It’s officially patio season in Houston and we can’t wait to hit up our favorite al fresco spots and check out a few new places! We wanted to share a handful of our go-to patios with you — some of these are also featured on our Houston City Guide and list of best kid-friendly places around town. We broke them down into happy hour, brunch, and kid-friendly categories to make it easy when planning your next outing. Let us know if we missed one of your favorites and we’ll be sure to check it out!

For Happy Hour & Dinner

Coltivare – Maybe the most picturesque patio in town, Coltivare’s garden where they grow herbs and produce is the perfect pre-dinner drinks spot. There’s usually a wait for a table, but on a nice fall evening we don’t mind lingering over a cocktail in this pretty bistro-lit garden!

Beaver’s West – Beaver’s is one of those places that is equally as fun for adults as for kids. They have two locations, one off of Washington and one on the west side of town (where we go). The West location has cool decor and an amazing outdoor space with fenced in games for the kids and a fire pit. They also have live music and face painting / balloon artist on the weekends.

Postino – This lively wine bar at Heights Mercantile has amazing happy hour specials and a fabulous patio to lounge at all season long. Don’t miss the bruschetta boards!

Better Luck Tomorrow – Another Heights neighborhood favorite, Better Luck Tomorrow is more of an outdoor space with a small indoor area. We love the retro vibes and lively atmosphere. Grab a seat in a colorful chair and enjoy cocktails and delicious bites (by notable local chef Justin Yu). They also do a great brunch.

Cuchara – Located in Montrose, this Mexico City-style restaurant is a go-to for excellent chips and salsa, creative cocktails, and authentic Mexican dishes. The patio is surrounded by sycamore trees and during brunch they have a delightful mariachi-jazz trio that makes the atmosphere even better. 

Vibrant – This new trendy health food concept in Montrose has an amazing patio with lounge furniture. It’s perfect for brunch, a work coffee, and happy hour. *Note: It’s closed from 4 to 5 p.m.

Eight Row Flint – This casual hangout in the Heights has a huge patio that is always hopping no matter what the weather is like. Their unique margarita is one of our favorites (and seriously strong), and their tacos are delicious. Eight Row is the perfect spot to meet up with a large group of people for happy hour or a laid back dinner.

Light Years – Our new favorite natural wine bar is in a converted Montrose bungalow with the perfect side yard to enjoy an afternoon over a shared bottle of wine. They have delicious charcuterie boards and on Saturdays they often have additional food offerings as well.

Axelrad Beer Garden & Luigi’s Pizzeria – On the outskirts of Midtown, Axelrad is a beer garden with an expansive outdoor space complete with hammocks and often live music. Their next-door neighbor Luigi’s Pizzeria dishes out amazing pies that you can take with you to enjoy with your beverage of choice. 

For Brunch

Relish – We love Relish for weekday morning work breakfasts because they have delicious food, wifi, and it’s usually quiet before lunchtime. They have a Saturday brunch menu that we’re dying to try and a cute patio to enjoy it on this time of year!

The Dunlavy – We often find ourselves at this scenic restaurant on Buffalo Bayou for early morning meetings. They have huge tables and Wifi so you can spread out and get your work done. They also have a back patio that overlooks the bayou and is surrounded by trees, and we love to have brunch here during the cooler months! 

Barnaby’s Cafe – Another neighborhood staple, Barnaby’s has locations all across Houston. They have a small patio at their Woodway location which is closest to our neighborhood. The patio is nice because it’s separated from the street by a covered awning and greenery. It’s also a great spot to bring kiddos along.

Tiny Boxwoods and Tiny’s No. 5 – Both Tiny Boxwoods and Tiny’s No. 5 have picturesque garden patios that make you feel like you’re in a Nancy Meyers film. These are go-to spots for girls’ brunches and low key romantic date nights. 

Backstreet Cafe – A classic River Oaks staple, Backstreet Cafe has an adorable patio that is perfect for a Sunday brunch with the girls. The restaurant and patio feel tucked away, making this restaurant a nice break from the bustle of Houston.

Local Foods (Kirby, Tanglewood, and Heights) – Whenever we’re craving a healthy lunch, Local Foods always comes to mind. Their Kirby, Tanglewood, and Heights locations all have patios, although Kirby might be our favorite for its sunny L.A. vibes.

Kid-Friendly

Pizza Motus – This cozy, casual BYOB pizza joint in West U. is one of our favorite new spots in town. There’s an adorable patio in front with bistro lights strung over it. The owner is from Italy so you know that the pizza is legit!

Piggy’s Kitchen & Bar – This large casual patio off of Allen Parkway is perfect to bring your kiddos to for lunch or dinner. They also have happy hour from 3 – 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and brunch on Saturday and Sunday!

Mia’s Table – Mia’s Table is part of the Johnny Carraba’s restaurant family, so you know it’s going to be good! It’s counter service which is convenient for big groups, and there are always lots of kids. Mia’s dishes up delicious homestyle favorites like burgers, BBQ, and chicken friend steak, as well as fresh salads. They have a great kid’s menu as well as a patio.

Discovery Green’s Lake House Cafe – The Lake House is a fast casual spot overlooking Discovery Green park that is the perfect spot to eat with your kids if you are spending time downtown. They have a great outdoor patio overlooking the little lake, which of course the kids love! Plus, the prices are very reasonable.

Good Dog – Good Dog has locations in Montrose and The Heights, plus a food truck. As you may have guessed, they focus on hot dogs – gourmet ones – but they also have delicious sandwiches, salads, fish & chips and other options. Both locations have board games and small patios with lawn games.

Island Grill (Tanglewood & Rice Village) – Island Grill is a great go-to for casual breakfast, lunch, and dinner, especially with kids in tow! Their new Rice Village location has an amazing patio!

Onion Creek & Cedar Creek – The “Creek” restaurants are known for their large patios, casual dining, TV screens, and laid back atmosphere. If you’re looking to watch a football game while enjoying food and a beer while your kids run around, these are your spots! 

Did we miss any of your favorites? Let us know in the comments below!