Birdie’s is all the rage — and for good reason. The neighborhood restaurant and wine bar offers counter service with incredibly seasonal, fresh American fare. Make your order and enjoy it in their large backyard patio, featuring furniture by KKDW Construction. Be warned — the line to order often wraps around the building so go early to snag your spot for dinner!

With tables overlooking bustling South Congress, Perla’s patio is the seafood-focused restaurant’s signature feature. Go for the shade under their oak trees, but stay for their cold bar offerings, which include fresh oysters, ceviche, shrimp cocktail and more.

Nixta Taqueria, a former Karen’s Pick that we love for its thoughtful ingredient sourcing and house-made corn tortillas, is home to ample outdoor seating. Order one of their innovative, artful tacos and take a seat at their funky picnic tables. Nixta has created an outdoor eating experience you’ll return to again and again.

It doesn’t get much better than tasty Tex-Mex served on a massive patio on Lady Bird Lake, which is exactly what you’ll find at Hula Hut, where they serve up an island-inspired experience, complete with seats on the water and tropical-inspired drinks. Hula Hut is a favorite for large parties, especially for your next birthday or bachelorette party.

This all-day restaurant is the spot for a morning coffee date, casual work lunch or a happy hour with friends. With limited indoor seating, count on spending time at their pink picnic tables in their large outdoor seating area, which is dog-friendly and carries into their parking lot, creating lots of room for guests.

Lou’s back patio on the Eastside hosts live music, ping pong games and movie nights for the community, in addition to fun and casual food and drinks. Don’t skip the frozen custard, a creamy, dreamy treat for the summer heat. Now with a second location near Barton Springs, Lou’s is quickly becoming a staple spot in Austin.

Radio Coffee & Beer is a hub for South Austin neighbors to gather any time of the day. Food from local food trucks, including Veracruz All Natural and Briscuits, craft-made coffee drinks and classic cocktails come together in Radio’s expansive outdoor seating area, which is consistently full of friends.

A perennial Austin icon, Matt’s El Rancho is the ideal hangout spot for friends and family, especially on their back patio. Covered in their signature red umbrellas, you can enjoy being outside with some shade as you chow down on Bob Armstrong Dip and sip on a Mexican Martini, one of the best cocktails in town.

Take a seat in Oseyo’s relaxing garden courtyard, which features umbrellas, patio misters and comfortable seating, and enjoy their modern take on Korean-American food. Order the Bulgogi Bibimbap or Ddukbokki, signature items from the shareable, succulent menu, as you take in the restaurant’s beautiful outdoor space.

Take a short drive out to Salt Lick’s original Driftwood location for nature views and authentic Texas ‘cue. Eat family style — $31.95 per person for all-you-can-eat pork ribs, brisket, potato salad and more — at the family-owned barbecue joint that started as a screen porch built around a pit and has grown into a cultural touchstone in Texas.

Mediterranean restaurant Aba is all the rage in Austin, just south of the river. After opening in 2020, Austin foodies quickly flocked to the inviting multi-level patio and terrace. Lush plant life and ample seating bring a cozy, yet sophisticated vibe to diners appreciating Aba’s food, which is inspired by Israel, Lebanon, Turkey and Greece.

The Justine’s terrace is every bit as romantic and intimate as their indoor dining room. Perfect for a special occasion date night, their menu pairs seamlessly with their many wine options. Justine’s knowledgeable staff contributes to the wonderful bungalow setting and decadent French frood.

You’ve probably seen a photo of cocktail lounge Kitty Cohen’s signature pool in their outdoor patio space — and it’s worth visiting if you haven’t already. Guests can sit around the water and sip on their many interesting and innovative cocktails, from a refreshing Frozé to a citrusy Sex Panther, all are worthy of a toast.

This one’s for the wine lovers. LoLo is a natural wine shop and bar in East Austin, selling wine by the bottle, but also serving up refreshing beverages and tasty snacks on their picnic-table-filled back patio. The shop is open for business until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays — a perfect late night spot for that post-dinner drink.

Barbecue with a view! Take any of your out-of-town guests to The County Line on the Lake and they’ll be sold on the beauty of Austin. Their large deck sits on Lake Austin and serves as a serene backdrop for your meal of sausage, ribs, brisket and so much more.

Shade is the name of the game at Loro, where their porch is covered and the frozen drinks are flowing. Grab a seat outside, order at the bar then relax at a picnic table while snacking on their Crunch Sweet Corn Fritters, Chicken Karaage or Loro Cheeseburger.

Nestled in East Austin, Holiday on 7th offers a laid-back escape with full-service dining across their bar, lounge, and expansive back patio. Whether it’s the mouthwatering cuisine, expertly crafted cocktails, or the inviting summery atmosphere, this chic bar beckons visitors to kick back, relax, and embark on a well-deserved vacation.

Cosmic Saltillo, the second Cosmic Coffee location, has swiftly cemented its place as one of Austin’s go-to hangout spots. Visitors can enjoy a botanical garden ambiance, refreshing drinks, delicious fare from Cosmic Taqueria, plentiful outdoor seating, and a welcoming atmosphere for furry friends.

The South Austin restaurant Lenoir beckons with its delectable dishes crafted with fresh ingredients sourced from Texas farmers and artisans. Its stunning patio space, adorned with enchanting lanterns hanging from live oak trees in the wine garden, offers a serene escape to enjoy an array of craft cocktails or their all-natural wines.

Overlooking the south shore of Lady Bird Lake, Nido casts a spell with its sweeping panorama of glistening waters and the sparkling downtown skyline. Perched atop The Loren at Lady Bird Lake, Nido offers a menu blending Texas Hill Country techniques with a French American twist crafted from locally sourced ingredients prepared over native coals from the region.

Drawing inspiration from the relaxed atmosphere of a lakeside retreat, Summer House on Music Lane, located within Hotel Magdalena, boasts a stunning open-air patio and an enticing full-service menu. Be sure to sample their black-eyed pea hummus and sip on the refreshing Lake House Margarita—an unbeatable duo for happy hour bliss.

Rosie’s Wine Bar offers the perfect setting for a delightful evening in Clarksville. Despite its small size, the indoor bar boasts exquisite design, while the outdoor patio provides a delightful space for group gatherings. Drawing inspiration from Spain, Portugal, and France, the cuisine is a culinary journey, complemented by an ever-evolving wine selection featuring sparkling, red, white, and skin contact varieties.