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

Catch some rays or laze in the shade at one of these 30+ Lakeland patios. Pro tip: Don’t miss the shade level we’ve included for each of these locations.

Coffee shops

Black & Brew Coffee House and Bistro | Fully covered
Whether you're looking for a spacious patio on the south side, a brew with a downtown view, or a shaded seat near the lake, you can find it at one of these locations.

Concord Coffee | Partially shaded
This Dixieland Mall shop has tables in the fully covered breezeway — perfect for warmer days when you need an overhead fan — and seats on a partially sunny patio.

Pressed | Mostly sunny
Want to feel like you're sipping your drink in a garden alleyway? Look no further than Pressed, where tables for two line the cobblestone walkway to the coffee shop's side door.

Hillcrest Coffee | Partially shaded
Sip your favorite coffee or tea on the wraparound porch of this 1925 bungalow.

Sweet Cup Cafe | Mostly sunny
This colorful cafe is open for a quick breakfast or lunch. We also love to sip a latte, cappuccino, or cafe con leche on the patio.

Born & Bread Bakehouse | Partially shaded
Grab a cold brew + a cruffin and snag a seat out back of this Swan City staple.

Restaurants

The Joinery | Partially shaded
Grab a spot on this food hall's front patio for a fully covered table with views of the lake, or head to the back for smaller, umbrella-covered tables.

Frescos Southern Kitchen & Bar | Mostly sunny
Take "dining al fresco" to a whole new level at this dog-friendly downtown staple.

Garden Bistro | Partially shaded
Soak in views of Lake Mirror while enjoying soups, salads, and desserts.

Il Forno | Fully covered
Pioggia o sole — that's "rain or shine" in Italian, which is exactly how you can enjoy classic Italian dishes at this Merchant's Walk spot.

Nineteen61 | Partially shaded
This fine-dining Latin fusion eatery across from Munn Park is known for its chef-driven menu and unique touches for special events. After dinner, head up to the restaurant's rooftop bar, Bar Vasco, for craft cocktails while looking out over downtown.

Grillsmith | Fully covered
For those who like to be at the center of it all, grab your next outdoor meal in the heart of Lakeside Village.

Mojo Federal | Mostly sunny
Barbecue is best enjoyed outdoors, right? Order up your favorite feel-good foods under the twinkling lights outside this historic downtown building.

Britt's Cafe | Partially shaded
What's the only thing better than brunch? Brunch on the patio, where you can enjoy your sunny side up eggs in the sunshine.

Cob & Pen | Mostly sunny
Play lawn games or simply enjoy the outdoors in the yard of this restaurant in a former Tudor home.

Texas Cattle Company | Fully covered
Saddle up for a spot at this Swan City steakhouse with views of Lake Mirror. Pro tip: Stop by on your birthday to strike gold on a good deal.

Palace Pizza | Fully covered
Your chances of bumping into someone you know are pretty high here — the winner of our LALtoday Pizza Bracket boasts tons of patio seating.

Good Thyme | Partially shaded
Pro tip: Try the rotating chef's special tacos of the week, then grab a stool or a picnic table to enjoy.

LoveBird Almost Famous Chicken | Fully covered
Cool down from your hot chicken sandwich in the breeze of this shaded patio — a sweet tea slushie never hurt, either.

Fuzzy's Taco Shop | Partially shaded
Hot take: You can celebrate Taco Tuesday every day, so you might as well do it on the patio.

Food + Beer | Partially shaded
This eatery's name says it all. Grab a spot on the patio in the Merchant's Walk plaza for hand-crafted drinks and American fare.

Harry's Seafood Bar & Grille | Partially shaded
This Lakeland classic is known for seafood, desserts, and unbeatable views of Munn Park.

Fresh Kitchen | Fully covered
Build your own bowl at this gluten, sugar, and antibiotic-free eatery. Pro tip: See what we ordered on our first visit.

Teriyaki Madness | Partially shaded
Take in views of downtown Lakeland while enjoying teriyaki bowls.

Jessie's Gourmet Sandwich Cafe | Mostly sunny
Stop by this counter-order spot off of Edgewood Drive to order from 20+ sandwiches, including a classic Cuban.

Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux | Fully covered
Reader Jeanne S. recommends the patio at this spot near the Lakeland Square Mall for its covered patio with overhead fans and Louisiana-style cooking.

Bars and breweries

Swan Brewing | Partially shaded
Views of Lake Wire? Check. Locally-brewed beers? Check. A huge tent for tons of shade while you enjoy live music, food truck eats, trivia, and more? Check, check, check.

Molly McHugh's Irish Pub | Fully covered
This enclosed patio is just steps away from some of our favorite post-beer snacks like Palace Pizza, Bedrock Wings, and Chop Shop.

Lakeland Loft | Mostly sunny
The outdoor seating is limited, but if you can grab a spot on The Loft's second-story balcony, you'll have one of the best views of downtown Lakeland to enjoy with your drink or cigar.

The Brass Tap | Partially shaded
This dog-friendly spot in Lakeside Village hosts live music, trivia nights, and more.

Did we miss an outdoor option? Let us know.