It’s officially patio season in Charlotte, North Carolina! As the vibrant colors of spring unfold and the heat of summer comes in waves, we are craving a crisp drink, savory bites and deep chats on the best patios in the Queen City. From lush gardens to casual hangs to rooftop retreats, this list has it all for you! Each patio offers its own unique experience, not one is to be missed this year. Enjoy date night, girls night out, after work happy hour, friends in town, solo time with yourself or a birthday celebration! Cheers!
Rosie's Coffee & Wine Garden
IG: @rosieswinegarden
Location: 940 N Davidson St.
Neighborhood: NoDa
Concept & Vibe: Rosie’s Coffee & Wine Garden is quite literally the dreamiest patio in Charlotte, especially for those who adore nature. It is by far my favorite oasis because of the lush green gardens, charming trees, unique plants, string lights and romantic, intimate vibes.
Food & Drink: They serve delicious coffee drinks and offer a hyper intentional all world wine selection. Choose your bottle from the wall and snag a few glasses from your barista. When it comes to food, feel free to bring your own bites! (Cheese and charcuterie would be my vote)
Sixty Vines
IG: @sixtyvinescharlotte
Location: 1415 Vantage Park Drive #100
Neighborhood: South End
Concept & Vibe: Right when you pull up to the restaurant you are greeted with the charming pato that looks like you landed in Napa Valley. Relaxed, boho-chic and trendy. Sixty Vines is a “Winemaker’s restaurant” delivering wine-country inspired cuisine paired perfectly with 60 wines on their sustainable tap system.
Food & Drink: Order a BYO wine flight and choose your own adventure. You can sample a rosé, white, sparkling and red all at once. The wine selection is fabulous and they also offer cocktails, mocktails, and a fresh seasonal culinary menu. Perfect for sharing among your closest friends!
Dilworth Tasting Room
IG: @dilworth_tasting_room
Location: 300 E Tremont Ave.
Neighborhood: Dilworth
Concept & Vibe: DTR is a cozy neighborhood wine bar serving up small plates, an eclectic wine list and a damn good espresso martini. They have a garden patio and koi pond tucked in the back that is a little slice of heaven. Follow them on IG to see when they offer live music back there!
Food & Drink: You will find small plates to share on the menu including cheese and charcuterie, burrata, bruschetta, flatbreads and more. I always find a glass I love here, no matter if I am craving Spanish, French, Italian or simply a great Pinot!
Suffolk Punch South End
IG: @suffolkpunchsouthend
Location: 2911 Griffith St.
Neighborhood: South End
Concept & Vibe: Suffolk Punch was the first stop I ever made in Charlotte when I moved to the city! They not only create exceptional high-quality beer, but also offer delicious coffee, brunch, seasonal chef-driven lunch & dinner, mocktails and cocktails! The patio is my go-to hang out space in the summer, it’s expansive, communal and perfect for day drinking!
Food & Drink: Where to Eat Charlotte launched a beer with Suffolk this summer which we are extremely excited about and proud of! It’s a Blueberry Wheat Ale called CLT Blueberry! You must try it because it’s light, crushable and a beer that pairs well with food. Also stay tuned for the dishes we will be pairing with the beer this summer :)
Foxcroft Wine Co.
IG: @foxcroftwineco
Location: 7416 Waverly Walk Ave.
Neighborhood: Waverly
Concept & Vibe: I love all of the Foxcroft locations, but the patio at Waverly stands out to me! The side patio is lined with perky greenery (ferns are my fav!) that makes it feel very relaxed and also feels a bit tropical. This team does an incredible job with educating you on the wines and ensuring you love what you order! Foxcroft is always a staple of mine for girls night out.
Food & Drink: Whether it be perfectly roasted brussels sprouts, truffle fries, fresh pasta or the burger (which is a top 5 burger of mine) you know it’s always going to be a home run here! The kitchen staff approaches their culinary craft with the same dedication and passion as the sommeliers. Great for sharing, tasting, laughing and connecting!
El Puro
IG: @elpurocubanrestaurant
Location: 5033 South Blvd.
Neighborhood: Lower South End
Concept & Vibe: The owners at El Puro are all about crafting an experience for their guests. The patio is a favorite of mine to enjoy a tiki cocktail or Cuban mojito while listening to Latin music. Brunch on the weekends is an absolute must!
Food & Drink: Come for the vibe, stay for the drinks and food. They offer Cuban cuisine with a fusion spin. The chef expresses his creativity with the menu while also making it approachable for everyone! I think their mojitos made with fresh mint, raw sugar, lime juice & rum are so fresh and they are half price on Tuesday! Order the Empanadas, Burrata, Ropa Vieja, Fried Whole Red Snapper & say yes to dessert.
NoDa Company Store
IG: @nodacostore
Location: 3221 Yadkin Ave.
Neighborhood: NoDa
Concept & Vibe: NoDa Company Store is a local gem in the heart of the neighborhood that aims to preserve the character and history of the building that dates back to 1905. Definitely a spot where you will find many locals relaxing, enjoying community and local food from food trucks.
Food & Drink: Enjoy the taproom, beer garden and sangriaria where you will experience local craft beers, handmade sangria, and a great wine selection. This is a spot where you will always feel comfortable and right at home!
Good Year House
IG: @goodyearhouse
Location: 3032 N Davidson St.
Neighborhood: NoDa
Concept & Vibe: Goodyear House was brought to life in a 1900’s milled home and has now transformed into a charming restaurant with a local farmhouse feel. I always venture my way to the back patio as it has a magical essence to it. Perfect for a casual occasion or a special night out with your partner. It is such a versatile destination!
Food & Drink: This restaurant does a phenomenal job at sourcing local and crafting delicious dishes made with love and seasonal ingredients. The Golden Beets, Shaken Fry Bag, NC Trout, Goopy Burger and Half Chicken have been favorites of mine. They also offer seasonal cocktails with an all-world wine list perfect for a night on the patio.
El Thrifty
IG: @elthrifty_clt
Location: 1115 N Brevard St. Unit #100
Neighborhood: NoDa
Concept & Vibe: There is never a dull moment at El Thrifty Social. Whether it be events, weekly specials, pop-ups, game nights, this spot is constantly keeping you on your toes with providing a fantastic fun experience. Looking for margs on the patio or a night of games like pinball and duckpin bowling? This is where you go!
Food & Drink: El Thrifty offers Mexican plates great for sharing like the Trio Dip, Queso Fundido, Housemade Guac, Empanadas, Tacos & Carnitas. Pair this with the El Thrifty Margarita, Cactus Flower or local beers on draft. The patio is airy, spacious and vibrant. An amazing space for meeting your friends out, celebrating a special occasion or after work happy hour.
Camp North End
IG: @campnorthend
Location: 300 Camp Rd.
Neighborhood: NoDa
Concept & Vibe: This 76 acre historic industrial site is an innovative space designed with community in mind. Camp North End offers unique vibrant workspaces, local restaurants, cafes, bakeries, plant shops and more. People visit Camp North End because they gather entertainers, music artists, food, music, non-profits, farmers markets and more for us all to enjoy. The space is special and an epicenter to share a beautiful experience with the community.
Food & Drink: You will find incredible local businesses such as Babe and Butcher, Hex Coffee, Noche Bruta, Room Service and much more! Grab a delicious meal, cocktail or coffee to enjoy while gazing at the different sights sprinkled all over Camp North End. A must visit in the Charlotte area.
Optimist Hall
IG: @optimisthallclt
Location: 1115 N Brevard St.
Neighborhood: NoDa
Concept & Vibe: Optimist Hall offers over 20+ food stalls, 3 dine in restaurants, a craft cocktail bar and brewery all in one space! Such an incredible addition to NoDa. The outdoor patio tables and seating areas around the property are amazing for hanging out and enjoying eclectic bites from the local vendors.
Food & Drink: A few of my most frequented spots are Harriet’s Hamburgers, Billy Sunday, El Thrifty Social, Felix’s Empanadas, and Suarez Bakery. Bring the family, kids, group of friends or your date! You will have a blast and always find something delicious.
