Is it just us, or does eating outdoors make food taste better?

Catch some rays or laze in the shade while you eat outdoors at one of these Raleigh patios. Pro tip: Don’t miss the shade level we’ve included for each of these locations.

Bars and breweries

Enjoy the views of Fenton while savoring various sips at this local wine bar. | Photo by RALtoday

Barcelona Wine Bar | 430 W. Martin St. | Partially shaded
Visit this bar with plenty of wine, cocktails, beer, tapas + more. Pro tip: Get the porron.

Bittersweet | 16 E. Martin St. | Mostly sunny
Enjoy drinks + dessert all wrapped into one at this James Beard-recognized bar.

Bowstring Pizza and Brewyard | 1930 Wake Forest Rd. | Mostly sunny
We love this pizza + beer spot for its fire pit, garden patio, and regular live music.

Clouds Brewing | 1233 Front St. | Mostly covered
Grab a German-inspired beer + enjoy a fun ambiance.

CRÚ Food & Wine Bar | 9 Fenton Main St., Cary | Mostly Sunny
Take a load off after shopping and indulge in dozens of wine options.

Dram & Draught | Multiple locations | Partially covered
Catch up with a friend over drinks and stop by this for a seasonal drink crafted by local bartenders.

La Mala | 126 N. West St. | Mostly shaded
Enjoy Mexican-inspired cocktails made with fresh squeezed juices and a wide variety of tequilas.

Level7 | 101 Park at North Hills St., inside the AC Hotel | Mostly shaded
This rooftop bar has some of the best views in town and signature cocktails.

Lynnwood Grill & Brewing Concern | 1053 E. Whitaker Mill Rd. | Partially shaded
This neighborhood spotoffers year-round and seasonal brews — don't skip the signature pizzas.

Neuse River Brewing | 518 Pershing Rd., Ste. 100 | Mostly sunny
This craft brewery has a menu reminiscent of a European bistro. Try this: The NRBC burger made with in-house beer cheese.

Raleigh Beer Garden | 614 Glenwood Ave. | Mostly sunny
Hang at the outside tables with fire pits and enjoy world’s largest selection of draft beers.

State of Beer | Multiple locations | Mostly sunny
Stop by this bottle shop + sandwich spot for a bite. Allie here — I love their fried chicken cutlet sandwiches.

The Longleaf Lounge | 300 N. Dawson St. | Partially shaded
This spacious patio is the perfect spot for a date night — plus, stick around for bingo and other special events.

Casual eateries

This *partially shaded* patio has all the vibes you need. | Photo by Whiskey Kitchen

Barking Dog | 201 Park at North Hills St., Ste. 100 | Partially shaded
Fido is more than welcome at this dog-friendly spot hailing from NYC.

Bartaco | 4121 Main at North Hills St. | Mostly sunny
This inventive taco spot features a sprawling patio with an expansive view of North Hills.

Brewery Bhavana | 850 Lower Garden Lane, Cary | Mostly sunny
This second location of a Raleigh staple is serving up its signature dim sum menu with plenty of brews on tap.

Campo Taco Co. | 1001 S. Saunders St. | Mostly sunny
After loading up on tacos, head to Dix Park for more outdoor fun.

Carolina Ale House | 500 Glenwood Ave. | Mostly shaded
Grab a bite + bev while watching local sports with other fanatics.

Foxcroft Wine Co. | 4421 Six Forks Rd., Ste. 115 | Mostly sunny
Head to North Hills for this wine bar and grab a tasty charcuterie plate.

Good Graces | 540 St. Albans Dr., Ste. 130 | Mostly sunny
This North Hills Innovation District fave is known for its fresh bites and tasty coffee.

Gravy | 135 S. Wilmington St. | Mostly sunny
Savor delicious Italian-American cuisine on a charming patio, perfect for dining al fresco.

Gringo A Go Go | 100 N. Person St. | Partially shaded
Indulge in modern Mexican cuisine with flavorful tacos and tequila, complemented by creatively crafted cocktails.

Hibernian Restaurant & Pub | 311 Glenwood Ave. | Mostly shaded
Relax in a casual setting with a great patio and an expansive Irish-inspired menu. Don't skip the Guinness.

Hummingbird | 1053 E. Whitaker Mill Rd. | Mostly shaded
Enjoy New Orleans-inspired cuisine in a relaxed, casual setting.

Irregardless | 901 W. Morgan St. | Partially shaded
Arrive early for an outdoor brunch at this Raleigh hotspot.

La Santa Modern Mexican Food | 222 Glenwood Ave. | Partially shaded
This fun modern eatery puts an emphasis on cocktails made with tequila + mezcal.

Morgan Street Food Hall | 411 W. Morgan St. | Mostly shaded
This vibrant food hall offers a variety of culinary options and a spacious, dog-friendly patio.

Stanbury | 938 N. Blount St. | Partially shaded
The patio has been extended into the parking lot for increased seating options — and you'll never have the same meal twice.

STIR | 4242 Six Forks Rd. | Mostly shaded
Enjoy a diverse selection of cocktails, oysters, and brunch options. This place offers a range of choices and ample indoor and outdoor seating.

Taverna Agora | 326 Hillsborough St. | Partially shaded
This Mediterranean-inspired rooftop is one of our favorites in town to indulge in classic Greek foods.

Tazza Kitchen | 432 Woodburn Rd. | Partially shaded
Experience a touch of pizzazz with seasonal, artful cocktails, delicious tacos, and pizza.

Trophy Brewing & Pizza | 827 W. Morgan St. | Mostly sunny
Grab a pizza to share + a local brew and enjoy the open air on the outdoor patio.

Whiskey Kitchen | 201 W. Martin St. | Partially shaded
Immerse yourself in a chic ambiance while enjoying a range of small and large plates.

Wye Hill Brewing | 201 S. Boylan Ave. | Mostly shaded
Enjoy this iconic patio that overlooks downtown — and don't skip the dill pickle pimento cheese.

Kid-friendly

The Transfer Co. Food Hall patio is the perfect spot to enjoy a Benchwarmers bagel. | Photo by RALtoday

Craft Public House | 1040 Tryon Village Dr., Ste. 601, Cary | Mostly shaded
Enjoy live music under the sun throughout the summer.

Dos Taquitos | 6101 Glenwood Ave. | Partially shaded
Try a trending soft-serve margarita with your fa-grilltas.

Flying Biscuit Cafe | Multiple locations | Partially shaded
Indulge in all-day breakfast + some of the best grits around. Show up early for Sunday brunch.

The Raleigh Times | 14 E. Hargett St. | Mostly sunny
Visit this timeless watering hole in the heart of downtown.

Upscale dining

Peregrine opened in April 2025. | Photo by Mark Terry

Big Cat | 1000 Brookside Dr. | Partially shaded
This new hotspot has tasty bites like the charred cabbage chop, dino kale salad, and nine layer dip.

Jolie | 620 N. Person St. | Partially shaded
Have a romantic rooftop meal with a French-inspired ambiance.

Lucky 32 Southern Kitchen | 7307 Tryon Rd., Cary | Mostly sunny
Bask in Southern fare crafted with local ingredients.

Margaux’s Restaurant | 8111 Creedmoor Rd., Ste. 111| Partially shaded
Taste award-winning, locally sourced cuisine with a cozy outdoor area.

Mulino | 309 N. Dawson St. | Mostly sunny
Enjoy beautiful courtyard dining with upscale service and cuisine.

Peregrine | 1000 Social St., Ste. 150 | Partially shaded
This contemporary American spot is known for inventive dishes like the Bengali wedding chicken, tiger salad, and grilled beef heart.

Relish | 5625 Creedmoor Rd. | Mostly sunny
Stop by this Raleigh staple with a bangin’ bourbon bar.

Rosewater | 110 Park at North Hills St. | Partially shaded
Bask in an expansive covered patio with beautiful greenery. Try this: The Branzino and mussels.

Sitti | 137 S. Wilmington St. | Mostly sunny
We love the pizzettes and Mediterranean bites at this downtown face.

St. Roch Fine Oysters + Bar | 223 S. Wilmington St. | Fully covered
Indulge in fresh oysters + seafood with a variety of cocktails.

The Capital Grille | 4242 Six Forks Rd. | Partially shaded
Dine in an upscale setting with a Gatsby-like feel.

The Willard Rooftop Lounge | 9 Glenwood Ave. | Fully covered
Visit this elegant space with views of downtown.

Urban Oak Rooftop Bar & Lounge | 200 W. Davie St. | Mostly sunny
Check out Raleigh's rooftop decked out with modern seating, ambient lighting, and an oak tree as the anchoring decor.

Vivace | 4209 Lassiter Mill Rd. | Mostly shaded
Savor a variety of delectable Italian fare with fellow foodies.

Winston’s Grille | 6401 Falls of Neuse Rd. | Mostly shaded
Experience upscale dining in a sophisticated setting with the added charm of a covered patio.