Best Outdoor Dining in San Antonio: 28 Top Picks

One of the best perks of living in South Texas is the warm weather nearly all year long. The scope of outdoor dining in San Antonio is extensive and the range of patios spans from quaint picnic tables with minimal decor to 100 yards of astroturf with lawn games.

You’ll find a few of our past favorites on this guide, as well as many new spots that deliver every type of cuisine this city has to offer. While quality and taste are always the top priority at Female Foodie, our guide to the best outdoor dining in San Antonio will make sure you can find scenic al fresco dining along with all that deliciousness.

28. Chicken N Pickle

New to San Antonio, Chicken N Pickle is both a dining and gaming hub that offers pickleball courts as well as tasty dining options all wrapped up in a massive complex of seating, lawn games, and live music. The street corn on the cobb and fried pickles are must-try side dishes and a great complement to the country fried chicken sandwich or the weekend chicken and waffles. Their wood-grilled chicken is served with all the accompaniments to make great chicken tacos, and the Cowboy Cookie served hot with ice cream is the best ending to your meal. The combo of great food and great fun is the reason Chicken N Pickle is kicking off our guide to the best outdoor dining in San Antonio.

27. Chris Madrid

Grab your friends and head to Chris Madrid to catch up over delicious burgers and fries. The menu here is very specific, specializing in the best burgers and chalupas in the area (it’s definitely required to get both when you go), along with their house-made, hand-cut fries. Lest you might think it’s an odd combination, trust us, it is. But when in Texas, do as the Texans do, because it just works. The outdoor dining space here is large, laidback, and perfect for gathering with friends and family.

26. Two Bros BBQ Market

While it’s not uncommon for a BBQ place to have a substantial patio area, Two Bros BBQ Market takes their patio and their BBQ to the next level. Their incredible smoked meats are made low and slow and their patio is spacious, shady, and fun for everyone. Per the usual, meats are sold by the pound so start with the brisket and cherry glazed baby back ribs or try a little of everything if you are dining with a group. The meat here pairs well with any of the sides, but the creamed corn and mac and cheese are our favorites. Their signature Cheesy Chop is a great way to upgrade the mac and cheese side to include their smoked chopped beef. In a word, perfection. End your meal at Two Bros BBQ with the daily cobbler so you leave with no regrets.

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25. Green

Green has everything from burgers and wraps to pasta and fajitas, all with a vegan or vegetarian spin. Their mission is to serve food that both hungry herbivores and plant-based-curious burger lovers will enjoy. Green’s new location at the Quarry has a beautiful, shade-filled outdoor dining space, perfect for taking down one of their famous bowls or a basket of expertly cooked sweet potato fries. You’ll feel amazing after eating and ready to hit up the area’s vast shopping complex.

24. The Original Donut Shop

Tacos on the left and donuts on the right, The Original Donut Shop is a bit of a novelty because there aren’t too many restaurants that serve both tacos and donuts, but we’re here to tell you that they do them both and they do them very well. The breakfast tacos are definitely a favorite, but be sure to try the chilaquiles and crispy chicken tacos while you’re at it. And honestly, when you’re chasing a taco with a delicious raspberry-filled donut, life can’t get much better. Their covered patio is surrounded by greenery, is super spacious, and is a great space to spread out and enjoy this iconic neighborhood landmark.

23. Ida Claire

Tucked into a shopping area known as the Quarry to locals, Ida Claire is a modern southern restaurant with an easy-going patio. They have many southern favorites and regularly work pimento cheese and bacon jam into not-so-southern items like their burger. Ida’s biscuit assortment is the perfect way to start your meal and comes with sweet and savory accompaniments. The smash burger, Nashville hot chicken sliders, and fried chicken are also menu favorites. Be sure to save room for a slice of homemade pie for dessert.

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22. Big’z

If there was an award for the largest patio, Big’z Burger Joint would win. Their outdoor dining area features 100 yards of turf that doubles as a gigantic play area for both kids and adults alike and plenty of seating. It makes for a fantastic place to watch the inevitable scrappy game of kickball that will break out between guests. Big’z menu is short and to the point but everything is well done with the veggie, classic single, and chalupa burger being stand-out favorites. Definitely get a side of sweet potato fries and don’t forget a milkshake to wash it all down.

21. Comfort Cafe

Comfort Cafe is a great neighborhood/weekend cafe with awesome food, a colorful patio, and a heartwarming mission. Their food is comforting and creative and hits all the breakfast item must-haves. A good place to start is the pancake flight, CBGB Benny or stuffed french toast and their hot-pressed sandwiches are wonderful for lunch. All of the menu items are pay-what-you-can and donations support the local Serenity Star recovery program whose graduates staff this cafe as volunteers.

20. La Panaderia

Outdoor dining in San Antonio is made all the better when the food speaks the language of the city, and this San Antonian landmark offers just that. La Panaderia serves up traditional Mexican pan dulce infused with influence from western baking techniques, which gives their baked goods a familiar yet totally unique texture and flavor. The cozy and cute patios at their Alamo Heights and La Cantera locations are the best place for devouring your tray of pastries or to-die-for Chorizo and Egg Torta. Their Hawaiian Torta, Panaderia Club, and Mexican Cubano Bowl are also tried-and-true favorites.

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19. Extra Fine

Extra Fine is a perfect morning neighborhood eatery with a laidback, friendly, umbrella-shaded patio. A perfect morning includes one of their delicious breakfast sandwiches out on the patio soaking up the morning sun after walking your dog. As with many bakeries in the area, you’ll find a rotating menu here, but any of their handcrafted sandwiches are sure to be a hit. If you’re a fan of baked goods (who isn’t?), definitely get a chocolate crinkle cookie for the drive home.

18. The Jerk Shack

The Jerk Shack is a growing staple of the community and is branching out across the city to share its much-needed and loved Caribbean influence on San Antonio’s food scene. Their outdoor dining space is quaint but the flavors pack a never-understated punch and signature Caribbean heat. It’s a perfect stop for lunch and you can’t go wrong with the Wings & Mac, Braised Oxtails, or Jerk Chicken. They’re a small operation so calling ahead has its advantages and don’t forget to ask if they have specials for the day, they’re always inventive and delectable!

17. Boudro’s

The San Antonio Riverwalk is full of restaurants with outdoor dining that lure you into buying mediocre food. Boudro’s has outstanding food to match the busy and fun outdoor dining atmosphere that is unique to this historic city landmark. Their menu has creative classics and Texan favorites all made to perfection. Blue crab tostadas, tableside guac, and Texas tapas are good starts to this bold Tex-Mex menu. Boudro’s is great for a stop-by lunch on the riverwalk, but be sure to make reservations for dinner.

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16. Bliss

Bliss offers an American contemporary fine dining experience in the heart of Southtown. Their food is flawlessly executed and the quality is excellent. The Oyster sliders on buttermilk chive biscuits are a perfect way to start your culinary journey and you can’t go wrong with their Manouri cheese salad and their beef tenderloin to finish. This is a great place to try new things with the confidence that they’re prepared in the most delicious way. Their patio is intimate and a perfect complement to the vibe of this upscale establishment. Their menu is fresh and seasonal, so make sure to check it out before you go. Reservations will help you snag a coveted spot on the patio.

15. Outlaw Kitchens

Outlaw Kitchens is a true neighborhood hangout situated on a quaint corner in the midtown area. The owners dreamt of a restaurant with a new nightly menu where neighbors could stop by for supper and that’s exactly the atmosphere and experience they created. The food is always fresh, delicious, and well-executed but the menu is limited and changes almost daily so either take a peek at their website before you go or just trust that anything they’re offering is guaranteed to be delicious. Outlaw Kitchens is the coziest outdoor dining in San Antonio and will give you all the feels of a meal well done and a night well spent.

14. The Magnolia Pancake Haus

This pancake house has been mentioned on Female Foodie before for their stellar pancakes, but they also boast a really great patio out back. When the weather’s nice, definitely ask if you can snag a table on their southern wrap-around porch or under the giant oak tree in the back. The picnic tables are fun for a group and great for sharing menu favorites like the Southern Bennie, Calico Hash, or their authentic Apple Pfannekuchen. The best pancakes in town and a seat under a gorgeous tree make this pancake house perfect for outdoor dining in San Antonio.

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13. Sari Sari

Not new to the city, but new to the patio scene is Sari Sari, a Filipino-inspired restaurant serving up all the favorites of the motherland. A lunch plate complete with pancit bihon, lumpia, chicken adobo and BBQ sticks is exactly what you’ll want while sitting out in their new outdoor dining space (plus, the playground is a bonus if you’re toting little ones). If you’re in the mood for something else, the adobo garlic fried rice also hits the spot and the crispy pata is a must-try if you come with a group. Make sure to grab a pack of pork soapao from the refrigerator case of their adjoining store before you leave. These pork-filled steam buns are awesome warmed up the next day.

12. Restaurant Gwendolyn

If a more fine dining, downtown experience is what you’re after, Restaurant Gwendolyn has you covered. As one of the best restaurants in the city, Gwendolyn also has a charmingly cute patio overlooking the San Antonio Riverwalk. The lunch options are unassuming and very well-executed, while dinner is nothing short of a memorable fine dining experience. Always check out the prix fixe menu online before dining and be ready to experience craftsmanship and fine food at its best.

11. Dough

Dough is one of the best restaurants in the city for pizza with both locations in town having great outdoor dining options. For large groups, head to their Hemisfair location as their Blanco Rd. location is a more intimate setting for groups under six. Wherever you end up, go for the truffle burrata ball to start. This truffle and cream-filled, hand-pulled mozzarella ball is quite literally one of the best things you can eat in the entire city. You can’t go wrong with any of their wood-fired pizzas but the Pork Love and the B.T.B are major favorites with their Polenta Cake coming in for the perfect sweet finish to your meal.

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10. Cascabel

Cascabel’s atmospheric, feel-good patio and vintage San Antonio vibes will bring you in and the food will bring you back. Everything is made from scratch and a little rustic, which we love. Their food is more traditional Mexican than Tex-Mex, which is showcased in their smoky, spicy, slow-braised meats and mole. We highly recommend the tacos with cochinita pibil, tinga, or puerco a la cascabel, and the Huaraches. Their outdoor space is relaxed and the perfect nook in Southtown for al fresco Mexican food.

9. Ajuua

Ajuua is a favorite go-to spot in the city for amazing Tex-Mex and they have a spacious covered patio to match. Our favorites are the stuffed Poblano, the slow-roasted pork plate, and their fajita enchilada casserole (the ultimate comfort food). Ajuua sets a high bar for Tex-Mex in that it stays true to the usual Mexican-inspired ingredients that are prepared in true Texas fashion. And besides that, we just can’t get enough! Everything here is a-ma-zing.

8. Stella Public House

Stella Public House might not have the biggest patio on our guide, but the food, atmosphere, and proximity to the riverwalk make it one of the best spots for outdoor dining in San Antonio. They serve a small variety of well-done classics but really shine in the wood-fired pizza category. Chewy, slightly salty, charred crust and great toppings check all our pizza requirements and the quality doesn’t stop there. The same care goes into the rest of their weekly menu and it’s definitely worth checking out their brunch menu on weekends—especially if you’re into chicken and waffles.

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7. The Food Hall

The Food Hall is currently home to four restaurants and sits on the site of the old Pearl Bottling Department. Their outdoor dining space is large and shared with the main central area of the Pearl so the seating options are vast. The restaurants include Tenko Ramen, Mi Roti, Chilaquil, and Fletchers Hamburgers which makes it the best place to eat when you can’t make up your mind. Our favorite place to start would be with a Roti wrap from Mi Roti or the verde chilaquiles from Chilaquil. Bring a blanket for the large outdoor turf area or even swimsuits for your little ones to play in the fountains. It is quite literally the place where everyone can have what they want.

6. Southerleigh

Southerleigh is the southern gem of the Pearl and definitely deserving of a spot on our guide to the best outdoor dining in San Antonio. The patio flanks the exterior of the historic brewery building and overlooks the central Pearl courtyard. Start with the pretzel and snapper throats and add the jalapeño cheese grits, cornbread, and mac & cheese to whatever seasonal entree you decide on. It’s an ideal spot to relax and enjoy a long meal in the best outdoor ambiance the city has to offer.

5. Pharm Table

One of the best spots for outdoor dining in San Antonio is definitely Pharm table. Their menu changes with the seasons and is completely organic, local, and gluten-free. If you’ve ever been skeptical of what veggies, grains, seeds, and nuts can do, book it to Pharm Table, where plates look like food rainbows and you’ll want to give yourself a hug after eating such flavorful and good-for-you food. The patio at their new location is beautifully nestled in Southtown, dotted with lights and shaded by trees; the quintessential place to have their Farm-to-Table Tacos or Quinoa Tamal Bowl.

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4. Bakery Lorraine

There is absolutely no surprise that the city’s best bakery is also on the list of best outdoor dining in San Antonio. Their location downtown at the Pearl has a great patio overlooking the center common area where you can tuck in under an umbrella with your morning croissant and watch the world go by. Other favorites are the kouign amann, sea salt chocolate donut (Saturdays), and the cinnamon rolls. If it’s more towards the lunch hour, the Ham and Cheese on Baguette, Cuban, or BL BLT will NOT disappoint.

3. Clementine

As one of the best restaurants in San Antonio, Clementine’s food, service, and patio culminates in an amazing dining experience. Their patio is unassuming and quaint, but their high standard of service and ambience elevates the space to a worthy setting for their food. Their menu changes seasonally, but is always outstanding. A long-time menu favorite is Ms. Julie’s Beets and the best dessert solution is to try them all. In the many seasons we have been going to Clementine, every dining experience has been memorable and the food above reproach.

2. Maverick

Sitting along South St. Mary’s St. on the edge of San Antonio’s Southtown neighborhood lies Maverick. A chic, Euro-Texan eatery offering wholesome, French-inspired eats in a warm, contemporary space. Their patio is quiet and cozy and their menu is inviting and never disappointing. The Duroc Pork Chop eats like a steak and is a Female Foodie favorite, as well as the Rotisserie Half Duck. A great approach to the menu is to order a few small plates and share an entree. Maverick does accept reservations so if a coveted patio spot is what you desire, call ahead to check wait times and arrive early.

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1. The Cove

At the very top of our guide to the best outdoor dining in San Antonio sits The Cove. This incredible city-favorite specializes in sustainable, organic, local food plus live music, and a stellar atmosphere. Win. Win. Win. Their patio grounds are diverse and cover everything from family-friendly playgrounds to quiet and cozy spots by the fire. The Cove’s menu is loaded with crafty burgers, abundant vegan and gluten free options, with a few tacos as well. No item is subpar here, so order whatever you want. If you only have time to make it to one outdoor dining spot in San Antonio, let it be The Cove.