2016-04-27



Great Places in DFW to Dine Alfresco

(Updated for 2016)

My favorite thing about our amazing Texas weather is dining “alfresco”. Perhaps it is my Oregon roots, but I have always been a big fan of the patio dining experience.

A good patio must have a relaxed atmosphere, aesthetically appealing decor and reasonably priced good food and drinks. Since having kiddos 10 years ago, my list has now grown to include kid friendly patios.

This patio dining list is broad on purpose to include locations across the DFW Metroplex and to offer a variety of options depending on the kind of outdoor evening you are planning.  Enjoy!

Watters Creek – Allen

Blue Fish, Cru Wine Bar, Grimaldi’s, The Londoner and Village Burger Bar

*Lots of choices, patios facing a green lawn area great for kids to run around & live music on Saturdays. www.watterscreek.com/dine

Chuy’s  – Addison location

*Great big open patio with colorful chairs and umbrellas, perfect for that big family mexican fiesta.
www.chuys.com

Dream Cafe – Addison and Uptown Dallas

*Eclectic and fresh items, patio is quaint and there is a pending play area being created this Fall
www.thedreamcafe.com

The LOT – East Dallas  *my personal favorite for a fun Saturday afternoon!

*Locally influenced restaurant and neighborhood beer garden (farm-to-table style food). Dogs and Kid Friendly!
www.thelotrestaurant.com

Big Shucks – Dallas on Mockingbird and Richarsdon on Coit (at Beltline)

*Great seafood, casual, food ordered by the honor system
www.bigshucks.com

Fireside Pies – Dallas on North Henderson

*Gourmet pizza, intimate atmosphere
www.firesidepies.com

Ginger Man – Dallas

*good for casual date night, bar menu
www.gingermanpub.com

Chicken Scratch – Dallas

*dog friendly, fried chicken bisquit sandwich, super popular patio
www.cs-tf.com

Mutt’s Canine Cantina – Dallas

*For you “fur parents” …It’s as a dog park with a restaurant and a bar. Burgers, Salads, hot dogs, Oh My…and a spacious dog park.
www.muttscantina.com

Ozona Grill – Dallas

*HUGE patio area, great for large groups of friends/family.
www.ozonagrill.com

Patrizio’s – Dallas/Highland Park Village and Plano

*love this place for lunch with girlfriends
www.patrizios.net

Pints & Quarts – Dallas/Lowest Greenville

*An old gas station turned into a vintage burger joint (hot dogs too)
www.psandqsdallas.com

The Rustic – Dallas

*They call their patio “the backyard” – easily the largest patio restaurant/bar in the Dallas area. Go during the week!
www.therusticrestaurant.com

Manny’s – Dallas/Richardson – Coit/Campbell location – (also location in Uptown)

*Coit/Campbell location has a smaller patio, but well used in that neck of the woods. Full service Kids meals, and tasty queso!
www.mannysuptowntexmex.com

Cristina’s – Flower Mound & McKinney

*yummy Mexican food and good kid’s menu
www.christinasmex.com

Gloria’s – Frisco

*Love their bean dip with the chips and salsa, open uncovered big patio!
http://www.gloriasrestaurants.com/locations/glorias-frisco

Blue Goose – Frisco

*Locations in Frisco, off the Dallas North Tollway. Festive large patio, always a good “go-to” mexican spot.
http://bluegoosecantina.com/locations.htm

Joe T Garcia’s – Ft. Worth

*Famous enchiladas, HUGE patio and beautiful atmosphere, large capacity seating
www.joets.com

Love and War in Texas – Grapevine and Plano

*Traditional Texas food and live music
www.loveandwarintexas.com

Mi Dia – Grapevine

*”From Scratch” is their motto, attractive patio with outdoor bar, casual sofas and fire pits
www.midiafromscratch.com

Pluckers – Grapevine (with locations in Allen and Addison)

*Wing Bar, lots of TV’s to catch your favorite sports action
www.pluckers.com

Tierney’s Café and Tavern – Lewisville

*Down home cooking. Great breakfast!
www.tierneyscafeandtavern.com

Buffalo Bluez – Plano

*Voted Best Burger joint in Plano. Burgers, Wings, and a Patio
www.buffalobluez.com

Katy Trail Ice House – Plano (and Routh St. in Dallas)

*Austin style beer garden and restaurant with a HUGE patio in the heart of Plano
www.thekatyicehouse.com

Shops at Legacy – Plano

*Several great places to choose from – Gordon Biersch, Ra Sushi, Twisted Root Burger
http://shopsatlegacy.com/index.php/shops/dining

Richardson Food Truck Park – Richardson/East of 75

*A great family place for outdoor dining. Website lists trucks and special events. Something for everyone.
www.richardsonfoodtruckpark.com

Sushi Zushi – Southlake

*Definitely for adult night out. Japanese traditional cuisine fused with modern tastes.
www.new.sushizushi.com

Image Credit: photo credit – Ozona Bar and Grill

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