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The best outdoor dining spots in Raleigh

Check out these restaurants with the best outdoor dining in Raleigh!

Posted Updated
Raleigh Times Bar
By
Delaney Eyermann
, WRAL mutliplatform producer

It's finally spring! That means it's time for outdoor dining, which is an incredibly popular choice in the city. Both locals and tourists flock to outdoor bars and cafes to grab a bite to eat.

Check out these restaurants with the best outdoor dining in Raleigh!

The best outdoor dining options in Raleigh

If you are looking for outdoor dining in Raleigh, we have a few restaurant recommendations for you. Here is our complete Raleigh outdoor dining guide.

A Raleigh favorite, Taverna Agora has a gorgeous outdoor seating area.
Photo: Taverna Agora Greek Kitchen & Bar Facebook
Enjoy some delicious Greek food and a cocktail on the rooftop at Taverna Agora. The restaurant also serves brunch on Sundays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Photo: Taverna Agora Greek Kitchen & Bar Facebook
Mulino Italian Kitchen offers a dining experience like no other. While the property was temporarily closed for repairs in spring 2023, it's worth watching for some of the best Italian food in the city on the patio, complete with a swimming pool!
Photo: Mulino Italian Kitchen & Bar Facebook
Photo: Mulino Italian Kitchen & Bar Facebook

Mulino is known for its craft cocktails and delicious wood-fired pizza.

Wye Hill Kitchen and Brewing has one of the most famous patios in Raleigh. Take in a stunning view of downtown Raleigh while enjoying classic bar food and a craft beer.
Photo: Wye Hill Kitchen and Brewing Facebook
Whiskey Kitchen is exactly like it sounds. It is one part whiskey bar, one part Southern kitchen. Grab one of their famous burgers and choose from one of their 300 whiskey options.

This restaurant is close to downtown and offers a large outdoor seating area that can fit more than 100 people.

Photo: Whiskey Kitchen Facebook
Bad Daddy's Burger Bar is one of the best Raleigh outdoor dining locations around today.
Photo: Bad Daddy's Burger Bar (Seaboard Station) Facebook

They offer unique burger creations with toppings such as fried green tomatoes and pimento cheese. Grab a burger and a margarita, and lounge on their outdoor patio.

St. Roch Fine Oysters + Bar brings New Orleans cooking to Raleigh. The restaurant is known for its classic pairing of champagne and oysters.
Photo: St. Roch Fine Oysters + Bar Facebook

You can also visit them on the weekends between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. for a classy outdoor brunch.

Irregardless Cafe is one of Raleigh's oldest and most popular restaurants. The cafe won Open Table's Top 50 Vegetarian Restaurants contest in 2019. However, you can still enjoy classic favorites such as shrimp and grits and smoked salmon hash.
Photo: Irregardless Cafe Facebook

Located in the former Raleigh Times newspaper building, Raleigh Times Bar is a must-see.

Photo: Raleigh Times Bar Facebook

They have a beautiful rooftop patio that offers a great view of the city.

Photo: Raleigh Times Bar Facebook

They also have many incredible craft beers and cocktails to choose from while you are enjoying the fresh air. If you're lucky enough to stop by on a Tuesday, you can take advantage of their incredible tacos.

Gravy and Sitti are two of downtown Raleigh's most popular outdoor dining restaurants. They are often lumped together as they share a beautiful secluded courtyard.
Outdoor courtyard at Gravy and Sitti (Photo: Gravy Facebook)

Sitti serves authentic Lebanese food, while Gravy is a family-owned Italian eatery.

Bittersweet is the perfect place to catch up with a friend or bring your laptop to work. This cafe is perfect for a light bite and serves delectable coffee, cocktails, and desserts. Bittersweet has a seasonal menu, so you get something new every time you go.
Photo: Bittersweet Facebook

Make sure to stop by every Thursday for a new cupcake flavor that is served with a mini champagne bottle to-go.

Diners can enjoy an intimate dinner on Jolie's rooftop patio, "Le Rooftop." This cozy French bistro serves both classic and modernized French dishes from world-famous Chef Scott Crawford. If you want to get a table up on the roof, it is recommended to make a reservation, as tables are limited.

Photo: Jolie Facebook

Craving pizza? Check out Trophy Pizza in downtown Raleigh. Trophy has a cozy outdoor patio where you can enjoy an incredible pizza paired with one of their many craft beers.

Photo: Trophy Pizza Facebook

You can even order dough-to-go so you can make your own Trophy pizza in the comfort of your own home!

Raleigh Beer Garden is nearly 8,500 square feet with a large outdoor dining patio and rooftop bar. This location has been made famous by Guinness World Records for having the largest selection of draft beer (around 400 beers on tap).

Outdoor patio at Raleigh Beer Garden.

In addition to their beer, they also have delicious bar snacks, refreshing salads, and mouthwatering pizzas.

Wilson's Eatery is a favorite among locals. It is a traditional Southern restaurant serving locally sourced sandwiches, flatbreads and salads that will leave you both full and happy.

Photo: Wilson's Eatery Facebook

Wilson's Eatery shares its property with Lynwood Brewing Concern, so you can finish your meal off with one of their incredible beers in the outdoor garden. Dogs are also welcome here!

Did we miss something? Email us your favorite outdoor dining spots in Raleigh at deyermann@wral.com.

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