Fully vaccinated and brimming with spring fever, I’ve been making a point to visit some of my favorite outdoor spots. I feel so happy and grateful. Never again will I take for granted the beauty of sitting outside, enjoying a drink and the company of a dear friend.

The list is fairly Dilworth (and South End) centric. It is, after all, my ‘hood here in Charlotte, North Carolina. Reasonable walking distance home weighs in heavily– I’d rather stroll down the sidewalk than drive and park, especially if I’ve enjoyed too many cocktails.

Here 7 restaurants that have some of the best patios in Charlotte:

Dilworth Tasting Room, Dilworth

DTR, with its beautiful European-ish courtyard, is my overall favorite of Spring 2021. The first time I entered the patio, I was taken aback by the secret garden sitting in the middle of my busy neighborhood. Do make reservations requesting an outside seat–the patio fills up fast.

I usually order: The Tuesday special, a wine flight that includes a small chef-selected charcuterie plate.

2. 300 East, Dilworth

Right around the corner from DTR, is 300 East, which sits inside a converted 1920s bungalow. Though the indoor booths are cozy, it’s the most fun to sit on their patio overlooking East Boulevard. Go for brunch, or happy hour on a pretty evening. And the service is always excellent.

I usually order: The Chesapeake Style Crab Cakes and a glass of Cava or Prosecco.

3. Bulla Gastrobar, South Park

I had my first fully vaccinated drink on Bulla’s expansive South Park patio. It’s an especially good choice for those still feeling skittish about pandemic dining. The tables are generously spaced, and you don’t need to walk inside even to ask for a table.

I usually order: The Ceviche de Jalapeño and a Martini.

3. Toscana Ristorante Italiano, South Park

Each May, I look forward to Toscano’s Mothers’Day Brunch, a tradition that includes all of my favorite things: dining al fresco, Italian food, and my family. Toscano has a beautiful fountain on their sunny patio, just right for a photo with your mom.

I usually order: the Benedict Terra (eggs benedict with filet mignon and Hollandaise sauce) or the Benedict Mare ( eggs benedict with crab cakes, and Buerre Blanc sauce) or the Mare (scallops, calamari, mussels, clams, shrimp, peperoncino over linguini).

4.Waterman, South End

The Waterman’s rooftop bar, Top Side, always has a light breeze, as well as creative cocktails in the form of “Boat Drinks.” Make sure to snap a skyline picture before you leave, it’s one of the best views in Charlotte.

I usually order: A mix of East and West Coast oysters. If in the mood for something (much) more substantial, share The Waterman’s Platter, a mix of fried catfish, oysters and shrimp, plus hushpuppies and accompanying sauces. The spicy Deck Hand is my favorite of the cocktails (Lunazul Tequila, Liquor 43, grapefruit, agave, and jalapeño).

5. Sycamore, South End

Not technically a patio, but a “beer garden” the Sycamore is springtime outdoor fun. Enjoy the sunshine while listening to live music, drinking beer, and tasting food truck fare. Sycamore’s spring calendar features daily live music, starting at 5 pm with rotating food truck choices, culminating in multi-vendor Food Truck Friday.

I usually order: Southern Girl Blonde IPA (even if, like me, you are neither) and heavy snacks from a food truck.

6. Selwyn Avenue Pub, Myers Park

Casual and old-school, Selwyn Avenue Pub has a Myers Park neighborhood vibe, with an outside bar and lots of seating. There are TVs and heat lamps if the weather is chilly, and a retractable roof if it’s rainy.

I usually order: Skinny Original Transfusion (vodka, sparkling water & a splash of grapefruit juice) and mix and match a few of their sliders.

7. Hawkers Asian Street Fare, South End

Try to grab a spot at the 30-seat indoor/outdoor bar, but if it’s full, the 25 seat patio is just as fun. Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream shares the space, hard to resist after a spicy meal.

I usually order: A glass of Junmai Nigori saké, and Hawker’s Delight (wok-seared tofu, with a mix of veggies). And the Spicy Edamame for a snack.

7 of the Best Patios in Charlotte

Fully vaccinated and brimming with spring fever, I’ve been making a point to visit some of my favorite outdoor spots. I feel so happy and grateful. Never again will I take for granted the beauty of sitting outside, enjoying a drink and the company of a dear friend.

The list is fairly Dilworth (and South End) centric. It is, after all, my ‘hood here in Charlotte, North Carolina. Reasonable walking distance home weighs in heavily– I’d rather stroll down the sidewalk than drive and park, especially if I’ve enjoyed too many cocktails.

Here 7 restaurants that have some of the best patios in Charlotte:

Dilworth Tasting Room, Dilworth

DTR, with its beautiful European-ish courtyard, is my overall favorite of Spring 2021. The first time I entered the patio, I was taken aback by the secret garden sitting in the middle of my busy neighborhood. Do make reservations requesting an outside seat–the patio fills up fast.

I usually order: The Tuesday special, a wine flight that includes a small chef-selected charcuterie plate.

2. 300 East, Dilworth

Right around the corner from DTR, is 300 East, which sits inside a converted 1920s bungalow. Though the indoor booths are cozy, it’s the most fun to sit on their patio overlooking East Boulevard. Go for brunch, or happy hour on a pretty evening. And the service is always excellent.

I usually order: The Chesapeake Style Crab Cakes and a glass of Cava or Prosecco.

3. Bulla Gastrobar, South Park

I had my first fully vaccinated drink on Bulla’s expansive South Park patio. It’s an especially good choice for those still feeling skittish about pandemic dining. The tables are generously spaced, and you don’t need to walk inside even to ask for a table.

I usually order: The Ceviche de Jalapeño and a Martini.

3. Toscana Ristorante Italiano, South Park

Each May, I look forward to Toscano’s Mothers’Day Brunch, a tradition that includes all of my favorite things: dining al fresco, Italian food, and my family. Toscano has a beautiful fountain on their sunny patio, just right for a photo with your mom.

I usually order: the Benedict Terra (eggs benedict with filet mignon and Hollandaise sauce) or the Benedict Mare ( eggs benedict with crab cakes, and Buerre Blanc sauce) or the Mare (scallops, calamari, mussels, clams, shrimp, peperoncino over linguini).

4.Waterman, South End

The Waterman’s rooftop bar, Top Side, always has a light breeze, as well as creative cocktails in the form of “Boat Drinks.” Make sure to snap a skyline picture before you leave, it’s one of the best views in Charlotte.

5. Sycamore, South End

I usually order: Southern Girl Blonde IPA (even if, like me, you are neither) and heavy snacks from a food truck.

6. Selwyn Avenue Pub, Myers Park

Casual and old-school, Selwyn Avenue Pub has a Myers Park neighborhood vibe, with an outside bar and lots of seating. There are TVs and heat lamps if the weather is chilly, and a retractable roof if it’s rainy.

I usually order: Skinny Original Transfusion (vodka, sparkling water & a splash of grapefruit juice) and mix and match a few of their sliders.

7. Hawkers Asian Street Fare, South End

Try to grab a spot at the 30-seat indoor/outdoor bar, but if it’s full, the 25 seat patio is just as fun. Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream shares the space, hard to resist after a spicy meal.

I usually order: A glass of Junmai Nigori saké, and Hawker’s Delight (wok-seared tofu, with a mix of veggies). And the Spicy Edamame for a snack.

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