Dynamic Variation:
D'Alba
D'Alba, a family-friendly spot in the Heights, is a more recent staple with a green patio complete with a playground and even covered arcade games. There is an outdoor bar for ordering convenience and plenty of umbrellas for sunny day coverage. This casual spot serves crowd-pleasing dishes and craft cocktails. The burgers and pizzas are popular as well as their cookie topped with ice cream.
Marmo
Looking to take things up a notch? Marmo is upscale with a delectable menu and live pianist, but boasts a beautiful patio in the heart of Montrose. Enjoy unique Italiane fare amongst the hustle and bustle where the vibes are top-notch. If posting your meals is a priority, this outdoor seating area is perfectly Instagrammable, and the housemade pastas, steaks, and happy hour items will not disappoint.
Backstreet Cafe
One of Backstreet Café’s most attractive features is its beautiful patio. It’s the perfect setting to enjoy James Beard-nominated chef Hugo Ortega’s New American fare, which includes classics such as steak frites, Gulf shrimp and grits, and goat cheese ravioli. Whether you go for Sunday jazz brunch or a romantic evening out, you’ll love eating al fresco here. Pay them a visit to find out why Backstreet is consistently named among the best patios in the city.
Brenner's On the Bayou
When it comes to great outdoor views, Brenner’s On the Bayou is in a league of its own. The steakhouse’s terrace offers diners a panoramic scene of Buffalo Bayou and the restaurant’s gorgeous landscaped grounds. The restaurant also has a bar, called Blue, where visitors can enjoy cocktails, wine, snacks and cigars at one of its two patios, which are outfitted with comfortable seating, fire pits, and striking views.
Brasil
A favorite among artsy types, musicians, and students, Brasil in Montrose offers good coffee, wine and beer, and tasty bites. Open since 1992 and considered the first coffee shop in Houston, Brasil has a welcoming neighborhood vibe and two patios to enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner. Hang out at the front patio for good views of the busy intersection of Westheimer and Dunlavy or head to the back patio for a quieter time. And don’t miss the coffee house's weekly live musical acts, film screenings, and food tastings.
Cedar Creek
With a creek-side deck, light-strung patio, outdoor bar, fire pits and cozy cabin feel, Cedar Creek is popular for an easy going afternoon or evening out. Like its sister establishments, Canyon Creek and Onion Creek, Cedar is a good spot to have a beer, drink some coffee, catch a game or grab a quick bite to eat. Open every day of the week, these neighborhood joints are perfect for a lazy afternoon out or to simply hang out with friends snacking on fried shrimp or hot wings.
Coltivare
The 3,000-square-foot garden at Coltivare is a gorgeous setting for an evening out. Dine surrounded by the herbs and vegetables used by chef Ryan Pera in many of his rustic Italian dishes. Since the restaurant doesn’t take reservations, the garden is also a good spot to enjoy a drink while you wait for your table. Don’t miss the excellent cocktails and wood-oven pizzas.
Crisp
Good pizza, wine, and a welcoming neighborhood vibe make Crisp an attractive dining option in the Heights. Its expansive patio offers the best seating in the house with plenty of tables for you to enjoy dinner with family and friends. While their menu offers a variety of salads, sandwiches and heartier options such as meatballs and short ribs, the pizzas are a good bet. Add to that 24 craft beers on tap and an extensive wine list and you’ve got a winner.
The Grove
Located inside Discovery Green, The Grove is a light-filled restaurant that draws visitors from nearby hotels and convention-goers from the George R. Brown Convention Center across the street. The restaurant’s sidewalk seating or second-story deck are perfect for people watching and taking in views of the park during lunchtime or enjoying the city’s skyline by night.
Tiny Boxwoods
Once an empty metal warehouse, Tiny Boxwoods is a classy, beautifully decorated café perfect for a lunch date or catching up with girlfriends. Large windows give the restaurant a light and airy feel but this is a place where you’ll want to dine al fresco. Tiny Boxwoods is next to the Thompson & Hanson nursery, which gives its patio a fresh, green feel. The tranquil setting is perfect to enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner or weekend brunch. Just make sure to get there early because seating is hard to get. You may also want to check out Tiny’s No. 5, the cafe’s sister restaurant, which also boasts a beautiful lawn for outdoor dining.
