Best Places For Dining Outside In Charlotte, North Carolina

When looking for the best of both food and setting in Charlotte, Dressler’s is the place to go. Upscale cuisine meets casual service and friendly staff in this rooftop locale, and Charlotte native Scott Hollingsworth turns out a great menu. Local and regional cuisine is served alongside Asian fusion dishes such as Thai Peanut Calimari and seared Ahi tuna, in an outdoor venue. The patio is spacious, with simple black table and wicker chair seating and a breathtaking view of the Uptown. Live music is often playing and the bar stocks an extensive list of wine, beer, and signature cocktails.

Reminiscent of a classic German bierhaus,VBGB is an outdoor dining experience that goes far beyond food. This locally owned and operated bar serves more than 30 craft beers. This doesn’t include draft beers served in massive steins and kept on a cooling strip at the bar. The outdoor area is the largest year-long patio in Charlotte (tented during fall and winter months), which is perfect for bar games. An oversized chess board sits next to a similarly large Connect Four. On the other side of the bench seating are ping pong tables, volleyball courts, and cornhole. There are weekly specials and DJ sets outside on the weekends. The menu is German-inspired comfort food, from bratwurst to barbecue, and dishes are affordable.

Vivace is an upscale Italian/tapas restaurant with stunning views of the Charlotte skyline. This spot serves simple, contemporary cuisine, including hot and cold antipastiand signature pizzas. Modern decor with black and orange accents comprise the interior and exterior, which offers stellar views of Midtown Charlotte. The stone patio has both couch and table seating, with heat lamps running during the winter months. Check out Vivace for authentic Italian dishes in one of the best venues in the city.

In the South Park district is a portal to a European villa, Georges Brasserie, which serves traditional and contemporary French cuisine. The elegant table seating and romantic ambiance indoors is carried over to the outdoor patio. This is sheltered by a deep red awning strung with fairy lights. One is transported to the charming arrondissementsof Paris, while all the while dining in the center of Charlotte. The menu offers classic French dishes like cassouletas well as contemporary twists, such as the mussels with exotic chorizo or Thai coconut marinades. Don’t miss the beautiful views of the plaza fountain near the patio. Solstice Beer Garden © WikiCommons

Widely considered the best outdoor dining in NoDa and some of the best in greater Charlotte is Solstice, a casual American bar and grill. The menu consists of comfort food and pub fare such as burgers, sandwiches, and salads, with a dash of local flare. The tavern is marked clearly by the blue and yellow brick mural of a sun that wraps around the entire building. The patio is exposed wood, and table seating is surrounded by funky murals and local artwork. In addition to the main bar, the outdoor patio has a full bar with wine, beer, and cocktails. They’re served underneath a handful of flatscreens, so you’ll never miss a game sitting inside or outside. Don’t miss the specialty burgers and classic bar games in this delightful outdoor locale.