The North Texas climate is hospitable to al fresco dining year-round. Here’s a list of patios perfect for fall, winter or summer days. 

 

Little Red Wasp

This buzzy downtown establishment is the friendly little sister to upscale Grace Restaurant across the street. Both have quaint patios where one can sip on a cocktail and enjoy a tasty app while watching the hum of downtown life go by.  


Branch & Bird

The restaurant at the Sky Lobby level of the Frost Tower building has a commanding view of most of downtown Fort Worth. Whether you’re in for the petite breakfast menu at sunrise, lunch, happy hour or dinner, you’ll find yourself captivated by this high-rise view.

 


Brewed

Coffee? Tea? Beer? Wine? Brewed on Magnolia Avenue has all the above, along with breakfast, lunch, dinner and brunch. The outside fire pit with a semi-circle of seating and nearby picnic-style tables is the perfect place to eat, drink and gather. 

 


HG Sply Co.

The clean-eating restaurant in WestBend is suitable for vegetarians, vegans, carnivores and people with dietary issues like allergies to gluten. It’s rare that a place really offers something for everyone. The comfortable patio overlooks the Trinity River.

 


Joe T. Garcia’s

The original mom-and-pop restaurant on the Northside has been a staple in Fort Worth for eight decades, and the extensive outdoor patio gardens are one of the highlights we usually like to show our out-of-town guests. Go in the evening for family-style service or grab lunch or Sunday brunch where everyone can order off the menu. Just remember, they don’t take credit cards, but Joe T.’s may be the last place in town that will honor your check!

 


Press Café

Felipe Armenta’s restaurant on the Trailhead in Clearfork has dazzled food critics both locally and state-wide. But the best feature is the wide-open outdoor space. Three fire pits and a plethora of large standing heaters combine on the huge ground-level patio to ensure relative comfort almost any day of the year. Between the twinkly lights strung from the building and the weathered wood tables and chairs, this outdoor space leaves nothing to be desired. 

 


Reata Restaurant

The terraced decks at the multi-level stalwart in Sundance Square provide arguably the best views of downtown Fort Worth. As an added bonus, the funky, fun Dome provides a climate-controlled way to enjoy indoor dining outdoors. Unless there’s a private party, you can reserve a table on weekends.  

 


Rogers Roundhouse

You’ve probably visited Curly’s Frozen Custard on Camp Bowie sometime in the past two decades. Owner Bourke Harvey’s branched out near University Village, with a restaurant that honors Fort Worth’s long affiliation with the railroad. Wooden picnic benches shaded by umbrellas and twinkly lights make the outdoor space both usable and beautiful.

 


Salsa Limon Distrito

Part of the charm of Salsita is that the Ramirez siblings seem to know just where to put their brick-and-mortar locations. The River District is the perfect backdrop for the patio, where you can enjoy Mexico City-style tacos al fresco at picnic tables. Some tables have shade, and the outside is adorned with lights and fun decor.

 


Winslow’s Wine Café

Before the proliferation of wine bars on Magnolia Avenue, there was Winslow’s, the small restaurant/wine retailer in an old gas station named for the co-owner’s blue heeler dog. The tabletop fire pits on the patio pair well with dinner, wine or brunch. Join the wine club and get discounts on bottles consumed on the patio, in the restaurant, or for take-out.

 


Woodshed Smokehouse

Tim Love’s little shed on the Trinity has several real wood-burning fireplaces outdoors on the patio facing the river. The back porch includes its own bar and the gravel areas are specifically dog-friendly –– there’s even a menu for your pooch.


Atico

Tim Love’s rooftop tapas bar, Ático, sits at the top the Springhill Suites by Marriott. It's giving hip Barcelona with its alfresco gathering space and Spanish tapas. Get a one-of-a-kind experience, with views of downtown and the Stockyards and a variety of Spanish-inspired drinks.

 

Michael's Cuisine Restaurant and Bar

If you’re jonesing for an actual fireplace to sit and sip nearby, Michael’s Cuisine Restaurant and Bar has a divine, fully functioning fireplace, chill vibes and contemporary ranch cuisine.