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

Catch some rays or laze in the shade at one of these 50 patios in Austin. Pro tip: Don’t miss the shade level we’ve included for each location.

Coffee shops

Mozart’s Coffee Roasters, 3825 Lake Austin Blvd. | Partially shaded
This expansive patio overlooking Lake Austin is one of the most popular outdoor coffee stops in Austin and frequently hosts live music.

Once Over Coffee Bar, 2009 S. 1st St. | Partially shaded
Step out back to sip your coffee on a secluded patio, which backs up to East Bouldin Creek and is shaded by large live oaks.

Cosmic Coffee has a garden-like ecosystem for local critters and visitors to enjoy. | Photo by @chrismercaldo

Cosmic Coffee + Beer Garden, 121 Pickle Rd. | Mostly sunny
Try some delicious food — including Biggie's Yardbird, Wow Poke, and Pueblo Viejo — at this environmentally friendly South Austin coffee shop.

Dear Austin Coffee Bar, 2310 S. Lamar Blvd. | Partially shaded
The coffee shop may be small, but you can often find live music outside on the patio it shares with East Side King.

Radio Coffee is a hot spot for late-night hangouts and often hosts live music performances. | Photo by @vishwanand

Radio Coffee + Beer, 4204 Menchaca Rd. | Partially shaded
This coffee shop and bar location has ample outdoor space that is often used for live music and hosts several food trucks.

Cenote, 1010 E. Cesar Chavez St. | Partially shaded
Get yourself a coffee — and maybe a bite to eat — at this shop inside a historic 1880s-era home.

Visit the grand opening celebration for BOGO coffee from 7 a.m. to noon, free ice cream for the first 50 kids, and 50% off frozen drinks from 3 to 6 p.m. | Photo courtesy of Brandon Hill

Stargazer, 979 Springdale Rd., Ste. #130 | Partially shadednew
Come for coffee in the morning and stay for boozy beverages in the afternoon at this eclectic indoor-outdoor playground.

The Meteor, 2110 S. Congress Ave. | Partially shaded
While the indoor section of this cafe has plenty of natural light, the patio in the back is a great place to work, sip, and relax.

Freddo's patio is perfect for outdoor working, lounging, and people-watching. | Photo by ATXtoday

Freddo ATX, 2336 S. Congress Ave. | Partially shadednew
With coffee, snacks, cocktails, and more, you can spend all day on the front porch of this coffee shop + bar located inside the historic Walter Tips House.

Epoch Coffee, 221 W. N. Loop Blvd. | Fully covered
This trendy local coffee chain's North Loop location is in a shopping center with Blue Velvet vintage clothing, Flourish Shop plant nursery, and Breakaway Records.

City Editor Morgan spent her birthday at Cosmic Saltillo last year with a group of friends. | Photo by ATXtoday

Cosmic Saltillo, 1300 E. 4th St. | Partially shadednew
There's something fun around every corner at this coffee + cocktails concept: graffiti art, a rooftop with skyline views, a hidden speakeasy, a tranquil fountain, and more.

Flightpath Coffeehouse, 5011 Duval St. | Fully coverednew
This Hyde Park gem's rustic patio is ideal for co-working or catching up with friends over a cup of coffee.

Restaurants

Ahead of The Greek Bar’s debut, let’s dig in to the menu, beverage program, and interior design. | Photos by Jon Scotty

The Greek Bar, 534 E. Oltorf St. | Fully coverednew
This newly opened restaurant has plenty of seating on the patio. Come hungry for a Mediterranean feast, from zesty spreads and shareable mezze to hearty dishes like the “Big Fat Greek Fried Chicken."

Loro, 2115 S. Lamar Blvd. | Partially shaded
This Asian smokehouse comes from two members of Austin food royalty: Aaron Franklin of Franklin Barbecue and Tyson Cole of Uchi. In addition to a killer fusion menu, this space offers plenty of outdoor seating in a natural, laid-back setting.

Enjoy a cold one or a cocktail at Sour Duck Market, which also offers baked goods, salads, sandwiches, and a kid's menu. | Photo by @brolfes.cooper

Sour Duck Market, 1814 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. | Partially shaded
This dog-friendly space known for its baked goods also serves up sandwiches, coffee, and craft cocktails.

El Alma, 1025 Barton Springs Rd. | Mostly shaded
Take in the sun and some skyline views at this Austin favorite, which offers multiple levels of rooftop dining.

Bring your pup — Hold Out Brewing's patio is dog-friendly. | Photo by @bandana_bandit_atx

Hold Out Brewing and Better Half Coffee and Cocktails, 406 Walsh St. | Partially shaded
It’s the best of both worlds at this outdoor patio, which is shared by both Hold Out and Better Half. Order a beer, cocktail, or coffee and take your pick from the two menus — you can’t go wrong with either.

At Nixta Taqueria, Chef Edgar Rico's James Beard Award-winning food takes center stage. | Photo by @k.the.foodie

Nixta Taqueria, 2512 E. 12th St. | Fully covered
Be prepared to stand in line at this east Austin spot, as its lauded food — curated by James Beard Award-winning chef Edgar Rico — draws lines every day of the week. We promise it’s worth the wait.

The spinach and riccota ravioli from Numero28 never disappoints.
Photo by *ATXtoday*

Numero28, 452 W. 2nd St. | Partially shadednew
This Italian restaurant's patio is City Editor Morgan's favorite place to be. Sit under the twinkling lights and order the spinach + ricotta ravioli for a perfect dinner al fresco.

Aba, 1011 S. Congress Ave. | Partially shaded
You may feel like you’re in a jungle while dining on this lush, plant-laden patio at the popular Mediterranean food spot.

You just might catch some live music next time you visit Güero's. | Photo by @sparkcraig

Güero’s Taco Bar, 1412 S. Congress Ave. | Mostly shaded
If you’re lucky, you just might catch some live music on the patio at this lively South Congress spot.

The VORTEX, 2307 Manor Rd. | Partially shaded
Whether you catch a live play, trivia night, or concert at this east Austin outdoor space, don’t miss out on a bite to eat from Patrizi’s or a beverage from the Butterfly Bar.

Vinaigrette's patio is a peaceful, secluded place or a fresh meal. | Photo by @mdisc

Vinaigrette, 2201 College Ave. | Partially shaded
Munch on fresh food under a truly enormous live oak tree at this healthy salad spot, which also serves soups, sandwiches, and cocktails.

Fresa's Chicken Al Carbon, 1703 S. 1st St. | Mostly sunny
Eating outdoors is the move at this local mini chain's south Austin location, where you'll be nestled among several live oak trees.

The small plates are inspired by regional cuisine across Mexico. | Photo by ATXtoday

Manuels, 10201 Jollyville Rd. | Partially shadednew
Enjoy a sunny afternoon tasting dishes from various regions in Mexico and sitting in the shade of a 300-year-old live oak tree.

Teddy's Restaurant and Bar, 1601 W. 38th St. | Fully coverednew
This eatery embraces Texas charm with its saloon-style decor and themed cocktails like the Cowboy Carajillo, a cold brew concoction served in a cowboy boot glass.

Locals and tourists can stroll into the all-day brasserie for breakfast, lunch, happy hour, and dinner. | Photo by Michael Kleinberg

Serenade American Brasserie, 200 Lavaca St. | Partially shadednew
Watch the 2nd Street District bustle while you relax on the posh patio of this all-day eatery.

Enjoy some traditional Greek brunch items when you dine at Yamas in northwest Austin. | Photo by Wen Fitzgerald

Yamas Greek Restaurant, 5308 Balcones Dr. | Partially shadednew
Immerse yourself in a Grecian paradise on this restaurant's patio, which is filled with vibrant flowers and Mediterranean decor.

Food truck parks

The Buzz Mill, 1505 Town Creek Dr. | Partially shaded
Complement your coffee with a bite from JNL Barbecue or Bat City Pies.

The Picnic, 1720 Barton Springs Rd. | Mostly shaded
This food truck park hosts Black Bear Burgers, Cannone Gelato Italiano, and Habibi ATX, and is a go-to pit stop for people visiting Zilker Park and Barton Springs Pool.

Thicket Food Park is rife with delicious food options, including these Tofu Chi bites from Song La. | Photo by Adam Diaz, @thicketaustin

Thicket Food Park, 7800 S. 1st St. | Mostly shaded
This circle of food trucks includes Artipasta, CJ's Tacos, and Song La, and surrounds a live music stage and kids’ play area.

Arbor Food Park, 1108 E. 12th St. | Partially shaded
Some of Austin’s best food trucks — including Cuantos Tacos and Doughboys — can be found at this east Austin park.

Desnudo Coffee — which can be found at the food truck park at 2505 Webberville Rd. — has gained in popularity lately, thanks to its unique and delicious drink menu. | Photo by @desnudocoffee

The Doughminican, 2505 Webberville Rd. | Mostly sunny
Chow down on Veracruz All Natural, Desnudo Coffee, and Kerlaches at this east Austin food truck park.

Bars and breweries

The Pitch, 13000 Harris Ridge Blvd. | Mostly sunny
Austin FC fans will feel right at home at this verde and black space built right next to the stadium’s training facility. Pro tip: this spot is a go-to for pre-games and watch parties.

Kitty Cohen's patio is perfect for guests to sit on the edge of the pool and cool off. | Photo courtesy Kitty Cohen's

Kitty Cohen's, 2211 Webberville Rd. | Partially shadednew
Cool off with a frozen cocktail and a dip in the pool at this bar that's been serving Austinites since 1977.

Meanwhile Brewing, 3901 Promontory Point Dr. | Partially shaded
ATXtoday readers voted Meanwhile as their favorite brewery in Austin, and we can see why. Its massive outdoor space features a kids’ playground, stage for concerts, and food trucks including Distant Relatives, Side Eye Pie, and Bésame.

Stay tuned for Drink Up Week, where we'll celebrate the best drinks around town + partner with some local businesses. | Photo by ATXtoday

Whisler’s, 1816 E. 6th St. | Mostly sunny
Don’t miss the secret mezcal bar upstairs at this east Austin gem inside a historic building.

The Little Darlin’, 6507 Circle S. Rd. | Partially shaded
Bring your pup to this casual south Austin watering hole.

Shade on Chalmers' front patio is provided by the old gas station's overhead and old-school umbrellas. | Photo by ATXtoday

Chalmers, 1700 E. Cesar Chavez St. | Partially shadednew
East Austin meets West Texas at this sports bar with classic comfort foods and scratch-made cocktails.

Central Machine Works, 4824 E. Cesar Chavez St. | Mostly sunny
This local favorite is known for hosting unique events like movie screenings, markets, run clubs, and trivia nights.

Domo Alley-Gato offers Austinites a unique Japanese-inspired setting. | Photo by Julia Keim

Domo Alley-Gato Tatsu-Ya, 1600 E. 6th St. | Partially shaded
This Japanese-inspired bar attached to Ramen Tatsu-Ya contains a small, secluded rooftop.

Opa, 2050 S. Lamar Blvd. | Partially shaded
Sample Greek favorites like spanakopita and dolmas in a quaint, tree-laden patio.

City Editor Morgan sees many more visits to House Wine's patio in her future. | Photo by ATXtoday

House Wine, 1711 S. 1st St. | Partially shadednew
Peruse an extensive wine list while sitting under the shade of striped umbrellas at this vino bar with an all-night happy hour on Wednesdays.

Zilker Brewing Co., 1701 E. 6th St. | Partially shadednew
Sip a cold one and chow down on eats from Spicy Boys Fried Chicken while you sit on the taproom's front porch facing East 6th Street.

Patios with misting fans

Doc's Backyard Grill, 5207 Brodie Lane, Ste. #100 | Partially shaded
Misting fans plus $2 margaritas on days above 100º makes this Sunset Valley watering hole the ideal summer spot.

The Long Goodbye has everything you need to go from work to play, plus lush scenery. | Photo by Richard Casteel courtesy of The Long Goodbye

The Long Goodbye, 2808 Manor Rd. | Mostly sunny
This trendy new spot has it all: two bars, a Fleet Coffee truck, tacos from La Santa Barbacha, and shopping at Howdy's Vintage.

Moontower Saloon, 10212 Menchaca Rd. | Mostly shaded
There's usually live music playing, a game of volleyball waiting, craft beers on tap, and ample space to sit and relax at this hangout in "way south awesome."

Head to Sway for happy hour, which runs from 4 to 6 p.m. on weekdays and features half-priced cocktails, beer, wine + sake. | Photo by ATXtoday

Sway, 3437 Bee Cave Rd. | Partially shaded
This tranquil west Austin restaurant will have you eating well (we recommend the tom kha gai and squid stir fry)while staying cool.

Perla's Seafood & Oyster Bar, 1400 S. Congress Ave. | Mostly shaded
Seafood lovers will want to spend their summer at this patio, where you can people-watch all of South Congress.

This is the spread that awaits you at TLC Austin. | Photo by ATXtoday

TLC Austin, 1100 S. Lamar Blvd., Ste. #1150 | Mostly sunny
Don't miss this stellar happy hour — think $1 oysters and $4 draft beers — which is easy to enjoy from the patio while the misting fans blast.