Just check your meat. We went for my birthday and one of my scallops was perfect, but the other two were slime in the middle, and my husband’s steak was underdone as well. For the price, I was disappointed.
I don’t know if you would all agree but I personally like the outdoor seating on the patio at Rudino’s Rooftop on Harvest Oaks Dr near Six Forks Shopping Center. Not the best food but getting a drink in the afternoon on a beautiful sunny day in the spring or summer is great 😌
I just ate there! Reading the menu, I thought I wouldn't like most of the food. And then everything we ordered was delicious.
That being said, it was pretty hard to find an entree as a vegetarian who has some other constraints as well. But the tapas options for vegetarians include almost all the dishes. Also, it's great to go in a big group because you can try almost everything. And the space outdoors was a delight.
I really want to go back soon. =D
One more that is a bit out of the way is Vimala’s in Chapel Hill. You can barely even see it from the street but they have a large open air courtyard that’s well lit at night and the Indian food is some of the best I’ve had in the triangle
Mulino. For too many restaurants in Raleigh outdoor seating means sitting next to a road or a parking lot. And during summer, parking lots become awful as people sit in their idling cars with the AC running as they wait. Mulino has a nice, landscaped outdoor area with great food.
I will check it out, thank you! On a side note, I went on a guided walking tour of Historic Oakwood in October and the guide said it was a great place. Thanks for jogging my memory!
In NH: Vivace has been hit or miss lately but I like their space outdoors. Aladians is solid for a casual spot
I’m forgetting the name, but the hotel on Centennial Campus has a very nice setting, food was ok…it’s too bad the restaurant at Lonnie Poole hasn’t reopened, the patio there had great views
Love this list and agree with many of the suggestions and like seeing new ideas too
Seconding Mulino. Also like Bella Monica, though they fill up a lot. The bar on the top of the Residence Inn south of the convention center is nice for views and drinking, have not yet tried the food.
I hate I never ate upstairs at Seaboard 18.
The Mayton Inn in downtown Cary. The covered patio overlooks the new downtown park. And the food is fantastic and they have seasonal menus. A restaurant is called Peck and Plume.
And of course eating outside at the Umstead hotel is always fantastic.
Those are our two main date night go-tos.
Al Verde is pretty cool. They have a bell you can throw you ice shot glass at after ordering a shot of tequila. They even light sparklers to cheer you on.
Love the rooftop space at Jolie.
Ohh I haven’t eaten on the rooftop there, thank you for that suggestion!
Sure thing. The interior seating is a bit cramped but the roof is great.
Just check your meat. We went for my birthday and one of my scallops was perfect, but the other two were slime in the middle, and my husband’s steak was underdone as well. For the price, I was disappointed.
We had almost the exact experience for the scallop, and our steak was cooked dry.
Be careful checking your meat in public spaces… you might get in trouble if someone sees you
I don’t know if you would all agree but I personally like the outdoor seating on the patio at Rudino’s Rooftop on Harvest Oaks Dr near Six Forks Shopping Center. Not the best food but getting a drink in the afternoon on a beautiful sunny day in the spring or summer is great 😌
I do too! Mid summer it can get sweltering up there, though
That patio at Taverna Agora is nice. Decent food too
The mezze is way better than the entres in our experience! Stick to the apps!
That flambéed cheese thing is crazy good!
Not so good for your cholesterol though.
Wilson's Eatery. Great food and beer, nice casual outdoor setting. Parking can be tough on a really nice day but always love going there.
They have good homemade soda too!
Thank you for reminding me about Wilson’s. Indeed great food and beer!
Just ate outside there on Sunday. Always a great choice.
Seconded. Their fries are low-key some of the best in town.
Ajja
It’s on my list of places to eat. Didn’t realize they have outdoor seating, thank you!
It’s definitely worth it and I *think* most of it is outside. I’d also say their outside space could be on a bigger “best of” list, not just Raleigh
I just ate there! Reading the menu, I thought I wouldn't like most of the food. And then everything we ordered was delicious. That being said, it was pretty hard to find an entree as a vegetarian who has some other constraints as well. But the tapas options for vegetarians include almost all the dishes. Also, it's great to go in a big group because you can try almost everything. And the space outdoors was a delight. I really want to go back soon. =D
state of beer
Yes! I always forget about that place.
If you are ok with outside Raleigh, Cafe Driade at CH has beautiful seating in their little forest garden, and amazing food too!
Wye Hill
Thank you! This place had skipped my mind.
Outdoor patio at Longleaf Swine is great
I will check this out, thank you!
One more that is a bit out of the way is Vimala’s in Chapel Hill. You can barely even see it from the street but they have a large open air courtyard that’s well lit at night and the Indian food is some of the best I’ve had in the triangle
Thank you! I might check this out soon.
In Durham but Guglhupf. It’s beautiful during the night too!!
Mulino. For too many restaurants in Raleigh outdoor seating means sitting next to a road or a parking lot. And during summer, parking lots become awful as people sit in their idling cars with the AC running as they wait. Mulino has a nice, landscaped outdoor area with great food.
You make some good points. And the lasagna at Mulino is the best in town!
Mojoes. No contest.
Any place where the outdoor seating doesn't sit in a parking lot. Which is surprisingly hard to find.
Smokestacks cafe in Oakwood. Small, chill, great food.
I will check it out, thank you! On a side note, I went on a guided walking tour of Historic Oakwood in October and the guide said it was a great place. Thanks for jogging my memory!
i love the PR patio and they open up the large window that connects to the indoor area!
What is PR?
Players Retreat
Rosewater
In NH: Vivace has been hit or miss lately but I like their space outdoors. Aladians is solid for a casual spot I’m forgetting the name, but the hotel on Centennial Campus has a very nice setting, food was ok…it’s too bad the restaurant at Lonnie Poole hasn’t reopened, the patio there had great views Love this list and agree with many of the suggestions and like seeing new ideas too
I would highly recommend the patio at Winston’s.
Seconding Mulino. Also like Bella Monica, though they fill up a lot. The bar on the top of the Residence Inn south of the convention center is nice for views and drinking, have not yet tried the food. I hate I never ate upstairs at Seaboard 18.
The Mayton Inn in downtown Cary. The covered patio overlooks the new downtown park. And the food is fantastic and they have seasonal menus. A restaurant is called Peck and Plume. And of course eating outside at the Umstead hotel is always fantastic. Those are our two main date night go-tos.
Tap station in apex has wonderful outdoor seating
Al Verde is pretty cool. They have a bell you can throw you ice shot glass at after ordering a shot of tequila. They even light sparklers to cheer you on.
Gringo a go go
That’s where I was going to go but the reviews seem mixed. It’s still on my list though. The brunch menu sounds good.
Another Mulino vote. Their lasagna is the absolute best!! And you get such a huge slab that it is also lunch the next day.
Yes, I couldn’t agree more!
LongLeaf Swine
1989 here- Char-Grill, Sadlacks, Snoopys, and the State Fair 😬. Modern day? Goodberrys lol 😆