For all of you longing for patio season amid the arctic blast we’ve endured, we feel you. Fortunately, Raleigh is lucky to have a host of bars and restaurants with heated patios across town—from former RM Best Bar Patio winners (stay tuned for the reveal of our latest class Jan. 30!) to hot dives serving up liquor blankets to cozy outdoor oases that channel a warm summer day and more. Here, where the Raleigh Mag team is warming our souls—literally.
“I was born for patio life. Find me poolside at Mulino, pinky out a la The White Lotus in Sicily—but swap the Aperol Spritz for a floral Hugo Spritz upgrade. Trust me—so fresh. Or East End Bistrot… the tiered-level tables dotted among dense lush greenery feels like a hidden urban jungle. Patio paradise.” —Melissa Howsam, Editor-in-Chief, @mahowsam
“With its massive tent and heaters, Mulino’s patio literally feels like a warm summer day—which is exactly what I daydream about when the temps hit below freezing.” —Lauren Kruchten, Associate Editor, @laurenn_nicol
“I am a Gringo A Go Go girly through and through—so their heated patio scores my pick! Enjoying a burrito alfresco in the winter? Pure bliss.” —Anna Beth Adcock, Editorial Assistant, @_annabethadcock
“My fave is Barcelona Wine Bar! It’s always much easier to get a table outside, and it’s also a great place for people watching!” —Heidi Reid, Contributing Writer
Freshen up your patio for spring with these 6 must-haves.
Is it patio weather yet?! After a cold and gloomy winter, your outdoor space is no doubt ready to be dusted off and utilized for primo alfresco dinners; hangs in the sun; and, our fave, sipping on a nice cold bevvy in the breeze. A little TLC can go a long way to transforming your patio into an outdoor oasis worth practically living in all season long. Here are some patio must-haves—plus where to shop for them locally—that’ll guarantee fresh outdoor environs for spring.
Cozy Seating A cozy outdoor space starts with cozy outdoor seating! Spring for plush chairs and couches—and pillows (lots of pillows). Shop the Trend: Logan’s Garden Shop SEABOARD & PERSON STREET DISTRICT
Colorful Rug Tie your space together with an outdoor rug in a vibrant color or pattern. This’ll make your patio feel more welcoming and homey. Shop the Trend: At Home NORTHEAST RALEIGH
Terra Cotta Planters Both the terra cotta color and material are expected to have a moment this year—and both bring a Mediterranean flare to your outdoor space—no plane ticket required. Shop the Trend: The ZEN Succulent MOORE SQUARE DISTRICT
Lamp Moody outdoor lighting? Yes, please! An outdoor lamp creates a cozy ambience within your patio space without the need for harsh lighting. Shop the Trend: Viridien NORTHEAST RALEIGH
Fire Pit Since spring in NC is always unpredictable, a fire pit is great to have for those inevitable chilly nights. S’mores, anyone?! Shop the Trend: Cabana Coast NORTH RALEIGH
Vertical Gardens When you can’t build out, build up. Vertical gardens are great for smaller patios as they optimize space—and create an eye-catching focal point. Think of it like a natural art piece! Shop the Trend: State Farmers Market WEST RALEIGH
5 frothy patios to fulfill your pursuit of hoppiness.
This year, NC Beer Month is in October (a shift initiated last year), but this April marks the inaugural #HopIntoSpring—because “there’s no finer way to enjoy the sunshine of a Carolina day than with… a locally crafted NC beer.” We agree… it’s always hoppy hour during patio season. Here, our five fave beer patios with a mix of vibes and a variety of brews—pouring out the perfect perch for eternal hoptimists. Cheers!
Dubbed “Raleigh’s favorite patio,” Wye Hill is an alfresco affair that promises to cure what ales you. Impeccable views + bangin’ housemade brews + chef-driven bar food = our definition of a perfectly spent spring day. You’re gonna need some Everything Brussels… then wash ’em down with Wye’s constantly rotating small-batch brews—so there’s always something new to sip on. wyehill.com
You’re gonna want a slice of patio-drinking season at this Trophy hot spot. Pizza and beer already make the perf pairing—but nothing pairs as well with a slice of ’za than Trophy’s house-brewed sips. Fave combos include the Local Celebrity pizza with a Cloud Surfer IPA, or the Most Loyal with a Trophy Husband witbier—but TBH, you can’t go wrong no matter what you tap into. trophybrewing.com
Savor the flavor (and the sun!) on this sun-soaked patio—complete with a small, calming herb garden that sets the scene for a serene day out. The old-meets-new brewery specializes in Belgian ales and IPAs (but experiments with other brew styles as well), which are best enjoyed with European bistro-inspired fare with a North Carolina twist—out under the twinkling lights, natch. neuseriverbrewing.com
Come for the LBC brews and stay for the food from Wilson’s Eatery—thanks to the outdoor haven bridging the two hot spots at Dock 1053. Trust us, there’s no better way to spend a Saturday or Sunday Funday—or any afternoon/evening imbibing sesh—with your crew than with one of LBC’s palatable pints and a sammie or flatbread from its sister resto. lynnwoodbrewing.beer
You can never be two-tired to sit back, relax and enjoy a brewsky post-biking sesh (or, well, ever) at Crank Arm. Complete with bike racks, naturally, this primo alfresco perch always promises a hopping good time, with plenty of tables and chairs (plus a cozy bench) to post up at and relish the sun + warmth with a pint or a tasting wheel. Hoppiness, found. crankarmbrewing.com
