chron.com | tubular tv | comics | games | horoscopes | iPhone | Quick Search
Browse great outdoor patios by clicking here. (Photo by Eric Kayne)
Houston isn’t the ideal city for al fresco dining.
It’s stifling hot eight or so months of the year; you can saddle our mosquitoes; and our population means there are few spaces that are clear of exhaust fumes and the roar of traffic.
In spite of all that, Houstonians get just a little giddy this time of year.
All around the city, patios are packed. For many, a desirable outdoor scene will dictate their dining destination for the next couple of months. So we are here to help.
Here are 25 of Houston’s best al fresco options.
Houston’s Patio Dining Hall of Fame
Backstreet Cafe
I’m partial to the backyard patio at this old River Oaks homestead, where you dine under the shade of a camphor tree. It is romantic, almost indulgent. Add the bistro-style comfort fare -- lobster sandwich, seared duck breast, wild mushhroom tart -- and flawless, unhurried service. Well, no wonder it is so popular.
Cafe Adobe (River Oaks)
There’s something oddly hypnotic about the patios -- both street level and rooftop -- fronting Westheimer at this iconic cafe. It’s the sounds: cycles roaring down one of Houston’s busiest thoroughfares, the boom, boom, boom of the restaurant’s Latin soundtrack, the sweet chiming of the bells of St. Anne’s and, of course, the margarita-fueled laughter of guests.
Baba Yega
This quirky little restaurant just a stone’s throw from bustling Westheimer has been serving healthy, comfort fare for 35 years. Its front patio is a gathering spot for Montrose neighbors who appreciate its homey, laid-back style and Sunday brunch. A walk through the backyard gardens is a must.
Lupe Tortilla Mexican Restaurant (West Houston)
The waits for a table at this rambling Tex-Mex restaurant can be interminable, but several generations of Houstonians consider it a Friday- or Saturday-night tradition. The secret to cooling your heals without losing your cool: potent margaritas.
El Pueblito Place
Remember when El Peublito was a “place” and not a “patio”? When it was about the food (amazing grilled fish and pineapple salsa), and not about the scene. Get over it. With its cloth-swathed cabanas, light-wrapped palm trees and bubbling water fountains, this patio is one of the city’s most romantic.
Ripe for romance
And speaking of romance, these are the patios and decks that touch our hearts.
Crapitto's Cucina Italiana
One hundred-year-old oak trees and big green umbrellas shade this lovely patio just a few blocks from frantic fuss of the Galleria. The upscale Italian restaurant housed in a former farmhouse has a loyal clientele that knows to call ahead for a table. You should, too.
Artista
The outdoor balcony on Michael Cordua’s Hobby Center restaurant provides show-stopping views of downtown H-Town. And the food is so pretty.
Daily Review Cafe
This little restaurant tucked away off Dunlavy can feel very clubby when the River Oaks ladies who lunch pack the sprawling patio on a gorgeous fall day. While the food is very good. The people-watching even better.
Cafe Benedicte
The patio at this cheerful westside cafe is shaded by moss-covered oaks and overlooks a lovely little lake. The Mediterranean menu is filled with surprises, and the staff treats you like family.
Family matters
Sure romance is great, but sometimes you gotta take the kids along. Here are favorites for families:
Sharky’s
Prices are family friendly on the burger- and fried fish-dominated menu. And a super friendly staff keeps the energy level high at this waterfront spot on Lake Houston in Kingwood.
Vida Loca
The large patios with adjacent children’s playground make this a hit with Tex-Mex-loving Katy families. It’s a party on nights when there is live music.
The Lake House
The nearly non-stop entertainment schedule at Discovery Green make the patio at this counter-service cafe the place to be on weekends.
Built for fun
These patios are where the party begins and often ends -- late.
Cedar Creek: James Nielsen : 29-95
Cedar Creek Cafe
Sprawling patios and a “back yard” provide plenty of seating for the hordes who flock to this Austin-themed eatery in the Heights. The service can be haphazard, so order an extra beer and don't let the wait-wait-waitstaff wreck your laid-back state of mind.
Watson's House of Ales
Since taking over an adjacent restaurant space, this west side pub has one of the largest, prettiest patios in town. An outdoor bar helps keep the party fueled.
Hughes Hangar
Think of this patio/lawn as the Central Park of the Washington Avenue strip. On weekends, it’s a non-stop garden party; on Tuesday, there’s movies on a giant screen under the stars.
Water, water everywhere
These are among the best (scenes, not neccesarily meals) among the waterfront spots.
Noah's Ark Bar & Grill
Two decks and two patios offer close-up views of Galveston Bay at this little Bacliff grill that prides itself on its fresh seafood and cheap drink specials. Weekends are a hoot as brokers-cum-bikers and mix with the snowbirds and eccentric locals.
The view at Noah Ark.: Syd Kearney : 29-95
Sam's Boat (Clear Lake)
Belly up to the outdoor bar and take in the scenery at this Clear Lake diner where it’s all about the beer, the burgers and the ballgame.
Boudreaux's on the Bayou
Located off 61st Street in Galveston, this bar/restaurant/live music venue offers a nice view of Offatts Bayou and the causeway from its large partly covered deck. Live music is offered on the weekends.
Landry's on the Kemah Boardwalk
Sure it’s easy to hate the touristy boardwalk, but sitting at bayside table and sharing a big plate of fried shrimp and oysters, it’s hard not to smile.
Super sidewalk
These spots are all about people-watching as their sidewalk tables put you in the middle of the action.
The Flying Saucer
With the metro train and pedestrians whizzing past, the picnic tables outside this downtown beer/bites emporium attract lovers of city living and hard-to-find brews.
The Rouxpour
This Cajun restaurant has a wrap-around patio and a Big Easy attitude. Get an order of boudin and a dozen grilled oysters. It's easy eating.
Jasper's
There’s no better place to be on a Saturday afternoon that the patio of this upscale restaurant on the west end of The Woodland’s Market Square where it anchors an action-packed pedestrian plaza. Iron Chef-whipping Kent Rathbun’s “backyard” cuisine is crazy good, but pricey.
Cyclone Anaya's
This CityCentre patio is muy popular. It’s funny how margaritas seem to be at the center of so many of the best patio scenes.
Editor's note: This list originally was published in April of 2008. It has been updated quarterly since then. The following are some of our past recommendations. (And, yeah, we still think they're good options.
Bodegas Taco Shop
Beaver's Ice House
Gilhooley's
Little Big's
Outriggers
The Spot
Tila's
Market Square Bar & Grill
El Tiempo
Benjy's
Jasper's
Sam's Boat
Teala's
Chuy's
Amazon Grill
Big Woodrow's
Thanks for the list! I love Cedar Creek (and the whole Onion Creek franchise, for that matter).
I would add Empire Cafe and the Lakehouse in Discovery Green to your list.
I love sitting outside and haven't tried any of these places! Some of my favorites are La Hacienda on Telge in Cypress and the Willie's chain (Willie Fajitas or Ice House). Great thing about La Hacienda is that their patio has those water cooled fans that are like A/C.
The only problem with some of these "Family Friendly" places with patios is that a lot of times it is the only smoking area. Nothing like sitting on the patio while your child plays in a sandbox next to a table full of smokers getting drunk.
I find it quite a stretch to equate smoking and "getting drunk". There are plenty of non-smokers that get drunk too.
We ate at La Hacienda last night and there were lots of families there with plenty of youths in team uniforms. I am all for quality family time, but the problem I have with that is the parents do not control these children. They allow them to run all over the restaurant with no supervision or control. We had at least a dozen of these kids run into our table as though we were a bumper car.
The restaurant staff is there to serve food and drinks, not babysit your kids. Next time, leave them at home with a sitter or teach them how to behave in public.
Smokers and unruly kids both annoy the hell out of me, so it's justice that you have to sit together outside.
JERK
The number one best place to sit outside is the Rainbow Lodge! The view, the food, the people -- all perfect!
I was looking for it on the list as well!!! Great place to be outdoors!!
Beck's on Westheimer near Augusta - awesome patio!!
This Beck's location is the greatest. The huge trees are amazing. Too bad we can only enjoy it during the spring and late fall.
The Hobbit cafe has a great patio,and it's laid back too.
Yummmm !
MANCUSO'S ITALIAN TABLE has a great patio
2231 S. VOSS
Hey Karen Sue, you already have the inside all to yourself what else do you want. Now you want the smokers out of the outside? I bet you are one of those bible thumpers that like to tell people that they should not abort, use contraceptives but shut the hell up when asked if you would raised the "saved" kids. This was a good natured report that I had been searching for since I like eating outside. It was great until you came along. By the way, I am not a smoker but I had to stump on the rights of those who choose to.
great report in concept, you are missing alot of good places.
waht a jerk you are. she has a valid point about smoking around kids.
Good for you !
Corelli's Italian Cafe in Sugar Land has a nice patio also!
Kilburn's Tavern and Grille @ Malcomson and Grant location has one of the best patios in Houston! No road noise, seculded in back!!
If they could just do something about the flies. It is a really great patio, but once the food comes to the table, the flies just swarm!
A little chili for now, but hell this is HTown so we will be back on the patio's soon... Look for Planet Vodka in Dec 2010... PLanetVodka.com Mark COO
Antidote, the locally owned coffee, etc., place at Studewood and 8th in the Heights, has one of the best patios in town: private, shaded and well away from the street. Even better, they also serve beer, wine and snacks, and stay open from 6:30 a.m. to midnight.
UM the best place has always been NIKO NIKO'S on Montrose. How does this trendy miss this list.
The Grove roof!!
Also Border's in Katy. But i think they may have moved locations to a less-charming one...ayeee
OMG I so agree...we used to eat at Texas Borders all the time in the old location...I was told the new location was better atmosphere and more for adults.....boy...whoever told them that LIED! I won't go back...the service was good but I felt like I was sitting in the middle of CiCi's pizza. Kids running around everywhere and the layout of the restaurant says "singles, stay home, we want families!"
Haven just off Kirby is really swell for outdoor dining. Had lunch there on Monday off a nicely chosen luncheon menu. Pretty porch, water features, good food. Couldn't have been a better experience, unless I'd ordered wine, and then I would have needed to head for a hammock....
Grappino, then the patio outside of Beck's Prime at the Memorial Park Golf Course, Blue Bar at Brenner's on the Bayou, Gilhooley's in San Leon, Judge's also in San Leon, Chris Furtado's backyard
Why, how would one know about Furtado's backyard unless one was the brain behind the redesign??
Why, how would one know about Furtado's backyard unless one was the brain behind the redesign??
Zimm’s Little Deck serves up seafood, sandwiches and gumbo in an atmosphere reflecting New Orleans charm. With its French posters, flickering gas lights, bentwood chairs, outdoor fireplace and large outdoor pétanque court, Zimm’s Little Deck offers a friendly and casual vibe with down-home dishes. The Zimmerman clan refers to this venue a fancy ice house, for my wife Penny and I, Zimm’s Little Deck is much more than that.
Based on popular Cajun cuisine from “po' boys” to “rich boys,” Zimm’s Little Deck serves up seafood, sandwiches and gumbo. But what else would you expect from a "fancy" icehouse complete with a broad selection of craft beers and "cheap, decent or good" wines. Sit inside with a group, or alone at the bar. Zimm’s Little Deck adds fun to the food with a pétanque court in front of the establishment. The vaulted ceilings and crown moldings brought an "old world" ambiance to the building. Outdoor patio seating and wide French doors means you can watch the world go by, or enjoy the game of pétanque as it is played.
What is pétanque? It is similar in nature to Italian bocce or English lawn bowling where two teams compete against each other to roll a ball closest to the "goal" both through direct rolls and those that knock the ball of the opposing team away from their goal. Brothers Mark and Dan Zimmerman admit to learning to love this sport from a young age as they first learned how to play it while visiting family in France. Zimm’s Little Deck’s ambiance makes it a favorite venue for our French-speaking group, le RDV Français, which meets there on a regular basis.
Chef Jeramie Robison draws on fresh Gulf seafood and his Louisiana roots (and some produce from his family farm) to create hearty gumbos, shrimp rémoulade and croque monsieur hushpuppies. But the stand-outs here are the fried oyster and shrimp poor boys and their “rich boy” cousins like the Long Island quack: duck thigh confit with arugula and seasonal fruit preserves stuffed into a crunchy baguette. Specialty drinks include hurricanes and gin fizzes, but there’s a decent wine list and plenty of craft beers on the bar list as well.
Gulf Oysters on the half shell are cold and briny and carefully opened, their only drawback being the cost: $17 a dozen, guaranteed to produce sticker shock among Houstonians and making a dozen on the half shell a major splurge. While the Cajun restaurant's small plates (items like Croque Monsieur balls and fried calamari) are great, the poor boys are wanting. But there’s no shortcoming here that couldn’t be fixed with relative ease.
Unique truly is the word to describe Zimm's Little Deck, from dining and drinking to entertainment. You can choose from icehouse/seafood bar to "home cooked" Cajun cuisine; visit with friends or dine alone there is something here for every taste and age.
If kids in restaurants annoys you....annoy them right back....say something to the parents...it's embarrasing for them and 9 times out of 10 it works....if it doesn't...leave....and make sure to let management know you are leaving because their patrons don't know how to dine with their kids.
Rainbow Lodge at Ella and T. C. Jester has the best patio in Houston. Taco Milagro at Westheimer and Kirby is great, especially when they have a band playing.
La Vista restaurant on Fountain View has a nice outdoor patio with fans and misters that keep things pleasant during the summer. The food is creative and very good. It started as a BYOB place and has a wine-lovers following. However, they now also sell beer and wine if you prefer to buy it there.
La Vista restaurant on Fountain View has a nice outdoor patio with fans and misters that keep things pleasant during the summer. The food is creative and very good. It started as a BYOB place and has a wine-lovers following. However, they now also sell beer and wine if you prefer to buy it there.
Clay's on Clay Road between Hwy 6 and Barker-Cypress is one of the best places to sit outside--especially if you have kids. They have peacocks, ponies, sand, etc.
The Raven Grill patio is small but a great little spot, especially after dark.
Don't forget Tiny Boxwoods!
Onion Creek! Love it! :-)
Are y'all even going to make an effort to cut out the places that no longer exist? I mean re-posting an article that is damn near three years old is bad enough, but not even bothering to cut out the outdated stuff is just lazy as hell.
Which places no longer exist?
How about Teala's on West Dallas?
There is a nice restaurant on Post Oak Blvd btw Westheimer and San Felipe called Mashraf's. They have two patios-one with AC and one without AC. Food is fabulous, to say the least, and service is excellent. I go there once in a while and I can't wait for cooler weather. Since they demolished the building in front of them, they now have a great view.
Alan's Swamp Shack in Kemah
Great piece; very helpful. However...most if not all of these places use their outdoors to accommodate smokers, unlike Austin (pronounced "heaven") which accommodates nonsmokers indoors or out and smokers are SOL...as they should be.
Interesting that an "Aggie Dad" considers Austin, home of the Longhorns, "heaven."
Tiny No.5 in West U neighborhood has a nice and quaint outside dining. Sunday brunch is the best time to go.