perfect patios
Austin's 10 best patios embody 'cool' even in the Southern heat
Honey Moon Spirit Lounge brings interior design out in one of Austin's most stylish patios.
Patios are the natural Austin habitat for leisurely hangs and casual bites. It's as close to a third space as most of us will get in our neighborhoods, especially if there are no libraries nearby.
There's always a blend of captivating new hangout spots alongside our tried-and-true favorites that make up our CultureMap Tastemaker Awards nominees. The category of Best Patio, though, has no predecessor. This "wildcard" category embraces what makes Texas great, especially in the transitional seasons and even under the blazing sun.
Each nominee's welcoming atmosphere – combined with a robust lineup of cocktails, beer, and food – are just two of the many deciding factors that have made judges return time after time.
Only one revered patio can walk away with the coveted trophy at our Tastemaker Awards ceremony and signature tasting event on April 11 at Distribution Hall. Meet our 10 nominees below, and consider scheduling some time to make a visit and experience the patios for yourselves.
You can see all of the Tastemaker Award nominees here and learn more about them in our special editorial series leading up to the big event.
A limited number of tickets are on sale now at rates of $75 for general admission and $125 for VIP (includes early access to the event, valet, and a dedicated bar). Grab your tickets now, because this party will sell out — just like it does every year.
El Alma — Barton Springs
This lofted patio literally elevates an already fabulous Mexican meal. Situated between the back of El Alma and one of the Barton Springs neighborhood's many steep hills, it overlooks one of Austin's most picturesque city roads. It's sectioned off with multiple railings, creating cozy nooks even against the wide-open aerial space. And the food is perfect for long outdoor hangs: margaritas and ceviche all day.
The Buzz Mill
As this site's editor likes to say, she came to Austin to work on guitars and stayed for the Buzz Mill. What keeps us coming back is the extremely casual vibe, with coffee, beer, and cocktails at any hour of the day or night. It's like an Old Austin general store, with rustic charm and plenty of space. The fittingly nonchalant, often artsy patrons aren't shoved so close together that they have to interact — but they probably do, anyway.
Central Machine Works
The outdoor patio at Central Machine Works is the perfect spot to bring the whole family and your four-legged friends. There's ample space for the kids to get some energy out, and there's great shade under the large umbrellas on the wide picnic tables for mom and dad to enjoy a pint. The brewery hosts many fun events that draw in great crowds, so it's definitely possible to make a new friend every time you visit. CMW's refreshing draft beer and in-house kitchen make it difficult to refuse on a beautiful spring day.
Costmic Saltillo
This South-to-East spinoff of a popular coffee bar and beer garden is bigger than its original location, but similar in beauty thanks to its industrial nooks and foliage-filled crannies. Cosmic Saltillo seems made for a large gatherings, with a variety of seating choices like picnic tables, outdoor bar seats, and a whole second-floor additional patio that overlooks the rest of the garden. The otherworldly space looks imaginatively overgrown with lily pads, climbing vines, unconventional exteriors, and graffiti murals.
Honey Moon Spirit Lounge
This restaurant truly brings a homey energy to a small pocket of Central Austin. Unwinding into a romantic ambiance is one of the most endearing aspects of Honey Moon Spirit Lounge, which extends not only from its intimate vintage interior, but also to its outdoor dining areas. Patrons can dine on the covered front porch, illuminated by chandeliers, or head to the twinkling back yard to relax into a patio chair with a drink in hand. The dreamy cocktail list offers peak escapism.
June's All Day
You'll catch us with an affogato and a Croque Madame while we pretend we aren't surrounded by tourists on this busy city street. Located on the iconic South Congress Avenue, the petite sidewalk patio at June's All Day is an ideal hangout spot for people-watchers and brunch lovers alike. The cutesy sidewalk dining area makes visitors feel like they've been transported to a Parisian cafe, while also giving off some classic hipster wine bar vibes.
Justine's Brasserie
Embracing the risqué side of Austin is Justine's on East 5th Street. It's a little hard to determine where the patio ends and the restaurant begins, which is the real beauty of the space. While the French restaurant's dimly lit interior embraces sultry intimacy, the yard is surrounded in greenery, with the all-important addition of a raised performance stage. The front patio is really more of a lush tent than a traditional porch, and always brings the drama.
Radio Coffee & Beer — Menchaca
More übercasual coffee and beer hangs await at this South Austin oasis. During the daytime, freelancers and entrepreneurs mingle with queer metamours and hyperconceptual artists — often, these are all one and the same. Two covered sections keep things cool while one spread-out yard gives tables a little more space. There's always good music on, and at night, the cafe and food truck part transforms into a cool outdoor venue.
Sour Duck Market
If a break from city life is needed, Sour Duck Market is the place to find it. A wonderfully tall old oak tree stands at the center of the rustic-industrial dining area, providing much needed shade to the tiny cabin-like compound. The restaurant is constantly buzzing with customers, dogs, and live music, and few can resist any of their freshly baked pastries, like the jam-filled kouign-amann or the vegan coffee cake.
Uptown Sports Club
Already a growing neighborhood staple, Uptown Sports Club has a welcoming patio for friendly gatherings or meetups before a bar crawl on East 6th Street. Besides the shaded tables, guests can stay out of the hot Texas sun thanks to a partially covered metal pergola. Beautiful marshy plants (Louisiana-coded, like the restaurant) grow among planters that help separate the area for groups. And at night, the cozy patio is lit up by warm string lights.
