Apps Outdoors

These 5 standout Dallas restaurant patios invite you to feast al fresco

There’s no better time to be outside in Dallas than spring, and no better place to dine al fresco than The Plaza at Preston Center.

With one of the city’s best collections of neighborhood patios, The Plaza is where locals go to soak up sunshine, enjoy a breeze, and dig into unforgettable meals. From sleek Italian spots and vibrant Mexican fare to classic American staples and health-forward favorites, every restaurant here offers a patio that’s as inviting as the food is delicious.

Once a patch of gravel roads with a bold vision, The Plaza at Preston Center has become one of Dallas' most beloved destinations for shopping and dining. Built in 1950 by Sam Lobello and his father on leased land from the Caruth family, The Plaza was home to Neiman Marcus’ first branch store and, decades later, welcomed the University Park Public Library.

Now, as it celebrates 75 years, The Plaza continues its legacy with a stellar lineup of locally loved and nationally admired restaurants — many of them boasting some of the best neighborhood patios in the city. Here’s where to grab a seat, order something delicious, and enjoy Dallas dining at its finest.

R+D Kitchen (opened 2007)
Effortlessly stylish and always buzzing, R+D Kitchen serves up elevated classics like sushi rolls, burgers, and rotisserie chicken. Its cozy, covered patio is perfect for people-watching and lingering lunches, wrapped in the warmth of neighborhood charm and a polished, West Coast vibe.

True Food Kitchen The Plaza at Preston Center True Food Kitchen.Photo courtesy of The Plaza at Preston Center

True Food Kitchen (opened 2013)
Health-conscious but flavor-packed, True Food Kitchen brings anti-inflammatory, seasonal dishes to a spacious and sunny patio lined with greenery. It’s a haven for fresh-pressed juices, hearty bowls, and wellness-forward cocktails — perfect for diners who want feel-good food that actually tastes amazing.

il Bracco (opened 2019)
This modern Italian spot quickly became a hit thanks to its house-made pastas, crudo, and expertly crafted cocktails. With a stylish patio that feels both relaxed and refined, il Bracco at The Plaza was such a success, it sparked expansion to other cities — proof that good design and great food are always in demand.

il Bracco The Plaza at Preston Center il Bracco's patio is well equipped with umbrellas. Photo courtesy of The Plaza at Preston Center

Photo courtesy of The Plaza at Preston Center

Sushi under the sun at R&D Kitchen.

Muchacho (opened 2019)
Bright, bold, and full of flavor, Muchacho blends modern Mexican cuisine with a vibrant yet cozy patio setting. From mezcal margaritas to creative tacos and ceviches, it’s no surprise this spot has grown beyond Dallas. The original location remains a local favorite for al fresco dining with serious flair.

Muchacho The Plaza at Preston Center Muchacho. Photo courtesy of The Plaza at Preston Center

Frenchie (coming soon)
Get ready for Parisian charm in the heart of Dallas. Frenchie, the latest addition to The Plaza’s dining lineup, will offer French-inspired cuisine with a dreamy new patio perfect for long lunches, sunset dinners, or a glass of rosé under the stars. The renderings already promise a magnifique vibe.

Whether you're in the mood for pasta, power bowls, tacos, or timeless American fare, The Plaza at Preston Center has your table waiting — preferably outside, under the Texas sky. Here's to 75 years of flavor, flair, and unforgettable patio moments.

Patio time

5 best restaurant patios in Dallas to hit on a warm spring day in 2026

Taco Y Vino

Award-winning patio at Taco Y Vino

Dallas is facing a sunny and warm spell, and that can only mean one thing: It's time to hit the patio. In a search for the best patio, deciding factors include sunshine, comfortable accommodations, an engaging view, and something good to eat and drink.

You'll find all of that at these five Dallas hotspots — one for every neighborhood, whether you're in Oak Cliff or Uptown Dallas, Plano or Addison, or good old Greenville Avenue.

Here are five patios to check out now that the weather's good:

Libertine Bar
Venerable low-key bar has an impressive selection of beer; great food like their irresistible battered portobello fries with jalapeno ranch; a bountiful brunch; and endless specials including steak night on Tuesdays, trivia night on Thursdays, and a generous happy hour Tuesday-Friday. Their street-facing patio has a fun chill vibe, and there is truly no better ringside seat to the action, sometimes rowdy, on Greenville Avenue.

Rose Cafe
Uptown cafe is an indoor-outdoor restaurant which transitions throughout the day, from pastry and coffee at breakfast to cocktails after work. (They also have some of the best made pastries in town.) The surprising decor features florals and soft pink hues pastry or brunch, and enjoying vibrant cocktails with friends. It's located right off the Katy Trail so the views are a given.

Taco y Vino
The patio at this beloved taco-and-wine restaurant in Oak Cliff is so spectacular, it has won awards: namely, a CultureMap Tastemaker Award for Best Patio in 2024. For tacos, they have 11 varieties, which you can get in a killer special: A bottle of wine and six tacos for $35, available any time. Or try one of their cool cocktails such as the frozen Kalimoxto, a refreshing combination of red wine and Coca Cola. In 2025, they opened a second location in downtown Garland, bringing their primo patio action to the east side of town.

Far Out
Restaurant in renovated Quonset hut near Dallas' Fair Park has become known in the past year among the foodie set as the place for whom acclaimed chef Misti Norris has created a new menu with dishes like crispy pig ears and lemongrass duck confit salad. (It has earned two nominations, in fact - for Chef of the Year and Best New Restaurant - in the 2026 Tastemaker Awards.) But Far Out also has a charming patio that runs along the exterior, with a Southwestern/Santa Fe vibe that includes tasteful furniture and a big collection of cacti and other desert-style plants — a serene spot in the middle of the city.

Stix Icehouse
Restaurant-bar in McKinney sitting on a 14-acre spread is really more like a park and event center with a restaurant attached. With their extensive outdoor facilities, they're a family-friendly getaway, with a second-story deck for food and drink, and a sprawling backyard area with a basketball hoop, lawn, and trees. Their menu is quintessential Texas, with burgers, Frito pie, chicken-fried steak, nachos, and loaded fries. Drinks, including a frozen margarita and a salted caramel espresso martini, top out at $12.

weather patio dining