Spring has officially begun, and that means nicer weather, beautiful flowers blooming at the Arboretum in East Dallas, a bustling Katy Trail full of bikers and joggers and tons of dogs at Mutts Canine Cantina. It also means asking to eat outside at your favorite restaurants that have outdoor patio spaces. Fortunately, there are many great patio spots in Dallas these days. Whether you are looking for a laid-back brunch or a great dinner with live music, these Ten Outdoor Patios are worth a visit!
Chelsea Corner
I’ve been to Chelsea Corner a few times, and what I love about it is the location, the overall vibe and the incredible assortment of food! It’s a favorite for residents of Knox-Henderson, and it’s within walking distance to the Katy Trail as well. I recently met with Benny, the manager, and got the scope on what makes Chelsea Corner special. With it being so close to the Katy Trail and the Knox-Henderson era, it’s very dog-friendly. The outdoor patio space was recently upgraded in 2021 and includes 5 big screen TVs and a new jumbo TV for watching sports and events.
Their most popular food item on the menu is the Hot Honey & Pepperoni Pizza. Their most popular drink ordered is the Chelsea Scratch Margarita. They offer brunch on Saturdays and Sundays, from 10 am – 3 pm. If you are a night owl, you can also stay until they close at 2am on Friday and Saturday nights and enjoy live music with a DJ.
https://www.chelseacornerdallas.com/
Photo provided by Dallasites 101
Ozona Grill & Bar
Our family absolutely loves Ozona! There seems to be something for everyone, and their outdoor patio space is one of the best in Dallas! When I sat down with Andrew, the General Manager, I learned that the bricks in the patio area are the original bricks from Greenville Avenue from the 70’s (when it was the Cardinal Pub). Ozona has been around since 1992 and has been voted Best Patio by Dallas Observer. The recently installed a 14’ tall, big screen TV outside as well.
Their most popular food items is the chicken fried steak. Their most popular drink item is actually their “Build-Your-Own” Bloody Mary Bar, which accompanies Brunch on Saturday and Sunday from 8 am – 2 pm. You can get migas, steak and eggs, avocado toast, omelets, French toast and much more!
Photo provided by Ozona's Website
Paradiso
Paradiso has been open for 4 years, and it’s already one of the sought-after restaurants and bars in all of Dallas. My favorite things about Paradiso are the atmosphere and style. It has a very “greenhouse” feel and is very European-inspired in every way. The location is also key – Paradiso sits in the heart of Bishop Arts, right near Melba and N. Bishop Avenue.
When I visited in person, I got to chat with the manager Alex. She was extremely nice, which I believe affects how great the customer service is there. She said that the most popular food item is the Wood-Fired Pizza, which they have 5 different types. She said people also love the Hummus. The most popular drinks ordered are the Paradiso Soda (Gin, Italian Liquor, Passion Fruit Syrup, Mint & Lemon Juice) and the IF Purple & Lilac Cocktail.
Paradiso also offers an array of private and semi-private spaces for guests and groups and has a two bars that partner with the space (Mermaid Bar and Bar Eden Lounge). Their private dining room is called Paradiso Privee, and seats up to 20 guests. It’s intimate, vibrant and elegant! Paradiso also offers brunch on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 am – 3 pm.
https://www.paradisodallas.com
Photo provided by Paradiso's Website
The Rustic
If there is any outdoor patio/space at a Restaurant that better represents Dallas and the “place to be” than the Rustic? What sets apart the Rustic from other restaurants and bars is the stage and live music. It’s more than just a restaurant and bar, it’s a music and entertainment venue as well. They have live on the stage music every day of the week except Mondays.
The most popular food appetizer ordered is the Smoked Dip Duo, which has smoked brisket, spinach and cheddar fondue, a cold pimento dip and chips. The best part is the presentation, which you can watch here. The favorite entrée has to be The Drunk Chick (limited while supplies last). When I interviewed their manager, Andrew, he also said that most people order the Rustic Lager or the Classic Rustic Water to drink, while sitting in the huge outdoor patio space! The Rustic also has huge garage doors that open the bar area to the outdoor space.
They have happy hours from 3 pm – 6 pm daily and offer brunch on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 am – 3 pm. Their Jam & Toast brunch is offered family-style, and it’s incredible – a must for your Dallas bucket list!
Photo provided by EventUp
Katy Trail Ice House
The Katy Trail spans 3.5 miles and has quickly become an iconic destination for Dallas residents and visitors. One main entrance is near American Airlines Center in Victory Park, and the trail runs all the way near Mockingbird Station near SMU. There are very few restaurants or bars that are right on the trail, but the Ice House is one of the best and largest! When I sat down the manager, Tim, he stated that the large outdoor space, the trees and the thousands of people who come through are what makes the Ice House special. According to him, around 5,000 people come through on a typical Saturday when the weather is nice. Just a heads up, there is a wait list for busy days like that!
The most ordered foot item for people sitting outside is the Loaded Cheese Fries. They also have amazing Queso & Chips (with brisket, sour cream and guacamole). The favorite drink of choice is the Frozen Margarita. I personally love their Holy Paloma, and I think it’s one of the best Palomas in Dallas. The Katy Trail Ice House is so popular that they recently added an additional corral space for extra seating and a food truck near the valet and parking.
Photo provided by Katy Trail Ice House's Website
Birdie's Eastside
Birdie’s is the newest entry on the list, and it’s definitely a “hot spot” and new favorite place to eat and drink in East Dallas. Birdie’s is one of those unique spots that has something for everyone: tons of seating options, 7,000 square feet of outdoor space (both covered and uncovered), areas for kids and families to eat and mingle, a private room with its own private outdoor space and an adult-only bar! In addition, the owner (Jon Alexis of hospitality group Imperial Fizz) is one of the most approachable and hands-on owners I’ve met.
I recently learned two fun facts about the outdoor patio space at Birdies. Since they own the space, they were able to invest in a farm in East Texas and bring in their own live oak trees. Also, they re-used the original Luby’s sign and artist Jenna Fredde created a custom graffiti piece with the sign, that now hangs by the entrance on the patio.
The favorite food item so far are the Spicy Tuna Wonton Tacos. The most popular drink on the menu is easily the Frozen Espresso Martini! Birdie’s recently changed their hours, and now open at 10 am on Saturdays and Sundays. They offer a great brunch menu that includes my favorite, the Chicken & Waffle Tacos!
https://www.birdieseastside.com/
Photo provided by Kathy Tran & The Dallas Morning News
Smoky Rose
Another East Dallas fan-favorite is Smoky Rose, which sits right across from the Dallas Arboretum. They describe themselves as “Tex-Que”, which is different than the traditional Tex-Mex. They use an off-set smoker to cook all of their meats and incorporate those into their menu. When I visited with Oscar Aroche, Operations Director, he referenced the Arboretum and the nature as the biggest influences to Smoky Rose. The outdoor space is very large, and there are tons of different options for smaller groups, large groups and even big parties for events like wedding receptions, etc. They host a number of wedding receptions a month!
The most popular food item they serve is the Brisket Queso. Their Margaritas are also a crowd favorite here! They currently have a new Smoky Rose Grapefruit Margarita, which has a special edition Codigo Blanco tequila specifically made for Smoky Rose in Jalisco, Mexico. It’s really good!
They have live music every Thursday through Sunday from 5 pm – 7 pm and support local musicians. They have Happy Hour every Monday through Friday from 3 pm – 6 pm, featuring $6 craft beers, house wine and staple cocktails. Fun fact: the owners and managers of Smoky Rose are also opening a new restaurant on Maple and Inwood in September or October named Cantina La Rosa!
Photo provided by Smoky Rose's Facebook
Ferris Wheelers Backyard & BBQ
This great BBQ spot is located near the Design District and minutes from Uptown and Downtown Dallas. According to the manager, Yami, what makes Ferris Wheelers special is the pet friendly atmosphere, the outdoor games and the live music! They are currently in the early stages of building a new stage next to their outdoor patio and space! Ferris Wheelers Live features weekly concerts, and the musicians and schedules are listed on their website below.
A popular food item for patrons sitting outside is the Brisket. They also serve incredible BBQ staples like ribs, pork, turkey and hot links. The most popular drink ordered is the Ma & Pa’s Lemonade, which vodka, elderflower liqueur, lemon juice, simple syrup topped with sprite and a strawberry ice cube.
https://ferriswheelerslive.com/
Photo provided by D Magazine's Website
The Henry
One of my favorite things about The Henry is the location and the atmosphere surrounding the restaurant. It’s located in Uptown and walking distance to the American Airlines Center (where the Dallas Mavericks and Dallas Stars play), the Dallas Museum of Art and the Perot Museum of Nature and Science. Also, The Henry is neighbors with restaurants like North Italia and Taco Lingo, and Lavender Lounge. In between those spots is a huge, turfed area with seats, that I’m affectionately calling “Cedarland Corner”.
They have a variety of outdoor spaces, with tables and umbrellas near the front, more patio space near the turfed area and a rooftop patio and bar as well. Their menu has a little bit of everything for anyone, including burgers, pasta, seafood, steaks, guacamole, fondue and crab cakes. There’s a reason why The Henry is named “The Greatest Neighborhood Restaurant”.
https://www.thehenryrestaurant.com/locations/the-henry-dallas/
Photo provided by Paper City Online
Tequila Social
If you’re at the American Airlines Center and start walking or biking on the Katy Trail, you’ll see the trail’s latest restaurant, Tequila Social. It’s extremely easy to find off the trail, but it’s a bit hard to get to if you are driving there. You have to follow the signs off McKinnon and the parking garage will have a neon sign in the back that says, “Texas Tacos Tequila”.
A popular item on the menu is the Empanadas, which are served on clothespins like clothes on a line. They also have a great brunch menu, with items like Churro French Toast and Breakfast Tacos. They also have Happy Hour on Monday through Fridays from 3 pm – 6 pm. A bucket list item is to go with some friends and get the “Large Format” 38 oz Margarita in a cowboy hat!
https://www.tequilasocialdal.com/
Photo provided by Dallasites 101