Take in some of Austin’s incredible sunshine during the spring and summer months this year with a meal outside at one of our many restaurants that feature outdoor seating. There’s nothing better than feeling the warmth of a beautiful day while enjoying all of the culinary delights that Austin has to offer so hurry up and make your reservations now!
Moonshine Grill
4.6 ★
Red River St is where the sun seems to always shine on Moonshine Grill’s large patio seating area. Housed in a historic building, Moonshine Grill’s southern style charm is evident from the moment you sit down all the way through plates of fried green tomatoes, shrimp and more. Try not to fill up too much on the popcorn that they give you to start. From 11 am – 10 pm every day (except Sunday, see brunch hours on website) you can try out Moonshine Grill and see what’s had people coming back since their 2003 opening. Twenty years and counting, Moonshine Grill is clearly in this for the longest haul so hurry out and become a part of history in the making.
Perla’s
4.5 ★
Normally, considering how shady something is can be a make-or-break factor when contemplating where to eat and who to hang out with but with Perla’s, you won’t want to skip the extra shady quality of their patio. Find this surf n’ turf focused restaurant on south Congress and stop by anytime from 11:30 am – 10 pm (11 pm on the weekends) and experience the oyster bar or some “simple” seafood plates. Whether you’re taking a chance on the grilled mahi sandwich or a salmon plate, you’re in for a treat when you sit outside of Perla’s.
Lenoir
4.5 ★
Perfect for a date night or adults only evening, Lenoir on 1st street is an upscale dining experience that is only made better by the outdoor seating. Treat yourself to some smoked pepper pimento cheese or crab fingers and take in the warm spring weather that Austin is (we think) famous for. Though Lenoir is closed on Monday and Tuesday, you can plan for dinner from 5 pm – 10 pm every other day out of each week. Ask about the corn churro if you’re feeling like an attempt at something new for dessert.
Upstairs at Caroline
4.8 ★
Austin’s “premier urban backyard party” happens Upstairs at Caroline in Aloft Austin Downtown. Brisket tacos are the plate to order while engaging in different bar games. Cocktails and frozen drinks are flowing heavily while people around you take on giant Jenga, darts, and various other activities. Bring your pup if you’d like, Upstairs at Caroline is a dog friendly establishment. Tacos, appetizers, and small shareables are waiting for you to place an order Upstairs at Caroline. Take a moment to visit their website as their daily hours do vary.
Launderette
4.6 ★
What was at one time a gas station and laundromat (way back in the day) on Holly St has now come to be known as Launderette. Serving up only the best American style foods from appetizers like beet hummus to main menu items like charred octopus, you’re bound to find something new at Launderette. During the week, feel free to come by for dinner from 5 – 10 pm and check out their website for the varying weekend hours. Extra cool points to anyone who gives their lunch menu a shot on Saturday or Sunday.
Kinda Tropical
4.5 ★
Open every day from 11 am until midnight, Kinda Tropical on 7th st is where you’ll want to take your family out to their pet friendly patio for lunch (brunch on the weekends) or dinner. Community is incredibly important to the friendly faces at Kinda Tropical, a restaurant that is owned and operated by Veterans from Austin’s music and service industries. Order up a plate of fried shrimp to go with your wine, beer, or coffee and relax for a while at a location that is just “Kinda” Tropical.
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Corner Restaurant
4.8 ★
JW Marriott’s Austin location on 2nd street is where you are able to chill out at Corner Restaurant. With a fusion menu inspired by cuisines from all over the world, Corner restaurant is here to impress even the most cultured foodies. In house made biscuits seem to be one of the top requested menu items so don’t miss out on that before trying out the smoked brisket tacos. Make your rounds include a sit down at Corner Restaurant from 6:30 am – 12 am (1 am on Saturday/Sunday) and maybe even book a night at JW Marriott.
Bouldin Acres
4.5 ★
Anyone up for a round or two of pickleball with dinner? At Bouldin Acres on Lamar Blvd, there’s plenty to engage with outside of just your meal. Food trucks leave room for options along with a full service bar. Bring the whole family and take on the playground or pickleball courts while you contemplate the many grub choices. Any day you’d like, bring your party around from 11 am – 12 am and add some activity to eating out. Take advantage of all the lawn games and try not to get too competitive!
Bar Peached
4.5 ★
Asian inspired bar food is what you’re about to fall in love with at Bar Peached on 6th st. Cocktails seem to match up perfectly with tacos when you sit outside under the shaded dining area. Along with a spacious outside meal space, the restaurant’s inside is cozy and inviting. Ask about dining in a private room for something more intimate. Closed on Mondays, Bar Peached is open for lunch and dinner every other day, brunch on the weekends.
Clark’s Oyster Bar
4.5 ★
Does house baked sourdough, lobster rolls, and valet parking sound good to you? If you’re not already convinced, let’s throw some oysters into the mix. Clark’s Oyster Bar on 6th St has the upscale dining experience you’d expect in downtown Nashville without being too intense. Still casual in their way, this restaurant is prepared and presented with the highest quality and attention to detail. Don’t miss a trip to Clark’s Oyster Bar any day from 11 am – 10 pm and sit outside enjoying the sunshine or watching the night life go by every evening.
Sour Duck Market
4.6 ★
When you want to grab a beer or coffee with food that you know was prepared with locally sourced ingredients, you don’t have to search any further than Sour Duck Market. Martin Luther King Jr Blvd is where to find this expansive location for a good time with good (and ethical) foods. Wednesday through Sunday, come out and take your pick from fresh baked goods or locally sourced meats. Starting up their days at 10 am make this a perfect lunch spot, or maybe stay until they close at 9 pm (10 pm on weekend days) and experience every bit of Sour Duck Market’s ambiance.
Justine’s
4.5 ★
Edgy, fun, and not for the faint of heart is Justine’s on 5th st. Known for their ambiance and onion soup, Justine’s is an off the wall kind of place that celebrates any and all things unique. Truly, you will not have another experience like a visit to this particular bar and restaurant. Escargot is even made to order and paired with the restaurant’s general aesthetic, you’d probably believe you’ve been transported back to 1920’s France. From 6 – 11 pm (2 am on the weekends) every day but Tuesday, dinner is one outstanding experience at Justine’s.
The Heel of the Boot
4.5 ★
Southern Italian cuisine that puts just enough of a twist on the classics is waiting for you at The Heel of the Boot on Shady Ln. Tons of outdoor seating is itching to host even your largest group, The Heel of the Boot is rumored to be the best Italian food you can find in this area. Though they are closed on Mondays, you can take in their large portions from 4 pm – 9:30 pm every other day. Check the website for lunch hours throughout the weekends and grab the iconic meat & cheese board to start, you won’t regret it.
Better Half Coffee & Cocktails
4.5 ★
Not too far west from Downtown Austin, Better Half Coffee & Cocktails is nearby with plenty of parking and a lunch menu that goes perfectly with a bit of sunlight on their outdoor seating. Next door to Hold Out Brewery, the Better Half menu is simple but full and can offer plenty for anyone in your party. Though they close early on Mondays at 3 pm, this restaurant, coffeehouse, and wine bar is usually open until at least 9 pm on every other day. Find them on Walsh St next time you’ve got a craving for espresso with your sandwich.
CONCLUSION
There you go, a wide choice pool of outdoor seating all throughout Austin. Take a trip to any of these top rated restaurants and know that you’re in good hands. Around here, we love to eat and serve our guests with all the comforts of our own homes. Community is important to us at The Austin Insider and we are always on a mission to keep people coming back to this area so be sure to look back at our past posts. There’s not much we won’t cover at some point and you never know what answered questions lie within our “articles” tab at the top of this page.
Before you go, consider taking some time to read through our FAQ section to find out more about the Austin Pedal Party ride through downtown Austin. Our tour is an affordable and Eco-Friendly way to learn about the city while having the time of your life. Invite all of your friends, we can carry up to 15 passengers at a time. We can’t wait to see you for a ride on the Pedal Party!