Where to find Austin’s best outdoor dining

This inviting neighborhood favorite just south of Downtown evokes a mid-century Parisian bistro, with a laid-back yet romantic vibe. Dig into French onion soup, escargot vol au vent, and poisson meunière—and a glass from the generous wine list—on a cozy patio surrounded by plants and string lights. Consider turning a regular Monday dinner into a special date night with 1417’s weekly steak frites special.

Seasonal Texan fare with Latin accents from renowned chef and restaurateur Richard Sandoval shines at this elegant escape in the Four Seasons Austin. Ciclo (and its sibling bar, Live Oak) boast some of the most beautiful outdoor spaces in town, with striking views of Lady Bird Lake and the famed Congress Avenue Bridge bats. Get the restaurant’s flambéed Texas wagyu tomahawk or filet mignon with chimichurri and Bordelaise sauce, which taste extra delicious on an outdoor table flanked by oak trees. Brunch is also beloved with dishes including huevos rancheros and blueberry and oatmeal-pecan pancakes.

Bar Peached serves pan-Asian favorites such as chile crab toast and mapo bolognese on a casual dog-friendly patio shaded by a heritage tree and surrounded by fans. Stay even cooler with a refreshing cocktail, such as the Paloma on draft and creative made-to-order drinks including the Beetlejuice, which combines tequila, beet, lime, and cilantro (say it three times or else it won’t appear). Locals know that Wednesday means Korean barbecue night, served on a sizzling platter with banchan, or traditional vegetable-forward accompaniments.

One of Austin’s most crowd-friendly patios is a beer garden and bake shop combo founded by James Beard Awards nominee David Norman. The sprawling South Lamar spot draws crowds for its covered terrace, indoor-outdoor space downstairs, and a tree-shaded dog park. The various backdrops are all ideal for getting together over a giant pretzel with salted whipped butter, one of 30 tap beer choices, and a postcard-perfect sunset panorama.

New American fare is the draw at this acclaimed downtown Austin spot where plates frequently lean on locally grown ingredients and regional food traditions. On its pretty shaded patio, the restaurant serves a la carte and prix fixe menu options with dishes such as chicken thighs with pecan mole, okra, and green tomatoes. Get excited for dessert, crafted by Tavel Bristol-Joseph, one of Food & Wine’s Best New Chefs of 2020.

Oysters are best slurped outdoors, and Perla’s serves them up under the sprawling Texas sky, beneath oak trees and twinkling lights along South Congress. Fish and oysters are flown in daily from both coasts, which means the lobster roll, seared fresh fish, or anything from the raw bar is a must-order.

Take a trip to southern Italy in Central Austin via Olive and June’s menu of seasonally influenced fare from locally loved chef and owner Shawn Cirkiel. Expect sumptuous housemade pastas such as tagliatelle with Gulf prawns, zucchini pesto, and lemon pangritata (crispy flavored breadcrumbs) and mains made from heritage cuts of meat. Enjoy your feast in a three-story building with four different dining areas (inside and out), plus a show-stopping patio anchored by a monumental 200-year-old oak tree.

With soothing views of Shoal Creek, the patio at this Basque-inspired bar (another standout spot by the Emmer and Rye team) was made for grazing on pintxos, the small snacks typically eaten in bars across northern Spain. Pair the petite plates such as jamón Ibérico and pan con tomate with a range of sherry cocktails and curated Spanish wines—Kalimotxo’s pitchers, traditional Spanish porróns, are specially designed for pouring directly into your mouth.

Score some of Texas’s finest meats at Steiner Ranch in Northwest Austin, complete with steakhouse favorites such as ribeye and lobster mac and cheese. The patio here, which sometimes becomes the backdrop for live music performances, also offers a stunning lake view to pair with a delicious glass of red from the extensive wine collection.

The modern Mexican menu at this James Beard Award-nominated restaurant is one reason to head to La Condesa—but so is the prime people-watching from its buzzy West Second patio. Snack on sikil pak (pumpkin seed dip) or short-rib quesadillas for a sampling of what’s made this a culinary destination since 2009. If you’re looking for a creative drink, check out the craft cocktail list for a cool afternoon treat or a satisfying nightcap.

Lake views from the open-air patio make Roaring Fork a year-round outdoor dining favorite. As does the exquisite wood-fired fare. The grilled steak—a nod to Southwestern cowboy cooking—is the star of the show. But stellar entrees such as blackened redfish and rotisserie chicken with cornbread stuffing ensure there’s no wrong way to enjoy an evening under the live oak trees, especially if you end with warm pecan pie topped with butter pecan ice cream for dessert.