From patios to rooftops, to courtyards and converted parking lots, these restaurants have made space for cozy outside food and drinks.
by Kayla Guillams
Still not ready yet to dine indoors at a restaurant, but don’t want to freeze while eating outside? We’ve rounded up more than 20 restaurants and bars that offer fireside seating, offering customers socially distanced dining that feels safe and warm.
Bowstring Pizza and Brewyard
This brewyard serves craft cocktails, local beer and wood-fired pizza out of an 100-year-old garage bar and is open for heated patio seating. Grab a drink and pair it with their New Yorker pizza, Vegan Flatbread, or Baked Wings.
1930 Wake Forest Rd, Raleigh | bowstringbrewyard.com
Budacai
If you’re in the mood for Asian fusion cuisine and brewed boba tea, head downtown and go to Budacai. Their newly built patio is now heated and open for lunch and dinner with a dozen colorful picnic tables that are good for small groups.
120 E Martin St, Raleigh | budacai.com
Cortez Seafood + Cocktail
Open for heated patio dining, vibrant Cortez on Glenwood South boasts oysters and other seafood dishes made of local North Carolina fish like Grilled Whole N.C. Mackerel and N.C. Snapper Ceviche — the ultimate food group to enjoy outside.
413 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh | cortezraleigh.com
Flying Saucer
With over 300 beers to choose from, you’re sure to find a brew to enjoy at Flying Saucer. Pair it with one of their sandwiches or appetizers and enjoy it on their dog-friendly, heated patio.
328 W Morgan St, Raleigh| beerknurd.com/locations/raleigh-flying-saucer
The Garden of Mayahuel at Gallo Pelón
Mezcal bar Gallo Pelón has converted its hidden patio upstairs into The Garden of Mayahuel, with its signature cocktails and a small menu of favorites from the kitchen at sister restaurant Centro downstairs. Tuck yourself among the potted plants to be transported to another world. (Fridays & Saturdays, reservations recommended.)
106 S Wilmington St, Raleigh, NC 27601 | gallopelon.com
Gringo A Go Go
In the mood for delicious Mexican cuisine, including chilaquiles, enchiladas, tostadas and house cocktails like Fresh Watermelon Margaritas? Downtown Gringo A Go Go converted part of its parking lot into a semi-enclosed outdoor patio that’s well heated.
100 N Person St, Raleigh, NC 27601 | gringoraleigh.com
Hummingbird
For a taste of Louisiana in North Carolina, New Orleans-inspired Hummingbird is welcoming customers to their now heated and insulated patio. Try their Soppressata Pizza, Gnocchi, Muffaletta, Pan-Seared Fish and house cocktails like the signature Hummingbird Fizz.
1053 E Whitaker Mill Rd Suite 111, Raleigh |hummingbirdraleigh.com
Jolie
Bonjour! Scott Crawford’s French bistro, Jolie, is taking reservations for their heated outdoor rooftop. Guests can enjoy French cuisine during brunch and dinner such as escargot, egg en cocotte, ratatouille tarte tatin and chicken fricassée.
620 N Person St, Raleigh | restaurantjolie.com/menu
Longleaf Hotel
If you’re looking for evening drinks, head to Longleaf Hotel’s lounge located at the northern gateway to downtown. Relax on their heated patio and enjoy one of their signature cocktails like the Sloe Gin Fizz or Campari & (coffee) Soda.
300 N Dawson St, Raleigh | thelongleafhotel.com
Mandolin
A true farm-to-fork neighborhood gathering spot, Mandolin has transformed their sidewalk area into a cozy spacious patio with tall heaters surrounding their seating and garden boxes nearby so it feels extra intimate. A wonderful spot for brunch or a night out to enjoy their popular Chicken and Waffles or Chocolate Chess Pie.
2519 Fairview Road, Raleigh / mandolinraleigh.com
Midtown Grille
New American-style Midtown Grille is an excellent choice for Sunday brunch with their Country Benedict, Midtown Omelette and Brunch BLT. They’re now welcoming customers to dine-in on their heated patio during lunch, dinner and brunch.
4421 Six Forks Rd #115, Raleigh| themidtowngrille.com
MoJoe’s Burger Joint
Open for enclosed, heated patio dining, MoJoe’s is known for their award winning burgers, wings and sandwiches. Try their Carolina BBQ Sandwich, Old Raleigh Burger or Thai-Chili Wings.
620 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh |mojoesburgerjoint.com/
Morgan Street Food Hall
Open 9a.m. to 9p.m. with a wide selection of vendors, Morgan Street Food Hall is sure to have something for your breakfast, lunch or dinner. Take your food and head to their heated patio this winter for a warm and socially distanced meal.
411 W Morgan St, Raleigh |morganfoodhall.com/
Mulino Italian Kitchen and Bar
If you’re looking for authentic Italian cuisine, head to Mulino. Grab your choice of pizza, pasta or carne, pair it with a drink off their extensive Italian wine menu and enjoy your meal while staying warm under their patio tent.
309 N. Dawson Street Raleigh | mulinoraleigh.com
Neuse River Brewing
This brewery’s Belgian inspired beer and European bistro are perfect to enjoy on their heated outdoor patio. Try their Croque Monsieur or Seasonal Risotto for dinner, or go for brunch and try their Duck Hash or Three Egg Omelette.
518 Pershing Rd, Raleigh |.neuseriverbrewing.com/
Peck & Plume
The folks behind The Durham Hotel recently opened this polished yet casual restaurant in Downtown Cary,(previously the Verandah at the former Mayton Inn) open for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or weekend brunch serving locally sourced elevated classics with international influences + craft cocktails, beer & wine, with loads of warm spots outside (and in).
301 S Academy St. Cary | www.peckandplume.com
Rosewater Kitchen & Bar
Looking for a place to have brunch, dinner or drinks? Rosewater is now open for dining on their outdoor garden patio. Savor smoked salmon tartine, tri-tip rotisserie and savor craft cocktails like their signature Rosewater Martini, Rose Fashioned and Capulet’s Rose.
110 Park at N Hills St, Raleigh| rosewaterraleigh.com/
Sitti
With a selection of vegetarian, vegan and gluten free dishes, downtown Lebanese restaurant, Sitti is an excellent choice for authentic Lebanese cuisine. Sit in their beautiful tucked away outdoor courtyard while you stay warm and experience their classic Hummus Noir, Soujouk and Samkeh Harra.
137 S Wilmington St, Raleigh | www.sitti-raleigh.com/
STIR Raleigh
STIR’s kitchen prepares everything from scratch and their signature cold bar is stocked with fresh oysters and seasonal seafood. Famous for craft cocktails, STIR freezes and carves 300-pound blocks of artisanal ice and blends their own cordials and syrups in-house. But don’t worry about the ice cold beverages this bar is known more with their specialty ice cubes, you can enjoy them outside on their patio this winter next to a cozy outdoor heater.
4242 Six Forks Road #100;stirraleigh.com
The Station at Person Street
With a beautiful patio that is now enclosed and heated, try the Station at Person Street’s N.C. Hot Catfish Sandwich, Cajun Crab Dip and Papaya Salad with Coconut Shrimp.
701 N Person St, Raleigh | stationraleigh.com
Standard Beer + Food
This new neighborhood favorite brewery has a heated patio now open to customers. Grab a brew, a bite at one of their food truck vendors, and relax in their family-friendly outdoor space.
205 E Franklin St, Raleigh |standardbeerandfood.com/
St. Roch
This downtown oyster bar is open for dinner every day and for brunch on the weekends. Try their Happy Hour Oysters, Core Sounders or BBQ’d oysters and enjoy in their heated outdoor dining area in the back.
223 S Wilmington St, Raleigh | strochraleigh.com
Taverna Agora
For ultimate Mediterranean vibes, this Greek kitchen and bar has a city-favorite, open-air rooftop that stays warm and heated in the dead of winter. Try their classic dishes like Pastitcio, Moussaka and Lamb Tips & Orzo and don’t forget the wine. OPA!
326 Hillsborough St, Raleigh | tavernaagora.com
Trophy Brewing Co.
With 12 beers always on tap along with cocktails and wine, Trophy’s heated patio tables are open for reservations. Their menu features specialty pizzas like Local Celebrity, The Daredevil and Farmer’s Market along with fresh salads, including Arugula and Greek.
656 Maywood Ave, Raleigh| trophybrewing.com
Vin Rouge
This French bistro nestled in the heart of Durham is welcoming customers to their now heated garden patio. Dine on classic French courses like sauteed salmon dijon and duck confit salad.
2010 Hillsborough Rd, Durham | vinrougerestaurant.com
Whiskey Kitchen
Most known for their extensive whiskey list which includes bourbon, rye and single malt, Whiskey Kitchen has fire pits on their patio to keep you warm this season. Try the Shipley Burger, Ribs Platter or Shrimp N’ Grits.
201 W Martin St, Raleigh| whiskey.kitchen
The Willard
The Willard, a rooftop lounge at the AC Hotel Raleigh Downtown located a block off Hillsborough Street in Glenwood South offers incredible views of the downtown Raleigh skyline, a fun craft cocktail program, a delicious Spanish and Mediterranean menu, and yes, heat!
9 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh | thewillardraleigh
William & Company
Stay warm on the patio at this cozy cocktail bar in the heart of Oakwood. Enjoy a locally sourced, fresh cocktail or high-quality liquor from their ever-changing drinks menu.
616 N Person St #1214, Raleigh | instagram.com/willcobar
Wye Hill Kitchen & Brewing
“Raleigh’s favorite patio” located in the Boylan Heights neighborhood with a view of the city skyline is open and heated for dine-in. With chef-driven bar food, craft beers and cocktails, Wye Hill Kitchen & Brewing is the perfect setting for your outdoor winter dining.
201 S Boylan Ave, Raleigh| www.wyehill.com
