Patio time

FROM GAME DAY TO GIRLS’ NIGHT, HERE ARE 17 OUTDOOR SPOTS TO ENJOY A MEAL.

by Asha Ellison

The weather outside is delightful. In spring, we trade the cold for longer days, enjoy the melodies of birds singing in the trees, and savor the heavenly scent of our favorite flowers in bloom. It’s also the season we go chasing warmth. We desire to soak up the sun, get together with coworkers after a busy day in the office, dance the night away or just find a suitable place to dine with our dogs.

Making new memories and creating magical moments comes easy when the setting matches the vibe. And our Queen City home isn’t running low on good energy or beautiful spaces. Ready to choose the perfect patio? I’ve got you covered with a roundup of worry-free venues that pass the vibe check. From date night to graduation, game day to girls’ night out, here are 17 patios I recommend checking out this season.

To celebrate a birthday

Dilworth Tasting Room - SouthPark

4905 Ashley Park Ln., Ste. J | (980) 938-4959

Bright and airy, the patio at Dilworth Tasting Room in SouthPark is bite-sized perfection and an ideal place for a small group to welcome another revolution around the sun.

Link & Pin - Arboretum

8128-1200 Providence Rd. | (980)-299-8006

This New American kitchen is a hidden gem, with gentle lighting and subtle waterfront views. If it’s a little too chilly, opt for a table inside where picture windows keep you close to the sunshine.

Date-night picks

Moon Thai & Japanese

4425 Sharon Rd. | (980) 224-8148

The concept that began in Coral Gables, Fla., has expanded to SouthPark. One of the newest restaurants to south Charlotte, Moon Thai & Japanese offers respective cultural specialties that you can enjoy on a cozy patio. Catch a spring breeze, take in the sunshine

(with optional umbrella coverage), and enjoy a tabletop fire pit on lingering chilly nights.

Yunta

2201 South Blvd., Ste. 130 | (980) 495-2253

Yunta, which combines Peruvian and Nikkei cuisines, is a great pick for date-night and meetups with friends alike. At Yunta, which translates to “friend,” the lush patio greenery will only amplify feelings of spring love.

For your anniversary

Peppervine

4620 Piedmont Row Dr., Ste. 170B | (980) 283-2333

This sleek and modern restaurant features a gallery of vibrant art. Outside, the glow of the fire pit and dazzling string lights nearby make dinner an ambient affair. The patio at Peppervine is the perfect place to people-watch and reminisce on years of love.

The Fig Tree Restaurant

1601 East 7th St. | (704) 332-3322

The Fig Tree offers two distinct outdoor spaces. Expect white-tablecloth dining, beautiful sunsets, romantic overhead string lighting and all the magic of the Elizabeth neighborhood.

Dog-friendly spaces

Suffolk Punch Brewing

2911 Griffith St. | (704) 319-8650

Suffolk Punch, which regularly hosts festivals and food trucks, is expansive. The cafe, coffee bar, taphouse and brewery is well-suited for fur babies and their humans. Guests are encouraged to respect each other’s space, which you’ll find plenty of on the patio.

The Lodge: A Sportman’s Grill

7725 Colony Rd., Ste. S4 | (704) 544-5226

With 19 local brews on tap, The Lodge is a homey American grill offering a diverse menu, from Ahi tuna to patty melts — with vegetarian and gluten-free options to boot. The Lodge is all about keeping things uncomplicated. The laid-back, no-frills patio fits the bill and is a place where friendly Fidos are welcome, too.

On game day

Charlotte Beer Garden

1300 South Tryon St. | (704) 375-1776

You’ll find game-day fun at every turn at Charlotte Beer Garden, which boasts TVs, food and community on every level. Make your way to the rooftop for South End views, sunshine, libations and lively energy.

Rusty Bucket Restaurant and Tavern

4810 Ashley Park Ln. | 704) 643-8535

Located across from Ashley Square at SouthPark, the Rusty Bucket is a neighborhood watering hole — the perfect place to enjoy the weather and catch your favorite spring sports teams on TV. While there aren’t any TVs on the patio, it’s a nice place to steal away for fresh air.

For girls’ night

The Waterman Fish Bar

2729 South Blvd., Ste. D | (704) 275-5558

You’re on a boat! Well, almost. Dining at The Waterman comes with the option of on- or below-deck patio seating. While this eatery is located on bustling South Boulevard, you could easily be sailing the sea of your dreams, with just a sprinkle of imagination.

Indaco

2046 South Blvd. | (704) 741-9004

Located at Atherton South End, Indaco is an Italian kitchen specializing in wood-fired pizzas, handcrafted pastas, fresh in-house sodas and more. Imagine toasting the good life under the stars with your best girlfriends on the 44-seat patio. Hey, it could happen.

For graduations and other celebrations

The Jimmy

2839 Selwyn Ave. | (704) 979-4242

A beautiful, vibrant and covered patio only adds to the charm of this “Italian-fare, French-flair” restaurant. Another thing to love? The semi-open kitchen, natural lighting and gorgeous bar.

Village Tavern

4201 Congress St. | (704) 552-9983

You know you’ve found Village Tavern once you spy the red awning at the entrance. With ample space and shimmering lights, the patio here is great for any spring celebration, from graduations to bridal showers. SP

Cherry-picked

 NoDa Brewing launched Cheerwine Ale, a wheat beer infused with the iconic cherry-flavored soda. “For years, people have incorporated Cheerwine into barbecue sauces, cocktails, desserts and more, and now we’re adding beer to that list,” says Joy Ritchie Harper, vice president of marketing for Cheerwine and a fifth-generation member of the founding family. The 106-year-old brand started in Salisbury. Cheerwine Ale is sold at various retail outlets in four-packs of 16-ounce cans. It’s also available on tap at NoDa’s Charlotte location, as well as select restaurants and bars.

 Open Tap debuted its two-story taproom at 5010 Carmel Center Dr. It’s the passion project of owners Scott and Brooke Thorne, a south Charlotte couple who envisioned a spot where neighbors and families could gather and children could play in a safe, enclosed space. Repurposed barnwood, natural stone and hand-hewn logs were incorporated in the “modern log cabin” structure by Cluck Design. Seating options include a mezzanine, covered patio and yet-to-open shade garden. Open Tap plans to host a run and cycle club, yoga and meditation classes, and other community events. The self-serve taproom is open seven days a week and offers 64 taps with wine, beer, cider and craft soda plus a rotating lineup of food trucks. The taproom is kid-friendly, but leave Fido at home — dogs are not allowed. opentapclt.com

New and coming soon:

 Chapter 6 is eyeing a summer opening at The Line in South End. It’s the sixth restaurant from Rare Roots Hospitality (Dogwood, Fin & Fino, Dressler’s). The menu will highlight flavors from the western Mediterranean regions of Spain, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, France and Italy. chaptersixclt.com  Curry Gate opened a second location at 5516 South Blvd. The restaurant serves Indian specialties like curry, kofta, biryani and tikka masala. currygates.com  Monarch Market , an 18,000-square-foot food hall with 12 stalls, a full-service restaurant, three bars and a private event space is coming to uptown’s One Independence Center. monarchmarketclt.com  Biggby Coffee opened at 10215 Mcintyre Ridge Rd. in Pineville, the first Charlottearea location for the Lansing, Mich.-based chain. SP

Events + activities

Pet Palooza Walk for the Animals

April 1 | 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

The annual fundraising event for Humane Society of Charlotte includes live music, food trucks and pet-focused vendors. humanesocietyofcharlotte.org

Jazz in the Garden: Tom Braxton at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden

April 1 | 6 p.m.

Bring a picnic and enjoy live music on the grounds. No outside alcohol permitted; beer and wine will be available for purchase. Tickets are $45; members receive a 20% discount. dsbg.org

R.E.S.P.E.C.T. A Celebration of the Music of Aretha Franklin

April 7-8

A tribute to the Queen of Soul at Knight Theater, with a live band and vocalists singing all the greatest hits. Tickets start at $25. blumenthalarts.org

Into the Woods

April 11-16

The Tony Award-winning musical with a cast of classic fairy-tale characters stops in Charlotte with performances at Belk Theater. Tickets start at $35. blumenthalarts.org

Charlotte Earth Day

April 15 | 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

In conjunction with Charlotte SHOUT!, this year’s family-friendly celebration starts with a parade with Paperhand Puppets and drumSTRONG, features various performances