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