheese fries. The patio is dog-friendly and is the perfect place for a leisurely Saturday of cheering on your favorite team.

Players’ Retreat is located at 105 Oberlin Rd, Raleigh.

Ponysaurus Barrel Room and Restaurant

Ponysaurus, which originated in Durham, has made a great home in Raleigh at Iron Works. Their patio is so cool and they serve up some delicious pizzas! If it is warm outside, try the frosé — it is quite tasty!

Ponysaurus Brewing Co. is located at Iron Works Dr Suite 100, Raleigh, NC.

Raleigh Beer Garden

Photo by GloryRoze Photography

Located on Glenwood South, Raleigh Beer Garden is one of the more diverse spots in Raleigh. The seating options are seemingly endless, with multiple patios to enjoy. There are so many beverage selections at each level and great food options for whether you want a snack or a full-blown meal. Raleigh Beer Garden boasts the world’s largest selection of beer! And if you are feeling adventurous, pop next door to Hop Shots, their 18-hole mini golf course featuring a full bar and dining.

Raleigh Beer Garden is located at 614 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh.

Sam Jones BBQ

If you love Eastern North Carolina-style barbecue, Sam Jones BBQ is a must. Third-generation pitmaster Sam Jones slow-smokes whole hogs over Carolina oak every single day — and the result is the real deal, served with a vinegar-based sauce, sweet slaw, and a sweet potato muffin. It holds a Michelin Bib Gourmand, which tells you everything. Grab a pork skin with pimento cheese while you wait, and do not skip the strawberry pudding.

Sam Jones BBQ is located at 502 W Lenoir St, Raleigh, NC.

SmokeStacks Cafe

SmokeStacks Cafe quickly became one of our go-to spots for a date night. We love that their menu changes daily and is posted online each morning to their website and Instagram. Grab a drink while you wait for a patio seat — it is worth the wait!

Smokestacks Cafe is located at 701 E Lane St, Raleigh.

Standard Beer + Food

Standard has my favorite tots in the city, and they come with a side of queso! I also really enjoy their Ranch Water, and during the summer, the watermelon version. They have a great, diverse food menu and several different outdoor seating areas: sidewalk seating out front, side seating beside Raleigh City Farm, and the back patio area. It tends to get really busy on beautiful days, so be prepared!

Standard Beer + Food is located at 205 E Franklin St, Raleigh.

State of Beer at the Bend

The new State of Beer location on Morgan Street is such a great addition to this stretch of downtown. Opened in early 2025 alongside the Bend Bar in a cluster of lovingly renovated historic bungalows, it has more space than the original and an expanded menu to match — mozzarella sticks, loaded beer-battered fries, and harissa wings join the beloved pimento cheese. The heated patio and backyard with fire pits are shared with Bend Bar next door, making the whole area one giant, cozy outdoor hang. Grab a six-pack to take home while you are at it.

State of Beer at The Bend is located at 853 W Morgan St, Raleigh, NC.

Trophy on Morgan

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

Trophy on Morgan is located at 827 W Morgan St, Raleigh.

Vivace

Vivace, in North Hills, has one of the best patios — long before beautiful patio dining spaces seemed to be a trend. This is my restaurant pick if I cannot make up my mind because I will always go with the four cheese pizza, and the fig and prosciutto comes in a close second. Their pappardelle is also such a great comfort food dish.

Vivace is located at 4209 Lassiter Mill Rd, Raleigh.

Whiskey Kitchen

Whiskey Kitchen is a fun spot to meet up with friends or for a date night. Their shared fries and broccoli are must-order small plates. I enjoy their seasonal salads with fried chicken. I love sitting outside with the market lights and the fresh roses surrounding the patio. And if you are headed to a downtown event, show your same-day event ticket and get 10% off your meal!

Whiskey Kitchen is located at 201 W Martin St, Raleigh.

Wye Hill Kitchen & Brewing

 

The patio at Wye Hill serves up the best views of the Raleigh skyline, and their food is outstanding. We always start with the pimento cheese and their deviled eggs, and I love their burgers and the romaine salad with grilled shrimp. They also have fantastic cocktails that are always tasty and gorgeous. Their seasonal menu offers both staples and new dishes, so I always ask for the server’s recommendations.

Wye Hill is located at 201 S Boylan Ave, Raleigh.

Final Thoughts

Raleigh’s patio dining scene has never been better. From decades-long institutions like The Mecca and irregardless to exciting newcomers like Big Cat and Figulina, there truly is something for every mood, budget, and occasion. Whether you are looking for a dog-friendly deck, a romantic al fresco dinner, the best margarita in the city, or a plate of world-class BBQ, this city delivers.

As always, I recommend making reservations where possible — Raleigh’s best patios fill up fast, especially on beautiful evenings. And if you find a new favorite that is not on this list, drop it in the comments below. I am always looking for the next great outdoor spot to add to the rotation! Use this interactive Google Map to plan your next patio dining adventure.

Where is your favorite patio dining in Raleigh? Drop it in the comments below!