Anchored by an iconic neon-lighted tree, Axelrad’s expansive outdoor space is full of picnic tables and colorful hammocks ideal for lounging a while. During the day, Axelrad is family-friendly, while weekend nights are perfect for vibing to the live performances and DJ sets. Located in a 1920s redbrick building that was formerly a grocery store, the bar serves several local beers on tap, which you can soak up with a slice at the adjacent Luigi’s Pizzeria.

This Heights destination is on the fancier side of casual, with its craft cocktails and food menu that includes jumbo lump crab cake and hanger steak. Owners Bobby Heugel and Justin Yu know how to meld high-quality drinks and fare with a chill vibe (see also: Anvil, sadly patioless). Come here for the cozy wraparound patio and twists on classics like a ginger mint julep or the Cold-Fashioned with bourbon, rum, brandy de Jerez, piloncillo, and bitters.

This M-K-T Heights restaurant is equipped with cloud swings, green space, and seating for 24, making it the ultimate spot to enjoy a vibrant afternoon with the whole family as the weather cools down. Plus, it’s dog-friendly, so even the fur babies can tag along. Per its name, Buttermilk Baby boasts several buttermilk biscuits to snack on, as well as chicken sandwiches, juicy burgers, and soft serve sweet treats. 

Head to Candente’s expansive patio and enjoy a day filled with flavorful Tex-Mex. The covered green space allows for people-watching along Richmond Avenue or take advantage of the fact that you can sit outside to catch up with friends over some ice-cold margaritas. Be sure to snack on appetizers like the 7-layer bean dip and guacamole before filling up on your choice of fajitas, enchiladas, or grill specialties.

Sipping on a drink while looking out at a horse’s pasture and new townhomes in the background is a unique Houston experience. East End Hardware’s outdoor space is also great if you’re looking for picnic tables and lawn games like cornhole. The bar’s cocktails lean on classics like the Pimm’s cups, but it’s also famous for its boozy snowballs in flavors like piña colada and strawberry pisco.

Agricole Hospitality (of Coltivare fame, which is also great for anyone who wants to sip on wine while strolling through beds of heirloom produce) now has two locations of its bar concept, Eight Row Flint. The original Heights outpost has more of an icehouse feel with its wraparound patio and on-site taco truck, while the new East End spot has a rooftop with a view of downtown and an actual kitchen. You’ll find similar cocktails at both, including Eight Row’s famous ranch water and signatures like the Salty Dog with pink peppercorn vodka, grapefruit, lime, vanilla and tarragon syrup, and egg white.

Also by Agricole Hospitality is this dive baresque watering hole. EZ’s Liquor Lounge sports retro colors and a relaxed spirit that translates to its back patio. With its long picnic tables and other seating options, there’s plenty of space to host a large group of friends who are looking to chat the night away while sipping on favorites like the Famous EZ Margarita and the EZ mule, made with hibiscus and vanilla.

This large, entirely outdoor bar is a great spot to enjoy local beers on tap, and if you needed a side of unusual meat with that, Moon Tower Inn has you covered. The food menu features hot dogs with elk, deer, rabbit, wild boar, and pheasant, plus topping options like sambal mayo and stout kraut. Don’t like sipping on alcohol? Try one of the THC infused beverages like the honeysuckle nectar strawberry lemonade or the Cheech n Chong raspberry highball. 

That scent wafting down Richmond Avenue is the smoker at the Pit Room, and you can sit right up close to it on the barbecue joint’s patio. The outdoor space has a rustic country vibe and there’s always a sports game on—patios and football season go hand in hand, after all. Grab a plate of brisket with sides and a cold beer on draft, and you’re all set. 

Drinking on the bed of a pickup truck is a Texas experience, and at Truck Yard you can actually do it legally. A few vintage truck beds have been converted into tables that sit a group, just one of the many quirky features of this massive outdoor space whose vibe is icehouse-meets-junkyard. Cocktails range from a classic ranch water and margarita to a Texas mule (like Moscow, but with sweet tea). Or, if you’re feeling extra frisky, ask for a party shot—Houstonia’s favorite is the Mexican Candy. Take a ride on the rickety Ferris wheel at your own peril.

There is arguably no place more cherished by Houstonians than the Ice House (yes, we said “the”—the rest are posers). West Alabama has been around since 1928, when it was an actual business that sold ice before the days of refrigeration. Today, the shack-like structure and its many red picnic tables are a regular gathering space for locals, for casual but special occasions or just a good time catching up with friends. Grab a Lone Star and order from the Tacos Tierra Caliente truck across the street.

This Rice Village spot boasts a small patio out front that’s perfect for people-watching visitors to the trendy shopping complex. Go all out for lunch or dinner, or simply order a few salatim to share—hummus, baba ghanoush, labneh—and grab some some wine or a flight of arak, a distilled spirit made with anise to accompany it. Head to happy hour (3–6pm) for $8 bites, $4 snacks, and a chance to get ground lamb and beef pita’le with a bottle for $35.

Heights & Co. has a dog-friendly patio and plenty of large umbrellas for shade—even in the milder seasons, Texas is gonna Texas. Cocktails are the way to go here, including the Salted Watermelon with rum, watermelon, coconut, and salt, or the bar’s signature H&C Spritz, mixing Aperol and sparkling rosé with a pineapple-guava syrup and Topo Chico. Fancy bar bites include a spinach and artichoke dip with truffle oil, cacio e pepe, and cheese and charcuterie boards.

At chef Chris Williams’s Southern restaurant, share a patio with the kitchen’s vegetable and herb garden and enjoy regular live music. The oxtail tamales and the fried green tomatoes are solid appetizer choices; for something more substantial, try the brined and fried yardbird with smoked mashed potatoes, braised collard greens, and honey-spiced gravy. Signature cocktails include the Best Friends, with dragon fruit, reposado margarita and pineapple juice, and the Whiskey Wonderland with honey mango Monin and lime juice. 

Sure, it’s a drive, but if you find yourself out in the bay or heading to Galveston, Pier 6 is worth the stop. The expansive outdoor space offers a serene view of the ocean, from which owner Raz Halili fishes the Gulf oysters he serves at his restaurant and ships off to others. Grab a rattan chair swing and sip on a Sunset Cruise—made with Boodles gin, Fever Tree tonic, raspberry, elderflower, and lemon—while you watch the ships go by.

It’s a classic for a reason. Housed in an actual log cabin, Rainbow Lodge has a multilevel outdoor space where you can sit among the trees and pretend you’re not in Houston. The food menu features Gulf and steakhouse classics, which you can pair with the Texas old-fashioned, a freezer martini, or a glass of wine if that’s more your speed.

Have the travel itch but can’t quite scratch it yet financially? No worries. Tago brings Tulum to Houstonians with its lush greenery, large vibe-y patio fit for a resort, and boozy concoctions. Sip on a Guava Loco with rum, lime, and mint, or opt for the Dragon Rita with tequila, dragon fruit, lime juice, and agave. Satisfy your hunger, too, with snacks like the cheesy arancini, fried lobster tacos, and refreshing Bluefin crudo. 

Without a doubt one of the most picturesque restaurants in Houston, Tiny Boxwoods’ patio is actually just a massive garden lush with flowers, plants, and cabanas. Lean into the vibe and order an avocado toast with a fried egg, smoked salmon, espelette, and honey on organic sourdough bread, a nice pairing for the French 77, made with gin, St. Germain, and rosé. Or go for a mocktail: The hibiscus daydream with strawberry, agave, and lemon doesn’t disappoint.