Houston’s weather may be unpredictable, but the city undoubtedly boasts a fantastic patio season. On those perfectly pleasant days, few things beat sitting outside with snacks and a cocktail. Luckily, Houston’s various restaurant patios offer a vibe for everyone! Whether in search of sweeping skyline views, a secret garden-inspired courtyard, or a no-frills hideaway with picnic tables to gather around and down beer and tacos, here are 24 worthy destinations to dine and drink al fresco.
Hungry’s
Hungry’s in Rice Village is an iconic Houston spot known for its enormous, family-friendly patio. Equipped with heaters, fans, large tables, and scenic views of the shopping district, it’s a perfect place for a long, wine-fueled dinner. Weekend brunch features colorful mimosa flights with fresh OJ, raspberry, strawberry, or grapefruit juices.
Location: 2356 Rice Blvd, Houston, TX 77005
Axelrad Beer Garden
Axelrad Beer Garden offers a sprawling 12,000-square-foot open-air patio with picnic tables and a colorful hammock grove. This eclectic space serves as a beer garden and community events hub, showcasing live music and film screenings. Enjoy drink specials during the extended happy hour from noon to 7 p.m.
Location: 1517 Alabama St, Houston, TX 77004
d’Alba
A neighborhood favorite in Garden Oaks and Midtown, d’Alba features a backyard-style patio with flat-screen TVs, picnic tables, a children’s play area, and Adirondack chairs around a fire pit. Alongside craft cocktails, wine, and beer, the menu includes Gulf oysters and 12-inch wood-fired pizzas, making it a lively weekend brunch spot.
Location: 3715 Alba Rd, Houston, TX 77018
Flora
Perched high along Buffalo Bayou, Flora feels like an urban treehouse with its large covered patio strung with lights. Enjoy the natural surroundings while dining on sopecitos, guacamole, and cricket salt-rimmed margaritas with friends.
Location: 3422 Allen Pkwy, Houston, TX 77019
Rainbow Lodge
Rainbow Lodge, located on the banks of White Oak Bayou, offers breathtaking views from its historic cabin and sprawling outdoor oasis. Savor wild game and seafood dishes, then explore the beautiful grounds of this storied venue.
Location: 2011 Ella Blvd, Houston, TX 77008
Daily Gather
Located in CITYCENTRE, Daily Gather’s patio is perfect for people-watching, cocktails, and farm-fresh dishes. Equipped with heaters for cooler months, it overlooks the main plaza, providing a front-row seat to outdoor festivities, including live music on the lawn.
Location: 800 Sorella Ct Ste 940, Houston, TX 77024
Goode Co. Kitchen & Cantina
The Heights outpost of Goode Co. Kitchen & Cantina features a partially covered patio that’s always bustling. Enjoy weekend brunch with plates like huevos rancheros and breakfast margaritas, or visit post-office hours for a relaxed evening with friends.
Location: 1801 Yale St, Houston, TX 77008
Heights & Co.
Heights & Co. on Yale Street offers good food and cocktails paired with good company. With ample picnic tables and seasonal events like Astros game day discounts and Houston Open cocktail specials, it’s a neighborhood gem worth visiting.
Location: 1343 Yale St, Houston, TX 77008
Best Regards
Best Regards in the Heights features a neatly appointed wraparound patio. Signature cocktails, like the Wolf of 11th Street, are crafted with unique ingredients. The collaboration with locally-owned Tenfold Coffee brings a slew of coffee-fueled cocktails to the menu.
Location: 241 W 11th St, Houston, TX 77008
EZ’s Liquor Lounge
EZ’s Liquor Lounge in the Heights is perfect for laid-back outdoor dining. The patio, equipped with shades and heaters, offers a casual year-round experience. Enjoy hearty snacks like chili pies and hot dogs with a Hillbilly High Ball or dulce de leche Old Fashioned.
Location: 3302 White Oak Dr, Houston, TX 77007
Betelgeuse Betelgeuse
This eclectic bar on Washington Avenue offers unique cocktails like a Pickletini and a black Lemon Drop martini. Pair your drink with iron-clad pizzas, buffalo wings, and hot Italian sandwiches while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere.
Location: 2101 Washington Ave, Houston, TX 77007
Verde Garden
Verde Garden’s lush patio provides garden vibes perfect for al fresco dining. The menu features Tex-Mex classics like tacos, tortas, and ceviche, paired with a sophisticated beverage program that includes 12 frozen margaritas and over 250 Mexican spirits.
Location: 1011 La Rue St, Houston, TX 77009
Backstreet Cafe
Backstreet Cafe, housed in a 1930s-era home, offers a serene outdoor dining space. The sunken courtyard, surrounded by a live oak tree, is a highly sought-after spot, complemented by a diverse menu reflecting Houston’s flavors.
Location: 1103 S Shepherd Dr, Houston, TX 77019
The Annie Cafe & Bar
The Annie Cafe & Bar’s dual-level patio offers a cozy atmosphere with oversized green umbrellas and walls of ivy. Weekend brunch is festive with mimosas and specialties like brioche French toast and filet benedict.
Location: 1800 Post Oak Blvd Ste 6170, Houston, TX 77056
Musaafer
Musaafer’s large covered terrace offers a unique dining space with bar seats and high-top tables. Enclosed by white linen drapes, it’s perfect for pairing a famed G&T with tuna chaat and enjoying the ambiance reminiscent of India’s palaces.
Location: 5115 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77056
Little Hen
Little Hen in River Oaks District extends its pink and floral aesthetic to its patio, known as the Champagne garden. It’s a scenic spot for tea service, brunch, or rose-flavored food and cocktails.
Location: 4444 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77027
Toulouse Cafe and Bar River Oaks
Toulouse’s patio in River Oaks District offers a European alfresco dining experience. Seating spills into the main courtyard, perfect for sipping wine and enjoying butter-drenched escargot while taking in the action of the ritzy retail center.
Location: 4444 Westheimer Rd Ste G-150, Houston, TX 77027
Tiny Boxwoods
Tiny Boxwoods in West U boasts one of the best outdoor dining spaces with its lush grounds and rustic décor. People-watch from a table or comfy couch on the patio while dining on salads, sandwiches, and the famed chocolate chip cookies.
Location: 3614 W Alabama St, Houston, TX 77027
Georgia James
Georgia James’ upstairs lounge extends to an 11,000-square-foot patio with Downtown skyline views. Enjoy a dedicated lounge menu or the full restaurant menu during happy hour, featuring $1 oysters and $7 martinis. Pastore, its sister restaurant next door, offers a rooftop patio with live music on Fridays.
Location: 3503 W Dallas St, Houston, TX 77019
Eight Row Flint East
Eight Row Flint’s East End location features a rooftop patio with Downtown views. Enjoy tapas-style dishes and frozen beverages, or visit the Heights location for a wraparound patio on level ground.
Location: 3501 Harrisburg Blvd, Houston, TX 77003
Marmo
Marmo at the Montrose Collective offers a large covered, wraparound patio lined with planters. Visit during happy hour for specials on East Coast oysters and bar bites, and enjoy live music from the resident pianist.
Location: 888 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77006
Elro
Elro, located in a charming 1928 bungalow, focuses on pizza and crudo. The well-appointed patio features Salterini-style wrought iron furniture with tropical pink fabric, providing a groovy backdrop for your food photos.
Location: 2405 Genesee St, Houston, TX 77006
Le Jardinier
Le Jardinier at Houston’s Museum of Fine Arts offers a shaded patio with serene views of the Cullen Sculpture Garden. Indulge in inspired plates like foie gras parfait and yuca tots in this peaceful outdoor setting.
Location: 5500 Main St, Houston, TX 77004
Gratify
Gratify in Rice Village stands out with its covered wraparound patio offering dining tables and lounge seating overlooking a community green space. The daily brunch menu, featuring mimosas, caviar and chips, and crème brûlée French toast, makes it a popular spot.
Location: 5212 Morningside Dr, Houston, TX 77005
Explore these diverse outdoor dining spots in Houston, where you can enjoy delicious food and drinks while soaking up the summer vibes.