When the sun comes out in the spring, so do Charlotteans, flooding the city’s many patios with life that has been cooped up for far too long. So, what patio should you head to for some al fresco partying? Below are some of Charlotte’s best patios sorted by vibe. Slap on some sunscreen and get your outdoor drink on!
Best Patio for Board Games
VBGB Beer Hall and Garden is that hidden gem that most Charlotteans forget about unless they are going to a show at the
AvidXChange Music Factory, stopping in for a drink and a bite to eat before or after a concert. Big mistake! VBGB is also a great place to waste away a few weekend hours with outdoor drinking on one of Charlotte’s largest patios. The fun doesn’t stop with the 30-taps though. The patio is littered with games like giant Connect Four and Jenga. Or, join a pickup volleyball game on VBGB’s three-million pounds of sand.
Best Patio for Beer
No Charlotte patio list would be complete without at least one brewery. I went ahead and included two within this list for good measure.
Olde Mecklenburg Brewery —OMB as it’s referred to locally— is a popular spot for day drinking with its oak shaded beer garden. Order up a frothy pint of their German inspired beer and grab a spot at one of the many communal picnic tables. If you’re hungry, try a pretzel with beer cheese or one of their artisan German sausages. Once the sun goes down, find a spot around the fire pit. OMB is an experience so authentic, you just might think that you’re in Germany!
Best Patio to Cozy Up On
While
Zada Jane’s Corner Cafe might not be on most top patio lists, but as a representative of the Plaza Midwood neighborhood, it should be! Zada Jane’s prime real estate on the corner of Central Avenue and Thomas Avenue offers some great people watching in one of Charlotte’s most eclectic neighborhoods. Plus, they sell half-price bottles of wine every night of the week, making it a great date option. A new fire pit offers an extra level of coziness.
Best Patio Where Everybody Knows Your Name
Wood Robot Brewery’s patio is probably the smallest on this list but easily proves why size indeed doesn’t matter. The tight spot is always packed with families, dogs, and craft beer lovers from the popular South End neighborhood. They come for the neighborhood vibe —many living within walking distance— and the exquisite farmhouse ales. Grab a sour IPA and pop-a-squat on the patio to enjoy the skyline view of
Uptown Charlotte. You’ll probably make a friend or two while you’re there.
Best Patio for Living on Key West Time
T-Bones On The Lake might be just over the state line in South Carolina, but it feels like Key West, Florida. Their expansive deck juts out over Lake Wylie, commanding water views that are sure to make your shoulders drop. As it’s a popular restaurant and bar with boaters, the dress code is ultra-casual. Think swim trunks and flip-flops. While the patio always seems to be packed, Sunday mornings are especially popular with T-Bones brunch buffet and make your own Bloody Mary bar. Added bonus! Since T-Bones is in South Carolina, you can drink before noon on Sunday!
Best Patio for Tequila
Tequila shots, shots, shots!
RuRu’s Tacos & Tequila not only serves creative and fun upscale Mexican inspired fare, it also serves up one of the best parties in Myers Park. Come for the Stage Five Clinger crispy chicken chipotle taco and stay for the Frank the Tank frozen margarita. All on a patio located in a historic Southern mansion. It’s a fiesta, y’all!
[tweetthis]So, which patio made the top of the list for best patio for tequila in #Charlotte? Come see! [/tweetthis]
Best Patio for City Views
Move over
Fahrenheit, because
City Lights at the Le Méridien is the new rooftop spot to catch amazing views of Uptown Charlotte. Order a bottle of wine and make it a date night (after you splurge on dinner downstairs at
Evoke, that is) or gather some friends for a few Sparkle & Pops (sparkling wine with a
King of Pops Popsicle dunked in it).
Best Patio to Watch a Football Game
If you can get past the banker-bro high-fives or the old men with money trolling for young women looking for a Sugar Daddy, then
Selwyn Avenue Pub is the place to catch a football game. The patio is loaded with couches, flat-screen TVs, and popped Polo collars. There’s even a few heat lamps for those late season games.
If your wallet doesn’t have the wiggle room for a day/night out on a patio, try
sprucing up your patio. By turning your
inexpensive apartment space into a happening place, you’ll get the best of both worlds; al fresco party times and paid bills —now that’s how you adult!
