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

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 North Hills

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. I’ll always recommend you trying their secret taco. And the dip trio with two salsas and guacamole is our favorite starter. You absolutely cannot leave without trying their churros, either!

Junction West

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

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!

Mulino Italian Kitchen

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

Plates Neighborhood Kitchen has one of the nicest patios with lots of shade and a delicious menu. Glory and I stopped by for brunch and their menu is fresh, tasty, and they feature lots of things local. You can read more about this Raleigh gem here.

Raleigh Beer Garden

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.

Smokestacks Cafe

David and I discovered Smokestacks Cafe thanks to my Offline subscription and it quickly has become our new go-to spot for date night. We love that their menu changes daily–find it online before you go. Grab a drink while you wait for a patio seat. It’s worth the wait!

P.S. If you’d like to join Offline, use referral code MeghanGrant to get your first month free!

so•ca

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.

The Station at Person St.

The Station is one of my favorite spots in Raleigh for a good drink and a casual, yet delicious meal. Their warm pimento cheese is delicious and you can’t go wrong with their chicken tenders or their black bean burger!

Transfer Co. Food Hall

Transfer Co. Food Hall has a patio with 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. They have an excellent round up of food with something for everyone.

Trophy on Morgan

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

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, and the fig and prosciutto comes in a close second.

Vita Vite

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

Whiskey Kitchen is a fun spot 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.

Wye Hill Kitchen & Brewing

The patio at Wye Hill serves up the best views of the Raleigh skyline and their food is outstanding. Sarah and Chris are the nicest people and have done such a wonderful job with the space. The falafel waffle is a great option, their pimento cheese and their deviled eggs are perfect starters, and their drink specials are always tasty and gorgeous. Their menu changes somewhat often so we like to ask for their recommendations, too!

Where are your favorite patios in Raleigh?

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This post was originally published in 2019 and has since been updated and recirculated for 2021.