Raleigh is Growing’s Guide To The Best Patios

Raleigh boasts a wide variety of patio restaurants, bars, and shops sure to satisfy any occasion or taste. After evaluating all the patios Inside the Beltline has to offer, we determined the Warehouse District ranks No. 1 due to the amount and diversity it can offer. Still, don’t count the remaining Districts, including Moore Square/Fayetteville Street, Glenwood South, Five Points, and Person/Oakwood districts, short as they all have patios you don’t want to miss. We’ve included some of our tips for each patio–try them out and let us know yours by tagging #raleighisgrowing!

Warehouse District:

Best Patio Awarded to Wye Hill Kitchen & Brewing: 201 S Boylan Ave, Raleigh, NC 27603

Wye Hill’s patio sets some of the most insta-worthy pictures, so it is no surprise it topped our list. Situated nicely atop Boylan Bridge with one of the best skyline views makes it the perfect spot to grab drinks after work. Wye Hill brews its own craft beer + has a killer food menu making this patio a place to hang out, sip, snack, and take in the view of our growing city.

FUN FACT — WHAT IS A ‘WYE’? Right next to this iconic spot, the train tracks flow underneath Boylan Bridge separate in two – this specific and unique juncture in the tracks is known as a “wye”. It’s where the trains change direction on their course. For Wye Hill, the wye in the tracks symbolizes a new beginning, a new direction, and a bright future ahead for our city.

• Warehouse District Patio Honorable Mentions:

• Vita Vite: 313 W Hargett St, Raleigh, NC 27601
  • This adorable, cozy art gallery meets wine and cheese bar is the perfect spot for a girl’s night, date night, work session, or “me time.” With a great selection of wines, craft beer, and small plates, Vita downtown is the place to curl up and unwind with fresh air on their plush patio complete with a swinging day bed and comfy chairs.

• Sam Jones BBQ: 502 W Lenoir St, Raleigh, NC 27601
  • Known for being a whole-hog barbecue pit, Sam Jones BBQ is a southern must. Not a barbecue fan? Try their smoked wings or smoked turkey.

• Humble Pie: 317 S Harrington St, Raleigh, NC 27603
  • Despite what the name suggests, the dishes from Humble Pie are far shy from modest. Local ingredients, curated menu, delicious food. Our recommendation? Try the Humble Margarita with the chicken sandwich — but you honestly can’t go wrong.

Moore Square / Fayetteville Street:

• Raleigh Wine Shop: 317 S Bloodworth St, Raleigh, NC 27601
  • Raleigh Wine Shop is exactly the place you want to grab a relaxing drink after a long day. With their new expanded location in Moore Square, their patio is a great spot to soak up the city in a down-to-earth atmosphere! Head over on Wednesdays for 10% off bottles of wines offered by the glass. 

• The Jiddi Space and Courtyard at Sitti & Gravy: 137 S. Wilmington Street, Raleigh, NC 27601
  • These two restaurants share a beautiful hidden courtyard that blends all types of people and cuisines into one big fusion, which isn’t surprising as Sitti offers Lebanese dishes whereas Gravy offers Italian fare. 

• Whiskey Kitchen: 201 W Martin St, Raleigh, NC 27601
  • Whiskey Kitchen is exactly what it sounds like, a whiskey bar with a kitchen featuring smoked plates and a rustic/industrial patio vibe! They are happy to take out the guesswork for you and suggest whiskey pairings with each menu item.  

• Watts & Ward: 200 S Blount St, Raleigh, NC 27601
  • This speakeasy-esque bar is a one-stop shop for some of the most creative cocktails and entertainment. While you’re trying to choose what drink to try first, be sure to check out their calendar for upcoming performances by musicians or comedy shows.

Glenwood South:

• Plates Neighborhood Kitchen: 301 Glenwood Ave # 100, Raleigh, NC 27603
  • Glenwood South might be a popular nightlife spot, but it keeps it’s crowd in the daytime thanks to Plates’ tastes from around the world served for dinner, lunch, and our favorite meal of the week, brunch! Grab a spot outside and enjoy their crab cake benedict or sweet potato hash.

• Mulino Italian Kitchen and Bar: 309 N Dawson St #1313, Raleigh, NC 27603
  • Known for its romantic atmosphere, Mulino’s hanging garden patio makes the perfect place for a date night or celebration.

• The Longleaf Hotel & Lounge: 300 N Dawson St, Raleigh, NC 27603
  • The Longleaf Hotel & Lounge is a modernized mid-century gem at the northern gateway to downtown Raleigh, not far from everything downtown has to offer. The lounge attracts visitors and locals alike with its unpretentious atmosphere that is just a little bit swanky, with fire pits, and live music at times.

Five Points

• Bowstring Pizza and Brewyard: 1930 Wake Forest Rd, Raleigh, NC 27608
  • Bowstring offers one of the friendliest outdoor spaces of them all. They offer both board games and outdoor games, and typically have a musician playing outside over the weekends. Bowstring also welcomes furry, four-legged guests, so bring your pup along with you to enjoy the day.

• Lynnwood Brewing Concern & Wilson’s Eatery: 1053 E Whitaker Mill Rd, Raleigh, NC 27604
  • LBC features locally brewed, lovingly crafted, award-winning beers served right where it’s made. There large dog-friendly beer garden is the place to be. Pro tip: You can use the QR codes on the tables at Lynnwood to order food from Wilson’s Eatery and have it brought directly to you.

• Lola’s Beach Bar: 1803 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh, NC 27608
  • Lola’s is a tiny vintage beach bar in the heart of Raleigh’s Five Points. Enjoy street fair tacos & nachos, specialty margaritas, cocktails, and beer!

• The Hideout at Lonerider: 1626 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh, NC 27608
  •  A new addition to Five Points, Lonerider always has its beers and seltzers on tap + cocktails featuring Lonerier Spirits. They have created a great neighborhood sports-themed bar with a glorious patio to compliment!

Person / Oakwood

• Standard Beer + Food: 205 E Franklin St, Raleigh, NC 27604
  • A neighborhood, family-friendly spot, with beer, cocktails, wine, and local food. The synergy between beer, food, people, and space is what Standard is all about! Enjoy on their patio for the ultimate experience.

• Pelagic Beer & Wine: 300 Pace St, Raleigh, NC 27604
  • Check out this cozy neighborhood bottle shop that offers a thoughtfully curated selection of INDEPENDENT craft beer, wine, and cider.

• Brookside Bodega: 1000 Brookside Dr. Suite 119, Raleigh, NC 27604
  • Where good hangs happen. Equal parts elevated bar food, cocktails, beer, wine, and market. The patio is family and dog friendly, think of it as your extended backyard and stay awhile.

What is your favorite patio ITB Raleigh? We’d love to see your favorites as you get out and enjoy our growing city. Don’t forget to tag #raleighisgrowing to be featured on our stories!